Monaco

Understand

This is the second smallest independent state in the world (after the Vatican) and is entirely urban. Monte Carlo is not the capital of Monaco but a government district. The country is divided into nine sectors: Monaco-Ville (the old city), the Condamine (port quarter), Monte-Carlo (business and recreation) and Fontvieille (recreation, second port for smaller boats and light industry) are the most well-known among them. With no natural resources to exploit other than its location and climate, the principality has become a resort for tourists and a tax haven for wealthy people. Monaco is six times the size of the Vatican and the world's most densely populated country. While its borders have not moved since 1861 (when it lost over 80% of its territory to France), Monaco has still grown its territory by creating artificial land from the sea, which is how the area Fontvielle came to be. Its size is smaller than Central Park.

Tourist information Visit Monaco. Tourist information website. (updated Jan 2024) Office of Tourism, 2a boulevard des Moulins, Monte-Carlo. M-Sa 09:30-17:00. (updated Jan 2024) Information Desk, Place Sainte-Dévote / SNCF railway station - 2nd floor, Monte-Carlo. M-Sa 09:00-17:00. (updated Jan 2024)

Read Rainier and Grace, republished as Grace of Monaco, by Jeffrey Robinson. An account of the lives of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, intertwined with the history of the country. The author knew Rainier and Grace personally, and he interviewed members of the royal family for the book.

Getting there

Although Monaco is not part of the Schengen Area, it has open borders with France, so it can for all practical purposes be considered part of it. If you want a passport stamp, you can queue for one at the Mairie de Monaco. There is border control for arriving boats from outside the Schengen Area. If you want to stay for more than 90 days, you will need to obtain a residence permit. Monaco does not issue its own visas, and instead accepts a Schengen visa for entry. If you plan to visit only Monaco and are entering by boat directly from outside the Schengen Area, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa from a French diplomatic mission (if one is required for your nationality).

By plane The nearest airport is at Nice, 1 Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE IATA) in Alpes-Maritimes, which is around 40 km (25 mi) away from the city centre. It receives daily flights from nearly all of Europe's main cities, such as London and Paris. E-hailing from the airport to Monaco is available for example by Uber and Bolt. For the way back to the airport check the e-hailing section. Taxis are always available outside the terminal buildings, but make sure a fee is agreed in advance or the meter is switched on at the start of the journey, as shady taxi drivers are notorious for charging tourists whatever they see fit. You can take a tram from the airport to Grand Arénas and change there to the train to Monaco for about €6 (Mar 2024). An express shuttle, route 80, links the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and Menton with multiple stops near all major hotels throughout Monaco, not just the ward of Monte Carlo. A bus leaves every half hour and a single ticket costs €19.50 (Mar 2024).

By helicopter transfer

2 Monacair, Heliport de Monaco, Av. des Ligures, ☏ +377 97973900. The sole operator of regular helicopter transfers between Nice Airport and the Monaco Heliport. After collecting your luggage at the Nice airport, present yourself at the Monacair reception desks (in terminals 1 and 2). A ground crew will carry your luggage and drive you to the heliport. The flight along the coast is beautiful and only lasts 8 minutes. When arriving at the Monaco heliport along the water's edge, a chauffeur will take you directly to your hotel. When leaving Monaco, a partnership with airlines allows for a direct transfer to the boarding gate with your cabin luggage. Check with the company if these benefits are applicable to your airline. Rates start from €210/person for one-way transfers and can go up to €11,600 for a private twin-engine helicopter, which can seat up to 6 passenger. During major

Getting around

Note that (as of September 2024) it is very difficult to store luggage. The train station info desk even has a sign outright saying it's not possible anywhere in the country.

By foot Walking is by far the best way to get around Monaco; however, there are some areas, such as the Exotic Gardens, that require a large change in elevation and therefore make for rather strenuous hikes. There are also seven public escalators and elevators (all free) that help negotiate the steep slopes of the city. If you find yourself afoot and wanting to reach the opposite bank of Port Hercule, look for the small 9 Bateau Bus, a pedestrian-only ferry that runs each 20 minutes or so during daylight; it costs €2.

