Monaco

The Principality of Monaco (French: Principauté de Monaco) is a wealthy city-state on the Mediterranean Sea, bounded by the French Riviera. Though tiny, the country is packed with entertainment for those with money to burn: think yachts and casinos, plus the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Understand
This is the second smallest independent state in the world (after the Vatican) and is entirely urban. Monte Carlo is not the capital of Monaco but a government district. The country is divided into nine sectors: Monaco-Ville (the old city), the Condamine (port quarter), Monte-Carlo (business and recreation) and Fontvieille (recreation, second port for smaller boats and light industry) are the most well-known among them.

With no natural resources to exploit other than its location and climate, the principality has become a resort for tourists and a tax haven for wealthy people. Monaco is six times the size of the Vatican and the world's most densely populated country. While its borders have not moved since 1861 (when it lost over 80% of its territory to France), Monaco has still grown its territory by creating artificial land from the sea, which is how the area Fontvielle came to be. Its size is smaller than Central Park.

Read

 * Rainier and Grace, republished as Grace of Monaco, by Jeffrey Robinson. An account of the lives of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, intertwined with the history of the country. The author knew Rainier and Grace personally, and he interviewed members of the royal family for the book.

Talk
French is the official and most frequently used language. Monegasque, the historic language of the native populace, is offered (but seldom taught) in schools, but rarely used outside of official documents and street signs. Due to Monaco's status as a destination for wealthy visitors, English is widely understood. Other languages that are commonly spoken are Italian (many jobs in Monaco require a solid knowledge of Italian), German, and Russian.

Mobile phones
As an independent state, Monaco has its own mobile phone networks. Although these are provided by the same multinationals as operate in France, if your phone connects to a Monaco network, it will count as 'roaming' in a new country, and as it is outside the EU, the EU directives and individual company's offers on the cost of roaming may not apply. If you are travelling through Monaco by train, the mobile signal at the station will be from Monaco, so you can be caught by this even if you never get off the train. Similarly, when travelling in France or offshore close to the border with Monaco, the strongest signal may be from a Monaco network.

Get in
Although Monaco is not part of the Schengen Area, it has open borders with France, so it can for all practical purposes be considered part of the Schengen Area. There is border control for arriving boats. There is also an intense police presence at entry-points day and night.

By plane
The nearest airport is at Nice,   in Alpes-Maritimes, which is around 40 km (25 mi) away from the city centre. It receives daily flights from nearly all of Europe's main cities, such as London and Paris.

E-hailing from the airport to Monaco is available for example by Uber and Bolt. For the way back to the airport check the e-hailing section.

Taxis are always available outside the terminal buildings, but make sure a fee is agreed in advance or the meter is switched on at the start of the journey, as shady taxi drivers are notorious for charging tourists whatever they see fit.

You can take a tram from the airport to Grand Arénas and change there to the train to Monaco for about €6 (Mar 2024).

An express shuttle, route 80, links the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and Menton with multiple stops near all major hotels throughout Monaco, not just the ward of Monte Carlo. A bus leaves every half hour and a single ticket costs €19.50 (Mar 2024).

By train
The train stopping in Monaco operates along the coast from Cannes in France to Ventimiglia in Italy. The train also stops for example in Menton, Nice and Antibes and is run by SNCF. There are 2-4 services per hour. There are also occasional high-speed TGV services (via Nice to Paris, 6 hr 30 min). The sometimes still mentioned Intercity/Thello services to Italy no longer exist.

From Genoa and Milano you can take a direct train to Ventimiglia and change there to the train to Monaco. In Ventimiglia, it is easier not to use the Trenitalia counters or machines. Go to the travel agency (the only one) inside the station, which is marked with the sign of SNCF (French Railways). Return tickets not tied to a specific train are also available. Remember to validate your tickets just before boarding using the machines on the platforms.



By car
Monaco is easily accessed by its land borders from France or Italy by a network of highways, most commonly used of which is the A8 which runs west from Monte Carlo to Nice and Marseilles, and east towards the Italian border.

Between Nice and Monaco, there are also three more scenic roads: the Basse Corniche (Low Coast-Road - Highway 98), along the sea, the Moyenne Corniche (Middle Coast Road - Highway 7), going through Eze-Village, and the Grande Corniche (Great Coast Road), going through La Turbie and Col d'Eze (Eze Pass). All are pretty drives offering spectacular views over the Coast line. For an extra-special treat, rent a convertible sports car from the many airport rental services and take in the French Riviera in style.

