Monaco Holidays

How to reach Monaco

Flight time: Flights to Monaco usually land at Nice, the nearest major airport, and frequently fly from London, as well as sometimes from other UK airports such as Manchester and Edinburgh. Direct flights to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport generally take around 2 hours.

Transfer time: From Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, you can reach Monaco fastest by helicopter – a popular choice for those wanting to arrive in style – or in approximately 45 minutes by bus or taxi.

Price:

• A helicopter transfer costs around €120+ per person.

• A taxi ranges from €90 to €100.

• The express buses cost around €20.

Weather and best time to visit Monaco

The ideal time to visit depends on what you’re looking for during your holidays to Monaco. Here’s a quick seasonal guide:

Spring (April to June): This is a fantastic time to be in Monaco, as the weather is comfortably warm and the summer crowds haven’t yet arrived. Temperatures average around 16°C to 20°C. It's also the season of the Monaco Grand Prix, which attracts visitors from all around the world, so it’s best to avoid this time if you’re not going for the racing.

Summer (July to August): Peak tourist season, when you can enjoy hot, sunny weather ideal for enjoying the beaches or attending high-profile parties. Temperatures are usually 25°C to 30°C, but some days can be hotter. However, be prepared for high prices and more people.

Autumn (September to October): The weather remains warm but the number of tourists diminishes, making this a great time to be in Monaco. Temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C.

Winter (November to March): Cooler with temperatures from 8°C to 14°C. It's less crowded, offering a more relaxed vibe – perfect for exploring the Christmas markets or enjoying the Monte Carlo Opera.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

• Local habits and customs: Monaco is known for its elegance and sophistication. Dressing smartly is recommended, especially in the evenings and at more formal venues. Also, tipping around 10 percent in restaurants is customary if service charge isn't included.

• Currency: Monaco’s official currency is the euro (€). ATMs are widespread, with credit and debit cards accepted just about everywhere.

• Getting around: Monaco is small enough to walk around, but it also has an excellent public transport system including buses, a boat service and tours by land-train. A single bus ticket costs €2, and there are day passes available for unlimited travel.

• Electricity and plug types: Monaco uses the standard European 220 volts, with two round-pin plugs (type C or F), so UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Monaco is on Central European Time (CET), 1 hour ahead of GMT, and Daylight Saving Time is observed.

Best things to do in Monaco

The tiny principality of Monaco is far more than high finance, glitz, glamour and the playground of the rich and famous; it's now a hub of cultural, historical and culinary delights just waiting to be explored. Here are the top activities and sights that make Monaco a fantastic destination for those looking to indulge in a luxurious holiday.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Vista Palace Point: Offers stunning views over Monaco and the Riviera – perfect for capturing that iconic photograph of the principality.

• Exotic Garden Viewpoint: Located in the Jardin Exotique, this spot provides breathtaking views of the towering cliffs and the Mediterranean Sea.

The best districts

• Monaco-Ville: The oldest district of the principality, situated up on the rock, Le Rocher, with many of its landmark buildings. These include the Prince's Palace, Oceanographic Museum, Cathedral of Monaco and Jardins Saint-Martin, and shopping in the cute, narrow streets.

• Monte Carlo: Known for its casinos, gaudy opera house, classy hotels and high-end shopping, this area is the heart of Monaco's luxury.

• Fontvieille: A quieter district built on reclaimed land just below the Old Town that boasts a beautiful marina, several museums, parks and gardens, and some excellent restaurants.

Parks and gardens

• Japanese Gardens: In contrast to its surroundings, this serene park offers a taste of Zen with carefully curated plants, water features, bridges and stepping stones, and raked gravel.

• Princess Antoinette Park: Aimed at families, this park has lovely green spaces plus playgrounds for younger kids, sports facilities for older children, a mini-golf course and a collection of animals to meet.

• Jardin Exotique: One of the best attractions in Monaco, this exotic garden and botanical centre is home to an impressive collection of plants, including over 1,000 cacti, guided tours of a deep limestone cave, and impressive views over the city from its cliff-top vantage point. Renovation started in 2024, resulting in limited access, but it is planned to fully reopen for 2025.

