MONACO – Must-See Bits On A One-Day City Adventure!

Step into the dazzling world of Monaco, where luxury is the norm. Nestled along the French Riviera, this glamorous gem is perfect for a full-blown indulgence or a quick pass-through while visiting France. Imagine rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, strolling along the stunning Mediterranean coastline, and soaking up the sunshine with a glass of bubbly.

Prepare for a WOW experience in Monaco from start to finish. Explore with friends or travel solo; it’s the perfect city. Whether you’re feeling the high-stakes thrill at the Monte Carlo Casino or browsing the chic boutiques lining the streets, this place is a playground for the fabulous and fearless. This pint-sized city packs a punch—welcome to paradise!

In this blog, I’ll share some knowledge about Monaco and all the activities I squeezed into one day.

Going solo, but nervous? The Female Solo Travel Ebook is jam-packed with advice and tips about travelling alone!

Beautiful views in Monte Carlo

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate links. If you purchase any cool products or experiences through these links, I may earn a little something as a thank you. There is no extra cost to you, promise!

Good-To-Know Tips For Monaco

Currency: Monaco uses the euro (€), even though it’s not part of the European Union. Thanks to its close economic ties, the euro is king here. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash for small purchases is smart.

Language: French is Monaco’s official language, but with its international vibe, you’ll also hear plenty of English and Italian. And don’t forget about Monegasque, a unique Romance language that’s a cultural treasure among the locals.

Monaco, the second-smallest country in the world, sits snugly between France and the Mediterranean Sea. So, it’s no surprise there are no airports here! Instead, you can arrive by helicopter, boat, or train. The train is the most popular and budget-friendly option, with many nearby cities such as Nice offering direct routes. To make the most of your day, start your journey early!

Train tickets to Monaco from Nice in France at great prices

Monaco is indeed one of the most expensive countries in the world. Known for its luxurious lifestyle, high-end real estate, and upscale amenities, Monaco attracts wealthy residents and visitors. The cost of living is exceptionally high, with prices for accommodation, dining, and entertainment reflecting its status as a playground for the rich and famous.

Staying In Monaco?

Hop-On-Hop-Off (HOHO Bus)

Grabbing a HOHO Bus Ticket is hands down the best thing you can do if you plan to explore Monaco! It is the most affordable and convenient way to do so. This service allows you to hop off the bus at any desired stop. The route has 12 stops and takes approximately 90-110 minutes for the full circuit. Begin your day early to fit in as much as possible.

First, hop off at Stop 2 for the Japanese Gardens if you enjoy landscaped scenery. If not, skip this to spend more time at other attractions. This attraction is free of charge and showcases traditional Japanese architecture and tranquil water features. You can wander along the winding paths and admire the colourful flora. The gardens symbolise the enduring friendship between Monaco and Japan and can be explored within 30 minutes.

Enjoying the Japanese Gardens

Larvotto Beach

Located just 6 minutes from the Japanese Gardens is the stunning Larvotto Beach. It’s the go-to spot for soaking up the sun and enjoying the Mediterranean vibes. It’s like stepping into a postcard with crystal-clear waters and soft-sandy shores. Water sports like jet skiing and paddleboarding are available if you spend your day at the beach instead. But, for just a day visit, try not to get too sucked into the chilled vibes as you have plenty more to explore!

Monte-Carlo Casino

Hop off at Stop 5 for the Monte-Carlo Casino experience. Whether you are a seasoned gambler or just there for the spectacle, the casino offers a range of games to suit every taste. Fun fact: Monte-Carlo Casino has been featured in several James Bond movies, so you know it’s worth checking out—or getting involved to try your luck.

Monte-Carlo Casino – a popular spot among visitors and locals

Also, check out the Opera de Monte-Carlo building in the surrounding area of Monte-Carlo Casino. It looks fantastic and is great for taking pictures. If you’re in this area during the night, the performances inside this theatre are top-notch, whether it’s a breathtaking opera or a mesmerizing ballet.

The stunning Opera de Monte-Carlo building

Additionally, if you continue to walk for a few minutes, you’ll come across Port Hercules. You’ll see monuments here, including my favourite—a striking hand monument with a globe. This impressive sculpture represents the world’s interconnectedness and powerfully reminds Monaco of its commitment to promoting harmony and understanding across borders.

Amazing monuments, including the stunning hand monument with a globe

Port Hercules also hosts the prestigious Golden Foot award ceremonies. This unique event honours football legends who have significantly impacted the sport, both on and off the pitch. Past winners have included iconic players like Diego Maradona and Ronaldinho. This is a sweet touch to the already prestigious country of Monaco.

The prestigious Golden Foot honours

Travelling alone but feeling nervous? The How To Travel Solo Ebook has tips for planning safe, confident, and unforgettable adventures!

Stop 7 brings you to Place du Palais, a popular location filled with history. It offers great views overlooking Monte Carlo and the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll be surrounded by cobblestone streets and quaint cafes offering delightful treats. This stop puts you in front of the Prince’s Palace, where you may witness the Changing of the Guards ceremony, a real-life royal spectacle straight out of a fairytale. You can explore this stop in 30 minutes, taking great pictures and soaking up the views.

The views and surrounding areas at Place du Palais

Oceanographic Museum

Stop 8 is the Oceanographic Museum. I spent the longest at this stop, and surprisingly, it was one of my favourite explorations. Here, you’ll dive into an underwater wonderland—but you won’t get wet. I loved it – the Oceanographic Museum was definitely a highlight of my visit to Monaco.

You’ll encounter everything from mesmerizing jellyfish to majestic sharks and playful sea turtles. It’s suitable for all ages, adults and kids, so don’t be shy to let your inner child out at the Oceanographic Museum. Depending on how fascinated you are by these creatures, you’ll likely spend between 30 and 60 minutes exploring the Oceanographic Museum.

Cool creatures in Musee Oceanographic

Roseraie Princesse Grace

At Stop 9 is the Roseraie Princesse Grace attraction, a stunning floral paradise fit for royalty. Named after the beloved Princess Grace of Monaco, this charming garden boasts a breathtaking collection of roses in every colour possible. The Chapiteau Espace Fontvieille is also located in the centre of the gardens. This is the perfect stop for searching for serenity after a long day of excitement. And if you’re fancy and arriving by helicopter, this is where you will depart from also!

It’ll likely be evening by the time you finish at this stop. It’s a jam-packed day with lots of adventure. If you’re wondering about the Grand Prix Monaco, the most prestigious Formula 1 track in the world, you can see it on the way back as you drive on these famous roads towards the final stop after Stop 11. The Gran Prix Monaco is usually hosted in May yearly, but it’s always a good idea to check beforehand.

If you’re planning on spending the evening here, there are many things to keep you entertained. While I was there in November, they had a cool funfair that kept me entertained until the late evening before I headed back to France, Nice.

You can check out Le Sporting Monte-Carlo, the heart of Monaco’s night entertainment. It’s not just a regular spot; it’s where the glitz and glamour meet the thrill of the game. Picture this: a chic casino where you can try your luck, a world-class concert hall hosting top artists, and a legendary nightclub where the party never stops. It’s where the elite come to play and unforgettable nights are born, and if you’re also searching for a rich husband, this place has your name all over it!