By bus Monaco has an urban bus service, operated by the Compagnie des Autobus Monaco, through the city's five bus routes (labelled 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6) which serves 143 stops. Each stop has the bus numbers that stop there, and most stops feature a real-time display showing waiting times for the next service. Each stop has a name and a network map. The service usually starts at around 06:00 and runs right through until about 21:00. Tickets can be purchased on board the buses (€2) or at many news vendors and shops throughout the city and at auto ticket machines at the bus stops (€1.50) — often it will be advertised as to where you can do this. A daily pass allows you to use the buses all day for €5.50 (2016) and can also be purchased on board the bus. A night bus service operates in a circular route from 22:00 until 04:00. In 2025 and 2026, Monaco is providing free bus service around certain big events such as the Yacht Show and the Grand Prix.

By motor scooter You can easily rent a motor scooter in Nice and take a short trip east along the sea into Monaco. The views are beautiful and the ride is fun along the twisty seaside road. There are plenty of places to park for free. Theft is not a concern, as there are cameras throughout and police everywhere. To rent one whilst there, you must be at least 16 years old.

By bicycle Cycling is definitely a good option to get around in Monaco, but the traffic in high season can be intimidating. Also, be aware that the city state is rather steep, so unless your condition is very good an E-bike might be preferable.

MonaBike. Monaco's official bike rental scheme. Credit card and mobile data needed. €3/24h. (updated Aug 2023) 10 The Bike Shop by Philippe Gilbert, 7 Rue des Açores, ☏ +377 97974935. Rents out e-Bikes and road bikes (updated Aug 2023) 11 MonecoBike, Les Jardins d'Apolline, 1 Prom. Honoré II, ☏ +377 999024

See

The principality of Monaco offers a great balance of historical and modern attractions. There are various museums and palaces to visit as well as shopping malls and casinos. Monaco also offers relaxation spots along the harbour and even around the attractions. It is relatively easy to navigate Monte Carlo and Monaco if you take the time to learn where the various "short cuts" are. City maps are generally available at most news vendor stands and shops for a small fee. The 12 Tourist information could be a good starting point before venturing to explore the city.

1 Monte Carlo Casino (Grand Casino), Place du Casino, ☏ +377 98 06 41 51, [email protected]. 14:00-04:00. The Monte Carlo Casino is a gambling and entertainment complex which includes a casino, the Opéra de Monaco, and the office of Les Ballets de Monte Carlo. Owned and operated by the Société des bains de mer de Monaco (SBM), a public company in which the Monaco government and the ruling family have a majority interest. The company also owns the principal hotels, sports clubs, foodservice establishments, and nightclubs throughout Monaco. If your wallet permits it, try your luck in the Grand Casino and gamble alongside the world's richest and often most famous. You'll need your passport to enter (as Monégasque citizens are prohibited from gambling at the casino, though they can work there), and the fees for entry range enormously depending on what room you are going to; often from €30 up into the hundreds. The dress code inside is extremely strict: men are required to wear coats and ties, and casual shoes are forbidden. The gaming rooms themselves are spectacular, with stained glass, paintings, and sculptures everywhere. It is possible to enter the casino as a guest from 10:00-13:00 for €17. The casino is not open for business at that time of day but visitors are provided with a half-hour audioguide and are permitted to walk freely through the premises. Minors are also allowed entry at this time too, and the dress code is less strictly enforced. (updated Jan 2025)

2 Opéra de Monaco (Monaco Opera House) (On the backside of the Casino), ☏ +377 98 06 28 00. Tu-Sa 10:00-17:30; Su M off. The Monaco Opera House or "Salle Garnier" was built by the famous architect Charles Garnier. The auditorium of the opera house is decorated in red and gold and has frescoes and sculptures all around the auditorium. Looking up to the ceiling of the auditorium, the visitor will be blown away by the superb paintings. The opera house is flamboyant but at the same time very beautiful. There have been some of the m

