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Monaco travel guide
Glamorous casinos, superyachts and Riviera sunshine.
Monaco is a tiny city-state on the French Riviera, ruled by the Grimaldi family. It is famous for the Monte Carlo Casino, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and its harbour full of yachts.
Travel tools
Getting there
The nearest airport is Nice Côte d'Azur in France, with buses, trains and helicopter transfers to Monaco. Monaco's station lies on the scenic coastal railway linking Nice, Menton and Italy.
Best time to visit: Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct – warm and sunny; May for the Grand Prix.
Tougher months: No bad time – winter is mild and quieter, though some beach venues close and rain is more likely in autumn.
Weather by month in Monaco
- 13°J●
- 13°F●
- 15°M●
- 17°A●
- 21°M●
- 24°J
- 27°J
- 27°A
- 24°S●
- 21°O●●
- 16°N●●
- 14°D●
Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).
Time zone: Europe/Paris. Compare with your local time.
Visas: in our passport dataset, 93 of 198 other passports can enter Monaco without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 0 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 105 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.
Background: Visa policy of the Schengen Area (Wikipedia).
Source and more: Monaco travel facts on RoamSun
Stay
Most trips to Monaco are based around Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher), Monte Carlo or Port Hercule. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.
Typical daily budget: about US$120–170 for a backpacker and US$300–550 mid-range, per person.
Source: RoamSun Monaco page · Browse hotel guides
Connect
Plug types: C, E, F. Voltage: 230 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.
Calling code: +377.
Mobile data: read the eSIM for Europe before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.
Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun
Do
- Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher) (Old town · palace): The historic heart of Monaco on a rocky headland, home to the palace, cathedral and museum.
- Monte Carlo (Glamour district · casino): Famous for its casino, luxury boutiques, gardens and grand hotels.
- Port Hercule (La Condamine · harbour): The bustling main harbour, with yachts, cafés and a local market nearby.
- Oceanographic Museum (Monaco-Ville · museum): A magnificent building and aquarium founded by Prince Albert I.
- Exotic Garden (Moneghetti · garden & caves): Cliffside cactus gardens with views and caves that hold traces of prehistoric life.
- Fontvieille (Reclaimed district · gardens): A quieter district with the Princess Grace Rose Garden and a pleasant marina.
- Larvotto (East · beach): Monaco's public beach area, ideal for a swim and seaside lunch.
Things to do
- Watch the changing of the guard. Catch the daily ceremony at the Prince's Palace just before noon, with sweeping views over the harbour.
- Explore the Oceanographic Museum. Discover a stunning aquarium and maritime collections in a cliff-top palace overlooking the sea.
- Step into Casino Square. Admire the belle époque Casino de Monte-Carlo and the parade of supercars outside.
- Walk the Grand Prix circuit. Trace the famous street circuit through the tunnel, past the harbour and around the hairpin.
- Wander old Monaco-Ville. Stroll pastel-coloured lanes on the Rock and visit the cathedral where Princess Grace is buried.
- Admire the Exotic Garden. See giant cacti and succulents clinging to the cliffs with panoramic views over the coast.
- Swim at Larvotto Beach. Relax on Monaco's public beach with calm waters and views of superyachts.
- Stroll Port Hercule. Walk along the harbour lined with some of the world's most impressive yachts.
Source: full Monaco guide on RoamSun
Eat and drink
- Barbagiuan – fried pastry filled with chard and ricotta
- Socca – thin chickpea pancake
- Fougasse monégasque – sweet bread with orange flower and aniseed
- Stocafi – dried cod stewed in tomato sauce
Source: RoamSun Monaco guide
Money and safety
Currency: Euro (EUR). Currency and plug checker.
Tipping: Service is included; 5–10% extra for great service.
Emergency numbers: 112 general · 17 police · 18 fire & ambulance.
- Monaco uses the euro, though it is not part of the European Union.
- Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, and ATMs are easy to find.
- Monaco is very safe, with a large police presence and cameras throughout.
- Watch for pickpockets on crowded trains to and from Nice, especially in summer.
Source: RoamSun Monaco facts
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Monaco?
Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct – warm and sunny; May for the Grand Prix. Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
What time zone is Monaco in?
Monaco uses Europe/Paris.
Do I need a visa for Monaco?
It depends on your passport. In our dataset 93 of 198 other passports can enter without a prior visa, 0 need an e-visa or eTA and 105 need a visa in advance. Use the visa checker and confirm with the official government source.
What plug and voltage does Monaco use?
Monaco uses plug type C, E, F at 230 V. Check whether your devices are dual-voltage before you plug in.
What is the calling code for Monaco?
The international calling code for Monaco is +377.
Do you tip in Monaco?
Service is included; 5–10% extra for great service.
What is the emergency number in Monaco?
112 general · 17 police · 18 fire & ambulance.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Monaco?
Traffic drives on the right.