How to Spend One Day in Monaco
Monaco, a small sovereign city-state located on the French Riviera, has long been known for its luxury and extravagance. It is a popular tourist destination for those seeking a taste of the life of the rich & famous. If you aren’t a high roller and can’t afford to spend the night in one of the luxurious suites, you can easily spend one day in Monaco.
With only 2 square kilometers of land and a population of around 40,000 people, Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world.
However, don’t let its size fool you – there are plenty of things to do in Monaco.
About Monaco
Monaco has a rich cultural heritage influenced by both French and Italian traditions.
The official language is French, but English, Italian, and Monégasque (a local dialect) are also widely spoken.
The official currency in Monaco is the Euro. Most establishments accept major credit cards, and ATMs can be found throughout the city.
It is not customary to leave a tip in Monaco, as service charges are usually included in the bill.
Monaco has a Mediterranean climate, meaning warm summers and mild winters.
The summer months (June-August) are the most popular time for tourists to visit but be prepared for high temperatures and crowded beaches.
The winter months (December-February) are generally quieter, with cooler temperatures.
How to Spend One Day in Monaco
When visiting Monaco, you want to make sure you plan your time there in advance so you can fit in all the things you want to experience.
Our perfect one-day Monaco itinerary has you seeing all the top sites in both Monaco and Monte Carlo.
Hop on Hop Off Monaco Bus Tour
A great way to get an overview of the area is by taking a hop-on hop-off Bus Tour of Monaco.
A complete circuit of the entire route takes about one hour, but you can get on and off as many times as you want during your day in Monaco.
There are 12 stops in all, including a stop in Monte Carlo.
If you plan on sitting on top, make sure that you bring a hat to shield your face from the sun.
Visit Prince’s Palace
While in Monaco, one of the top things to see is the Prince’s Palace.
The palace has been home to the ruling Grimaldi family since the 13th century and it is currently the home of Prince Albert II, the son of Prince Rainier III and the former American film actress Grace Kelly.
Throughout its history, the palace has been renovated and expanded several times.
One of the most popular events at the Prince’s Palace is the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place every day at 11:55 am.
This tradition dates back to 1817 and involves a colorful ceremony with music, flag-waving, and marching by the Prince’s Guards.
Between April & October, visitors can tour the State Apartments where guests will be able to see rooms in this 13th-century palace that are used for formal receptions; including the throne room.
You’ll also find many frescoes, portraits, tapestries, and many family heirlooms.
Even if you don’t want to waste time seeing the interior, it is worth a trip to the palace for the gardens and the beautiful views of the French Riviera & Monaco harbor.
Walk Around Monaco Harbor
The Monaco harbor or “Port Hercules” as it is locally known, is one of the most iconic features of this city-state.
It has been a crucial part of Monaco’s identity for centuries and continues to be a major attraction for tourists and locals alike.
If you don’t have time to go all the way down to the harbor, enjoy the view from the Prince’s palace.
Visit The Oceanographic Museum
The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is a world-renowned aquarium and oceanography museum founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I, a passionate oceanographer and explorer who wanted to share his love for the sea with the world.
The museum’s stunning building sits on a cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding coastline.
It is also home to one of the most impressive collections of marine life in Europe, with over 6,000 specimens on display.
See Saint Nicholas Cathedral
Adjacent to the Oceanographic Museum is the Saint Nicholas Cathedral, a stunning Roman-Byzantine style cathedral that serves as the final resting place of many members of Monaco’s royal family, including Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace.
The cathedral was built in 1875 and features beautiful frescoes, stained glass windows and ornate decorations.
It is also known for its stunning organ, which has over 4,000 pipes.
Admission is free, but visitors are asked to dress respectfully; covering shoulders and knees.
Check Out Monte Carlo
Monte-Carlo is a district inside the city-state of Monaco and one of the most popular tourist destinations for the wealthy.
Before it was the playground of the rich & famous, Monte Carlo was a small, bankrupt town.
In 1856 Prince Charles III of Monaco had a casino built to help the struggling economy.
Despite the fact that the citizens of Monaco are forbidden to enter any of the gaming rooms inside the casino, it continues to bring in over 900 million euros a year!
A great way to see Monte Carlo is on a hop on hop off bus tour.
See the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix Track
You can’t help but notice the winding street that runs along the harbor.
This is the Circuit de Monaco on which the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix takes place.
As you walk along the sidewalk, you will notice how narrow and steep the course is.
While you may want to walk around a bit to take in the sites, I would recommend you save your legs and grab a bus to the casino.
Monte Carlo Casino
One of the top things to do in Monaco is to hit the casino in Monte Carlo.
Not only do you have to pay to play, but you will have to pay to enter. You can get access for about 17 Euros… That is if you have the right shoes.
You will not be able to go in if you are wearing sneakers, sandals, or flip-flops.
And if you are traveling with kids, sorry, they can’t come in either.
Opéra de Monte Carlo
Part of the Monte Carlo Casino, the Opera de Monte-Carlo is something you should make time to see. This beautiful building is a work of art both inside & out.
When you are on a day trip to Monaco, we know you won’t have time to spend seeing a performance, but do take time to walk around and see the views.
Hôtel de Paris
This opulent Hotel de Paris is regularly listed on Conde Nast Traveller’s Gold List.
It features two 3-star restaurants, a notable bar, and a private beach and has been in several films including James Bond’s Never Say Never, Golden Eye, and in Iron Man 2.
How to Get to Monaco
The most convenient way to get to Monaco is by train from neighboring cities like Cannes or Nice, France.
Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive along the scenic coastal roads. The journey itself is an experience, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Overall, spending one day in Monaco & Monte Carlo is a wonderful experience. It certainly is beautiful and the perfect trip for a couple who wants to get a taste of the French Riviera!
Have you been to Monaco? What is your favorite part?
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