Do

2 Hike or drive up Tête de Chien ("Dogs Head"). Enjoy one of the most spectacular views over Monaco. 1 Another nice place nearby with an extraordinary panorama can be found right north of the "Fort de la Tête de Chien". A big chunk of the Formula 1 track can be seen from this viewpoint. Equipped with binoculars it is the most economical and special way to see the Grand Prix live. (updated Sep 2016) 3 Hike along the coastal path from Monaco to Carnoles. A beautiful walk with splendid views towards Monaco. It takes roughly 2 hours from Monte-Carlo to circle Cap-Martin and finally reach Carnoles train station, where you can catch a train back to Monaco. An alternative to go back is by bus number 100. The overall distance is about 9 km. (updated Sep 2016) 4 Azur Express (Departure opposite the Oceanographic museum), ☏ +377 92 05 64 38, [email protected]. Fun tourist trains make daily tours all over Monaco. You will visit the Monaco Port, Monte-Carlo and its Palaces, the famous Casino and its gardens, the Old Town for City Hall and finally the royal Prince’s Palace. Commentaries are in English, Italian, German, French and another 8 languages. This enjoyable tour runs about 30 minutes long without the possibility to leave the train. €10 adults, €5 children. (updated Sep 2016) 5 Monte-Carlo Sporting (Sporting Monte-Carlo). In the summer time, Monte-Carlo is illuminated with dazzling concerts at the exclusive Salle des Etoiles, which lies within the Sporting complex. It has featured such artist as Natalie Cole, Andrea Bocelli, the Beach Boys, Lionel Richie and Julio Iglesias. The club also hosts a small casino which includes basic casino games. With no one under the age of 18, the rate per person is €20. (updated Jul 2017) 6 AS Monaco (Stade Louis II), 7 Avenue des Castelans, ☏ +377 92 05 40 21. Attend a football game of the local team. They play in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football, and often qualify for European tournaments. The stadium, capacity 18,500, is on reclaimed land on the southern border of Monaco: one of a select few where a wayward shot on goal might see the ball land in another country. €15-75. (updated Jul 2018) 7 The Monaco Open Air Cinema, Parking du Chemin des pêcheurs, ☏ +377 93 25 86 80. Jun 15-Jul 31: 20:45-24:00; Aug: 20:30-23:30; Sep 01-Sep 15: 20:00-23:00. Watch a movie in Europe's largest outdoor cinema. The unique setting high above the Mediterranean Sea makes the experience very special. Every evening during the summer a different movie is played. €11.50. (updated Aug 2020) 8 Scenic helicopter flight, Avenue des Ligures, ☏

Buy

Money

Like its neighbour, France, Monaco uses the euro. Currency exchange is readily available for a wide range of currencies. ATMs are commonplace. For coin collectors visiting Monaco, its euro coins are issued in limited amounts for general circulation and are perfect souvenirs to bring home.

Shopping Shopping in Monte Carlo is usually quite exclusive and is certainly no place for a budget holiday. There are plenty of places to melt the credit card alongside Europe's high rollers. The chic clothes shops are in the Golden Circle, framed by Avenue Monte Carlo, Avenue des Beaux-Arts and Allées Lumiéres, where Hermès, Christian Dior, Gucci and Prada all have a presence. The area on and around Place du Casino is home to high-end jewellers such as Bulgari, Cartier and Chopard. You will find, however, that most tourists will simply enjoy wandering the area and window shopping, even if you don't buy anything. The normal shopping hours are from 09:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 19:00. For a more cultured take on shopping in Monte Carlo, try the Condamine Market. The market, which can be found in the Place d'Armes, has been in existence since 1880 and is lively and attractive - many hours can be spent simply wandering around, bargaining for souvenirs from the many tiny shops, boutiques and friendly locals. If however, your shopping tastes are more modern, just take a short walk along the esplanade to the rue Princess Caroline pedestrian mall. The Fontvieille Shopping Centre is also a more "normal" shopping experience with 36 shops selling electronic goods, CDs, furniture, and clothes as well as a Carrefour supermarket and McDonald's. The tourist office also issues a useful free shopping guide to the city.

