Looking for the best things to do in Monaco in one day? Allow us to introduce one of the world’s most dazzling principalities.
Making the Most of One Day in Monaco
The second smallest country in the world, at just over 0.76 square miles, has always lived on a grand scale: a stage for dynasties, explorers, and film stars.
Its history stretches from medieval fortresses to the reign of Prince Rainier III and the lasting presence of Grace Kelly, now carried forward by Prince Albert.
Set on the French Riviera, along the sunlit Côte d’Azur, Monaco offers gardens, galleries, ceremony, and sea air. And the chance to pretend to be James Bond for a day.
Here are the best things to do if you only have one day.
Practical Tips Before You Start
A day in Monaco is straightforward to plan, but a little preparation makes it far more enjoyable. Don’t forget to look for upcoming events and other useful information about Monaco by using Monaco1 – the largest database in Monaco.
When to Go
The best time to visit is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is warm, the skies are clear, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
July and August bring heavy tourism and high hotel prices.
May is unique: the Monaco Grand Prix transforms the streets into a race track. It’s thrilling, but expect road closures, crowded pavements, and soaring prices.
In contrast, winter is quiet, with mild days compared to much of Europe, but some gardens close earlier.
Getting There
The easiest way to visit Monaco for the day is to take the train from Nice-Ville. With departures every 30 minutes, you’ll get to Monaco train station in just 25 minutes and it’s just a short walk from there to all the action.
For international arrivals, Nice is also the closest airport, about 30 km away, with shuttle buses, private transfers, and rental cars connecting the coast.
If you arrive by cruise ship, you’ll dock directly at Port Hercule, only a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town.
Visiting from Nice? Don’t miss our guide to what France is famous for.
Getting Around
Walking is the best way to experience Monaco. A walking tour covers the best places in the city – which are all within a short distance of each other – or you can rely on Google Maps if you are exploring on your own.
To handle the hills, make use of the free public elevators scattered around the city – and don’t feel bad, locals rely on them daily.
Taxis are also available, though rarely needed, and buses run between parts of the city if you don’t have much time.
Quick Tips
- Carry some cash for small purchases but credit cards are widely accepted. Museum ticket prices are usually modest; the casino charges admission only in the evening.
- The dress code is casual for most places, though smarter attire is required at the casino and modest clothing at Monaco Cathedral.
- The official language of Monaco is French, though Italian and English are also widely spoken, which makes a one-day visit smooth for international travellers.
- For a quirky souvenir, stop by the tourist office for a novelty passport stamp.
Morning – Monaco’s Old Town on Le Rocher
Begin your one-day itinerary in the oldest quarter of Monaco, known simply as Le Rocher (the Rock). Rising above the sea, it is the principality’s historic heart, with cobbled lanes, ochre façades, and balconies draped in flowers.
Wandering Monaco-Ville
Start with a stroll through Monaco’s Old Town, where you’ll find narrow streets winding between pastel houses. Cafés spill onto tiny squares and souvenir shops sell everything from postcards to hand-painted ceramics.
Despite its role as a popular attraction, the district retains a lived-in feel, with schoolchildren heading to lessons and residents chatting in doorways.
Pause at the ramparts for stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and Port Hercule.
The Prince’s Palace of Monaco
The highlight of the Rock is the Prince’s Palace, the official residence of the sovereign prince of Monaco. For centuries, it has housed the royal family, a continuity that sets it apart from many European royal palaces.
You can tour the State Apartments, which include the gilded Throne Room, frescoes, and art collected by the Grimaldis over generations. In front of the palace, the Changing of the Guard takes place daily at 11:55, a short but precise ceremony worth timing your visit around.
References to Prince Rainier III, Prince Albert, and the late Princess Grace are woven into displays, connecting the palace’s heritage with modern memory.
From the terrace, look down at the sweep of the harbour: one of the best views in the principality.
Monaco Cathedral (Saint Nicholas Cathedral)
A short walk from the palace brings you to Monaco’s Cathedral, also called Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Built from pale stone, it is dignified rather than imposing.
Inside, the light filters softly onto the marble floor and the resting places of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III.
Jardins Saint-Martin
Before leaving the Rock, wander through the Jardins Saint-Martin. You’ll have a great time discovering its beautiful pathways adorned with sculptures and Mediterranean plants. The gardens cling to the cliffside, offering stunning views across the sea towards Cap Ferrat.
Late Morning – Oceanographic Museum
From the gardens, it’s only a few steps to one of Monaco’s most celebrated main attractions: the Oceanographic Museum. Perched dramatically on the cliff edge, the building looks almost as though it rises from the Mediterranean Sea itself.
Founded in 1910 under Prince Albert I, often called the “navigator prince,” it reflects the principality’s long relationship with the ocean.
Inside, aquariums bring you face-to-face with the region’s marine life. Tanks glow with shoals of fish darting through reconstructed coral reefs, while larger basins display sharks and sea turtles.
Alongside these living exhibits are collections of preserved specimens and artefacts from historic expeditions, connecting the wonders of the water with the history of marine science.
Lunch in Monaco
By midday, the Rock will have given you history and ceremony; now it’s time to pause for food. Dining in Monaco can be as refined or as relaxed as you wish, but even a short stop can feel special.
