14 Top Things to Do
Monaco Overall Appeal ★★★☆☆
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Walking Tour | ★★★★★ | Walking Tour | Tour | Paid |
| 02 | Formula 1 Walking Tour | ★★★★★ | Walking Tour | Tour | Paid |
| 03 | Helicopter Tour | ★★★★★ | Helicopter Tour | Tour | Paid |
| 04 | Oceanographic Museum | ★★★★☆ | Museum + Panorama | Self | Paid |
| 05 | Old Town | ★★★☆☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 06 | Palace Square | ★★★☆☆ | Square + Panoramas | Self | Free |
| 07 | Prince's Palace | ★★★☆☆ | Palace | Self | Paid |
| 08 | Cathedral | ★★★☆☆ | Cathedral | Self | Free |
| 09 | St. Martin Garden | ★★★☆☆ | Garden + Panorama | Self | Free |
| 10 | Monte Carlo District | ★★★☆☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 11 | Casino Monte Carlo | ★★★☆☆ | Casino | Self | Paid |
| 12 | Exotic Garden | ★★★☆☆ | Garden + Panorama | Paid | Either |
| 13 | Ferrari Tour | ★★★☆☆ | Ferrari Tour | Tour | Paid |
| 14 | Car Collection | ★★★☆☆ | Museum - Cars | Self | Paid |
01. Walking Tour
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Walking Tour
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
A walking tour in Monaco is the best way to experience the principality’s unique charm and luxury. It takes you through the heart of Monaco, allowing you to soak in its iconic landmarks and the opulent lifestyle of the principality.
02. Formula 1 Walking Tour
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Walking Tour
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
Get a taste of the Monaco Grand Prix by walking the actual Formula 1 circuit, from the famous hairpin turns to the sleek waterfront streets. Learn about the history, challenges, and legends of this thrilling race while experiencing the setting up close.
03. Helicopter Tour
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Helicopter Tour
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
Take in the breathtaking vistas of Monaco from above, soaring over the glittering coastline, luxurious yachts, and iconic landmarks. This helicopter tour provides a unique perspective on the principality’s opulent beauty and dramatic geography.
04. Oceanographic Museum
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Sea Museum + Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Oceanographic Museum is a world-renowned institution dedicated to marine sciences. Inside, there are over 6,000 marine species in its aquariums, along with exhibits on sea life and ocean exploration in its various halls.
There are also regular temporary exhibitions held at the museum.
The museum is housed in a large neo-Baroque building from the late 18th century. It is built into the side of a cliff and features a rooftop terrace offering an incredible panoramic view of Monaco and the sea.
05. Old Town
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
Monaco’s Old Town, also known as Monaco-City or The Rock of Monaco, is the historic district of the principality. It sits atop an elevated rock, 300 meters wide and extending 800 meters into the sea.
It is filled with narrow streets, pastel-colored buildings, and historical landmarks, including the Oceanographic Museum, Palace Square, the Prince’s Palace, and the Cathedral.
06. Palace Square
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Square + Panoramas
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Palace Square is the ceremonial heart of Monaco, where the Prince’s Palace is located. This open square is a popular spot for photography and people-watching.
It offers superb views on both sides, to the south and north.
The daily Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place here at 11:55 am.
07. Prince's Palace
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Palace
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Prince’s Palace is the official residence of Monaco’s ruling family, the Grimaldis, and a symbol of the principality’s history and sovereignty. Perched on the Rock of Monaco, the palace combines medieval fortifications with Renaissance and Baroque influences.
The palace’s history dates back to 1191 when it was initially built as a fortress. Over the centuries, it evolved into a royal residence, with the Grimaldi family taking control in 1297. Significant events, such as the reign of Prince Rainier III and his marriage to Grace Kelly in 1956, have brought international attention to the palace.
Notable elements include the grand Throne Room, the state apartments adorned with frescoes, and the courtyard paved with white and colored pebbles.
08. Cathedral
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Cathedral
Visit Self
Cost Free
Monaco’s Cathedral, is a Romanesque-Byzantine structure from the late 19th century, built on the site of a previous 13th-century church.
It also serves as the burial place for Monaco’s royal family.
09. St. Martin Garden + St. Barbe Stroll
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Garden + Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
St. Martin Garden is a beautifully landscaped garden that stretches along the cliffside, offering serene walking paths and stunning views of the Mediterranean.
The garden connects to Palace Square via the small St. Barbe street along the cliff edge.
10. Monte Carlo District
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Monte Carlo District is the glamorous heart of Monaco, synonymous with luxury, wealth, and opulence. Home to the famed Monte Carlo Casino, luxury hotels, and upscale boutiques, this district is the epitome of high-end living and entertainment in the principality.
11. Casino Monte Carlo
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Casino
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Casino de Monte-Carlo is an architectural masterpiece and one of the most famous casinos in the world. Surrounded by luxury hotels and designer stores, it attracts high rollers and curious tourists alike who are eager to experience its grandeur.
Openedà la fin du 19th century, the casino was developed by architect Charles Garnier, who also designed the Paris Opera House.
Inside, the casino dazzles with its richly decorated gaming rooms, gilded ceilings, and exquisite chandeliers. The Salon Renaissance, with its ornate columns and frescoes, is a highlight, along with the gaming rooms dedicated to poker, roulette, and blackjack.
Visits are open from 10 am to 1 pm and are also permitted for minors. A valid form of identification is required for entry: a national ID card or passport for EU citizens, and a passport for those from outside the EU.
Access to the gaming rooms starts at 2 pm and is not allowed for individuals under 18 years of age.
In both cases, a minimum level of appropriate attire may be required for entry.
The building also houses the Monaco Opera, which is accessible only if attending a performance.
12. Exotic Garden
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Garden + Panorama
Visit Self or Guided
Cost Paid
This striking garden is home to an impressive collection of rare plants, many from desert regions around the world.
The garden’s elevated position offers sweeping views of Monaco and the Mediterranean.
Au sein du jardin se trouve une grotte composée de stalactique et stalagmites qui se découvre en visite guidée en supplément du billet d’entrée.
Opposite the garden is its botanical center, which preserves some of its plants. Entry is free.
13. Ferrari Tour
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Ferrari Tour
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
Feel the thrill of driving a Ferrari or being driven by an experienced chauffeur, or both, through the streets of Monaco on this adrenaline-pumping tour. Cruise along the scenic coastal roads and experience the elegance of Monaco behind the wheel of an iconic sports car.
14. Car Collection of Prince of Monaco
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Car Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Prince of Monaco’s Car Collection is a stunning display of over 100 classic, vintage, luxury and racing cars, gathered by Prince Rainier III throughout his lifetime.
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