Things to do in Monaco: A Perfect Day-Trip Plan
- 16 hours ago
- 6 min read
Monaco made it to my bucket list after I watched the film Grace of Monaco in 2014; a biographical drama *based on a time in the life of former American actress, Grace Patricia Kelly. Grace became Princess consort of Monaco following her union in marriage to Prince Rainier III, who she had met at the Cannes Film Festival in April of 1955. Of course, Cannes is also on the French Riviera, so I would hazard a guess and say just as the Riviera captured my heart, it did the award-winning actress’s too.
Here’s a rundown of activities to help you answer the question, "what to do on a trip to Monaco".
Stroll The Rich Ports of Monaco
It's relaxing, inspirational and will give you lots of things to go "WOW" about. The ports of Monaco house some of the most expensive yatches produced yet. Monaco is playground for the rich and famous after all. You don't even need to be a yatchie to appreciate the beauty of what you'll see here. If grandioseness intimidates, maybe not the destination for you; but if you find inspiration in seeing grandiose existences, Monaco is a good fit.
Casino de Monte-Carlo
If casino's are your type of playground, this is for you. Of course it's in Monaco though so this is the big leagues. You can go here for lunch at Restaurant le Salon Rose, or to view artistic installation in the Atrium. The Casino maintains a strict dress code so be sure to dress appropriately if you plan to visit. If you want to only have lunch, making a reservation will exempt you from being charged the entrance fee to this establishment. Check out the Casino de Monte-Carlo website to know everything you must know before you go.
The who's who of the world floss their wealth in this place. The parking right in front of the casino is often packed with Lamborghinis and Ferraris of all colours and shades.
Oceanographic Museum
This museum which opens daily, save for Christmas day and the Grand Prix weekend, is perfect for travelers with a passion for ocean life. If you're travelling with kids, the aquariums in this museum will make it to their list of favourite treats. Tickets start as low as 5 EUR for kids, 7 EUR for students and teenagers, and 10 EUR for adults. This place is also a perfect plan for something to do with kids on a rainy day in Monaco. There is lost to entertain them there, including an interactive light space which is wide and open enough for kids to play freely and use up their energy.
Saint Martin Gardens
Take a walk through these beautiful gardens which are a winding path between the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince's Palace of Monaco. If you're like me you will want to make it a relaxed stroll, stop to smell the flowers, and take in the ocean views from the main lookout where you'll find a statue of Prince Albert I. The main highlight of my stroll was discovering Tulips! Most girls might say roses are their favourite flower. I've always been a little different. Despite never having seen one with my own eyes, tulips have always been my favorite. I might have caught a glimpse of a bouquet in a shop in South Africa, but that could have been a dream. This however, I am sure of, and I have photos to remind me of the "historic" moment: In Saint Martin Gardens, I finally saw, touched and breathed in the scent of Tulips!
Prince's Palace of Monaco
This for me was top of the list. If not for the inspiration and my intrigue by Grace Patricia Kelly, then to catch a glimpse into the life of royals. It was well worth the time. Unfortunately taking photos inside the palace is forbidden, but you can see a few here. Get an audio guide for your visit. This is always my preference over a guided tour because it allows me to move at my own pace, and rewind when I need to. While the Prince's Palace is a private residence, there is a State Apartment section which is open to the public from March to October (closed during the Grand Prix). Visit the official website for detailed opening hours information.
6. Monaco Top Cars Collection
This must visit houses Prince Rainier III's impressive, well kept, personal collection of about 100 vintage vehicles. The collection constitutes models by the most prestigious vehicle manufacturers. Allow yourself to get lost in the magnificence of the collection. It's like an automobile time travel machine. A perfect playground for car lovers and Formula 1 fans alike! A combo ticket to tour the Prince's Palace of Monaco and the MTCC will cost you just 11.50 EUR. The "museum" is open 7 days a week from 10 in the morning to 1800 hrs. The only exception is 25 December on which it is closed.
Circuit de Monaco
Circuit de Monaco is a 3.337 KM street circuit, popular for hosting the popular Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix. The race which has been hosted here since 1950 usually takes place in May each year. The 2026 dates for the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco are 4 to 7th June. The Grand Prix De Monaco Historique will be held on April 24 to 26, a few weeks before the Formula1 races. Tickets for the 2026 championships are available here.
If the Grand Prix is your main reason for visiting Monaco, buy your tickets, and book flights and accommodation early because this is prime travel time! Rush hour if you may. Flights and accommodation book up fast, and prices increase exponentially as the dates draw closer.
If the Grand Prix is not at all one of your interests and you like to travel on a budget, avoid traveling to Monaco and her surrounding villages around these dates as prices are hiked up due to the high demand created by the races.
With this list of things to do, you will have plenty to explore and keep you entertained while in Monaco
Enjoy this panoramic view from just outside the Prince's Palace of Monaco. If you take a very close look, you will spot Circuit de Monaco.
Bonus Tip
An early start to the day will give you time to make random as well as planned stops along the route to Monaco. Assuming you drive of course.
The road from Nice to Monaco offers a number of view points with gorgeous, picturesque panoramic views of the ocean and villages in the distance. Treat yourself to a random stop at one of these!
This would be a major bonus to add to your things to do in Monaco if you have a whole day. Especially during the summer months when daylight lasts long. A planned stop in Èze on your way to Monaco. Èze is a medieval hilltop village which offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean. Compact and quaint. It's cobble stoned streets are walkable and you'll stop often to take in the charms of little surprises on most corners of the village. The village has a protected garden, Jardin Exotique d'Èze (The Exotique Garden of Èze) which showcases an interesting array of cactus plants. Open for visits from 9a.m to 16:30 daily. Tickets to enter the garden cost 10EUR for an adult and 6EUR for children. They also offer group deals.
If you're into perfumes, stop by Fragonard Perfumery Factory in Èze. 30 minutes if enough to tour the factory and learn the history of Fragonard and how their perfumes are made. You can also purchase a few gifts for others or yourself from their onsite shop.
These are my top recommendations for things to do in Monaco. You can do all this in one day trip, or on various trips if you live on the French Riviera.
To get to Monaco from from any of the villages along the Côte d'Azur a.ka French Riviera, you can take the train, a bus, or drive. The area is very well connected. Just be sure to check the time of the last train out to plan accordingly. Also avoid rush hour if you're going by train. A lot of people commute this route daily for work so the trains are often packed during rush hour.
If you have any questions about Monaco and destinations in the South of France, drop them in the comments and I'll be happy to answer them using all the knowledge I gathered during the 4 years I lived in Nice.
*The accuracy of the details in the film has been debated, with some sources including the royal family stating it does not constitute a biopic. This however, does not discredit the inspiration it gave me to travel to Monaco, and I absolutely loved every minute of the day trip.
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