Bucket list destination:

Monaco

Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France

Last updated: 19 June, 2023

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

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

Viator

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 €102

Min age 0

Rating 4.59 / 5 [756 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze, la Turbie Full-Day from Nice Small-Group Tour

Nice

Viator

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 [469 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Excursion partagée Eze, Monaco & Monte Carlo from Nice

Nice

Viator

Experience the charm of the Côte d'Azur. Visit Eze, a medieval village and perfume Fragonard, the marvelous principality of Monaco, and the circuit of Formula 1.

Price €50

Min age 0

Rating 4.08 / 5 [452 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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

Nice

Viator

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 of 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 4.64 / 5 [277 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Trip from Nice to Monaco with a Walking Tour

Nice

Viator

• Around 4 Hours Tour • Guided tour in English • Train Tickets Nice to Monaco Open return ( Use your train Ticket at any time after the Tour) • Explore 20 spots and hidden corner of Monaco • Small Group Tour 15 people Maximum

Price €75

Min age 11

Rating 4.84 / 5 [116 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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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.

Destination guides

Other guides relevant to this destination

Nice

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France

Long strip of beach and blue sea with city behind

Destination guide

The buzzing, art-filled, foodie capital of the French Riviera, with a charming, Italian-influenced historic centre. The ideal base for a first-time visit to the Cote d’Azur, and home to the world-renowned Nice Carnival.

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Cannes

Cote d'Azur, France

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Sister city of Hollywood and host of the famous film festival, Cannes, with its palm-lined La Croisette, golden beach and five star hotels oozes cinematic and pure Riviera glamour.

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French Riviera

Cote d'Azur, France

View of boating marina and the town on hills behind

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Money, glamour and bombshell looks: this beach-trimmed stretch of French coast offers decadent hotels, lounging in beach clubs, fine restaurants and world-class art.

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Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez, Cote d'Azur, France

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Chic yacht-filled resort, where the jet set parade the beach and party till dawn. Glitz, glamour and superb people-watching.

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