Monaco is tiny. The entire country is about 0.78 square miles (smaller than Central Park in New York). It's the second-smallest country in the world (after Vatican City).
Monte Carlo Casino is the most famous casino in the world. The building is stunning with gold, marble, and chandeliers. You can tour the inside or gamble (if you're dressed appropriately and have money to lose). The square in front of the casino has supercars and wealthy tourists taking photos.
The Prince's Palace sits on a hill overlooking the harbor. You can tour the state apartments in summer and watch the changing of the guard at 11:55am daily.
The Oceanographic Museum (built into a cliff) has aquariums, marine exhibits, and views over the sea. It's impressive and worth a visit.
The harbor is filled with yachts. Some are the size of small buildings. Monaco is wealth on display.
The Monaco Grand Prix (Formula 1 race) happens in May. The streets become a race track. If you're a fan, it's iconic. If you're not, it's expensive and crowded.
Monaco has no income tax, so wealthy people from around the world live here. It's clean, safe, and feels sterile.
Monégasque food is French and Italian. Expect expensive restaurants with Mediterranean cuisine. A coffee is $5-7. A meal at a restaurant is $30-50+.
Monégasques are a minority in their own country. Most residents are French, Italian, British, or Russian. French is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
Getting to Monaco is easy. It's on the train line between Nice and Italy. You can take the train from Nice (20 minutes) or walk from the French border (Cap-d'Ail). Most people visit for a few hours and return to Nice.
Monaco is expensive. There are no hostels. Budget hotels start at $150+/night.
When to go: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are mild and less crowded. Summer (June-August) is hot and crowded. The Formula 1 Grand Prix in May is the busiest (and most expensive) time.
Monaco is glamorous, wealthy, and not particularly interesting unless you're into yachts and casinos. If you're in Nice, visit for a few hours. Otherwise, skip it.
Monaco Travel Guide
Monaco is a tiny city-state on the French Riviera. It's wealthy, glamorous, and expensive. Yachts, casinos, Formula 1, and millionaires everywhere. Monte Carlo Casino is iconic. The Oceanographic Museum is impressive. The Prince's Palace sits on a hill overlooking the harbor. It's clean, safe, and not particularly interesting unless you're wealthy or a Formula 1 fan. Most people visit for a few hours from Nice. If you're nearby and curious, stop. Otherwise, it's skippable.