Parking is plentiful in Monaco. There is very little street parking, however, garage parking is easy to find. Check Monapass App for availability.

By e-hailing
Common ride sharing apps available in France such as Uber or Bolt can be used to go to Monaco from nearby French cities such as Nice. However, these apps are not legal in Monaco: drivers can drop you in Monaco but cannot pick you up in Monaco. To leave Monaco with these apps you can walk to France (for instance to boulevard des Moneghetti in Beausoleil) and order an Uber from France. You can also stay in Monaco but select a pick up location in France and add a stop in Monaco where you are. Make sure you call or text the driver to inform them that no one will be at the first location. This is legal as drivers can stop for rides started outside the territory of Monaco.

By bus
Regional buses connect Monaco with Nice, Menton and other French destinations. There is no bus station in Monaco. Instead, the regional buses stop at various points throughout the city.

Flixbus does not stop in the country. The nearest stops are in Nice and Ventimiglia, where you can change to the train to Monaco.

By boat
Monaco's two ports are no strangers to private yachts. is exceptionally beautiful and offers mooring and anchoring possibilities for up to 500 vessels, some of which are extremely large and elegant (in fact, many tourists often take time out of their day to simply have a drink by the water and admire the fantastic super yachts). The, integrated into the new district, can receive as many as 60 vessels of at least 30m in length. Both are large and well-equipped.

Monaco also serves as an embarkation port and port-of-call for cruises, so large cruise ships can often be spotted sailing in or out of Port Hercule.

In close proximity, the is also a choice destination for pleasure-boats.

On foot
A pleasant way to arrive in Monaco is to walk on the "" (seaside trail), about a and 45-minute walk on a concrete path in a natural and peaceful setting. Take the train and stop at the Cap d'Ail train station (the last before Monaco when coming from Nice; not all the trains stop there). Outside of the train station, follow the road a few meters and take the stairs on the left to pass under the tracks. Once you reach the small road, turn left and walk a few meters, then take the stairs on your right next to the restaurant "La Pinède" to join the trail. If you want to do the route from Monaco to Cap d'ail station, go to the west of Fontvieille ward, cross to the French border to join the Cap d'Ail port and follow the seashore. After a few minutes you will arrive to the "" just after a final parking lot. It can be dangerous and closed in case of bad weather. In this case you will have either to go back and take the train, or walk on the road. There is no lighting at night.

By foot
Walking is by far the best way to get around Monaco; however, there are some areas, such as the Exotic Gardens, that require a large change in elevation and therefore make for rather strenuous hikes. There are also seven public escalators and elevators (all free) that help negotiate the steep slopes of the city. If you find yourself afoot and wanting to reach the opposite bank of Port Hercule, look for the small, a pedestrian-only ferry that runs each 20 minutes or so during daylight; it costs €2.

By bus
Monaco has an urban bus service, operated by the Compagnie des Autobus Monaco, through the city's five bus routes (labelled 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6) which serves 143 stops. Each stop has the bus numbers that stop there, and most stops feature a real-time display showing waiting times for the next service. Each stop has a name and a network map. The service usually starts at around 06:00 and runs right through until about 21:00. Tickets can be purchased on board the buses (€2) or at many news vendors and shops throughout the city and at auto ticket machines at the bus stops (€1.50) — often it will be advertised as to where you can do this. A daily pass allows you to use the buses all day for €5.50 (2016) and can also be purchased on board the bus. A night bus service operates in a circular route from 22:00 until 04:00.

By motor scooter
You can easily rent a motor scooter in Nice and take a short trip east along the sea into Monaco. The views are beautiful and the ride is fun along the twisty seaside road. There are plenty of places to park for free. Theft is not a concern, as there are cameras throughout and police everywhere. To rent one whilst there, you must be at least 16 years old.

By bicycle
Cycling is definitely a good option to get around in Monaco, but the traffic in high season can be intimidating.







By car
Private cars are singularly useless for getting around Monaco, as you'll spend more time trying to park than if you walked or took a taxi instead.

International rental car companies do have offices at the airport in Nice and also in Monte Carlo city. These include Avis, Gare Monte Carlo, Europcar and Hertz - drivers must have held a national driving license for at least one year and it is usually requested that the cost is paid for with the driver’s credit card. Driving in the city center can be intimidating in Monte Carlo with heavy traffic - however, it is often worth this to drive alongside the more expensive vehicles in the city! Make sure to request a car with an automatic gearbox if you are not used to driving manual.

