Monaco may be tiny—less than a square mile—but it’s layered with centuries of history and Riviera allure. The Grimaldi dynasty has ruled since 1297, and you’ll feel that legacy around the Prince’s Palace and Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Yet steps away are gleaming superyachts, Formula 1 corners, and Belle Époque palaces that made Monte‑Carlo a byword for high society.

In two days, you can savor both sides: the cliff‑top old town of Monaco‑Ville and the modern theater of Casino Square, the hairpin bends you’ve seen on TV, and serene gardens where Princess Grace once strolled. Expect refined cuisine—barbajuans and pissaladière at the market, Michelin‑starred tasting menus at night—and coastal vistas at every turn.

Practical notes: Monaco has no airport; most travelers fly into nearby Nice (about 30–45 minutes away) and continue by train, bus, or car. The compact size means you’ll mostly walk or use local buses and elevators/escalators that stitch the rock together. Dress codes can apply at certain venues (especially the Casino and fine‑dining rooms), so smart casual is your friend.

Monaco (Monte‑Carlo, Monaco‑Ville, La Condamine, Fontvieille)

Monte‑Carlo is theater: Belle Époque façades, the legendary Casino de Monte‑Carlo, and a square where the soundtrack is soft V12. Beneath the gloss lie cultural gems—the Opéra de Monte‑Carlo, sculpture‑lined promenades, and the Japanese Garden’s quiet ponds.

Monaco‑Ville (Le Rocher) is the soul: medieval lanes leading to the Prince’s Palace, the Oceanographic Museum perched like a cliff‑top ship, and the white‑stone Cathedral where Princess Grace rests. Down the hill, La Condamine’s market is where you’ll nibble authentic barbajuans and people‑watch with a café crème.

Fontvieille, reclaimed from the sea, brings a marina mood: the Prince’s car collection, waterside oyster bars, and the rose garden dedicated to Princess Grace. Everywhere, you’ll spot pieces of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit—stand on the Fairmont Hairpin or time your steps through the tunnel like a driver.

Where to stay (handpicked):

• Hôtel de Paris Monte‑Carlo (iconic, steps from the Casino; home to Le Louis XV): Check availability
• Fairmont Monte Carlo (rooftop pool, Nikki Beach in season, overlooking the Grand Prix hairpin): Check availability
• Hotel de France (excellent value near La Condamine Market; comfortable, simple rooms): Check availability
• Hotel Ambassador Monaco (solid mid‑range near Port Hercule; easy to reach Monaco‑Ville): Check availability
• Compare more stays on Hotels.com: Monaco hotel deals | Apartments and villas on VRBO: Browse Monaco vacation rentals

How to get there:

• Fly to Nice (NCE). For flights within or to/from Europe, compare on Omio. Travelers from outside Europe can also check Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Nice Airport to Monaco: TER train via Nice‑Ville to Monaco‑Monte‑Carlo (≈20–25 min from Nice‑Ville; €4–€8—search schedules on Omio Trains). Airport express bus takes ≈45–60 min (budget ~€22). Taxi/private transfer ≈€90–€140 depending on time/traffic; helicopter ≈7 minutes (premium pricing).

Day 1: Casino Square, Seaside Strolls, and Monte‑Carlo by Night

Morning: Travel to Monaco. If you arrive early, drop bags and grab an espresso and flaky viennoiserie at Mada One (One Monte‑Carlo)—a chic bakery‑café known for creative “snackonomique” bites. Prefer a grand setting? The terrace at Café de Paris serves classic French pastries with a front‑row view of Casino Square.

Afternoon: Check in, then orient yourself around Place du Casino. Admire the Opéra de Monte‑Carlo and Hôtel de Paris façades, then walk to the famed Fairmont Hairpin for a photo on the Monaco Grand Prix circuit. Cross to the Japanese Garden for koi ponds, a tea house, and Riviera tranquility before golden hour.

Make your first hours count with a guided introduction:

Featured tour: Fascinating Monaco - Private Walking Tour

This private walk covers Prince’s Palace exteriors, the Cathedral, and panoramic viewpoints while your guide weaves Monaco’s stories—from the Grimaldis to the Grand Prix. It’s a sharp, efficient way to learn the lay of the land on Day 1.

