Guide to Monaco

Tourist information website.

The sole operator of regular helicopter transfers between Nice Airport and the Monaco Heliport. After collecting your luggage at the Nice airport, present yourself at the Monacair reception desks (in terminals 1 and 2). A ground crew will carry your luggage and drive you to the heliport. The flight along the coast is beautiful and only lasts 8 minutes. When arriving at the Monaco heliport along the water's edge, a chauffeur will take you directly to your hotel. When leaving Monaco, a partnership with airlines allows for a direct transfer to the boarding gate with your cabin luggage. Check with the company if these benefits are applicable to your airline.

The principality's only railway station and operated by the French railway company SNCF. It is about 300 m back from Port Hercule, the layout is somewhat confusing as the station has been built underground with an adjacent huge parking garage - the main entrance is by elevator from "above". There are ticket vending machines and few food outlets, including a Starbucks.

Monaco's official bike rental scheme. Credit card and mobile data needed.

Rents out e-Bikes and road bikes

Rental of e-Bikes.

The Monte Carlo Casino is a gambling and entertainment complex which includes a casino, the Opéra de Monaco, and the office of Les Ballets de Monte Carlo. Owned and operated by the Société des bains de mer de Monaco (SBM), a public company in which the Monaco government and the ruling family have a majority interest. The company also owns the principal hotels, sports clubs, foodservice establishments, and nightclubs throughout Monaco. If your wallet permits it, try your luck in the Grand Casino and gamble alongside the world's richest and often most famous. You'll need your passport to enter (as Monégasque citizens are prohibited from gambling at the casino, though they can work there), and the fees for entry range enormously depending on what room you are going to; often from €30 up into the hundreds. The dress code inside is extremely strict: men are required to wear coats and ties, and casual shoes are forbidden. The gaming rooms themselves are spectacular, with stained glass, paintings, and sculptures everywhere. It is possible to enter the casino as a guest from 10:00-13:00 for €17. The casino is not open for business at that time of day but visitors are provided with a half-hour audioguide and are permitted to walk freely through the premises. Minors are also allowed entry at this time too, and the dress code is less strictly enforced.

The Monaco Opera House or "Salle Garnier" was built by the famous architect Charles Garnier. The auditorium of the opera house is decorated in red and gold and has frescoes and sculptures all around the auditorium. Looking up to the ceiling of the auditorium, the visitor will be blown away by the superb paintings. The opera house is flamboyant but at the same time very beautiful. There have been some of the most superior international performances of ballet, opera and concerts held in the opera house for more than a century; consider taking in a show during your visit although it is expensive.

Take a walk through Monaco-Ville, also known as “Le Rocher” or “The rock.” Monaco-Ville is still a medieval village at heart and an astonishingly picturesque site. It is made up almost entirely of pedestrian streets and passageways and most previous-century houses still remain. There a number of hotels, restaurant and souvenir shops tourists can stay, eat and shop at. You can also visit the Prince's Palace, the Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum, the City Hall and the Saint Martin Gardens.

The Palais Princier is in old Monaco-Ville and is worth a visit. There are self-paced, audio-guided tours of the palace. The palace also offers a breathtaking panoramic view overlooking the Port and Monte-Carlo. Everyday at 11:55, in front of the Palace's main entrance visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony performed by the "Carabiniers". “Carabiniers” are not only in charge of the princes’ security but they offer him a guard of honor and on special occasions, are his escorts. The “Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince” has a military band (Fanfare), which performs at public concerts, official occasions, sports events and international military music festivals.

The Monaco Cathedral was built in 1875 and stands on the site of a 13th-century earlier church. It is a Romanesque-Byzantine church dedicated to Saint Nicolas and houses the remains of former Princes of Monaco and Princess Grace. The church square also contains some of Monaco-Ville's finest restaurants.

Beautiful park along the ridge at the southern end of Le Rocher.

The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium is a world-renowned attraction. Located 279 above sea level, the museum contains stunning collections of marine fauna, numerous specimens of sea creatures (stuffed or in skeleton form), models of Prince Albert’s laboratory ships, and craft ware made from the sea’s natural products. On the ground floor, exhibitions and film projections are presented daily in the conference room. In the basement, visitors can watch spectacular shows of marine flora and fauna. With 4,000 species of fish and over 200 families of invertebrates, the aquarium is now an authority on the presentation of the Mediterranean and tropical marine ecosystem. Lastly, visitors can have lunch in “La Terrasse” and visit the museum gift shop. The entrance fee depends on the month of the visit. Students can get discount by showing valid student ID. You need to take bus number 1 or 2 from the Monaco Monte Carlo train station to reach this aquarium.

For any car enthusiast this is the place to go. There is everything, from carriages and old cars to Formula 1 race cars. Around 100 vehicles are on display here.

