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Bucket list destination:

Monaco

  • Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France

Last updated: 22 September, 2024
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

This tiny principality, complete with a royal family, is the second smallest (and most densely populated) country in the world. Crammed into this 2sq km tax haven are skyscrapers, mega yachts, Porches, celebrities, a royal palace, a famous Oceanographic Museum, a plethora of top-end clothing boutiques and three marinas filled with giant yachts, making it the ideal choice for an afternoon of wandering (and gawking).

End the day in style by trying your luck (and losing your holiday money) in one of Monaco’s famous casinos.

Orientation

Although it all merges together into a giant conurbation, Monaco is divided into distinct quarters.

Monte Carlo is on its headland with the Casino, the surrounding Cercle d’Or, with the most fancy-pants jewellers, antiques dealers and haute couture shops.

The Royal Palace, Cathedral and Oceanography Museum are on the rock of the old town, or Monaco-Ville.

In between these is the port quarter, La Condamine, filled with the skyscraper apartment blocks; brash Fontvieille to the southwest is similar.

Tours, tickets & transfers

8

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

Monaco & Eze Small-Group Day Trip with Perfumery Visit from Nice

  • Nice

Monaco & Eze Small-Group Day Trip with Perfumery Visit from Nice

Viator

Monaco & Eze Small-Group Day Trip with Perfumery Visit from Nice
Spend a day on the beautiful French Riviera with a small-group day trip from Nice to Eze and Monaco. Experience panoramic views from the cliff's roads leading from Nice to Monaco. You'll discover a charming hilltop village: Eze such as an eagle nest with a breathtaking view. Then, you'll awake your senses through the guided tour of a perfumery, true essence of Provence. Follow your trip toward the principality of Monaco : that will reveal you the charm of the old town, crowned by the Prince's Palace, the majestic cathedral that hosts Grace Kelly's grave as well as the outstanding oceanographic museum. Continue toward the amazing lap of Formula 1 track will lift the veil on the high precision of the "Grand Prix" pilote's skills. Then discover the legendary square of Monte-Carlo, amuse yourselves with luxurious shopping, strolling through fancy cars, mega-yachts and chic casinos or simply watch the city walk by from the renowed Café de Paris.

Price €97

Min age 0

Rating 4.60 / 5 [787 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
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Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze, La Turbie 7H Shared Tour from Nice

  • Nice

Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze, La Turbie 7H Shared Tour from Nice

Viator

Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze, La Turbie 7H Shared Tour from Nice
On the way to Monaco, enjoy the panoramic drive along the coast, over Nice, Villefranche Bay, and Monaco. Stop in Eze to visit this amazing medieval village and learn about the whole process of perfume with Fragonard.Please note that there are few steps to climb if you want to reach the top of the village. After a drive through the village of la Turbie and its 2000 years old monument, the Trophy of the Alps, you will reach the Principality of Monaco Discover the Casino square of Monte-Carlo with luxury shops and cars. Take a ride on the Formula 1 circuit and reach the old town. Admire the Prince’s Palace and the Cathedral, watch the Changing of the Guards (11:55am). This stop does not include a visit of the Prince's Palace. During your tour, the guide will provide information in the minivan in order to give you free time to explore on your own. For Cruisers, in case of last minute cancellation of port of call, an exceptional refund of 50% will be granted upon request.

Price €92

Min age 0

Rating 4.72 / 5 [667 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >

Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze, La Turbie half day from Nice small-group tour

  • Nice

Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze, La Turbie half day from Nice small-group tour

Viator

Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze, La Turbie half day from Nice small-group tour
Experience glamorous Monaco and medieval Eze on this half-day excursion from Nice. Soak up Mediterranean views on your coastal drive to Eze, a lovely hilltop village with its outstanding view. There are few steps to climb if you want to reach the top of the village. Discover the French art of perfume making at the famous Fragonard perfumery. Driving through the village "LA TURBIE" with its Trophy of the Alps (from7s. B-C), reach the luxurious principality of MONACO, where you will discover the old town and enjoy the Cathedral, the Monte-Carlo Casino, the Grand Prix circuit and exterior visit to the Prince's Palace. During your tour, the guide will provide information in the minivan in order to give you free time to explore on your own. Please note that this tour is a quick overview of the places. To spend more time do not hesitate to book the full day trip. For Cruisers, in case of last minute cancellation of port of call, an exceptional refund of 50% will be granted upon request.

Price €65

Min age 0

Rating 4.65 / 5 [337 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
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Travel advice

When to go

The most beautiful times to visit are April to June and mid-September to October, when the weather is warm and breezy but not uncomfortably hot.

July and August are crowded, hot and expensive, but the most popular time to go for the casinos, beaches and nightclubs. November is the dullest month, when many things close down; December and January have many bright, shirtsleeve days.

May sees Monaco host of the Riviera’s main events – the Monaco Grand Prix – with an accompanying surge in hotel and flight prices.

Getting there and away

If money is no object, Monacair helicopters link Nice Airport to Monaco in seven minutes connecting with every arriving flight. Alternatively the Nice Airport Express Bus No 110 leaves Terminal 2 roughly once an hour, stopping in Monte Carlo. There  are also plenty of taxis, which like the bus take around 50 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting around

As the world’s second smallest country, getting around on foot would be easy if it weren’t so steep, but there are eight street lifts and five bus lines, as well as a solar-powered Bateau Bus across the harbour. If you’ve got a car, there are convenient car parks by the Casino, and the Chemin des Pecheurs near the Oceanographic Museum.

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