La Condamine Market
A great place for a mid-range meal is La Condamine, the lively market square close to the port. Stalls and cafés serve Niçoise salads, grilled fish, and socca, the chickpea flatbread typical of the Riviera. It’s informal and atmospheric, giving you a chance to mix with locals while still staying close to the main attractions.
Port Hercule Terraces
For something with a view, head down to Port Hercule, where open-air restaurants overlook the water. Seafood platters and Provençal dishes are common, and the sight of luxury yachts moored in front of you adds to the experience.
Afternoon – Gardens and Cultural Stops
After lunch, step away from the bustle of the port and explore Monaco’s gentler side: its gardens.
Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique)
High on the western cliffs lies the Exotic Garden, or Jardin Exotique. It’s unlike most European gardens: terraces overflow with cacti, succulents, and agaves, their shapes twisting against the blue horizon.
And the views are spectacular, reaching from Monaco’s rooftops to the sparkling curve of the French Riviera.
If time allows, pop into the Observatory Cave to see the stalactites that hang like chandeliers, formed drop by drop over time.
Please note: the Jardin Exotique is currently closed for major safety and renovation works. It is scheduled to reopen in the second half of October 2025. Until then, consider visiting the nearby Nouveau Musée National de Monaco, which hosts contemporary art across two elegant villas.
Japanese Garden
For a different mood, visit the Japanese Garden, a gift from architect Yasuo Beppu.
Here, koi swim in ponds spanned by red bridges, waterfalls tumble into shaded corners, and a tea house stands among bamboo groves. It’s not huge but the details are impressive.
Princess Grace Rose Garden
To the west in Fontvieille, the Rose Garden honours Princess Grace. Planted with more than 450 varieties, from classic reds to delicate yellows, it’s both a botanical collection and a memorial.
Each rosebush is labelled, encouraging slow wandering, and the garden is free to enter.
Late Afternoon – Glamour of Monte Carlo
Now, let’s get to it. The evening belongs to Monaco’s high-gloss reputation and Monte Carlo is where architecture, cinema, and sport throw on the razzle-dazzle.
Monte Carlo Casino
The iconic Monte Carlo Casino, officially Le Casino de Monte-Carlo, has been a symbol of glamour since the 19th century. Its Belle Époque interiors are gilded with chandeliers and frescoes, while the gaming rooms hum with anticipation.
And if it’s good enough for James Bond, it’s good enough for you.
You don’t need to gamble to appreciate the atmosphere (thankfully) – although you can join in if you want.
Wear the best clothes you own and get ready to kiss sweet goodbye to all you earn.
Casino Square & Port Hercule
Step outside into Casino Square, surrounded by the Hôtel de Paris and luxury boutiques. Here, people linger not just to shop but to window shop, sip coffee, and watch the parade of sports cars.
A short minute walk brings you down to Port Hercule, with its luxury yachts lining the quays. The Yacht Club stands proudly at the centre, a hub for sailors and socialites alike.
Monaco Grand Prix Circuit
For motorsport fans, the streets themselves are the attraction. The Monaco Grand Prix winds through parts of the city, from hairpin bends to seaside straights and you can walk along the route, taking in the tyre marks.
Evening – Sunset and Dinner
As the afternoon fades, Monaco shifts gear once more. Lights begin to sparkle across the harbour, and the cliffs catch a last flush of gold. This is the time to slow down, find a view, and close the day with a meal worth remembering.
Where to Watch the Sunset
The terraces of the Exotic Garden remain one of the best views in the principality, looking out across the Riviera with the Mediterranean Sea stretching far into the distance.
For something livelier, head back to Port Hercule. From the quays, you can watch the water turn deep blue while the luxury yachts light up, each one reflecting in the calm surface below.
Dinner Choices
For fine dining, two addresses stand out: Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse at Hôtel de Paris, known for its Riviera-inspired haute cuisine and a wine cellar of rare vintages; and Elsa, at Monte-Carlo Beach, which champions organic produce with a contemporary flair. Both are a short minute walk or taxi ride from the harbour.
Optional Stops
If you find you still have plenty of time, Monaco offers a few more curiosities worth exploring.
Car enthusiasts should not miss the Car Collection of Prince Rainier III, a showroom of vintage cars ranging from horse-drawn carriages to Formula 1 machines.
Sports fans may prefer a quick look at Stade Louis II, the national stadium with its distinctive arches and floodlit roof.
And for those who enjoy browsing, smaller museums and galleries scattered across different parts of the city provide quieter alternatives to the main tourist attractions.
Each is a popular attraction, yet easy to fit into a flexible schedule.
The Last Glance at Monaco
By the end of this full day Monaco itinerary, you will have crossed palaces, gardens, harbours, and winding lanes, all within the bounds of a small country that measures less than one square mile.
The principality is often seen as a playground for the rich, but a Monaco trip reveals more: a place where history and ceremony coexist with modern science and open gardens.
Spending one day in Monaco offers both spectacle and stillness, from the rich history of Monaco Cathedral to the brilliance of luxury yachts.
And it might give you an idea for the next Bond movie.
More About France
Visiting on a day trip from France? Here’s what you need to know about Monaco’s neighbour: