Things To Do
in Monaco
Monaco is a sovereign city-state located on the French Riviera in Western Europe, known for its lavish wealth, casinos, and as a playground for the rich and famous. Despite its small size, covering less than 2 square kilometers, it boasts a dense population that enjoys a high standard of living, majorly supported by tourism and its status as a tax haven.
It is also famed for hosting prestigious events like the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most renowned Formula One races in the world.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Au revoir" - Goodbye
- "Excusez-moi" - Excuse me
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $250 - $1000
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $30 - $150
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $7
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $75 - $200
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $50 - $150
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Prince's Palace to watch the changing of the guard. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Old Town.
Indulge in lunch at one of the local cafes, then head to the Oceanographic Museum to explore its stunning sea exhibits. Don't miss the panoramic views of the Mediterranean from the museum's terrace.
Wrap up your day with dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant and enjoy the vibrant night scene. You can also try your luck at the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Spend your morning soaking up the sun at Larvotto Beach. Grab a light breakfast at a beachside café to fuel your day.
Enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters or engage in some water activities such as paddleboarding. Have lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants for fresh seafood.
Watch the sunset over the horizon while sipping a cocktail at a beach bar. End your day with a beachside dinner, enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Low taxation: Monaco is known for its favorable tax regime, with no personal income tax for residents.
- High standard of living: The principality offers a luxurious lifestyle with high-end amenities and services.
- Safety and security: Monaco has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, making it a safe place to live.
- Beautiful location: Nestled on the French Riviera, Monaco boasts stunning Mediterranean views and a mild climate.
- Prestigious events: Monaco hosts numerous high-profile events, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo Casino.
- High cost of living: Living in Monaco can be very expensive, with high property prices and overall living expenses.
- Limited space: The small size of Monaco can lead to overcrowding and limited availability of housing.
- Exclusivity: The principality is known for being exclusive, which can create a sense of social division.
- Dependency on tourism: The economy of Monaco heavily relies on tourism, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in visitor numbers.
- Strict residency requirements: Gaining residency in Monaco can be challenging and may require substantial financial means.
Best Activities in Monaco
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a leisurely walk amidst beautiful rose varieties in this serene garden.
Discover unique plant species and geological formations in a stunning outdoor setting.
Experience breathtaking views while walking or hiking along the picturesque coastal paths.
Tours
Uncover the best of Monaco with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Monaco
Visit one of these nice places.
The Prince's Palace offers stunning views of the Monaco harbor and the surrounding area, providing excellent photo opportunities.
The iconic Monte Carlo Casino and its surrounding gardens offer beautiful views and great photo opportunities, especially at night when the area is illuminated.
The Jardin Exotique provides a picturesque setting with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city, making it a prime spot for photography.
Located just outside of Monaco, La Turbie offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Principality and the French Riviera, making it an ideal location for capturing stunning photographs.
Food in Monaco
Monaco Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular Monegasque dish, Barbajuan is a savory pastry filled with Swiss chard, spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan, then deep-fried to perfection. You can find this delicious dish in local bakeries and street food stalls.
Must-Try!
Socca is a thin, savory pancake made from chickpea flour, olive oil, and black pepper, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. It's commonly found at food markets and makes for a delightful street snack.
Stocafi is a traditional salted cod dish that's been a part of Monaco's culinary heritage for centuries. The cod is typically prepared with tomatoes, onions, and olive oil, creating a rich and hearty flavor. You can savor this local specialty in many of Monaco's authentic restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Monaco better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in the heart of Monaco, La Condamine Market offers a vibrant array of fresh produce, local cheeses, cured meats, and a plethora of street food options, including socca and barbajuan.
This bustling street is known for its lively food stalls and vendors, offering an assortment of street foods such as pan bagnat, a classic Niçoise sandwich, and fougasse, a delectable French bread.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Monaco, dressing elegantly is important, especially when visiting places like casinos, restaurants, and theaters. Wearing beachwear or overly casual attire in these settings may be seen as disrespectful.
