Monaco may be the world’s second‑smallest country, but it’s packed with grand tales: a Genoese stronghold turned Grimaldi principality in 1297, a 19th‑century resurgence with the opening of the Casino, and a modern profile shaped by Formula 1, megayachts, and the Mediterranean sun. Today, its seven districts—from storied Monaco‑Ville to glitzy Monte‑Carlo—fit like a jewel box along steep cliffs and bright harbors.

Beyond the headlines, Monaco is a place of gardens, sea breezes, and everyday rituals: espresso at a sidewalk table, a morning market in La Condamine, and a sunset passeggiata along Port Hercule. Highlights include the Prince’s Palace, Saint Nicholas Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum, the Japanese Garden, and Larvotto Beach—plus the Grand Prix route you can actually walk.

Practical notes: The local currency is the euro; taps are safe; dress codes apply at certain venues (especially the Casino). Monaco is walkable with elevators and escalators linking hills; CAM buses and a solar boat shuttle connect neighborhoods. Spring and fall bring ideal weather; summer is festive and busy. Always carry photo ID for casino entry and cross‑border day trips.

Monaco (Monte‑Carlo)

Monaco is a single city‑state with distinct personalities by district: palace‑crowned “Le Rocher,” Belle Époque Monte‑Carlo, beachy Larvotto, marina‑lined Fontvieille, and bustling La Condamine by Port Hercule. Expect tiered streets, sparkling sea views, and a rare mix of royal pageantry and everyday Riviera life.

• Top sights: Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum, Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Casino de Monte‑Carlo, Opéra de Monte‑Carlo, Japanese Garden, Princess Grace Rose Garden, Port Hercule, Larvotto Beach.
• Food & drink: From market counters at Marché de la Condamine to fine dining at Le Louis XV—Alain Ducasse, cozy trattorie in Fontvieille, and sunset cocktails at Blue Gin or Le Bar Américain.
• Fun facts: Monaco’s Grand Prix circuit runs on regular streets; Monaco’s bus boat crosses Port Hercule in minutes; the country is about the size of New York’s Central Park.

Where to stay (curated picks + search):

• Iconic luxury: Hôtel de Paris Monte‑Carlo (Casino Square, home to Le Louis XV).
• Resort vibe + views: Fairmont Monte Carlo (rooftop pool, Nikki Beach in season, cliff‑edge sea views).
• Great value near old town: Hotel de France (walk to Monaco‑Ville and Port Hercule).
• Convenient and simple: Hotel Ambassador Monaco (near the Port and elevators up to the Rock).
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Monaco or apartment‑style stays on VRBO: Monaco.

Getting there & getting around:

• Fly into Nice (NCE). For flights within Europe, compare on Omio (flights). From outside Europe, check Kiwi.com or Trip.com (flights).
• Nice Airport to Monaco: taxi or rideshare 35–45 minutes; regional TER train from Nice‑Ville to Monaco‑Monte‑Carlo station runs ~25 minutes, €4–€7—book via Omio (trains in Europe). Local buses are also available via Omio (buses).
• Within Monaco: CAM buses (about €2 per ride), public lifts and escalators link elevations; the solar “Bateau Bus” crosses Port Hercule in ~3 minutes.

Featured tours and experiences in Monaco:

• Fascinating Monaco - Private Walking Tour — a tailored intro to the Palace quarter and Monte‑Carlo.

  

• Monaco & Monte‑Carlo: Classics & Hidden Gems - Walking & Boat — icons plus surprises, including the harbor boat.

  

• Monaco Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self‑Guided Tour — playful riddles lead you through the must‑sees.

  

• MONACO Shore Excursion: Private Tour French Riviera Highlights — a full‑day private outing to Eze, Antibes, Cannes and more.

  

Day 1: Arrival, Casino Square glow, and Riviera flavors

Morning: Travel day. If you’re flying within Europe, search fares to Nice (NCE) on Omio (flights); intercontinental options are on Kiwi.com or Trip.com. From Nice‑Ville, the TER train to Monaco takes ~25 minutes (~€4–€7) via Omio (trains).

Afternoon: Check in and freshen up. Make a first promenade around Casino Square; note the Belle Époque facades of the Casino and Hôtel de Paris. For a late lunch or coffee, the revamped Café de Paris serves Monegasque barbajuan and classic seafood platters with prime people‑watching.

Evening: Ease into Monaco with drinks at Le Bar Américain (live music, old‑school cocktails). For dinner, try COYA Monte‑Carlo (Peruvian plates, terrace views) or Em Sherif Monte‑Carlo (refined Levantine at Hôtel de Paris). If jet‑lagged, a gentler option is La Note Bleue on Larvotto Beach—feet‑in‑the‑sand vibes and Mediterranean comfort dishes.

Day 2: “Le Rocher”—Palace, Cathedral, and the Oceanographic Museum

Morning: Start with espresso and pastries at Le Teashop or Cova Monte‑Carlo. Then explore Monaco‑Ville’s alleys to Saint Nicholas Cathedral (tombs of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace). Continue to the Prince’s Palace; when open, tour the State Apartments (budget €10–€12; the Guard Change is typically late morning in season).

Afternoon: Lunch at Marché de la Condamine’s food hall—order socca, pissaladière, or stuffed vegetables at the counters, then grab a table under the awning. Spend the afternoon at the Oceanographic Museum (aquariums, Jacques Cousteau legacy; allow 2 hours; adult tickets ~€19). Cap with a stroll in the Saint‑Martin Gardens along the cliff.

