Monaco is the second smallest country in the world and its entire territory is less than two square kilometres. From one end to the other is forty minutes on foot, which means one day is quite enough for it. People usually come here from Nice, because staying is expensive. Entry with a Schengen visa is trouble-free. Below I have written a one-day route and what is free.
Monaco-Ville and the prince’s palace
Monaco-Ville is the old town and is on top of the rock, which is why locals simply call it «the Rock». The prince’s palace is there, the changing of the guard takes place in its courtyard every day at eleven in the morning, and watching it is free. The inside of the palace opens to visitors in summer.
In the cathedral are the tombs of the princely family, Grace Kelly among them. The Oceanographic Museum stands as though hung on the face of the rock, Jacques-Yves Cousteau directed it for many years, and its aquarium is strong. The Exotic Garden is in the upper part of the city and its view is among the best.
Monte Carlo and the harbour
The building of the Monte Carlo casino remains from 1863 and stands out for its architecture. To go inside there is a passport requirement, an age limit and a dress requirement, and an entry ticket is bought even if you do not gamble. Looking at the cars on the square and at the Hôtel de Paris, however, is free.
Yachts line up in Port Hercule and the walk along the quay is free. The Formula 1 race is held at the end of May and the track runs through the city streets; in that week everything becomes expensive and a ticket is needed. When there is no race you can simply walk along those same streets.
How to get to Monaco
The train from Nice takes twenty-five minutes and is cheap; it goes along the scenic coastal line. The bus is cheaper but takes an hour. A direct bus also runs from Nice airport. Compare the train tickets in one search; the coastal line runs frequently through the day.
Inside the city there are free public lifts and escalators; use them to get up the hills, as they are shown on the map. The signage does not explain this to a tourist, so most people struggle on foot.
Prices in Monaco
Staying the night here makes no sense, as hotel prices start from 250 euros. Staying in Nice or Menton makes the same trip three times cheaper. Lunch in a restaurant costs 25–45 euros, while away from the harbour there are ordinary cafés.
The Oceanographic Museum is around 19 euros and the Exotic Garden 12. The changing of the guard, the walk along the quay and the casino square are free. Official information is on the Visit Monaco site.
Season in Monaco
April–June and September–October are the most comfortable months, with the weather at 20–27 degrees. July–August is hot and very crowded. The end of May is Formula 1 week, so if you are coming, come knowing that. Winter is mild at 12–16 degrees and there is plenty of sun.
In one sentence
Monaco is a day trip and the best way is to stay in Nice and come by train. Get to the changing of the guard at eleven o’clock, use the free lifts, and pick one of the museums. For a visa and a route, fill in the application form.
Note: the prices in this article are those at the time of publication and may change with the season.