A museum about the postal history of the principality. It contains a display of Monegasque money dating back to 1640. Also contains a shop which sells the latest issues of postage stamps, commemorative items and coin sets.

The Jardin Exotique is one of the many gardens Monaco has to offer. It is also one of Monaco’s finest tourist attractions. Several thousand rare plants from around the world are presented in a walking tour that is quite memorable for the views as well as the flora and plants. Due to the rise in altitude, not only are there many displays of desert plants but there are a handful of subtropical flora displays as well. There is also a grotto that has scheduled guided tours. The tour starts at the beginning of every hour and lasts for around 25 minutes. In the cave, you will have to climb the stairs equivalent to around a 6-storey building. You need to take bus number 2 to reach this Garden. You can take this bus either from the train station or from the Oceanographic Museum.

Founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier and presided over by Prince Albert II since 1984, the Yacht Club de Monaco brings together more than 1200 members from 60 nationalities. Many of the world’s most prestigious private yachts fly the Yacht Club de Monaco’s burgee, testimony to its unique position on the international yachting scene. The new building designed by Lord Foster is in the heart of Port Hercule, in front of the YCM Marina. The YCM Gallery is a new area open to the public.

The second oldest district in Monaco, after Monaco-Ville. Here you can stop and marvel at the many luxurious yachts and cruise ships which usually adorn the docks in the marina. La Condamine is a thriving business district where you can visit the Condamine Market and the Rue Princesse Caroline pedestrian street. With enjoyable landscaped areas and modern buildings, La Condamine is surely worth a visit.

The Grimaldi Forum is the Monaco convention centre. Completed in 2000, the sun filled building on the sea has a remarkable glass entrance, two convention restaurants, an auditorium for ballet and opera, and two more auditoriums for meetings and other affairs. The Forum also offers two large exhibition halls that can be used for trade shows or other exhibitions. It is also a short walking distance from surrounding hotels.

The winner of the "Golden Foot" football player of the year award leaves a permanent mould of his footprints here.

The garden is 0.7 hectares in size, and features a stylised mountain, hill, waterfall, beach, brook, and a Zen garden for meditation. The garden was designed by Yasuo Beppu, the winner of the Flower Exhibition of Osaka 1990, as a miniature representation of Shintoist philosophy.

Art exhibition in one of the last Belle Epoque villas in Monaco.

Art exhibition at the second location of the New National Museum.

Find all types of luxury outlets and marvel at the nice architecture of the residential buildings. To rent an apartment here can cost up to €220,000 per month.

Beautiful chapel from the 17th century. In Monegasque tradition, the bride of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco lays her bridal bouquet at the chapel after the wedding ceremony. The first curve in Formula 1 is named after the chapel.

Monaco's streets hosts the best known Formula 1 Grand Prix. It is also one of Europe's premier social highlights of the year. The Automobile Club of Monaco (ACM) organizes this spectacular race each year in late May, with the next on 4-6 June 2027. The Grand Prix is 78 laps around 3.34 kilometers of Monte Carlo's most narrow and twisted streets. The main attraction of the Monaco Grand Prix is the proximity of the speeding Formula One cars to the race spectators. The thrill of screaming engines, smoking tires and determined drivers also makes the Monaco Grand Prix one of the most exciting races in the world. There are more than 37,000 seats available for sale on the circuit for a ticket on race day. Monaco residents often rent out their terraces for the event. During the rest of the year (except during the Historic Grand Prix and the ePrix; see below), it is possible to walk around the circuit. Tourist office maps have the route clearly marked on their maps, although devotees won't need them! For those who can afford it, you can also take a ride around the track in a performance car.

The famous Grand Prix isn't the only race on Monaco's streets. The ACM also organizes the Historic Grand Prix, held two weeks before the Grand Prix in even-numbered years, featuring a series of seven races that spotlight historic Formula 1 cars from all eras from pre-World War II to 1980. The races use a shortened version of the famous circuit, and tickets are less expensive than those for the Grand Prix.

In odd-numbered years, the Historic Grand Prix is replaced by the Monaco ePrix, also organized by ACM and part of the international Formula E series. If you enjoy auto racing but can't handle the engine noise, this is the racing series for you—Formula E cars are electric. Since 2021 the cars race on the same circuit as the F1 cars.

This extraordinary circus festival takes place every year in January. The world's best performers in their field take part.

This tournament is held end of April each year at the Monte Carlo Country Club just outside of Monaco in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Rafael Nadal is the record holder.

An exhibition, which features luxury aircraft, automobile, banking, boat, footwear, handbag, jewellery, real estate and wine products. The exhibition itself is less of an attraction than what actually happens on the street during the show. People bring their tuned sports cars from all over Europe to drift and rev their cars on the streets while being photographed by hundreds of car spotters. Held every third week of April each year.

