Practical information : Sightseeing Monaco
Timetable
The opening hours are generally similar to the French ones. Please note that some places may be closed on Sundays, public holidays or during the F1 Grand Prix. The number of visitors is generally higher in summer and during major international events (Grand Prix, Printemps des Arts...).
Public holidays in Monaco: January1st, January 27th, Easter Monday, May1st, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi Day, August 15th, November1st , November 19th, December 8th and December 25th. If one of these days falls on a Sunday, it is made up on Monday.
To be booked
Some guided tours (museums, casinos, etc.) have a limited number of places, so reservations are required. Self-guided tours, in principle, are not subject to any particular restrictions.
Budget & Tips
The vast majority of establishments offer reduced rates for children, students, seniors or groups. Also note: you can benefit from advantageous prices thanks to the twinned tickets between the Oceanographic Museum and the car collection of H.S.H. the Prince.
Main events
The life of the Principality is punctuated by major artistic, cultural and sporting events:
January: Sainte Dévote festivities / Monte-Carlo car rally
March-April: Printemps des Arts festival
May: Formula 1 Grand Prix
July-August: concerts at the Palais Princier
October: fair attractions
November: Prince's Day
December: Christmas village
Guided tours
There are several ways to discover Monaco
By small train (30 minutes): the departure and arrival are opposite the Oceanographic Museum. The trains are equipped with panoramic roofs and offer a guided tour in 12 languages, to show you the most emblematic places of Monaco, from the Place d'Armes to the Casino Square, through the Port Hercule or the Old Town.
By bus: enjoy an original visit of the Rock of Monaco, Fontvieille and Monte-Carlo at your own pace! It's up to you to choose when you get on and off: your pass is valid all day, so take advantage of it!
Visit of the Monte-Carlo Casino: in the morning only, this visit (with or without audioguide) invites you to discover the secrets and magic of the green carpet and the slot machines! Please note that minors are allowed, for visits only
Visit of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco: passionate professionals welcome you aboard this immense establishment, witnessing more than 100 years of oceanographic history, and reveal anecdotes about the collections and species living in these places.
Smokers
As in France, it is forbidden to smoke in enclosed spaces (except in the smoking areas reserved for this purpose). Similarly, some beaches have dedicated areas. Every summer, the "Monaco Zero Butts" operation distributes pocket ashtrays, which can be collected from the Tourist and Convention Bureau (DTC) reception desks in the Larvotto, Fontvieille and Monaco-Ville districts. Of course, butts thrown on the ground are not tolerated.
Tourist traps
The practice is not very common, if not non-existent, in Monaco. Nevertheless, to avoid any risk, we recommend that you book your visits directly with the places you wish to discover, by telephone or on the official website of the establishment.
What's very local
A word of advice: make sure you always have appropriate attire with you. Most establishments (especially casinos or museums) require proper attire during the day. In the evening, a jacket and tie may be required. Please note that after a certain time, establishments may refuse you entry if you are wearing shorts or Bermuda shorts. Flip-flops and beach sandals may also be grounds for refusal. Similarly, beach restaurants may ask you to cover up and not eat in a bathing suit.