Home of the Monaco Grand Prix, the Monte Carlo Casino, and belle époque architecture, Monaco has fame and a line-up of things to do that far exceeds its size. It’s among the world’s smallest countries, but it really doesn’t care. Occupying an elegant enclave on the French Riviera near Italy, the principality pays little attention to its European neighbors with its own sovereignty and tax breaks that attract a fiscally flush crowd. Superyachts, supercars, and super-high spenders are drawn here, along with curious vacationers who want to see how the other half live.
The Monaco Grand Prix track hosts annual race events in May and June, the biggest of which is Formula One. Depending on how you feel about supercars and the surrounding buzz, you’ll either want to come to Monaco at that time or avoid it. Summers are always balmy and popular, but if you want to avoid the peak season prices, the shoulder months of April and October offer milder temperatures with fewer crowds.
While there’s no shortage of parking lots in Monaco, they are expensive. Leave the car behind if you can, and take to the streets to explore this tiny territory; you can walk the length of it in around an hour if you want. Monaco also has a network of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways to make the hilly areas a little more manageable. There are public buses, too, which link up the sights for tourists.
You don’t have to play or pay to enter Monte Carlo Casino. You can enter as a tourist (even with kids) for free via Place du Casino to see the atrium and order drinks at the bar. To join the tours, an ID is required along with a fee. If you want to play, there’s a dress code as well as age restrictions and minimum bets. Per Monaco tradition, players should first call in at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, rubbing the horse’s knee on the Louis XIV statue to bring good luck.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +377 | Language(s) French | Attractions 16 | Tours 129 | Reviews 1,065 |
Call in at Monte Carlo Casino to admire the grand atrium before walking the Monaco Grand Prix track into town. Drive to hilltop Eze for sweeping views of the Mediterranean, and make time for a nighttime stroll past Port Hercules’ lit-up luxury yachts, playing “which one I want” as you wander.
...MoreHome of Formula One’s famous street circuit—the Monaco Grand Prix track—Monaco is a magnet for racing drivers, petrol heads, and the glitterati who accompany them. It’s also famous for its historic Monte Carlo Casino and the high rollers who play there, cruising in via yacht with money to spend.
...MoreMonaco is worth visiting as part of a French Riviera vacation, although it’s a small and expensive base for a longer stay. Head here for a day trip, weekend break, or a port-of-call if you’re lucky enough to have a yacht, and you’ll quickly get a feel for this glamorous little country.
...MoreYou can walk around Monaco in a few hours as it’s small—roughly 1 square mile (2.5 square kilometers). Walking gives you the chance to people-watch, although on hot days you might want to hop on a bus for a cool ride; tickets can be bought on board, and young kids travel free.
...MoreThere’s no dress code in Monaco, although with the number of flashy types in town, you might want to dress your best anyway. Note that if you want to play at the Monte Carlo Casino, there’s a “smart attire” rule and you’ll be turned away if you rock up in shorts and sneakers.
...MoreIt’s not rude, but it’s also not expected as service is always included in European bars and restaurants. However, if you want to give a tip for top-notch service, it will surely be welcome. Around 10 percent of your bill is a generous figure to keep in mind.
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