Maybe the most famous rallying event in the world. The stages of the rally run in the area around Monaco and the French Riviera. The cars gather on the day before the first stage in the "tire fitting zone" at Casino Square. Held every year in late January.

Held every year in September at Port Hercules this is considered one of the biggest superyacht shows in the world with around 130 boats on display. Walk along the harbourfront on the blue carpet and marvel at yachts with a combined net worth of about US$3 billion.

Attracts some of the best riders in the world. The course is considered very tight and challenging.

Enjoy one of the most spectacular views over Monaco. Another nice place nearby with an extraordinary panorama can be found right north of the "Fort de la Tête de Chien". A big chunk of the Formula 1 track can be seen from this viewpoint. Equipped with binoculars it is the most economical and special way to see the Grand Prix live.

A beautiful walk with splendid views towards Monaco. It takes roughly 2 hours from Monte-Carlo to circle Cap-Martin and finally reach Carnoles train station, where you can catch a train back to Monaco. An alternative to go back is by bus number 100. The overall distance is about 9 km.

Fun tourist trains make daily tours all over Monaco. You will visit the Monaco Port, Monte-Carlo and its Palaces, the famous Casino and its gardens, the Old Town for City Hall and finally the royal Prince’s Palace. Commentaries are in English, Italian, German, French and another 8 languages. This enjoyable tour runs about 30 minutes long without the possibility to leave the train.

In the summer time, Monte-Carlo is illuminated with dazzling concerts at the exclusive Salle des Etoiles, which lies within the Sporting complex. It has featured such artist as Natalie Cole, Andrea Bocelli, the Beach Boys, Lionel Richie and Julio Iglesias. The club also hosts a small casino which includes basic casino games. With no one under the age of 18, the rate per person is €20.

They play soccer in Ligue 1, the French top tier, and often qualify for European tournaments. Their Stade Louis II (capacity 18,500) is on reclaimed land on the southern border of Monaco: one of a select few where a wayward shot on goal might see the ball land in another country. Monaco doesn't field a national team.

Watch a movie in Europe's largest outdoor cinema. The unique setting high above the Mediterranean Sea makes the experience very special. Every evening during the summer a different movie is played.

Monacair and Héli Air Monaco offer scenic flights along the Côte d’Azur.

An 11 km long walk on which you can retrace the work of Princess Grace in the Principality with help of 24 signboards along the way. Start point is in front of Stade Louis II.

80 shops in a beautiful ambient. The chandeliers are amazing.

Located on the exclusive avenue of des Beaux-Arts, this is one of only a handful of Fred boutiques in the world. An official jeweller of Monaco's royal family and a favorite of celebrities, you may not be able to afford much in this boutique, but it's worth a jaw dropping visit. If you go to Monte Carlo, you shouldn't miss this.

Opened by Princess Grace in the 1960s, visitors still come for the best in souvenirs. Choose from hand-carved frames and mirrors, ceramics, homewares and toys. Prices are moderate and all proceeds go to local charities.

High end cigar and cigarette store, where you are assisted by staff that know their product well.

Award-winning speciality shop that offers superb hand woven tapestries and carpets.

Try the typical food of the region. Socca (chickpea pancakes) for €3 and Pissaladière (caramelized onion and anchovy tart) for €2 (Aug 2020). The Monégasque speciality Barbajuan, which is a kind of fritter stuffed with spinach and other ingredients, can be bought in the shop to the right of Chez Roger's.

Good quality pizza. Topped pizzas from €11, pizza lunch menu for €11.50 (August 2019).

Brilliant Italian pizzas and great service. They also have a rotisserie corner with a wide choice. For real honest good food in Monaco here is the place to go.

Yummy pizzas. The dough and the filling is quite exceptional. The service is with a smile and you can even eat quietly on the tables on the terrace on the pedestrian street.

Good fresh made pasta with best Service. The pasta, gnocchi and ravioli are very good, the sauces varied and well cooked. You will only find extraordinarily delicious takeaway products here. And the welcome is always warm.

The nerve centre of Monte Carlo, where people go to see and be seen, buzzing with the feel of old time Monte Carlo, circa early 1900s. Menu items change frequently, as do the waiters, who seem intent on rushing patrons through their meals. For people-watching, you could try a diet Coke for €6, glass of beer for €14 and ice cream for €16 (June 2017). Reservations to dine are recommended.

Quality cuts of beef on offer, attached with high, though surprisingly worthwhile price tag. Small cups on puree are available for the meat, though an additional cup (one is far too small), costs €8.5 (Aug 2020). Wine selections are paired perfectly with the red meat. Chic atmosphere and the staff are extremely attentive.