Evening: Start with apéritifs at Le Bar Américain (live jazz most nights; old‑school Riviera glamour). For dinner, pick your flavor: Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse (three Michelin stars, Mediterranean terroir, tasting menus that spotlight Riviera produce), Pavyllon Monte‑Carlo by Yannick Alléno (precise, contemporary plates; counter seating available), or Maya Bay (Thai and Japanese, dramatic decor, excellent curries and sushi). Casual pick: Tip Top (long‑running brasserie for thin‑crust pizza and steak frites a block from the Casino).

Night owls can drift to Buddha‑Bar Monte‑Carlo (lounge beats and cocktails in a theatrical space) or La Rascasse on the harbor (live bands/DJs; an institution during Grand Prix week). If it’s summer, check whether Nikki Beach atop the Fairmont is open for a late drink by the pool.

Day 2: Monaco‑Ville, Oceanographic Wonders, Market Lunch, and Fontvieille Finale

Morning: Head up to Monaco‑Ville (Le Rocher). Tour the Prince’s Palace State Apartments (sumptuous ceremonial rooms; plan around the changing of the guard near noon—typically 11:55 am, seasonal variations). Step into the serene Saint Nicholas Cathedral to see the tombs of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. Then give yourself at least 90 minutes at the Oceanographic Museum—its aquariums, sea‑turtle care center, and rooftop terrace explain why Cousteau called it home for decades.

Prefer to explore at your own pace with gamified clues? Try this self‑guided option around the old town:

Featured activity: Monaco Old Town Scavenger Hunt & Self Guided Walking Audio Tour

It’s a fun way to uncover hidden viewpoints and historic nuggets while moving at exactly your pace—ideal if museums aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Afternoon: Descend to La Condamine Market for a local lunch. Grab a stool at the food hall counters for Monegasque specialties: hot, crisp barbajuans (chard‑and‑ricotta fritters), onion‑sweet pissaladière, and a tuna‑packed pan bagnat. For dessert, seek gelato at Gelatorino near the port.

Walk the harbor along Port Hercule, then continue to Fontvieille. Car lovers shouldn’t miss the Collection of Cars of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco—race machines, classics, and royal limousines displayed with context from Monaco’s motoring history. If the sea is calling, pause at Les Perles de Monte‑Carlo for oysters and a glass of white by the water. Stroll the Princess Grace Rose Garden for a fragrant, reflective coda.

Flying out of Nice this afternoon? Book a stress‑free ride straight from your hotel or the port:

Departure transfer: Private Luxury Transport from Monaco to Nice Airport

(Professional driver, door‑to‑door; pricing varies by group size and time of day.) Alternatively, take the TER back to Nice‑Ville (≈20–25 min; €4–€8—check departures on Omio Trains) and connect to the airport tram.

Evening: If you’re lingering one more night, book a table by the water. Try COYA Monte‑Carlo (seasonal; Peruvian‑Nikkei plates, pisco cocktails) or Blue Bay (two Michelin stars at Monte‑Carlo Bay Hotel; Caribbean‑Mediterranean flavors by chef Marcel Ravin). For something intimate in Monaco‑Ville, Castelroc serves roasted fish and local specialities overlooking the palace square. Wrap up with a twilight walk to Fort Antoine for sweeping views across the Riviera.

Coffee, snacks, and easy bites you’ll love:

• Mada One: creative pastries, brioche “mad buns,” and quick, chef‑designed lunches.
• Cova Monte‑Carlo: Milanese institution for cappuccinos, cannoli, and delicate cakes.
• Le Teashop (Monaco‑Ville): tea salon with house cakes and a cozy mid‑morning pause after the Palace.
• La Condamine Market counters: affordable, authentic Monegasque/Niçois staples perfect for a fast, flavorful lunch.

Getting out and onward: For flights within/to Europe, compare fares and schedules on Omio. Intercontinental options are easy to search via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. For rail around the Riviera (Italy to France and back), use Omio Trains to see real‑time TER and cross‑border options.

In two compact days, you’ll have traced the Grand Prix line, stood before princely heritage, and tasted the Riviera from market stool to Michelin star. Monaco packs an outsized punch—history on a rock, sea at your feet, and a glittering city that hums well after sunset.