Monaco-Ville
History and sightseeing
The Rock: the historic old town of narrow winding streets around the Prince's Palace, the Cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum.
Quick pickFrench Riviera · Principality of Monaco
Monaco is a 2 km² sovereign principality on France's Mediterranean coast by the Italian border, about 23 minutes by train from Nice. On the Rock of Monaco-Ville stand the Prince's Palace, the Cathedral where Princess Grace is buried and the Oceanographic Museum. Across Port Hercule, the Belle Époque Casino de Monte-Carlo can be toured before its gaming rooms open. The Japanese Garden in Larvotto is free. One day covers the main sights; a weekend adds Larvotto Beach.
The Oceanographic Museum has aquariums, a shark lagoon and a Turtle Island on its panoramic terrace.
Place du Casino groups the Casino, Hôtel de Paris and Café de Paris; the dress code relaxes for daytime heritage visits.
The Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters and the Monaco Yacht Show all take place here.
Sightseeing cruises and boat tours leave from Port Hercule, the harbour below the Rock.
Trains run west to Nice and east to Menton and Ventimiglia, with onward links to Milan, Genoa and Rome.
Start here
Where to stay
History and sightseeing
The Rock: the historic old town of narrow winding streets around the Prince's Palace, the Cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum.
Quick pickNightlife and luxury shopping
The most populated district, centred on Place du Casino with the Casino, Hôtel de Paris and Café de Paris, plus the Carré d'Or.
Quick pickLocal life and shops
Monaco's commercial, everyday district behind Port Hercule, often described as its most authentic quarter.
Quick pickBeach-goers
Seaside and residential district with Larvotto Beach and the Japanese Garden, next to the new Mareterra district.
Quick pickA modern seafront base
A modern district by the sea, home to Monaco's second port.
Quick pickDay-trippers
Many visitors stay in Nice and come in by TER train, with around sixty round trips a day taking about 23 minutes.
Quick pickMild and clear, with fewer crowds than midsummer. The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters and the Grand Prix fall in this window; Grand Prix days are packed and pricier.
The warmest and busiest months, with peak crowds and the highest prices. Best for beach time at Larvotto.
A strong second choice: warm sea and calmer streets. The Monaco Yacht Show takes place in September.
Mild for Europe and quiet, with Christmas lights, fewer tourists and accommodation that may cost less.
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