1 Le Métropole Shopping Center, 17 Avenue des Spélugues, ☏ +377 93 50 15 36, [email protected]. M-Sa 10:00-20:00; Su off. 80 shops in a beautiful ambient. The chandeliers are amazing. (updated Sep 2016) Some stores to browse or buy:

Fred Boutique, 6, av des Beaux-Arts, Monte Carlo. Located on the exclusive avenue of des Beaux-Arts, this is one of only a handful of Fred boutiques in the world. An official jeweller of Monaco's royal family and a favorite of celebrities, you may not be able to afford much in this boutique, but it's worth a jaw dropping visit. If you go to Monte Carlo, you shouldn't miss this. Boutique du Rocher, 1, av de la Madone, Monte Carlo. Opened by Princess Grace in the 1960s, visitors still come for the best in souvenirs. Choose from hand-carved frames and mirrors, ceramics, homewares and toys. Prices are moderate and all proceed

Eat

Food in Monaco is varied, but generally expensive, and even very basic meals often cost over €20-30. Take a look at the menu before entering even shabby restaurants or you may be in for a surprise. There are places where you can find decent value, but they often require knowing about beforehand. Restaurants where locals dine are often located a little bit away from the waterfront and often serve better food for lower prices (however, since you are in Monaco: nothing is a bargain). There are many restaurants catering to tourists, from the Cafe de Paris across the street from the casino, to the waterfront restaurants along the Port de Fontvieille. During the winter months, you will find the restaurants to have a slightly lower price tag. Bouillabaisse is a good tip.

Budget There is a variety of restaurants and cafés in the city with a moderate price tag and excellent food. A few simple cafés exist along the marina-side, more like beach bars than anything else, serving simple meals such as pizza, salads and hotdogs throughout the day. These can be good for sitting back during the hot midday with a cold beer or glass of wine, a snack to recharge your batteries from exploring the city, and the gentle lapping of the Mediterranean (and often the roar of supercars) in your ears. Most of these restaurants are equipped with water-misters in the ceilings that gently cool and refresh the clientele.

1 Chez Roger (In the market hall east of Place d'Armes), ☏ +377 93508020. M-Sa 09:45-13:30. Try the typical food of the region. Socca (chickpea pancakes) for €3 and Pissaladière (caramelized onion and anchovy tart) for €2 (Aug 2020). The Monégasque speciality Barbajuan, which is a kind of fritter stuffed with spinach and other ingredients, can be bought in the shop to the right of Chez Roger's. (updated Aug 2022) 2 Mickey’s Pizza, 10 Rue de la Turbie, ☏ +377 97987664, [email protected]. M-F 11:00-14:00,18:00-22:00; Sa 18:00-22:00. Good quality pizza. Topped pizzas from €11, pizza lunch menu for €11.50 (August 2019). (updated Aug 2022) 3 Cooks Monaco, 10 Bd Princesse Charlotte. Brilliant Italian pizzas and great service. They also have a rotisserie corner with a wide choice. For real honest good food in Monaco here is the place to go. (updated Aug 2022) 4 Lo Sfizio Street, 14 Av. Saint-Charles. Yummy pizzas. The dough and the filling is quite exceptional. The service is with a smile and you can even eat quietly on the tables on the terrace on the pedestrian street. (updated Aug 2022) 5 Maison des pâtes Saint-Charles, 14 Av. Saint-Charles. Good fresh made

Drink & nightlife

Champagne has the status of a national beverage in Monaco. A single glass can cost as much as €40 at a fashionable restaurant!

