20 Best Things to Do in Monaco: Attractions You Can’t Miss (2026)

I visited Monaco as a day trip from Nice, spent the morning exploring the country on foot, and then continued to Menton in the afternoon. Monaco might be the second-smallest country in the world, but don’t let its size fool you. Between the Old Town, the palace, the Grand Prix circuit, the marina and the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo, there’s more than enough to fill a day. This guide covers the best things to do in Monaco, plus a few spots that I think are genuinely worth your time.

Best Things to Do in Monaco: Quick Overview

If you’re short on time, these are the best things to do in Monaco:

• Explore Monaco-Ville (the Old Town)
• Visit the Prince’s Palace
• Watch the Changing of the Guard
• Visit Saint Nicholas Cathedral
• Explore the Oceanographic Museum
• Walk around Casino Square
• Visit the Casino de Monte-Carlo
• Walk along Port Hercules
• Walk part of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit
• Relax at Larvotto Beach

Practical Information

How Many Days Do You Need in Monaco?

One day is enough for most people. Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world, and you can comfortably visit the main attractions, including Monaco-Ville, Casino Square, Port Hercules and the Oceanographic Museum, without feeling rushed. I visited as a day trip from Nice and even continued to Menton the same afternoon.

→ How Many Days in Monaco Do You Need?

Best Time to Visit Monaco

I visited at the beginning of summer, and I’d happily go back at the same time. The weather was warm enough to spend the whole day walking around without the peak-season crowds of late July and August. If you can, avoid the Monaco Grand Prix unless you’re specifically visiting for Formula 1, as accommodation prices increase significantly and much of the city is taken over by the event.

→ Best Time to Visit Monaco

20 Best things to do in Monaco

1. Explore Monaco-Ville (Old Town)

If you only have time for one thing in Monaco, make it Monaco-Ville. This is the oldest part of the country, sitting on top of the rock overlooking the harbour, and it ended up being my favourite area to explore. The streets are narrow, lined with pastel buildings, little cafés and souvenir shops, and it feels completely different from the luxury hotels and designer shops around Monte Carlo. It’s also where you’ll find several of Monaco’s biggest attractions, so I’d head here first before anywhere else.

2. Visit the Prince’s Palace

The Prince’s Palace has been home to the Grimaldi family for over 700 years and is one of Monaco’s most famous landmarks. Even if you don’t plan on going inside, it’s worth walking up for the views from Palace Square alone. During summer, parts of the palace are open to visitors, and if you’re interested in Monaco’s history, it’s one of the few attractions I’d actually consider paying for.

3. Watch the Changing of the Guard

If you’re already at the Prince’s Palace around midday, stick around for the Changing of the Guard. It takes place every day at 11:55 am and only lasts a few minutes, but it’s one of those classic Monaco experiences that’s easy to fit into your itinerary since you’re already there.

4. Visit Saint Nicholas Cathedral

Just a couple of minutes from the palace, you’ll find Saint Nicholas Cathedral, the most important church in Monaco. This is where Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly are buried, making it one of the country’s most visited landmarks. Even if you’re not usually interested in churches, it’s worth stepping inside while you’re exploring Monaco-Ville.

5. Visit the Oceanographic Museum

Perched dramatically on the edge of the cliffs, the Oceanographic Museum is probably Monaco’s most famous attraction after the casino. Even if you’re not a museum person, the building itself is worth seeing. Inside you’ll find aquariums, marine exhibitions and rooftop terraces with some of the best views in Monaco. If you’re only paying for one attraction during your visit, this would probably be my choice.

6. Walk Around Casino Square

Casino Square is exactly what most people picture when they think of Monaco. Luxury hotels, designer boutiques, perfectly maintained gardens and expensive cars parked everywhere. Even if you have absolutely no interest in gambling, it’s worth walking through just to soak up the atmosphere. It’s touristy, yes, but it’s also one of the most iconic places in the country.

7. Go Inside the Casino de Monte-Carlo

You don’t need to be a gambler to visit the Casino de Monte-Carlo. The building itself is beautiful, and stepping inside is part of the experience. Just remember there’s an entrance fee for the gaming rooms, you’ll need your passport, and there is a dress code if you’re visiting in the evening. If you only want to admire the architecture, walking around Casino Square is completely free.

