Western EuropeMonaco is a tiny, wealthy country on the Mediterranean Sea, beside the French Riviera. It is known for casinos, yachts, historic buildings and the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Why go
Explore the old streets of Monaco-Ville and visit the Prince's Palace.
See the grand rooms of the Monte Carlo Casino.
Visit the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium.
Watch luxury yachts in Port Hercule.
Enjoy gardens, coastal walks and views over the sea.
Getting there
By air
- Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is about 40 km from central Monaco. It has daily flights from many major European cities.
- Uber and Bolt offer rides from the airport to Monaco. For an airport taxi, agree on the fare first or make sure the meter is switched on when you leave.
- You can take a tram to Grand Arénas and change to a train for Monaco. The journey cost about €6 in March 2024.
By land
- Coastal trains connect Monaco with Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Menton and Ventimiglia. The source lists two to four services an hour.
- From Genoa or Milan, take a train to Ventimiglia and change for Monaco. Validate your ticket in a platform machine just before boarding.
- Monaco-Monte-Carlo is the country's only railway station. It is underground, about 300 m from Port Hercule, and its layout can be confusing.
By sea
- Private yachts can use Port Hercule or the Port of Fontvieille. Both ports are large and well equipped.
- Cruise ships call at Monaco, and some cruises start there. Large ships can often be seen entering or leaving Port Hercule.
Customs
- Monaco has open borders with France.
- You can queue for a passport stamp at the Mairie de Monaco, the city hall.
- A residence permit is needed for a stay longer than 90 days.
Getting around
Walking
Monaco-Ville has mostly pedestrian streets and passageways. Learning the city's shortcuts makes exploring easier. Maps are available for a small fee at many newsstands and shops. Luggage storage was reported as very difficult in September 2024. The railway station information desk displayed a sign saying none was available in the country.
Local buses
Local routes are numbered 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. Stops show route numbers and maps, and most have screens showing waiting times. Day services usually run from about 06:00 to 21:00. A circular night service runs from 22:00 to 04:00. Buy tickets on the bus, at stop machines or at participating shops and newsstands.
Car
Driving around Monaco can take longer than walking because of parking and heavy traffic. Street parking is limited, but parking garages are easy to find. The Monapass app shows availability. Rental companies have offices in Nice Airport and Monte Carlo. Drivers must have held a driving licence for at least a year, and payment is usually requested on the driver's credit card.
What to see and do
Monaco-Ville
Explore medieval streets, passageways and old houses. The area includes the palace, cathedral, Oceanographic Museum and Saint-Martin Gardens.
Prince's Palace
Take a self-paced tour with recorded commentary and enjoy views over the port and Monte Carlo. The changing of the guard takes place daily at 11:55 outside the main entrance.
Monte Carlo Casino
See richly decorated rooms with stained glass, paintings and sculptures. Morning sightseeing visits allow children and have a less strict dress code than gambling visits.
Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium
See marine collections, ship models and Mediterranean and tropical sea life. Buses 1 and 2 reach it from the railway station.
Saint Nicholas Cathedral
This church was built in 1875 and contains the remains of former Princes of Monaco and Princess Grace.
Prince of Monaco's Vintage Car Collection
Around 100 vehicles are displayed, ranging from carriages and old cars to Formula 1 racing cars.
Food and drink
Bouillabaisse
The source recommends this dish as something to try.
Café de Paris
A restaurant across the street from the casino that caters to visitors.
Port de Fontvieille restaurants
Waterfront restaurants offer another place to eat. Check menus before sitting down, as food in Monaco is generally expensive.
Restaurants away from the waterfront
Places used by locals are often a little farther inland. They often serve better food at lower prices.
Gerhard's Café
A down-to-earth pub and restaurant in Fontvieille serving southern German and Austrian food.
Champagne
Champagne has the status of a national drink. A glass can cost as much as €40 at a fashionable restaurant.
Money
Euro (EUR)
- Cash machines are common, and currency exchange is widely available.
- Check restaurant menus before entering, as even simple meals can be expensive.
- Restaurants away from the waterfront often offer lower prices. Restaurant prices are also slightly lower in winter.
- Monaco's euro coins are issued in limited quantities and can make souvenirs.
Typical costs
- Even basic meals often cost over €20–30.
- A glass of champagne can cost as much as €40 at a fashionable restaurant.
- The Prince's Palace entry was listed at €10 in July 2025.
- The Oceanographic Museum entry was listed at €19 in January 2024.
- A morning visit to the Monte Carlo Casino was listed at €17 in January 2025.