1 Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo, 26 avenue Princesse Grace, ☏ +377 98 06 70 68, [email protected]. Open all night from 23:30. The ultimate night club in Monaco (it's not actually in Monte Carlo), the famed Jimmy'z is frequented by royalty and the uber-rich, which isn't a surprise considering some of the hefty price tags, a beer will cost you upwards of €26. If you are not willing to afford it, there are other clubs to go to. There are two entrances: one, two floors down in Le Sporting Club, the other at street level, and many rock stars and billionaires have walked through both. Staff can be quite rude, but so are most of the patrons. Definitely an experience. (updated Mar 2020) 2 Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo, Place du Casino (a short walk up the stairs from the hairpin curve at Fairmont Hotel), ☏ +377 98 06 19 19, [email protected]. Tu-Sa 18:00-02:00. Asian bar and restaurant is quite a decadent scene and quite expensive. Expect a queue for the bar and table service with the usual club-style sparklers after 23:00. (updated Sep 2016) 3 Gerhard's Café, 42 Quai Jean-Charles Rey, ☏ +377 92052579, [email protected]. M-Sa 08:00-03:00, Su 11:00-03:00. Down to earth pub/restaurant with southern German/Austrian cuisine in the midst of poshy Fontvieille district. (updated Aug 2020) 4 Twiga, Top Floor Grimaldi Forum Ave. Princesse Grace, ☏ +377 99 99 25 50, [email protected]. Tu-Su 19:00-02:00. Showcasing panoramic views from the top floor of the Grimaldi Forum, the outdoor seating area offers the perfect spot to see yachts cruising into the harbour. Top models and the people who want to be with them dance the early mornings away. Cocktail list is impressive and bite-sized treats are available. (updated Aug 2020) 5 The Bar @ Columbus Hotel, 23 Avenue des Papalins Monte Carlo, ☏ +377 92 059000. More laid-back and informal than some of its counterparts, its subdued atmosphere is a refreshing change from some of the high energy Monaco bars. Decked out in shades of blue, it's almost as sweet as the chocolate martinis, which come with a big truffle in each glass which slowly dissolves into your drinks and tastes heavenly. (updated Mar 2020) 6 La Rascasse. One of the most famous bars in the city due the final curve of the F1 track, which is named after the place. (updated Dec 2020)

Sleep

Budget If you're on a budget, Monaco is not the best place to be. A better option is to stay in one of the towns outside of Monaco:

Nice – 20 min away by cheap and frequent trains from Monaco. Or you take the bus along the coast. The city also offers hostels. Menton – 10 min by train, a French beach town. Buses to Monaco have multiple stops in the town. Ventimiglia – 30 min by train, which is an Italian sea-side town situated near the French border. The Monaco Tourism center staff will also sit down and make phone calls to assist walk-ins in finding accommodation. Even if you ask for "cheap" lodging.

Mid-range Better priced mid-range hotels you find in the city of Beausoleil, directly bordering Monaco.

1 Hôtel de France, 6 rue de la Turbie, ☏ +377 93302464. Simple and modern hotel that is well-priced given the hotel's location. €150 double. (updated Aug 2020) 2 Columbus Hotel, 23 Avenue des Papalins (Just by the heliport, and about 200 m from the Stade Louis II.), ☏ +377 92 05 90 00. This 3-star hotel was co-owned by successful Glaswegian hotelier Ken McCulloch, designer Amanda Rosa and British F1 racing driver David Coulthard (all Monaco residents today). There is an excellent restaurant and the lobby is a great spot to relax on the comfortable sofas. Rooms are modern. From €250. (updated Aug 2020) 3 Hotel Ambassador, corner of ave Prince Pierre, ☏ +377 97 97 96 96, [email protected]. Surprisingly standard mid range hotel that is good value for business travellers and those watching their euros. Rooms are kitted out with the usual TV, mini bar air con, with Wi-Fi access and cable making it a nice touch. From €135. (updated Aug 2020)

Splurge 4 Hôtel de Paris, Place du Casino, ☏ +377 9216 30 00, fax: +377 9216 26 26, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Offering a level of sophistication that has awarded itself as one of the world's most famous hotels. Featuring marble pillars, crystal chandeliers, Louis XVI chairs, and sumptuous carpets, it's a vision of luxury and a favorite among the world's travellers. Rooms are simply enormous with marble and brass furnishings and the hotel is home to the country's two finest eating establishments, the Le Grill de l'Hôtel de Paris and Le Louis XV. The SBM's Carte d'Or offers the de Paris' guests transport and access to the facilities of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel and Les Thermes Marins spa. €400-€940 double; from €1995 suite. (updated May 2021) 5 Hôtel Hermitage, Square Beaumarchais, ☏ +377 98 06 40 00, [email protected]. Perched on a clifftop, the Hermitage offer idyllic living at its best.

Go next

Other places at the Cote d'Azur, like Èze, Nice, Antibes, Cannes Coastal towns further west along the French Riviera, like Saint Tropez, and Marseille Maritime Alps Italy (Ligurian coast, Genoa, Milan, et al.)