Discover Hidden Gems: A Day of Unusual Monaco Sightseeing & Activities
Monaco
1 days
About Monaco
Monaco, the second smallest country in the world, is a glamorous destination nestled on the French Riviera. Known for its luxurious casinos, yacht-lined harbor, and prestigious Grand Prix motor race, it's a playground for the rich and famous. The district of Monte Carlo is a must-visit, boasting opulent hotels, gourmet restaurants, and high-end boutiques. The Prince's Palace and the Oceanographic Museum are key attractions, offering a glimpse into Monaco's rich history and marine life. The Jardin Exotique, home to thousands of rare plants, provides stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its small size, Monaco offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and luxury living.
1-Day Itinerary
Attractions in Itinerary (4)
1Prince's Palace
The official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco, offering stunning views of the city and harbour.
2Jardin Exotique
A beautiful garden located on a cliffside in Monaco. It features a wide variety of exotic plants from all over the world, as well as stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
3Oceanographic Museum
A museum of marine sciences in Monaco-Ville, Monaco. It is home to the Mediterranean Science Commission. This building is part of the Oceanographic Institute which is committed to sharing its knowledge of the oceans.
4Port Hercules
Port Hercules is the only deep-water port in Monaco. The port has been in use since ancient times. The modern port was completed in 1926, and underwent substantial improvements in the 1970s. It covers almost 40 acres (160,000 m2), enough to provide anchorage for up to 700 vessels. The port is located in the La Condamine district of Monaco.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Barbagiuan
A traditional Monegasque food, Barbagiuan is a deep-fried pastry filled with Swiss chard, ricotta, onions, and herbs. It's a popular snack or appetizer in Monaco.
Bouillabaisse
Originating from the South of France, Bouillabaisse is a rich fish stew that's popular in Monaco. It's made with at least three types of fish, shellfish, and aromatic herbs and spices.
Socca
A popular street food in Monaco, Socca is a thin, crispy pancake made from chickpea flour and olive oil. It's typically served hot and cut into triangular slices.
Pissaladière
A common dish in Monaco, Pissaladière is a pizza-like dish topped with caramelized onions, black olives, and anchovies. It's a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors.
Salade Niçoise
A classic dish from the French Riviera, Salade Niçoise is a salad made with tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives, and anchovies or tuna. It's a light and healthy option popular in Monaco.
Ratatouille
A traditional French Provençal stewed vegetable dish, Ratatouille is popular in Monaco. It's made from aubergines, courgettes, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
Pan Bagnat
A sandwich that's popular in Monaco, Pan Bagnat is made with whole wheat bread, tuna or anchovies, and the ingredients of a Niçoise salad.
Tourte de Blettes
A unique dessert from Monaco, Tourte de Blettes is a sweet tart made with Swiss chard, pine nuts, raisins, and powdered sugar.
Pastis
A popular anise-flavored spirit and apéritif from France, Pastis is often enjoyed in Monaco. It's typically diluted with water before drinking.
Rosé wine from Provence
Monaco, being close to the Provence region, is a great place to enjoy a glass of local Rosé wine. It's light, dry, and perfect for a sunny day.
Monaco Beer
Monaco has its own local beer, typically a light lager, that's a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
Limoncello
Although originally from Italy, Limoncello, a lemon liqueur, is widely enjoyed in Monaco due to its close proximity to Italy. It's often served chilled as an after-dinner digestif.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Monaco is during the spring months, from April to June. During this time, the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city-state's outdoor attractions. The Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious car races in the world, also takes place in May, making it an exciting time to visit. However, if you prefer a quieter vacation, consider visiting in the fall, from September to November, when the summer crowds have left, and the weather is still relatively mild.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
January 27 | Sat | Saint Dévote's Day |
April 1 | Mon | Easter Monday |
May 1 | Wed | Labour Day/May Day |
May 9 | Thu | Ascension Day |
May 20 | Mon | Whit Monday |
May 30 | Thu | Corpus Christi |
August 15 | Thu | Assumption of Mary |
November 1 | Fri | All Saints' Day |
November 19 | Tue | National Day |
December 8 | Sun | Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
How to get around
Walk
Monaco is a small city-state, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. It's a great way to take in the sights and sounds of the city.
Public Bus
Monaco has an efficient public bus system operated by Compagnie des Autobus Monaco (CAM). There are six bus lines that cover all the main areas of the city.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Monaco and can be hailed from the street, taxi stands, or booked in advance. They offer a convenient way to get around, especially if you're carrying heavy luggage or travelling in a group.