When greeting people in Monaco, a handshake is the most common form of greeting. It is also polite to address people using their titles, such as 'Monsieur' or 'Madame', especially in formal settings.
Respecting the privacy of others is important in Monaco. Personal space and discretion are valued, and it's important to avoid intrusive questions or overly familiar behavior, especially with people one has just met.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Monaco with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Monaco
Ensure a smooth experience
In Monaco, tipping is not obligatory as a service charge is usually included in the bill. However, it is appreciated to round up the bill or leave a small amount of change as a gesture of appreciation for good service.
Payment in Monaco is predominantly done using credit or debit cards. It is widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels. Cash is also commonly used, especially for smaller transactions and in markets. It's important to note that while the official currency is the Euro, US dollars are also accepted in some establishments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Monaco.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Monaco as the weather is mild and the city comes to life with blooming flowers and cultural events. The Monaco Grand Prix in May is a major highlight during this season.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Monaco, with warm weather perfect for beach and outdoor activities. The city hosts the Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival and various yacht shows during this season.
Autumn brings milder temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a pleasant time to visit Monaco. The Monaco Yacht Show in September and the Monaco Classic Week in September/October are popular events during this season.
Winter in Monaco is relatively mild, with crisp, cool weather. The city is adorned with festive decorations, and visitors can enjoy the Christmas markets and the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival in November/December.
Monaco at Night
Hiking in Monaco
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking spot offering panoramic views of the French Riviera and Monaco. The trail features a mix of gentle slopes and steeper paths, suitable for various skill levels.
This scenic coastal hike around Cap Ferrat offers stunning sea views, beautiful villas, and tranquil beaches. It's a relatively easy walk perfect for families and casual hikers.
A challenging hike that rewards with breathtaking views over Monaco and the surrounding areas. The hike features steep ascents and rugged terrain, ideal for experienced hikers.
A coastal trail that connects Monaco with nearby beaches and offers dramatic cliffs and azure waters. It’s a moderate hike that can be enjoyed year-round.
This park offers a network of hiking trails with stunning views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding landscape. The trails vary in difficulty, making it suitable for all hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Monaco through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Monaco by plane.
Located approximately 30 kilometers from Monaco, this is the main international airport serving the French Riviera.
Situated around 40 kilometers from Monaco, this airport serves general aviation and some international flights.
About 150 kilometers from Monaco, this airport offers limited international flights, primarily serving regional destinations.
Located approximately 200 kilometers from Monaco, it serves international flights to various destinations in Europe.
Situated around 200 kilometers from Monaco, this airport offers a wide range of international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Citizens of Monaco, representing around 30% of the population.
The largest expatriate group, making up about 29% of the population, due to Monaco's proximity to France.
A significant demographic, comprising roughly 18% of the population, reflecting historical ties.
A notable community, constituting around 5% of the population, often drawn by the favorable tax laws.
A smaller but prominent group, making up about 2% of the population, attracted by quality of life.
Other expatriates from various countries accounting for the remaining population, including individuals from Russia, China, and the United States.
The Soul of Monaco
Discover the essence of Monaco through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Monaco is renowned for the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, held annually on its streets.
Yachting is a popular sport in Monaco, particularly with events like the Monaco Yacht Show and the Monaco Classic Week, attracting sailing enthusiasts from around the globe.
The Monte-Carlo Masters is a major tennis tournament that takes place annually, featuring many of the world’s top players.
AS Monaco FC is the city's professional football club, competing in Ligue 1, and is a significant part of the local sports culture.
Cycling is popular in the region, with various races and events, and a scenic terrain that attracts cyclists of all levels.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Monaco's dining scene is accommodating to vegetarian and vegan preferences, with many restaurants offering plant-based dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Visitors with gluten-free dietary needs will find various eateries in Monaco that provide gluten-free menu items, including pasta, bread, and desserts, ensuring a delectable dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Monaco with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Monaco.