Monaco may be tiny, but it’s big on things to do . Known for its glamour, wealth, and fast cars, this pocket-sized principality is packed with incredible tourist sights. Yes, you’ll spot some amazing sports cars and luxury boutiques, but there are plenty of wonderful things to do in Monaco on a budget too.
We visited as a day trip from Nice, arriving early by train and spending the day exploring the sights. It happened to be the Formula E weekend, so the track and pit lanes were set up, which added to the atmosphere.
If you’re planning a visit, this guide shares 11 wonderful things to do in Monaco that won’t break the bank. It’s perfect for first-timers, day-trippers and anyone wanting to enjoy the highlights of Monaco without the big price tag.
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Getting around in Monaco
It’s worth noting that Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world (after Vatican City). It’s made up of nine districts, the most famous being Monte Carlo, home to the iconic casino and Monaco-Ville, the hilltop Old Town where the Prince’s Palace sits.
Monaco is wonderfully compact and most of the main Monaco tourist sights are within walking distance, which makes it easy to explore on foot. However, be warned – it’s hilly and steep. Luckily, the city has plenty of pedestrian tunnels, stairways, and even escalators carved in the rocks to help you move between levels.
It also has a hop-on hop-off bus, which stops at all the top places of interest in Monaco, including the Palace, the Harbour, and the Rascasse Corner on the Grand Prix circuit
Map of things to do in Monaco
Here’s a map of the highlights, which you can save for your visit.
Wonderful things to do in Monaco
Explore the Rock of Monaco (Le Rocher)
One of the absolute best free things to do in Monaco is wander about Le Rocher, the rocky headland that forms the Old Town. Monaco-Ville is the oldest part of the principality and home to some of the most beautiful historic places of interest in Monaco, including the Palace and Cathedral.
We headed here straight from the station, which is an upward climb taking about 15 minutes. In the Old Town, you can expect narrow cobbled lanes, with souvenir shops and cafés, without the high prices of some of the fancier restaurants near the casino and port.
It’s a relaxed area and well worth a visit.
Watch the Changing of the Guards at the Prince’s Palace
The Prince’s Palace is one of the top Monaco tourist sights. Originally a 12th century fortress, it has been home to the Grimaldi family for over 700 years.
Arrive by 11.55am to catch the daily Changing of the Guard, which takes place in front of the palace. However, if you want a front row view, get there at least 15 minutes early.
The palace is the official residence of the Prince Albert II, and in summer you can tour the State Apartments. We didn’t go inside but enjoyed strolling across the courtyard, where the views over the port are incredible.
Visit Monaco Cathedral
Just a short stroll from the palace is Monaco Cathedral, a beautiful Roman-Byzantine building. Admission is free, so it’s well worth popping inside to see the tombs of many former sovereigns, including Prince Rainer III and Princess Grace Kelly.
The elegant rotunda to the left is the Palais de Justice (Monaco Courthouse), which isn’t open to the public, but lovely to admire from the outside.
Admire the Prince of Monaco’s car collection
This one is for car lovers! Originally started by Prince Rainer III, the Prince’s Car Collection includes more than 100 vintage and luxury cars, as well as Grand Prix memorabilia. It’s located near Port Hercule, right next to the swimming pool (Stade Nautique).
Tip: You can buy a combined ticket for the State Apartments and Prince’s Car Collection.
Visit the Oceanographic Museum
If you’re visiting Monaco with kids (or love marine life), the Oceanographic Museum is a brilliant stop. With over 6,000 specimens, aquariums, and interactive exhibits, it’s one of the most family-friendly things to do in Monaco. It’s a big museum, so you’ll need several hours, which you should consider if you’re only here for a day trip.
Walk the Formula-1 track
Monaco is synonymous with the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the first time we visited was actually for the race itself. If you’re not here on a racing weekend, walking the street circuit is still one of the most exciting things to do in Monaco for any motorsport fan. You can wander through the famous Tunnel Larvotto, stand at the tight Fairmont hairpin, and hope that a supercar whizzes by!
If you’re not on a budget, you could do a guided tour of the F1 track to learn more about the history of the races and the crashes.
Of course, for any Formula 1 fan, the ultimate Monaco experience will always be seeing the Grand Prix in action. Obviously, this is not one of the best things to do on a budget!