By taxi
Taxis cannot be hailed on the streets (they won't stop) and there are two main taxi stands open around the clock at the Avenue de Monte Carlo and the railway station, although it is always best to agree a fee beforehand or make sure the meter is running. Most hotels will provide taxis or courtesy drivers. The best is to get the taxi service phone number to be able to call a taxi wherever you are.

Uber, Bolt and other ride sharing apps are banned in Monaco.

See
The principality of Monaco offers a great balance of historical and modern attractions. There are various museums and palaces to visit as well as shopping malls and casinos. Monaco also offers relaxation spots along the harbour and even around the attractions. It is relatively easy to navigate Monte Carlo and Monaco if you take the time to learn where the various "short cuts" are. City maps are generally available at most news vendor stands and shops for a small fee. The could be a good starting point before venturing to explore the city.






 * Princely Palace of Monaco 2.jpg
 * Monaco BW 2011-06-07 16-07-20.jpg
 * Musee Oceanographique de Monaco - panoramio.jpg
 * Musee Oceanographique de Monaco - panoramio.jpg



Do

 * Tour de France in 2024 has its final stage from Monaco to Nice on Sunday 21 July, a 35 km sprint. It usually concludes in Paris but that would clash with the Olympics.
 * Tour de France in 2024 has its final stage from Monaco to Nice on Sunday 21 July, a 35 km sprint. It usually concludes in Paris but that would clash with the Olympics.
 * Tour de France in 2024 has its final stage from Monaco to Nice on Sunday 21 July, a 35 km sprint. It usually concludes in Paris but that would clash with the Olympics.
 * Tour de France in 2024 has its final stage from Monaco to Nice on Sunday 21 July, a 35 km sprint. It usually concludes in Paris but that would clash with the Olympics.
 * Tour de France in 2024 has its final stage from Monaco to Nice on Sunday 21 July, a 35 km sprint. It usually concludes in Paris but that would clash with the Olympics.
 * Tour de France in 2024 has its final stage from Monaco to Nice on Sunday 21 July, a 35 km sprint. It usually concludes in Paris but that would clash with the Olympics.
 * Tour de France in 2024 has its final stage from Monaco to Nice on Sunday 21 July, a 35 km sprint. It usually concludes in Paris but that would clash with the Olympics.
 * Tour de France in 2024 has its final stage from Monaco to Nice on Sunday 21 July, a 35 km sprint. It usually concludes in Paris but that would clash with the Olympics.
 * Tour de France in 2024 has its final stage from Monaco to Nice on Sunday 21 July, a 35 km sprint. It usually concludes in Paris but that would clash with the Olympics.

Money
Like its neighbour, France, Monaco uses the euro. Currency exchange is readily available for a wide range of currencies. ATMs are commonplace.

For coin collectors visiting Monaco, its euro coins are issued in limited amounts for general circulation and are perfect souvenirs to bring home.

Shopping
Shopping in Monte Carlo is usually quite exclusive and is certainly no place for a budget holiday. There are plenty of places to melt the credit card alongside Europe's high rollers. The chic clothes shops are in the Golden Circle, framed by Avenue Monte Carlo, Avenue des Beaux-Arts and Allées Lumiéres, where Hermès, Christian Dior, Gucci and Prada all have a presence. The area on and around Place du Casino is home to high-end jewellers such as Bulgari, Cartier and Chopard. You will find, however, that most tourists will simply enjoy wandering the area and window shopping, even if you don't buy anything. The normal shopping hours are from 09:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 19:00.

For a more cultured take on shopping in Monte Carlo, try the Condamine Market. The market, which can be found in the Place d'Armes, has been in existence since 1880 and is lively and attractive - many hours can be spent simply wandering around, bargaining for souvenirs from the many tiny shops, boutiques and friendly locals. If however, your shopping tastes are more modern, just take a short walk along the esplanade to the rue Princess Caroline pedestrian mall.

The Fontvieille Shopping Centre is also a more "normal" shopping experience with 36 shops selling electronic goods, CDs, furniture, and clothes as well as a Carrefour supermarket and McDonald's. The tourist office also issues a useful free shopping guide to the city.