- The source lists local bus tickets at €2 on board or €1.50 from shops and machines. Its €5.50 daily-pass price dates from 2016.
Language
- French is the official and most widely used language.
- English is widely understood.
- Italian, German and Russian are also commonly spoken.
- Monegasque is the historic local language, but it is rarely used outside official documents and street signs.
Staying safe
- Monaco has very little street crime and a strong police presence.
- Pickpocketing can occur during the Formula 1 Grand Prix and major football matches.
- Public areas have extensive camera surveillance. Disorder can bring a quick police response.
- Watch your food when eating outdoors, as seagulls may swoop down and steal it.
Local customs
Do
- Recognise Monaco as a separate country with its own history and culture.
- Ask politely for directions or other help.
Don't
- Do not casually treat Monaco and France as the same country, as this may cause offence.
Staying healthy
- Tap water is safe to drink.
Phone and internet
- Monaco Telecom is not covered by European Union roaming rules. Even a French mobile plan may charge extra for use in Monaco.
- Check whether your mobile plan includes Monaco before travelling. Some operators include it in their usual home rates.
- Before arriving, stop your phone from automatically choosing the strongest network. Consider switching off mobile data while roaming.
- The source reports full coverage by 5G, the fifth generation of mobile networks.
Outdoor adventures in Monaco
Monaco is a tiny, entirely urban country on the Mediterranean coast. Its outdoor options include nearby hikes, garden walks and a guided cave visit, with scenic helicopter flights along the Côte d’Azur.
Monaco to Carnoles coastal path
HikeCap-Martinnear Monte-Carlo
About 2 hoursWalk from Monte-Carlo around Cap-Martin to Carnoles train station. Return to Monaco by train. Bus 100 is also listed as a return option.
Tête de Chien
HikeNear Monaconear Monaco
Hike up Tête de Chien for views over Monaco. Driving up is also an option.
Jardin Exotique grotto guided tour
Cavenear Monaco
About 25 minutesTake bus 2 from the train station or the Oceanographic Museum to Jardin Exotique. Join a scheduled guided cave tour, listed as starting on the hour.
- The cave visit involves stairs equivalent to about six storeys.
Jardin Exotique plant walk
More to doBoulevard du Jardin Exotiquenear Monaco
Take bus 2 from the train station or the Oceanographic Museum. Explore the garden on foot.
- Cost: Listed entry: €7.20; €3.80 for students and visitors under 16.
Côte d’Azur scenic helicopter flight
More to doCôte d’Azurnear Monaco
10–30 minutesArrange a scenic flight with Monacair or Héli Air Monaco. The listed address is Avenue des Ligures.
- Cost: Listed prices: from €390 for 10 minutes to €900 for 30 minutes, per helicopter with 6 passengers.
Airports, metros and trains in Monaco
Trains
- Rail network
- 1.7 km
- Electrified
- 1.7 km
People and safety in Monaco
Religion
Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.
- Christian86%
- No religion12%
- Jewish2%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal
- Same-sex couples can form civil unions, but not marry.
- Some laws protect against discrimination.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 93 of 198 countries can visit Monaco easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required93
- Visa required105
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Europe43 of 45 countries
- Americas26 of 35 countries
- Oceania10 of 14 countries
- Asia12 of 50 countries
- Africa2 of 54 countries
Questions
Is Monte Carlo the capital of Monaco?
No. Monte Carlo is a district within Monaco, known for business and entertainment.
Can I reach Monaco without driving?
Yes. Coastal trains serve Monaco-Monte-Carlo station, and buses connect Monaco with Nice and Menton.
Is Monaco expensive?
Yes. Even basic meals often cost over €20–30, and luxury shops and nightlife can be very expensive.
Will people understand English?
English is widely understood. French is the official and most commonly used language.
What do I need to enter the Monte Carlo Casino?
Bring your passport for a gambling visit. The source describes a strict dress code requiring men to wear coats and ties, with casual shoes forbidden.
Are there activities for children?
The aquarium and tourist train are options. Children can also enter the casino during its morning sightseeing visits.
Is Monaco safe to visit?
Monaco has very little street crime and a strong police presence. Pickpocketing can still occur during major sporting events.
Can I drink the tap water?
Yes. Tap water is safe to drink.
Will my European mobile plan work without extra charges?
Do not assume it will. Monaco is outside European Union roaming rules, so check your plan and phone network settings before arriving.
Can I use French stamps to send a postcard from Monaco?
No. Mail sent from Monaco needs Monaco stamps, which are available through its postal service.
Reviewed by @snuck