Car
Driving in Monaco can be challenging due to its narrow streets and heavy traffic. However, there are plenty of car rental agencies if you prefer to drive. Note that parking can be difficult and expensive.
Bicycle
Monaco is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike rental stations. It's a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city.
Electric Car
Monaco supports green initiatives, offering electric car rentals and charging stations throughout the city. It's a sustainable choice for getting around.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Monaco. It's a convenient option, especially if you're familiar with these platforms.
Boat
Monaco is a coastal city, and there are public boat services that can take you along the coast or to nearby French Riviera towns.
Helicopter
For a unique and luxurious experience, you can take a helicopter ride from Monaco's heliport. This is a popular choice for transfers to and from Nice Airport.
Elevators and Public Escalators
Due to Monaco's hilly terrain, the city has a network of public elevators and escalators that help pedestrians navigate the steep slopes. These are free to use and can significantly shorten your journey.
Train
Monaco's train station, Gare de Monaco-Monte-Carlo, is well-connected to other French and Italian cities. It's a good option if you're planning to visit neighbouring regions.
Important information
Currency€ EUR
Time zoneUTC+1
Driving sideRight
Emergency phone112
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
Voltage230 V
Things to know about Monaco as a first time visitor
1
Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, after Vatican City.
2
The official language is French, but English and Italian are also widely spoken.
3
Monaco uses the Euro (€) as its currency.
4
Monaco is a very safe country with a virtually non-existent crime rate.
5
The country is a tax haven, so it's home to many wealthy individuals.
6
Monaco has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Average summer temperatures are around 77°F (25°C), while in winter it's usually around 48°F (9°C).
7
Monaco is a pedestrian-friendly country, and it's possible to walk across the entire country in just a few hours.
8
The country is known for its luxury lifestyle, so expect high prices for accommodation, dining, and shopping.
9
Tipping is not mandatory in Monaco, as a service charge is usually included in the bill. However, it's customary to leave a small tip for good service.
10
Monaco is a constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II as the current reigning monarch.
11
The country is famous for its casinos, particularly the Casino de Monte-Carlo. However, Monaco's citizens are not allowed to gamble or even enter the casinos.
12
Monaco's main public transport is the bus, operated by Compagnie des Autobus Monaco (CAM). There are also numerous taxis available.
13
Monaco is not part of the European Union, but it has an open border with France and uses the Euro as its currency.
14
The country is one of the most densely populated in the world.
15
Monaco has a high standard of healthcare, with excellent hospitals and pharmacies. However, healthcare can be expensive, so travel insurance is recommended.
16
The country is on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).
17
Monaco has a strict dress code, especially in the casinos and finer restaurants. Men are expected to wear jackets and ties, and women should wear dresses or suits.
18
The country has a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, with numerous green initiatives in place.
19
Monaco's main airport is Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport in France, about 22km away. From there, you can take a bus, taxi, or helicopter to Monaco.
20
Monaco hosts the annual Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world. If you're visiting during the event, be prepared for crowded streets and higher prices.
Basic French to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | Bonjour | bohn-zhoor | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | Au revoir | oh reh-vwar | Saying goodbye |
Please | S'il vous plaît | see voo play | Making a request |
Thank you | Merci | mehr-see | Expressing gratitude |
Yes | Oui | wee | Agreeing or confirming |
No | Non | nohn | Disagreeing or denying |
Excuse me | Excusez-moi | ex-koo-zay mwah | Getting attention or apologizing |
I'm sorry | Je suis désolé | zhuh swee day-zoh-lay | Apologizing |
Do you speak English? | Parlez-vous anglais? | par-lay voo ahn-glay | Asking if someone speaks English |
I don't understand | Je ne comprends pas | zhuh nuh kom-prahn pah | Expressing confusion |
Where is...? | Où est...? | oo eh... | Asking for directions |
Bathroom | Toilettes | twah-let | Asking for the restroom |
Help | Aide | ed | In case of emergency |
Food | Nourriture | noo-ree-toor | Talking about food |
Water | Eau | oh | Asking for water |
Beer | Bière | byehr | Ordering a beer |
Wine | Vin | van | Ordering wine |
Check, please | L'addition, s'il vous plaît | la-dee-syon, see voo play | Asking for the bill |
How much does it cost? | Combien ça coûte? | kohm-byen sah koot | Asking for the price |
Good night | Bonne nuit | bon nwee | Saying goodnight |
Packing List
Clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight clothing
Sweater or light jacket
Sunglasses
Swimsuit (if planning to swim)
Hat for sun protection