Some stores to browse or buy:



Eat
Food in Monaco is varied, but generally expensive, and even very basic meals often cost over €20-30. Take a look at the menu before entering even shabby restaurants or you may be in for a surprise. There are places where you can find decent value, but they often require knowing about beforehand. Restaurants where locals dine are often located a little bit away from the waterfront and often serve better food for lower prices (however, since you are in Monaco: nothing is a bargain).

There are many restaurants catering to tourists, from the Cafe de Paris across the street from the casino, to the waterfront restaurants along the Port de Fontvieille. During the winter months, you will find the restaurants to have a slightly lower price tag. Bouillabaisse is a good tip.

Budget
There is a variety of restaurants and cafés in the city with a moderate price tag and excellent food. A few simple cafés exist along the marina-side, more like beach bars than anything else, serving simple meals such as pizza, salads and hotdogs throughout the day. These can be good for sitting back during the hot midday with a cold beer or glass of wine, a snack to recharge your batteries from exploring the city, and the gentle lapping of the Mediterranean (and often the roar of supercars) in your ears. Most of these restaurants are equipped with water-misters in the ceilings that gently cool and refresh the clientele.



Splurge
Dining in Monaco can be a very sobering experience to whomever is paying the bill. Perhaps the most exclusive and famous restaurants in the city are the Louis XV Restaurant and the Le Grill de L'Hotel de Paris, both centered on the very exclusive Hotel de Paris. You are more than likely to be seated next to a member of the rich and famous, and the gourmet food is simply out-of-this-world although the experiences come with a rather hefty price tag.



Drink
Champagne has the status of a national beverage in Monaco. A single glass can cost as much as €40 at a fashionable restaurant!



Budget
If you're on a budget, Monaco is not the best place to be. A better option is to stay in one of the towns outside of Monaco:
 * Nice – 20 min away by cheap and frequent trains from Monaco. Or you take the bus along the coast. The city also offers hostels.
 * Menton – 10 min by train, a French beach town. Buses to Monaco have multiple stops in the town.
 * Ventimiglia – 30 min by train, which is an Italian sea-side town situated near the French border.

The Monaco Tourism center staff will also sit down and make phone calls to assist walk-ins in finding accommodation. Even if you ask for "cheap" lodging.

Mid-range
Better priced mid-range hotels you find in the city of Beausoleil, directly bordering Monaco.

Respect
In many ways, the Respect section of the France page can detail how to be respectful toward the Monegasque population, but Monaco is a separate nation and it may be insulting to casually conflate the two. Monaco's population retain their own history, their own culture, and their own lifestyle. Directions or other help are only a smile and a question away.

Stay safe
Monaco is one of the safest places on the planet, with nationwide video surveillance and one police officer per 100 residents. You can feel safe wearing your diamonds and Rolex, even for a night walk through the streets or coastline, with almost no street-crime, and a strong police presence. It has one of the lowest homicide rates of any country in the world, and among the lowest in terms of overall violent crime. Because of their wealth, public spaces are blanketed with cameras and any kind of disorder may produce an immediate reaction and the attendance of several officers. However, pick-pocketing may occur during sporting events, like the Formula One Grand Prix and major football games.

Homosexuality is legal, although there are no specifically gay places in Monaco. You can walk with your same-sex partner hand in hand without being insulted in public places.

Monaco security can follow anyone on public areas, streets & corridors, using the vast camera network without losing you from their screens.

Be wary of dive-bombing seagulls. They like to steal food from people eating outdoors.

Stay healthy
Tap water is safe to drink.

Connect
Monaco has its own mobile phone operator, Monaco Telecom, which is not covered by EU's roaming rules. This means that mobile numbers and SIM cards registered in a EU country, including France, may incur roaming charges much like everywhere outside of Europe (or any SIM card from outside of the EU within it). Pay heed to it if you hope to visit Monaco as part of your European trip and make sure to set up your phone NOT to automatically switch to the strongest available network, as well as consider switching off data transmission while roaming, before heading for Monaco.

Although Monaco was the world's first country to have full operational 5g coverage, if you don't use the local Monaco Telecom or French Orange, internet is extremely slow or even non-functional.

Some operators include Monaco among countries billed on "home rules" in some subscription plans, so if your operator is generous enough, you may leave Monaco unscathed. Remember to check beforehand.

Go next

 * Other places at the Cote d'Azur, like Èze, Nice, Antibes, Cannes
 * Coastal towns further west along the French Riviera, like Saint Tropez, and Marseille
 * Maritime Alps
 * Italy (Ligurian coast, Genoa, Milan, et al.)