Monaco – Travel Guide
Monaco, a glamorous principality on the French Riviera, allures visitors with its luxurious casinos, yacht-filled harbors, and prestigious events like the Monaco Grand Prix. The capital, Monte Carlo, dazzles with its opulent architecture, including the iconic Monte Carlo Casino and the Prince`s Palace. The Oceanographic Museum showcases marine life and offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Monaco`s scenic cliffside gardens, such as the Jardin Exotique, provide tranquil escapes with stunning vistas. The principality`s high-end shopping, gourmet dining, and vibrant nightlife make it a playground for the rich and famous.
All about Monaco
Monaco FAQ
What is Monaco known for?
Monaco sits on the alluring French Riviera and is known for being a small principality headed by the Prince of Monaco. Gorgeous and glittering, it is the world`s second-smallest country (after the Vatican), but for what it lacks in size it makes up for in extravagance. It is famous for it`s riches, gambling, car races, countless yachts and displays of extravagance. Monaco is glitzy and glamorous, and offers visitors a chance to mingle with the rich and famous.
What are the best places to visit in Monaco?
The Monte Carlo Casino is perhaps the obvious attraction to visit. Featured in so many movies, the Casino de Monte Carlo, as it is officially called, is an entertainment complex. You do need to dress up, especially if you visit at night. The Prince`s Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. It was built in the 12th century as a fortress and it has a long and dramatic history. The best part of this palace is the stunning views over the whole city. It`s a great place for photographer lovers. Another stop you`ll want to make is at the Oceanographic Museum, a museum of marine sciences. The museum offers great rooftop views and the park next to the museum is really lovely as well.
For some greenery and beautiful plants, check out the Exotic Garden of Monaco, it has a large variety of succulent plants. The beautiful Japanese Garden in the heart of Monaco is also great for peaceful strolling amongst some beautiful flora and fauna.
And for some chill time, check out the Monaco Beaches. There are three beaches available in Monaco: The Plage des Pecheurs, a natural beach that is typically not very crowded; The Solarium on the New Sea Wall is an artificial beach; and the Larvotto Nature Reserve, a supervised beach great for snorkeling.
Monte Carlo can make for an interesting base to explore not only the peculiarities of one of the smallest countries in the world, but also the spectacular coastline of the French Riviera which surrounds the city on all sides except for the seafront.
From Monte Carlo, there are endless day trip opportunities that will take you along the Cote d`Azur, from the bustling port cities of Nice and Marseille to the charming resort towns of Antibes or Cannes. There are beautiful beaches, restaurants and cafes overlooking the Mediterranean and of course, warm sunny weather that complements the scenery marvelously.
Across the border, to the east, you can even day trip as far as the Italian city of Genoa, for unique cultural and culinary experiences, while inland there are winding mountain roads and quaint rural communities to explore in the French interior.
How many days should I spend in Monaco?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Monaco?
Walking is by far the best way to get around due to its compact layout, size, and the fact that most of the tourist destinations are concentrated into primary areas. The roads are generally flat (unless you`re in the mountain area), and there are escalators which service the steeper roads. There are seven public escalators and elevators (all free) that help navigate the steep slopes of the city.
Public Elevators currently in use:
1- between the Place des Moulins and the beaches
2- between the Princess Grace Hospital Center and the Exotic Garden
3- between the harbor and the Avenue de la Costa
4- between the Place St. Dévote and the area of Monéghetti
5- between the Terraces of the Casino, the Congress Centre Auditorium and the Boulevard Louis II
6- between the Avenue des Citronniers and the Avenue Grande-Bretagne
7- between the highway and the Larvotto Boulevard.
If you find yourself on foot and wanting to reach the opposite bank of Port Hercule, look for the small pedestrian-only ferry that runs each 20-minutes or so during daylight; it costs about €2.
What is the currency of Monaco?
The currency of Monaco is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for euros upon arrival.
Do people speak English in Monaco?
There are 125 different nationalities that reside in Monaco, hence many languages are spoken. French is the sole official language; however, Monégasque is the national language and some natives still speak the ancient Monégasque. Italian and English are widely understood and spoken. We suggest you get a good English-French guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit Monaco
Overall, it rarely gets cold in Monaco, and it`s mostly always sunny, but each seasons does present a different experience depending on which time of year you decide to visit.