Toiletries
Travel-size toothpaste
Toothbrush
Deodorant
Travel-size shampoo and conditioner
Sunscreen
Hand sanitizer
Face mask
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or ID card
Credit and debit cards
Cash (Euros)
Travel insurance documents
Hotel reservation confirmation
Emergency contact information
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Headphones
Camera (if not using phone camera)
Portable power bank
Miscellaneous items
Snacks
Water bottle
Travel guidebook for Monaco
Map of Monaco
Umbrella or raincoat (just in case)
Travel pillow (for the journey)
Weather Conditions
Monaco, a city-state on France's Mediterranean coastline, is known for its mild, Mediterranean climate. The weather is generally warm and sunny, making it an ideal destination for tourists year-round. If you're planning a trip to Monaco, it's important to note that the summer months, from June to August, are the warmest. Temperatures during this period can reach up to 86°F (30°C), so be sure to pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. The winter months, from December to February, are cooler but still relatively mild. Temperatures can drop to around 50°F (10°C), so you'll want to pack a light jacket or sweater. Despite the cooler temperatures, Monaco's winters are typically sunny, making it a great time to visit if you prefer less crowded tourist spots. Spring and autumn are also lovely times to visit Monaco. Temperatures during these seasons range from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C), offering a comfortable climate for sightseeing. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip. This will help you pack appropriately and plan your activities. Remember, Monaco is a coastal city, so it can sometimes be windy, especially in the evenings. A light wrap or jacket can be useful. Also, even if the weather is warm, it's advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat as showers can occur. Lastly, don't forget to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months. The Mediterranean sun can be quite strong, and it's important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Enjoy your trip to Monaco!
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 15° / 8° | January is the coldest month in Monaco, but it's still relatively mild compared to other European destinations. It's a good time to visit if you prefer less crowded tourist spots. |
February | 15° / 8° | February is similar to January in terms of weather, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists. It's a great time to explore the city's indoor attractions. |
March | 17° / 10° | March sees a slight increase in temperature, making it a pleasant time to visit. The city starts to get busier as the spring season approaches. |
April | 20° / 12° | April is a beautiful month to visit Monaco, with spring in full bloom. The weather is warm enough for outdoor activities and sightseeing. |
May | 23° / 15° | May is a popular time to visit Monaco, with warm temperatures and the famous Monaco Grand Prix taking place. Expect large crowds during this time. |
June | 26° / 18° | June marks the start of the summer season in Monaco, with long sunny days. It's an excellent time for beach activities and outdoor dining. |
July | 29° / 21° | July is the hottest month in Monaco, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. However, it's also the busiest month, so expect crowded beaches and tourist spots. |
August | 29° / 21° | August is as hot as July, with plenty of sunshine. It's a great time for water sports and outdoor activities, but be prepared for large crowds. |
September | 26° / 18° | September is a fantastic time to visit Monaco, with fewer tourists and still warm temperatures. It's an ideal time for sightseeing and enjoying the city's outdoor attractions. |
October | 23° / 15° | October sees a drop in temperature but it's still warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities. The city is less crowded, making it a good time to explore at a leisurely pace. |
November | 20° / 12° | November is a quieter month in Monaco, with mild temperatures. It's a great time to visit if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. |
December | 17° / 10° | December is a festive time to visit Monaco, with Christmas markets and decorations around the city. The weather is cooler, but still mild compared to other European destinations. |
Did you know?
Places near by Monaco
Nice
A vibrant city known for its beautiful coastline and charming old town.
Antibes
A resort town between Cannes and Nice, known for its old town enclosed by 16th-century ramparts.
Cannes
Famous for its international film festival, Cannes is a city located on the French Riviera.
Saint-Tropez
Known for its Mediterranean beaches and nightlife, Saint-Tropez is a coastal town in the French Riviera.
Genoa
A port city in Italy known for its central role in maritime trade over many centuries.
Turin
A city in northern Italy known for its refined architecture and cuisine.
Marseille
A port city in southern France, known for its diverse culture and history.
Aix-en-Provence
A city in southern France, known for its classical architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
Sanremo
A city on the Mediterranean coast of western Liguria in north-western Italy.
Ventimiglia
A city in northern Italy, known for its medieval old town and beautiful beaches.