Travel Guide Monaco
Monaco, the smallest independent state in the world after the Vatican, offers on 2 km² a host of sites and activities to keep you on the edge of your seat for several days, your eyes lost in the deep blue of the Mediterranean. What strikes you in this tiny city-state wedged along the French Riviera between Cap d'Ail and Roquebrune Cap-Martin, is this tangle of ultra modern towers, remarkable villas, plush buildings and older homes whose beautifully sculpted facades can date back more than a century and a half. A mix of genres where the historic Renaissance princely palace - some of whose rooms can be visited during part of the year - rubs shoulders with the futuristic Yacht Club anchored in the bay. There is a lot to see and do on "the Rock", well accompanied by its tourist guide of Monaco, between the casino of Monte Carlo, the oceanographic museum or the exotic garden built on the hillside. Monaco is also the temple of shopping, between the shops of the quai Louis II and the magnificent Metropole shopping center decorated with chandeliers.
What to visit Monaco?
Suggested addresses Monaco
When to go to Monaco?
The best time to visit Monaco is from March to early May, and from September to October. These are the best moments to discover Monaco and its riches in peace and quiet while enjoying the mild climate. In addition, prices are sometimes more affordable and the beaches, almost deserted at those times, will give you the impression of having the sea and the sun just for you! The high season extends from May to the end of August. The tourist flow is at this time the most important: individuals, excursionists and cruise passengers massively tread the Principality's ground. It is also the most concentrated season in terms of events and demonstrations such as the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, held towards the end of May. Don't expect to find accommodation when you arrive unexpectedly.
Weather at the moment
Monaco enjoys a temperate, Mediterranean climate. With a sunshine rate of about 300 days per year, the Principality is a very popular tourist destination and can be visited all year round! Winters are mild and humid with temperatures hovering around 10°C. However, beware of the east wind, which is a sign of a clear deterioration in the weather! Summers are hot, without being scorching, with temperatures regularly approaching 28°C.
The Principality of Monaco is authorised to use the euro. There are of course the beautiful hotel rooms of the great palaces and the gourmet restaurants... But it is also possible to have lunch or dinner in charming little restaurants for less than 20 € per person! You will also be surprised to find that public car parks are cheaper than in France. In the restaurant, the service is included in the bill.
The entry and exit on the Monegasque territory are done through the French soil, Monaco being a landlocked country. Although the Principality is an independent and Sovereign State, the border crossing is done without any formality. For French nationals, an identity card or a valid passport will be required in case of control. Please note that if you decide to travel with your pet, do not forget its passport because for several years, dogs, cats or ferrets traveling in the European Union with their owner or on a commercial basis must be identified, vaccinated against rabies and be in possession of a European passport provided and filled out by a veterinarian or the Direction Départementale des Services Vétérinaires. The model of this passport is the same for all Member States: it mentions the identification, the description of the animal, all the required sanitary mentions and indicates the name and the address of the owner.
No particular vaccine is required, but be sure to be up to date on your so-called "classic" vaccines: tuberculosis, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis... Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended if you have no previous immunity. In case of doubt, do not hesitate to consult your doctor who can prescribe a blood test to look for traces of a past infection. If the test is positive, you will avoid an unnecessary vaccination, but if it is negative, the vaccine is essential! Vaccination against hepatitis B can be discussed. Tap water is of course drinkable.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Monaco? Our advice & tips
Specialized travel agencies offer packages combining accommodation and tickets to attend major sporting and cultural events organized throughout the year in the Principality: Monte Carlo Rally, Monte Carlo Tennis Masters, Formula 1 Grand Prix, International Circus Festival, Monte Carlo Jazz Festival...
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationYour arrival by plane will be at Nice Côte d'Azur airport, about 30 minutes from the Principality. It is also possible to take the train to the underground station of Monaco-Monte-Carlo. If you take the car, please note that access to Monaco-Ville is limited to vehicles registered in Monaco and the Alpes Maritimes. The others will have to park at the Parking des Pêcheurs, whose pedestrian access allows to reach the center of Monaco-Ville in a few minutes.
The streets of the Principality are quickly crowded by the 100,000 vehicles that circulate there every day. The numerous traffic jams can also be explained by the small size of the territory: it is therefore better to walk or use public transportation. The Monaco bus company obviously serves any area of the Principality.
