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Monaco Holidays

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Why choose Monaco for your holiday?

Holidays in Monaco offer a unique blend of high-end glamour and fascinating cultural history on the sun-drenched French Riviera. This tiny principality, climbing from the Mediterranean shore up the slopes of Mont Agel, is famous for its lavish lifestyle, but there's so much more to discover. While it's a playground for the rich and famous, you don't need a celebrity bank balance to enjoy its charms. You can spend your days people-watching by the harbour, exploring historic districts, or simply relaxing on the beach. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it's a brilliant choice for a city break with a seaside feel.

Top things to do in Monaco

From world-famous landmarks to beautiful gardens and beaches, Monaco packs a lot into its small footprint. You can easily spend days exploring its diverse districts, each with their own character.

Casino de Monte-Carlo

An icon of glamour, the Casino de Monte-Carlo is a must-see, even if you only admire it from the outside. Its grand architecture is a sight to behold, and the square in front is the perfect spot for watching luxury cars and fashionable visitors come and go. Fans of spy films will instantly recognise this famous backdrop.

Prince's Palace and Monaco-Ville

Perched on the Rock of Monaco, the old town – or Monaco-Ville – is a maze of charming, narrow medieval lanes. It's here you'll find the Prince's Palace, the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. You can tour the State Apartments during certain times of the year and watch the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place daily at 11:55am.

Oceanographic Museum

This remarkable museum, dedicated to marine science, is built into the cliff face and offers impressive views of the Mediterranean. Inside, you'll find a huge aquarium with thousands of fish, including a shark lagoon, and fascinating exhibits that detail the principality's connection to the seas. It's a great activity for all ages.

Larvotto Beach

For a day of sun and sea, head to Larvotto Beach. This popular man-made public beach has soft sand and calm, clear waters protected by a net, making it ideal for a relaxing swim. You'll find plenty of space to lay your towel, and there are several spots nearby to grab a drink or a bite to eat.

Food and drink in Monaco

Monégasque cuisine is a delicious mix of French and Italian influences. For an authentic local snack, you have to try a barbagiuan – a small pastry filled with Swiss chard and ricotta. You can find them at the bustling La Condamine Market, along with other local treats like socca, a thin chickpea pancake. While there are many Michelin-starred restaurants, you'll also find plenty of welcoming bistros and cafés for a more casual dining experience.

When is the best time to visit Monaco?

Monaco is a year-round destination, but the best time for your holiday depends on what you're looking for. The summer months from June to September are perfect for beach lovers, with hot, sunny weather and long evenings. For sightseeing without the peak summer crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring (April and May) or autumn (September and October). The weather is still pleasantly warm, and you'll find the city has a more relaxed feel.

The Monaco Grand Prix and other events

Monaco's calendar is packed with high-profile events. The most famous is the Monaco Grand Prix, which takes over the city's streets at the end of May. The atmosphere is electric, whether you're a motorsport fan or not. Other key events include the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival in July and August, which attracts major international music acts, and the National Day celebrations on 19 November, complete with a grand fireworks display.

Day trips from Monaco

Monaco's location on the French Riviera makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. The local train service makes it easy to visit nearby destinations, such as:

  • the French city of Nice, just a 25-minute journey away
  • other coastal towns like Menton
  • the Italian town of Ventimiglia, less than 30 minutes across the border

Whether you're there for the glamour, the history, or the sunshine, a holiday in Monaco should be at the top of your to-do list.

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    Your questions answered

    Monaco has a Mediterranean climate, and the hottest part of the year is between June and September. If you’re a beach-lover, this may be the ideal choice for a visit; you can also enjoy open-air cinema and long summer evenings then. April is lovely in Monaco too, with beautiful spring flowers and slightly fresher weather; great for any sporting activities. The principality can get busy in May when the Grand Prix takes place, but it’s very exciting for spectators. The Christmas period is filled with popular events, including Le Chemin des Creches nativity trail, concerts and Monaco Christmas Village.
    Yes, Larvotto Beach is close to the casino in Monte Carlo, located on Avenue Princesse Grace. There are several ramps, which help with access, and the beach itself, which stretches for 400 metres, is made up of two separate coves. There’s a playground, numerous restaurants and a volleyball court, so it’s absolutely spot on for families. There’s also a tiny beach at Port Hercule, which is a bit more under the radar.
    Monaco is famous for its casino, a harbour lined with yachts and, of course, Monte Carlo. If you’re a movie buff, you’re likely to find a lot of the area very recognisable; it’s featured in over 50 films, after all. As well as being known as a favourite haunt of the rich and famous, it’s also very scenic here. Le Rocher peninsula sweeps down to beautiful crystal seas, while Monte Carlo itself is full of pretty, narrow streets. It’s also famous for having its own royal family, and you can plan a visit to the Prince’s Palace as part of your trip.
    French is the official language of this principality, but English and Italian are spoken quite widely too. Monegasque and Occitan are the two traditional languages; they’re not used very much by people in Monaco nowadays, but you still see them on street signs around the Old Town. There is an English-speaking community here so you won’t need to worry about being able to get by.
    Monaco is a great place to spend anything from a few days to a couple of weeks in – or even more! There’s plenty to see and do here, but it’s also very compact, so it really depends how much time you can spare. On a short break, you could take in the highlights of Monte Carlo, but there are plenty of ways to while away time exploring the backstreets, shops, restaurants and attractions. Of course, it’s also an ideal base for exploring further afield.
    There are lots of great places to visit on a day out from Monaco; it’s really well located for exploring the French Riviera. For example, it’s only a short train or bus ride to the capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice. You could enjoy a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais here, or visit the Matisse or Marc Chagall Museum, Alternatively, you could take a trip to star-studded Cannes; the kids would love Chateau de la Napoule, a medieval fortress, close by. Or why not indulge your senses at lavender-scented Grasse, or even pop across the border into Italy? The possibilities are endless!