Evening: Dine on the Rock: Castelroc (seasonal; try barbajuan and local fish) or U Cavagnetu (Monegasque specialties). For night views, descend via public lifts to Port Hercule for gelato and a harbor walk; the Bateau Bus crosses the marina in minutes.

Day 3: Monte‑Carlo icons, spa time, and a night at the Casino

Morning: Coffee at Mada One (by chef Marcel Ravin) before a guided visit or daytime “discovery” entry at the Casino de Monte‑Carlo (about €18 for the tour; bring photo ID). Peek into the Belle Époque Salle Garnier opera house next door if open.

Afternoon: Lunch at Pavyllon Monte‑Carlo (Yannick Alléno’s elegant, ingredient‑driven cuisine) or the lighter terrace menu at Hôtel Hermitage. Decompress at Thermes Marins Monte‑Carlo with a seawater pool and treatments, or browse One Monte‑Carlo and Métropole Shopping.

Evening: Dinner at Le Louis XV—Alain Ducasse (book well ahead) or Beefbar (prized cuts, crisp fries, and a lively room). Try your luck at the Casino after 8 p.m. (entry ~€18–€20; smart attire; no shorts/sportswear; passport/ID required). Nightcap at Buddha‑Bar (opulent lounge, DJ) or Blue Gin (sea‑facing terrace).

Day 4: Larvotto Beach day and hidden gems by land and sea

Morning: Wake with a swim at Larvotto Beach; rent a lounger or go DIY on the public stretch. Breakfast at La Note Bleue (smoothies, eggs, seaside tables) or Patisserie LAC for excellent viennoiseries and chocolates.

Afternoon: Join a curated small‑group experience that mixes classics with surprises—Monaco & Monte‑Carlo: Classics & Hidden Gems - Walking & Boat. You’ll cover Casino Square, lesser‑known lanes, and glide across Port Hercule on the solar boat.

Evening: Sunset apéritif at the Monte‑Carlo Beach bar (in season) or at the Fairmont’s rooftop. Dinner suggestions: Maya Bay (Thai/Japanese with theatrical presentation) or Maison des Pâtes counter back at the Condamine market for a relaxed, budget‑friendly pasta bowl.

Day 5: Fontvieille, rose gardens, and a playful city quest

Morning: Coffee and a croissant at Tip Top on Avenue des Spélugues, then bus to Fontvieille for the Princess Grace Rose Garden (best spring–early summer, but serene year‑round). Nearby, the harbor promenade is perfect for yacht‑spotting.

Afternoon: Lunch at La Saliere (classic Italian; order the vitello tonnato or a wood‑fired pizza) or Beefbar’s weekday set for value. Then explore at your own pace with the Monaco Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self‑Guided Tour—a fun way to connect dots between districts while uncovering stories.

Evening: For views and beats, Twiga serves dinner‑to‑dance energy; for a casual harbor night, La Rascasse pours live‑band sets by the circuit. Prefer quiet? Grab gelato and circle the Port on the flat “GP” section from the Swimming Pool chicane to La Rascasse.

Day 6: The Riviera beyond—private full‑day from Monaco

Make it a grand outing with a customizable private day that hits the Côte d’Azur’s greatest hits—Eze’s eagle‑nest lanes, Antibes’ ramparts and market, Cannes’ Croisette. Book the MONACO Shore Excursion: Private Tour French Riviera Highlights (about 7 hours; private guide/vehicle; pickup in Monaco). Expect cliff‑road panoramas and flexible stops for photos, perfumery visits, and coastline cafés.

DIY alternative: take the TER to Menton (11–15 minutes, ~€3.50) for lemon‑bright facades and gardens, or continue to Ventimiglia for its Italian market—both bookable on Omio (trains). Bring your passport for Italy.

Day 7: Grand Prix circuit stroll and farewell lunch

Morning: Breakfast at Marché de la Condamine (try cappuccino and warm focaccia). Walk the famous Monaco Grand Prix route on foot: from Sainte‑Dévote up to Casino Square, hairpin at Fairmont, tunnel, and along the harbor—expect 60–90 minutes with photo stops.

Afternoon: Time for last favorites. If the Jardin Exotique has reopened during your dates, the cactus‑clad cliff garden is spectacular; otherwise, linger in the Japanese Garden before departure. For a final meal, Café de Paris does a classic steak‑frites; or keep it light with Niçoise salad and grilled fish at a Larvotto beach restaurant. Transfer to Nice Airport by taxi (35–45 minutes) or TER via Omio.

Evening: Departure day—if you have a late flight, store bags and savor one last espresso in La Condamine while watching the harbor traffic ebb and flow.

Optional add‑ons and swaps

• Guided orientation: On Day 2, opt for the Fascinating Monaco - Private Walking Tour to layer history and anecdotes into the Palace quarter and Monte‑Carlo.

  

• Car lovers: The Prince of Monaco’s Car Collection at Port Hercule showcases rally and F1 legends (allow 60–90 minutes).
• Performing arts: Check for Opéra de Monte‑Carlo and Philharmonic concerts (smart casual to formal).

Wherever you stay, you can walk or bus to nearly everything, and elevators turn steep climbs into easy hops. For seamless rail and bus tickets across the Riviera, use Omio (trains) and Omio (buses).

In one compact week, you’ll have traced royal Monaco on the Rock, lounged at Larvotto, toured Monte‑Carlo’s grande dames, and sampled Riviera table culture from market counters to Michelin stars. Expect to leave with sun‑salted hair, a camera full of harbor light, and plans to return when the jacarandas bloom.