Check out the mega yachts in Port Hercule
From the circuit, you should head to Port Hercule, Monaco’s main harbour, filled with jaw-dropping mega yachts. They absolutely scream money and the opulence is something else. As we strolled along the front, crews were setting up for lunch, giving us a glimpse into our lifestyle if we win the lottery!
Even if you’re not lucky enough to go aboard, it’s free to wander the harbour and admire the sheer scale and opulence of it all.
Have a flutter in the Monte-Carlo Casino
You can’t visit Monaco without seeing the Monte-Carlo Casino, one of Monaco’s most iconic tourist sights.
Set in Casino Square, it’s perfect for a few photos in the mirrored plaza, whilst watching the fancy cars arriving out front. Even if you’re not planning to gamble, go inside to admire the lavish entrance hall. There’s a quick security check and a dress code applies, if you’re visiting later in the day.
Right next door is Café de Paris, ideal for a drink and people-spotting, though probably not the cheapest.
Monaco’s Opera House is in the south-wing of the casino, a magnificent building, but you can’t enter without a ticket.
Take a walk through the gardens
For a quieter moment, Monaco has some lovely green spaces. We enjoyed the Jardins de la Petite Afrique, an exotic garden opposite the Casino.
Other popular gardens include the Princess Grace Japanese Garden, the UNESCO Garden, and the Jardin Exotique.
Most of the public gardens are free, but there is an admission charge for the Botanical Gardens. We gave it a miss as we planned to see the lovely exotic gardens in Eze the following day.
Hit the Beach
Larvotto Beach is Monaco’s main seaside spot, with a long palm-lined promenade and a mix of public and private beach areas. The public beach has fine gravel, rather than sand, but it’s a lovely place for a swim or sunbathe and completely free.
Stop for lunch at Le Marché de la Condamine
For a taste of local life, head to Le Marché de Condamine, Monaco’s traditional food hall. You can try some traditional cuisine, pick up fresh produce, or grab a reasonably-priced lunch.
It is currently being renovated, so you’ll find it temporarily relocated to Place d’Armes
How to get to Monaco from Nice
One of the best things about a day trip to Monaco is how easy it is to get there. It doesn’t have its own airport, but there are several options from Nice.
By train
The train is the quickest and cheapest option. It’s just so easy. Take the train from the main station (Nice Ville) which goes directly to Monaco-Monte-Carlo.
From here, it’s only a 5-minute walk to the main sights. There are up to 55 direct trains a day and it only takes about 25 minutes.
By bus
Going by bus is a cheap, but slow option. The local bus goes from Nice to Monaco-Menton (Bus 100) and takes about an hour.
By ferry
The ferry from Nice to Monaco is a very scenic way to travel and not too expensive. The ferry leaves from the Port de Nice at 9.30 am and cruises along the French Riviera coastline to Monaco
It takes about an hour each way, and if you’re lucky you might spot some dolphins.
A guided tour
You could book a guided tour that inlcudest Monaco as part of a tour of the French Riviera. Here’s our pick of the best:
By helicopter
The fastest and most glamourous way to get to Monaco is by helicopter. It’s just 7 minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport to Monaco Heliport. However, at €195 per person, it’s not cheap!
Accommodation in Monaco
We stayed at the Hotel Suisse in Nice and visited Monaco as a day trip, which is far more affordable. If you prefer to stay in Monaco, here are some of the most popular options:
- Luxury Accommodation: Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, an elegant, 5-star hotel located on Casino Square
- Mid-range Accommodation: Novotel Monte-Carlo is a modern hotel with a pool near the beach
- Budget Accommodation: Ambassador-Monaco is not cheap, but one of the cheapest in Monaco
FAQs about Monaco
Is Monaco expensive?
It can be. It is the playground for billionaires, after all.
However, you can absolutely enjoy Monaco on a budget too. Many of the top things to do in Monaco are free. This includes the Palace, the Casino, the Port, the Old Town, and the Grand-Prix Circuit.
As you’d expect, most prices rise during Grand Prix weekend.
How long do you need in Monaco?
One day is perfect for the highlights and you could easily do it as a day trip from Nice. If you want to visit more museums and gardens, two days is ideal.
When is the best time to visit Monaco?
Spring and early autumn offer warm weather without the Grand Prix crowds. Summer is beautiful, but busy. We went mid-May and it was perfect. If you ask my husband, he’d say June when the Grand Prix is on!
Do I need a visa?
No. It follows the same policies as France, so you can stay for up to 90 days if you are a citizen of an EU country, the UK, USA, Australia, or Canada.
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