Monaco at a glance:
Travel time: Around 2hrs direct flight from London to Nice, followed by a 30–45mins journey by train, taxi or helicopter transfer to Monaco. Also a popular European cruise destination.
Vibe: Glamourous, luxurious, sophisticated.
Top must-see: Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Best for: Luxury travellers, Formula 1 fans, anyone looking to experience the glamour of the French Riviera.
Monaco may be the second smallest country in the world, but what it lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in glamour! I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice, and the only other place I can liken it to in terms of the sheer amount of money on display is Dubai (but Monaco has more charm and chicness to it).
Nestled along the French Riviera, its Mediterranean views and lush greenery are truly stunning. There’s plenty to see, but the good news is it’s compact enough to experience many of its highlights in just one day. Here’s how to spend a perfect day in Monaco.
Start your day in Monaco wandering the historic lanes of Monaco-Ville
Perched on a dramatic cliff jutting into the sea, the Old Town is the historic heart of Monaco. Known as Monaco-Ville, or the Rock, it is made up of beautifully preserved narrow alleyways and medieval buildings. This is the best place to start your day, as arriving early means you’ll beat the afternoon crowds.
Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate (resting place of Princess Grace)
A walk through the Monaco-Ville lanes brings you to the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate (also known as St Nicholas Cathedral or Monaco Cathedral). Built from striking white stone, this was one of my favourite buildings in Monaco. Inside is just as beautiful, with a grand organ and a marble altar. This is where American actress Grace Kelly married Monaco’s Prince Rainier III. It also serves as their final resting place and their flower-covered tombs can be visited inside.
Enjoy the greenery of Jardin Saint-Martin
Jardin Saint-Martin is the oldest public garden in Monaco, with paths that wind gently along the coastline offering incredible sea views. There’s also lots of Mediterranean and exotic plants to enjoy. The entrance can be found opposite the cathedral, and there’s another in front of the Musée Océanographique too. Entry to this garden is free, unlike the Jardin Exotique which is about a mile away.
Watch the Changing of the Guard at the Palais Princier
Dating back to 1215, the Palais Princier is the official private palace of the ruling Prince. Every day precisely at 11:55am, the traditional Carabiniers du Prince perform the Changing of the Guard ceremony in the palace square. It is similar to the changing of the guards in London, and completely free to watch. Afterwards, make sure to take in the sweeping panoramic views of the port below.
Stroll past superyachts at Port Hercules
Descending from the Palais Princier toward Port Hercules, this is where you’ll get a true sense of just how much money some of Monaco’s residents have. Walking along the quayside gives you an up-close look at some of the world’s largest, most luxurious multi-million-pound superyachts. This also has to be one of the most impressive places I’ve ever seen a swimming pool!
Walk the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit
Monaco’s streets double as one of the most famous racing tracks in the world. It is pretty surreal that you can walk directly along the tarmac used for the Monaco Grand Prix. You can pass the starting grid, the pit lane area, and can even walk the famous, sharp Grand Hotel Hairpin – known as the most iconic corner on the F1 calendar.
Admire Opéra de Monte-Carlo
The Opéra de Monte-Carlo is a beautiful Belle Epoque building, which is unusually integrated with the Casino de Monte-Carlo. The auditorium seats approximately 500 people, giving it a very intimate atmosphere compared with other European opera houses which tend to be much larger. It’s often known as the “little sister of the Paris Opera House” as it was designed by the same architect.
Experience the opulence of Casino Square (Place du Casino)
As you reach the upper terrace of the city, you enter Casino Square. It has pristine gardens, pretty water fountains, the legendary Hôtel de Paris, and of course the world-famous Casino. It is the ultimate spot for people-watching and supercar spotting. This area was a major highlight for me as it really epitomises what Monaco is like and is so far away from my usual lifestyle!
End your 24 hours in Monaco at the Casino de Monte-Carlo
Even if you aren’t a gambler, going inside the Casino de Monte-Carlo is an absolute must when visiting Monaco. You can enter the atrium and main halls during the morning and early afternoon without placing any bets if you just want to see the building.
If you plan to visit after 2pm when the gaming tables open, there is an entry fee, a smart-casual dress code (no shorts or trainers), and a passport is required for entry.
There’s nothing quite like visiting it at night time though. Coming here for a night out when I was 19 was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Spending your evening here is the ultimate way to end a perfect 24 hours in Monaco.
Monaco FAQs (2026)
Monaco is one of the world’s most expensive destinations, particularly for accommodation and fine dining. However, it’s possible to visit on a moderate budget by staying in nearby French towns such as Nice or Menton, using public transport, and enjoying free attractions like the gardens and harbour.
Rue Princesse Caroline is a short walk from Port Hercule where you’ll find pizzas, burgers, cafes, and
Mediterranean restaurants. The area around Marché de la Condamine has food market stalls,
casual Italian restaurants, and sandwich bars and bakeries. Both these areas are much cheaper to eat than in Monte-Carlo, or by Larvotto Beach.
The best time to visit is between April and October, when the weather is warm and sunny. May is especially popular thanks to the Monaco Grand Prix, while September offers pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds.
Monaco uses the euro (€), despite not being a member of the European Union.
Yes! Monaco covers just over two square kilometres, making it really easy to explore on foot. There are also public lifts and escalators that help visitors navigate steep hills.
Absolutely! It’s a popular one day destination for European cruises, and it’s also a popular day trip for those staying in Nice, France, as it’s only around 30 minutes by train.
Yes. Larvotto Beach offers clear waters, restaurants, sunbathing areas, and family-friendly facilities.
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