Good pizza and pasta as well as other dishes. Try the delicious "Farandole Monégasque", a sampler plate of local Monégasque dishes. Vegetarian options.

In one of the finest hotels in the world, run by one of the finest chefs in the world (Alain Ducasse) this Michelin 3-star rated restaurant serves dining perfection among luxurious glitterati. The level of sophistication for all dishes is hard to be surpassed, the sea bass with Italian artichokes regularly reaches a score of 19/20 by restaurant critics. The restaurant contains the world's largest wine cellar: 250,000 bottles of wine (many priceless) stashed in a rock cave. Reservations are essential, as are jacket and tie for men.

Although often overlooked by the famed Louis XV, look above to the Hotel de Paris' rooftop for its equally elegant contender. Less intimidating than the Ducasse citadel downstairs, Le Grill offers every imaginable sort of grilled fish, and meat that come from the nearby Alps. The selection of 600,000 wines are the perfect accompaniment to every dish, and the service is impeccable. Dining on the rooftop affords you stunning, panoramic views of Monte Carlo, and in the summer, a blanket of starry sky.

The ultimate night club in Monaco (it's not actually in Monte Carlo), the famed Jimmy'z is frequented by royalty and the uber-rich, which isn't a surprise considering some of the hefty price tags, a beer will cost you upwards of €26. If you are not willing to afford it, there are other clubs to go to. There are two entrances: one, two floors down in Le Sporting Club, the other at street level, and many rock stars and billionaires have walked through both. Staff can be quite rude, but so are most of the patrons. Definitely an experience.

Asian bar and restaurant is quite a decadent scene and quite expensive. Expect a queue for the bar and table service with the usual club-style sparklers after 23:00.

Down to earth pub/restaurant with southern German/Austrian cuisine in the midst of poshy Fontvieille district.

Showcasing panoramic views from the top floor of the Grimaldi Forum, the outdoor seating area offers the perfect spot to see yachts cruising into the harbour. Top models and the people who want to be with them dance the early mornings away. Cocktail list is impressive and bite-sized treats are available.

More laid-back and informal than some of its counterparts, its subdued atmosphere is a refreshing change from some of the high energy Monaco bars. Decked out in shades of blue, it's almost as sweet as the chocolate martinis, which come with a big truffle in each glass which slowly dissolves into your drinks and tastes heavenly.

One of the most famous bars in the city due the final curve of the F1 track, which is named after the place.

Simple and modern hotel that is well-priced given the hotel's location.

This 3-star hotel was co-owned by successful Glaswegian hotelier Ken McCulloch, designer Amanda Rosa and British F1 racing driver David Coulthard (all Monaco residents today). There is an excellent restaurant and the lobby is a great spot to relax on the comfortable sofas. Rooms are modern.

Surprisingly standard mid range hotel that is good value for business travellers and those watching their euros. Rooms are kitted out with the usual TV, mini bar air con, with Wi-Fi access and cable making it a nice touch.

Offering a level of sophistication that has awarded itself as one of the world's most famous hotels. Featuring marble pillars, crystal chandeliers, Louis XVI chairs, and sumptuous carpets, it's a vision of luxury and a favorite among the world's travellers. Rooms are simply enormous with marble and brass furnishings and the hotel is home to the country's two finest eating establishments, the Le Grill de l'Hôtel de Paris and Le Louis XV. The SBM's Carte d'Or offers the de Paris' guests transport and access to the facilities of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel and Les Thermes Marins spa.

Perched on a clifftop, the Hermitage offer idyllic living at its best. The majority of rooms have balconies, so guests can have stunning views from their rooms. While the hotel is quite old, all amenities and features and modern and elegant in their styling and a stay here is truly well deserved. The SBM's Carte d'Or offers the Hermitage's guests transport and access to the facilities of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel and Les Thermes Marins spa.

It was built in 1886 and has 126 guest rooms, including 64 suites. It was designed by Hans-Georg Tersling. Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark died there in 1944, and American television host Mike Bongiorno died there in 2009.

Awe impressive 4-hectare (10-acre) resort. The high price reflect the quality of stay. Only about 500 m from the sandy beaches of Larvotto, more than 3/4 of rooms open onto sea views. Marble bathrooms feature flat screen tvs with cable ties, the hotel pool has an indoor pool covered with an ornate glass dome, and the hotel bar is none other than Jimmy'z's. The furnishings are sandstone floors, soft Mediterranean pastels and sleek modern amenities. The service to detail is outstanding, different shampoos and towels on different days, and the staff are polite and attentive without being intrusive. The SBM's Carte d'Or does not offer the Bay Hotel's guests access to the facilities of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel or Les Thermes Marins. The Bay Hotel is rather self-contained, but lacks a beach.

4-star hotel with relatively reasonable prices compared to places of similar quality in the Principality.