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A great time to come to Monaco is the spring or fall (April and October), when the weather is pleasant and the room rates are reduced. If you choose to go in the winter months between November and March, you will definitely save money on accommodations and flights, but the cooler winter offseason does take away some of the luster of the area. Visiting in the summer months brings overcrowded beaches, hot weather, and packed restaurants, but you`ll also experience Monaco at its liveliest. Because the destination offers over 300 days of sun each year, you`ll find there is something to do all year long.
April – June
April through June is an ideal time to visit Monaco. The weather is balmy and the room rates are somewhat reduced. Late spring and early summer temperatures linger around a warm and comfortable 70F. This is also when Monte Carlo hosts its world famous Formula 1 race that winds through Monaco each year during the month of May.
Events and Festivals
– Monte Carlo Spring Arts Festival (April)
– Monte Carlo Rolex Tennis Masters (April)- Top Marques Monaco, supercar show (April)
– Formula One: French Grand Prix (May)
– Feast of the Sea, Yacht Club of Monaco (June)
July – August
Visiting in the peak summer months brings hot summer sun, crowded beaches, and long waits at restaurants. Prices for flights and hotels will also be at their peak. Make sure to make your room reservations several months in advance; dinner reservations in advance are also a must. This is also the time when you`ll get to experience Monaco at its liveliest.
Events and Festivals
– Monaco International Fireworks Festival (July – August)
– Concerts at the Prince`s Palace (July)- Summer Festival at Le Sporting Club (July – August)
– Monte Carlo Red Cross Gala Ball (August)
September – November
Autumn is a great time of year to visit Monaco when the average temperatures hover in the 60s and 70s. It is not as busy as the summer months when it can be over-run with tourists. This is also the time of year when room rates start to drop. However the possibilities for rain are a bit higher, especially in October and November, but if it rains, it is typically a downpour and then it clears up right away.
Events and Festivals
– Monaco Yacht Show (September – October)
– Monaco Classic Week (September)- Jazz Festival in Monte Carlo (November)
– Monte Carlo Gastronomy Fair (November)
– National Holiday/Fireworks (November 19)
December – March
This lavish country loses some of its luster between December and March, but you will save money if you choose to visit in the cooler winter offseason. The average temperature reaches into the 40s, so if you`re okay with the cooler weather, you`ll find there is still plenty to do. Most hotels and restaurants remain open, except for the beach restaurants, and many of the restaurants cut deals for their patrons during this slow time.
Events and Festivals
– Monaco Dance Forum (December, every two years)
– Christmas and New Year`s Festivities (December)
Tipping in Monaco
This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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In the U.S. tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette which is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades. In Monaco tipping is part of their culture as well, but not always expected. This can leave some travelers confused.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Euro?
The currency in Monaco is the Euro € and is the sole currency, US dollars are not accepted.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
In Monaco, restaurant bills usually already includes a 15% service charge and as such no additional tip is expected. However you should always check your bill, for the service charge whether it`s included or not, if not then a 15% tip is customary. It is normal to tip 15% at bars as well. You can tip the waiter directly or you could leave it on the table.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Tipping is a custom at hotels in Monaco and it will be expected for good service. Porters and valets should be tipped about 1-2 euros per bag. Also the housekeepers are usually tipped about 1 euro per day.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Taxi drivers are usually not tipped in Monaco, but if you were satisfied with the service a small tip is always appreciated.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tipping tour guides is optional and a nice gesture. We recommend tipping your tour guide around 10 – 15% of the package rate.
Spas and Salons: Is a tip required?
The customary tip in spas is about 10 – 15% of the amount of the service provided. Spa staffs in Monaco are well trained and professionals. Therefore, a tip is always a positive feedback. If you do tip, you can give directly to the staff after the service provided.
It is not customary to tip at salons in Monaco, but a tip is always appreciated. A 5 euros bank note is a common tip.
Top cities in Monaco
What to expect while traveling