8. Walk Along Port Hercules

From Casino Square, make your way down to Port Hercules, Monaco’s main marina. This is where you’ll see some of the biggest yachts on the Riviera and get some of the best views back towards Monaco-Ville. I ended up spending longer here than I expected, just walking around and taking everything in. It’s also a nice flatter section after climbing around the Old Town.

9. Spot the Luxury Cars

This probably sounds ridiculous as an attraction… until you get to Monaco. Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens, Rolls-Royces and Bentleys are everywhere. Even if you’re not into cars, you’ll probably find yourself stopping every few minutes because something even more ridiculous has just driven past. It’s genuinely part of what makes Monaco feel different from anywhere else I’ve been.

10. Walk Part of the Monaco Grand Prix Circuit

One of the coolest things about Monaco is that the Formula 1 circuit isn’t a purpose-built racetrack—it’s made up of the city’s normal streets. That means you can literally walk parts of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit yourself, including famous sections like Casino Square, the Fairmont Hairpin and the tunnel. Even if you don’t follow Formula 1, it’s pretty surreal knowing you’re walking on one of the most famous circuits in the world.

11. Visit the Japanese Garden

Hidden between the luxury hotels and apartment buildings, the Japanese Garden is one of the quietest places in Monaco. It’s not huge, and you probably won’t spend more than 20 or 30 minutes here, but it’s a nice break from the crowds around Casino Square. If you’re visiting in summer like I did, it’s also one of the few places with a bit of shade.

12. Relax at Larvotto Beach

Most people don’t think of Monaco as a beach destination, but it actually has its own public beach. Larvotto Beach is a mix of pebbles and imported sand, with clear water, restaurants and cafés along the promenade. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, it’s an easy place to spend an hour or two before heading back to Nice.

13. Visit the Princess Grace Rose Garden

Located in Fontvieille, this peaceful garden was created in memory of Princess Grace and is home to hundreds of rose varieties from around the world. It’s free to visit and much quieter than the main attractions, making it a good stop if you’re looking to escape the crowds for a while.

14. Explore Fontvieille

Fontvieille is Monaco’s modern district, built on reclaimed land, and feels completely different from both Monte Carlo and Monaco-Ville. You’ll find the marina, parks, restaurants and several of Monaco’s museums here, but without the same crowds as the casino area. If you’ve already seen the main sights, it’s worth wandering through before catching the train back.

15. Visit the Jardin Exotique

The Jardin Exotique is one of Monaco’s most famous gardens, built into the cliffs and filled with cacti and succulents from around the world. The biggest reason to visit, though, is the view. From here, you get one of the best panoramas over Monaco, the harbour and the Mediterranean. Just be aware that it’s a bit outside the main tourist area, so you’ll need to allow some extra time to get there.

16. Ride Monaco’s Public Lifts

One of the things that surprised me most about Monaco was how many free public lifts and escalators there are. Because the country is built into steep cliffs, they’re used to connect different levels of the city and save you from climbing endless stairs. It might not sound like an attraction, but after a full day of walking, you’ll be very glad they exist.

17. Enjoy the Best Viewpoints in Monaco

For such a tiny country, Monaco has some incredible viewpoints. My favourite was from Monaco-Ville overlooking Port Hercules, but you’ll also get fantastic views from the Oceanographic Museum, the Jardin Exotique and several lookouts around the Old Town. Honestly, some of my favourite photos from the trip came from these viewpoints rather than the attractions themselves.

18. Go Luxury Shopping Around One Monte-Carlo

Even if shopping isn’t in your budget, it’s still worth walking through One Monte-Carlo. This is where you’ll find many of the world’s biggest luxury brands, along with immaculate streets, expensive hotels and some of Monaco’s most impressive architecture. Think of it more as people-watching than shopping.

19. Watch Sunset Over Port Hercules

If you’re staying until the evening, head back towards Port Hercules before you leave. As the sun starts to set, the yachts, surrounding buildings and hills are lit up in golden light, and the whole marina feels much calmer than it does during the middle of the day. It’s one of the best ways to end your visit.

20. Have a Drink with a View

Monaco has no shortage of rooftop bars, hotel terraces and waterfront restaurants where you can sit back with a drink and enjoy the view. They’re definitely not cheap, but if you want to treat yourself to one thing while you’re here, I’d choose a drink overlooking the marina rather than spending money at the casino. It feels much more like Monaco, and you’ll probably remember it for longer.

