Why You Should Visit monaco.
Because sometimes you just need yachts bigger than your apartment
Monaco may be small (about the size of Central Park), but it punches far above its weight in glamour, luxury, and sheer spectacle. This little principality is where Formula 1 cars scream through city streets, where casinos look like palaces, and where you’ll see more superyachts than fishing boats. But beyond the glitz, Monaco has culture, history, and surprisingly walkable charm.
Getting There
Closest Airport
The nearest airport is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, just 30 km away. From there:
- Helicopter: Seven minutes in the air and you’ll land in Monaco like James Bond (minus the tux).
- Train: A 25-minute ride along the coast with sea views so pretty you’ll forget Wi-Fi exists.
- Car/Taxi: Scenic but pricey. Parking in Monaco is an Olympic sport.
Train Connections
Monaco’s Monte Carlo–Monaco Station connects directly to major Riviera cities:
- Nice (25 minutes)
- Cannes (1 hour)
- Menton (15 minutes)
- Italy’s Ventimiglia (35 minutes)
Pro Tip
Trains are frequent, cheap, and scenic. The best seat is always on the sea-view side.
Sights You Can’t Miss
- Prince’s Palace: Watch the changing of the guard at 11:55 sharp, then tour the State Apartments.
- Oceanographic Museum: A clifftop maritime wonderland with aquariums, shark lagoons, and a rooftop view to die for. Jacques Cousteau once ran it—enough said.
- Casino de Monte-Carlo: More chandeliers than a fairy-tale castle. Even if you don’t gamble, go for the architecture (and people-watching).
- Monaco Cathedral: The resting place of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III.
- Formula 1 Circuit: Stroll the streets where race cars hit 200 mph. Bonus photo op: the iconic Fairmont Hairpin bend.
- Larvotto Beach: Pebbly but glamorous, with calm waters perfect for a cooling dip.
Nightlife
Monaco after dark is equal parts chic and extravagant:
- Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo: Legendary nightclub where the party runs until sunrise.
- Casino Bars: Sip champagne and pretend you’re a Bond villain.
- Harbor Lounges: Relax with rosé and watch yachts bigger than small villages.
Pro Tip
Check the dress codes. “Smart casual” in Monaco usually means “wear something that costs more than your rent.”
Eating in Style
- Michelin Stars:
- Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse (3 stars, Hotel de Paris) – the definition of fine dining.
- Le Blue Bay (1 star) – creative Mediterranean cuisine with sea views.
- Mid-Range: Café de Paris—great for croque-monsieurs and world-class people-watching.
- Budget-Friendly: Let’s be honest: Monaco doesn’t do “cheap.” For affordable eats, hop back to Nice or Menton.
Hotels & Where to Stay
- Luxury: Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo – opulence at its finest.
- High-End: Fairmont Monte Carlo – famous for its rooftop pool and hairpin-curve location.
- Mid-Range: Hotels in neighboring Beausoleil (literally a few steps over the French border).
- Budget: Your best option is a day trip from Nice.
Easy Day Trips by Train
Monaco is the perfect Riviera base for quick escapes:
- Menton: A pastel-colored gem known for lemons and laid-back charm (15 minutes).
- Èze Village: Medieval hilltop town with sweeping views and cobbled lanes (20 minutes).
- Nice: Bigger, buzzier, and more budget-friendly (25 minutes).
- Ventimiglia, Italy: Cross the border for markets, pizza, and cheaper prosecco (35 minutes).
Final Word
Monaco is more than a billionaire’s playground—it’s a stunning, compact destination packed with history, culture, and Mediterranean sparkle. Whether you’re here for a day trip or a splurge-filled weekend, you’ll leave with enough memories (and Instagram photos) to last a lifetime.
PS. Also this handsome gentleman lives in the Oceanographic Museum – I visited it with my teenage son, and you can guess why we just had to take a photo. Boys will be boys.