The Best Places to Visit in Monaco

A panoramic view of a busy harbor with numerous yachts and boats docked, overlooking a city with high-rise buildings and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Monaco is a tiny, sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, bordered by France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea on the fourth. It’s one of the smallest countries in the world, covering just under 2 square kilometers, and has a population of around 39,000 people, making it extremely densely populated. Despite its size, Monaco is world-famous for its wealth, luxury, and glamour. It’s a major hub for finance, tourism, and high-end events, especially the Formula 1 Grand Prix, which winds through its streets every year. It’s easy enough to reach by train and tourists exploring France’s stunning coast often make their way here.

Capital: Monaco
Currency: Euro
Language: French
When to visit: April to September

A grand ornate building with towers and statues in the background, landscaped gardens with green grass and colorful flowers in the foreground, and a large reflective spherical sculpture centered in front of the building that reflects the blue sky and clouds.

1) Monte-Carlo

Monte Carlo is the most famous district of Monaco, perched on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s the district of Monaco known for its luxury, fancy cars and high end shopping. The streets are lined with designer stores and nice walkable spaces offer you views of the sea.

Things to do:
Visit the Monte-Carlo casino and spot all the expensive cars which drive in and around (although you’ll see plenty on the street anyway). See the famous Monaco bend where the F1 drivers drive round. Walk round and soak in the high end feel of it all.

How to get there:
To get to Monaco, simply take a train from Nice.
The train will stop at the Monte-Carlo station.

A scenic view of a coastal city with a marina full of sailboats, surrounded by colorful buildings, lush greenery, and a cliff overlooking the ocean.

2) Le Rocher

Le Rocher, literally translating as ‘The Rock’ is Monaco’s Old Town and historic center. It sits on a rocky hill overlooking the Mediterranean and the port, and it feels much more ‘European’ compared to areas like Monte-Carlo.

Things to do:
Visit the Princes Palace, the Monaco Cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum. All are important historic sites as well as elegant pieces of architecture. Walking round you’ll feel the vibe of the Old Town.

How to get there:
To get to Monaco, simply take a train from Nice.
The train will stop at the Monte-Carlo station, from there you can walk to Le Rocher.

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