Best Day Trip Monaco to Nice

If you’re staying in Monaco for more than a day, Nice is the easiest day trip you can add to your itinerary. It’s only about 25 minutes away by train, but it feels completely different. Instead of luxury hotels and superyachts, you’ll find colourful streets, local markets, beaches, museums and far more restaurants and cafés. I actually stayed in Nice and visited Monaco from there, and if you’re trying to keep costs down, I’d recommend doing the same.

→ 25 Best Things to Do in Nice

→ Nice Travel Guide

Best Day Trip Monaco to Menton

Menton ended up being my favourite place on the entire French Riviera. It’s only another 10–15 minutes by train from Monaco, making it an incredibly easy day trip, and it’s much quieter than both Monaco and Nice. Expect colourful streets, a beautiful Old Town, a relaxed seafront and some of the best views on the coast. If you’ve already explored Monaco, I’d head straight to Menton afterwards, exactly like I did.

→ 25 Things to Do in Menton

→ Menton Travel Guide

Best Day Trip Monaco to Èze

If you’re looking for somewhere completely different, head to Èze. This medieval hilltop village is famous for its narrow stone streets, panoramic viewpoints and the Exotic Garden at the top. Just keep in mind that the train station sits down by the coast, so you’ll still need to take a bus, taxi or tackle a steep uphill walk to reach the village itself. It’s a little more effort than Nice or Menton, but the views are easily some of the best on the French Riviera.

Suggested One-Day Monaco Itinerary

If you’re only visiting Monaco for the day, it’s easy to see the main highlights without rushing. I’d start in Monaco-Ville with the Prince’s Palace and Saint Nicholas Cathedral, then make your way to the Oceanographic Museum before heading down to Port Hercules and Casino Square in the afternoon. If you’ve still got time, finish the day at Larvotto Beach or catch the train to Menton like I did.

→ Monaco Itinerary

Where to Stay in Monaco

Monaco has some incredible hotels, but they’re also some of the most expensive on the French Riviera. Unless staying in a luxury hotel is part of the experience you’re after, I’d base yourself in Nice instead and visit Monaco by train. That’s exactly what I did, and I’d make the same choice again.

→ Where to Stay in Monaco

FAQs

What are the best things to do in Monaco?

If it’s your first visit, don’t miss Monaco-Ville, the Prince’s Palace, Casino Square, Port Hercules and the Oceanographic Museum. Those are the attractions I’d prioritise if you only have one day.

Is one day enough for Monaco?

Yes. Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world, and one day is enough to see the main attractions without feeling rushed. That’s exactly how I visited, before continuing to Menton in the afternoon.

What is Monaco famous for?

Monaco is best known for the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, luxury yachts, supercars and being one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Despite its reputation, it’s also home to a beautiful Old Town with some of the best viewpoints on the French Riviera.

Are there free things to do in Monaco?

Yes. Many of the best things to do in Monaco are completely free, including exploring Monaco-Ville, walking around Port Hercules, visiting Casino Square, spotting luxury cars and enjoying the viewpoints around the Old Town.

Can you walk everywhere in Monaco?

Yes. Monaco is very walkable, although it’s much hillier than it looks. Luckily, there are plenty of free public lifts and escalators that make getting between different parts of the country much easier.

Is Monaco worth visiting?

I think so. It’s not somewhere I’d spend several days, but it’s absolutely worth visiting as a day trip. Between the views, the Old Town and the unique atmosphere, it’s unlike anywhere else on the French Riviera.

What are the best day trips from Monaco?

Nice and Menton are the easiest day trips from Monaco, both reachable by train in under 40 minutes. If you have more time, they’re well worth adding to your itinerary.

Should I stay in Monaco or Nice?

For most people, I’d recommend staying in Nice. Hotels are much cheaper, there’s far more choice and it’s only about 25 minutes from Monaco by train. Unless you’re specifically looking for a luxury hotel experience, Nice is the better base.

Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Monaco

Monaco might be tiny, but there’s more here than most people expect. Between the Old Town, the Prince’s Palace, the casino, Port Hercules and the famous Grand Prix circuit, you can easily fill a day without feeling rushed. I visited Monaco as a day trip from Nice before continuing to Menton, and I’d happily do the same again. If you’re planning a trip along the French Riviera, I’d definitely add Monaco to your itinerary—even if it’s just for the day.

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