Monuments and museums

• Prince's Palace: The official residence of the Monaco royal family, with tours to view its rich history and architecture, and the daily changing of the guard in the Place du Palais.

• Cars Collection: The fascinating personal collection of Prince Rainier III will satisfy motor enthusiasts, racing fans and history buffs. It boasts restored vintage models and classic cars right up to Formula One and other race cars.

• Oceanographic Museum: An impressive museum founded by Prince Albert I, featuring marine life exhibits and historical displays of sea exploration.

Day trips in the area

• Eze: Just a short drive from Monaco, this medieval village offers charming streets and stunning sea views.

• Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Another nearby village, famous for its art galleries and historic sites.

Things to do in different parts of the region

• Cap-d'Ail: Offers lovely coastal walks and small, secluded beaches.

• La Turbie: Known for its impressive Roman monument, the Trophy of Augustus, and stunning views of Monaco.

Free things to do in Monaco

Enjoying Monaco doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. There are plenty of free activities that allow you to soak up the charm and culture of this unique destination.

• Changing of the Guard: This popular ceremony at the Prince's Palace is executed with military precision, and free to watch every day at 11.55 am.

• Stroll through Port Hercules: The main port is a great place to see all the luxurious yachts moored up and take in the sea air.

• Larvotto Beach: A safe, clean and well-maintained public beach for enjoying a day of sun, sand and sea, with watersports rental and plenty of restaurants nearby.

• Walk the Formula One Grand Prix circuit: A must-do for motorsport fans, this route takes you around some of Monaco’s most famous streets.

Wellness in Monaco

• Spas: Several of Monaco’s hotels and resorts offer very high-quality spas, often with views of the Mediterranean. At one of the most renowned, Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, there’s a whole range of beauty and wellness treatments, a warm saltwater pool, a sauna and hammam.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Just a short drive from the city, the foothills of the Alps have trails offering fresh air and stunning views.

• Sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding: Available from Larvotto Beach, these activities offer a fun way to see Monaco from the water.

Local dishes in Monaco

One of the great delights of Monaco holidays is exploring all the culinary options available, with French and Italian cuisines meeting with a touch of Mediterranean flair, along with plenty of international restaurants. Whether dining in high-end restaurants or sampling local snacks, you're in for a gastronomic treat that makes Monaco a top destination for food lovers.

Some typical dishes

• Barbagiuan: A must-try Monégasque specialty, these are fried pastries filled with ricotta and Swiss chard, often enjoyed as a starter or a snack.

• Pissaladière: Similar to a pizza or tart, this flatbread is topped with onions, olives and anchovies, reflecting the region’s Italian influences.

Street food

• Pan Bagnat: This hearty sandwich is a local favourite, filled with ingredients typical of a Salade Niçoise, like tuna, olives and hard-boiled eggs, encapsulating the flavours of the Mediterranean in a bun.

• Socca: This simple yet delicious chickpea-flour crêpe is a common street food in Monaco; served hot, it’s crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Stocafi: A traditional Monégasque dish prepared with dried cod, stewed with tomatoes, garlic and olives, often served during festive occasions.

• Bouillabaisse: While originally from Marseille, this fish stew has found a fond place in Monaco’s culinary scene. It’s made with a variety of local seafood and served with a side of rouille sauce.

• Fritto Misto: A delightful mix of fried seafood, commonly found in Monaco’s markets – perfect for a light, flavourful meal by the sea.

Sweets and desserts

Monaco's desserts are often light and sweet, perfect after a lavish meal. Try the Lemon Tarte, a zesty and sweet delight, or the Fougasse Monégasque, a fragrant, orange-flavoured bread sprinkled with nuts and anise seeds – especially popular during the Christmas season.

Local drinks

• Rosé wine: The French Riviera is famous for its rosé, and enjoying a glass while overlooking the Mediterranean is quintessentially Monégasque.

• Pastis: An anise-flavoured spirit from nearby Provence, enjoyed diluted with water as an aperitif to start an evening meal.