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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

7

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 €105

Min age 0

Rating 4.61 / 5 [808 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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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
Enjoy a scenic drive to Monaco, passing through Nice, Villefranche Bay, and Monaco. Stop in Eze to visit the medieval village and learn about perfume-making at Fragonard (note: a few steps to reach the top). Afterward, drive through La Turbie and see the 2000-year-old Trophy of the Alps before arriving in Monaco. Explore the Casino Square in Monte-Carlo, take a ride on the Formula 1 circuit, and visit the old town with the Prince’s Palace and Cathedral. Witness the Changing of the Guards at 11:55 am (no visit inside the Prince’s Palace). You’ll have free time to explore Monaco at your own pace. The tour offers a perfect mix of sightseeing, culture, and relaxation. The guide will provide information in the minivan, allowing free time to explore. For cruisers, in case of last-minute port cancellation, a 50% refund is available upon request.

Price €92

Min age 0

Rating 4.72 / 5 [778 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >

French Riviera Cannes, Monaco & More shared guided tour from Nice

  • Nice

French Riviera Cannes, Monaco & More shared guided tour from Nice

Viator

French Riviera Cannes, Monaco & More shared guided tour from Nice
Discover the best places in the French Riviera with a qualified guide/driver during a shared full day tour. Your guide will introduce you to the Promenade des Anglais in Nice and La Croisette in Cannes, the most beautiful beaches and small villages of the back country of Nice.  Have the opportunity to visit artist’s shops and peering the view by the ramparts finding the colors of the villas, perfumes of the hills and the fragrances of the sea skyline. non-contractual indicative timings may depend on traffic and delays

Price €158

Min age 0

Rating 4.44 / 5 [65 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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