- Fly to Nice and take the train, which reaches Monaco in about 20-25 minutes
- Easily seen on a day trip from Nice, but staying overnight lets you enjoy the evenings
- Hotel prices soar during the Grand Prix and other big events
- No border checks from France
- Airports
- No airport; fly to Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE), about 30 minutes away
- Flight time
- about 2h from London to Nice, then 20-30 minutes by train or bus
- Best time to go
- May-June and September-October; Grand Prix weekend for racing fans
- Currency
- Euro (€)
Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world, squeezed onto a strip of the French Riviera between mountains and the Mediterranean. It is famous for its superyachts, the Belle Époque Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Grimaldi royal family and the Formula 1 Grand Prix that runs through its streets. Behind the glamour there is a charming old town on a rocky headland, excellent museums and gardens, and some of the best sea views on the coast.
Most British visitors fly to Nice in about two hours and are in Monaco half an hour later. Monaco is one hour ahead of the UK, uses European two-pin plugs (types C and F) and drives on the right. French is the official language, but English is widely spoken. See our France guide and Nice guide for the rest of the Riviera.
Entry requirements
Monaco is not formally part of the EU or Schengen, but it has an open border with France and applies Schengen rules, so you will enter through France. British passport holders can usually visit Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport should have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least three months after you leave. The EU's Entry/Exit System registers your fingerprints and photo when you arrive in France. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in Monaco
Monaco-Ville (the Rock)
The old town sits on a headland and is home to the Prince's Palace, where the changing of the guard takes place daily just before noon. State apartments open to visitors in summer. Nearby are the cathedral, where Grace Kelly is buried, and the Oceanographic Museum, perched on a cliff with a large aquarium and rooftop views.
Monte-Carlo
Monaco's most famous district centres on the Casino de Monte-Carlo and Casino Square, ringed by grand hotels and luxury boutiques. You can visit the casino's opulent rooms during the day for a fee; entry requires ID and a smart dress code in the evening. The Japanese Garden and the Larvotto beach are a short walk away.
Port Hercule and La Condamine
The harbour is lined with yachts and forms part of the Grand Prix circuit. La Condamine, behind it, has the lively Marché de la Condamine, a covered food market with good, relatively affordable lunch stalls.
Fontvieille and the Jardin Exotique
Fontvieille, built on reclaimed land, has the Princess Grace Rose Garden and the Prince's car collection. High above, the Jardin Exotique has cacti and succulents clinging to the cliffs, with sweeping views, though check opening, as parts have been closed for renovation.
Best time to visit Monaco
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (April-June) | Warm and sunny; Monte-Carlo tennis in April, Grand Prix in late May or June |
| Summer (July-August) | Hot, busy, superyacht season and summer events; very expensive |
| Autumn (September-October) | Warm sea, the Monaco Yacht Show in September, fewer crowds |
| Winter (November-March) | Mild, around 13-15 °C by day; quiet, with Monte-Carlo Rally in January |
For the Grand Prix, book transport and accommodation many months ahead, or stay in Nice or Menton and travel in by train, which is far cheaper than hotels in Monaco.
Getting to Monaco from the UK
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport has frequent flights from London and many regional UK airports on British Airways, easyJet and Jet2, among others. From Nice, regional TER trains reach Monaco-Monte-Carlo station in about 20-25 minutes, and buses run along the coast. Helicopter transfers from Nice airport take about seven minutes for those who want to arrive in style. Taxis are expensive.
Getting around
Monaco is small enough to walk, though it is steep; free public lifts and escalators link the different levels. Local buses are frequent and cheap, and a little boat bus crosses the harbour. Driving and parking are not worth the hassle for most visitors.
Money and costs
Monaco uses the euro and is one of the most expensive places in Europe. Hotels are pricey year-round and soar during big events. A comfortable stay in a mid-range hotel can easily mean €250-400 per person per day including accommodation, so many people base themselves in Nice, Menton or Beausoleil just over the French border. Eating at the market or cafés in La Condamine keeps costs down. Service is usually included; leaving a little extra is appreciated.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Monaco as a day trip from Nice?
Yes, and it is the most popular way to visit. Trains run frequently, and a day covers the old town, the casino and the harbour.
Do you need a passport to go to Monaco?
There are no border checks from France, but carry your passport as you are in the Schengen area, and you will need ID to enter the casino.
Can tourists go into the Monte-Carlo casino?
Yes. Visitors can tour the casino by day for a fee; to gamble you must be over 18 and dress smartly.
When is the Monaco Grand Prix?
It is usually held in late May or early June. Check the official dates, as Formula 1 calendars change from year to year.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
More from ThomasWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
