Best Places to Visit in Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo, part of Monaco, is a small but very beautiful place on the French Riviera. You will find quiet beaches, busy cafés and historic buildings all within walking distance. It’s known for its casinos and luxury, but even a simple walk through the city feels special.

On your trip to this destination, there are some stunning places to visit in Monte Carlo. Let’s explore the options.

Top places to visit in Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo has many wonderful places to see. Here are a few must-visit spots:

1. Casino de Monte-Carlo

One of the popular Monte Carlo places to visit is the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Built in the 19th century by Charles Garnier, who also designed the Paris Opera House, it was established to prevent the Grimaldi family from going bankrupt. At that time, Monaco lacked the infrastructure necessary to support tourism. And today, it is one of the most famous casinos in the world. With games of luck, including roulette, baccarat, poker and slot machines, the Monte Carlo Casino today entices gamblers to Monaco.

Things to do in Casino de Monte-Carlo

• Visit the gaming rooms and try your luck at roulette, blackjack, baccarat or poker.
• Take a tour of the casino and learn about its history and architecture.
• Attend a performance at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo in the vicinity of the casino.

2. Prince’s Palace of Monaco

Among the things to see in Monte Carlo, this palace is the official residence of the Prince of Monaco from the Grimaldi family. Currently, Prince Albert II is the reigning monarch. You can explore the grounds and get a taste of royalty. Discover a courtyard with 3 million pebbles arranged in a geometric design and ancient Genovese murals.

Things to do in the Prince’s Palace of Monaco

• Visit the State Apartments (the official residence of the Prince of Monaco).
• Watch the changing of the guard ceremony by the “Carabiniers” every day at 11:55 AM in front of the palace’s main entrance.

3. Monaco Grand Prix

The Monaco Grand Prix, one of the world's most prestigious auto events, is another Monte Carlo attraction for those with a taste for fast cars. Racers must travel slower than the 190-mph limit required by Formula One regulations, since Monaco’s streets have sharp bends. The course is regarded as one of the most difficult in Formula One racing. Although the inaugural Grand Prix was held in 1929, this one has been associated with Formula One since 1955. Every year, the event, held in May or June, takes the same course.

Things to do at the Monaco Grand Prix

• Watching the race from the stands is one of the best things to do in Monte Carlo. This is the most popular way to experience the Monaco Grand Prix and a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with the F1 cars.
• Attend the after-parties. Following the race, numerous after-parties are organised in Monaco and are a wonderful way to celebrate the event. There are many places where after-parties are held, including clubs, bars and yachts.

4. Jardin Exotique de Monaco

This is a frequently visited garden in Monaco and finds a place among the Monte Carlo tourist attractions. There are many exotic plants and flowers in the garden. There are fascinating caves to explore in the garden. The garden also houses the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology.

Things to do in Jardin Exotique

• Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. It houses a collection of artefacts from the Stone Age.
• Explore the gardens. It is home to numerous waterfalls, caves and a variety of plants, including cacti, succulents and tropical plants. Take panoramic photos of Monaco since it overlooks the harbour.

5. Oceanographic Museum

In Monaco-Ville, there is a museum dedicated to marine sciences. It is one of the most famous things to see in Monte Carlo. The museum, established in 1910 by Prince Albert I, is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, dolphins and whales. You can find more than 4000 species of fish here.

Things to do in the Oceanographic Museum

• Explore the aquariums and the shark lagoon.
• Visit the planetarium.
• Have dinner at the museum’s restaurant which offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Best time to visit Monte Carlo

After curating a list of things to do in Monte Carlo, it’s time to think about the right time to visit the place. The weather is mild year-round in Monte Carlo, but the best time to visit is during the spring or fall (April to June or September to October), when the weather is warmer but not too hot. But if you are interested in attending events like the Monaco Grand Prix (which happens in May or June), you will need to plan your trip accordingly. 

How to get around Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo is small, so you can walk to many places. But if you want to rest or go uphill, you can take:

• Public buses: Cheap and easy to find
• Lifts and escalators: These are free and help you go up and down the hills in the city.
• Taxis: Easily available but a bit expensive
• Bicycles and scooters: Available for rent if you want to explore on your own

Day trips from Monte Carlo

If you have extra time, there are some lovely places near Monte Carlo you can visit in one day:

• Nice: A larger city nearby with beaches, shopping and art museums.
• Eze Village: A charming hilltop village with narrow streets and amazing views.
• Menton: Known for its lemon festival and colourful old town.
• Ventimiglia: Just across the border in Italy, famous for its Friday market.

Where to stay in Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo offers many places to stay, from affordable hotels to luxurious ones. If you want a more special experience, you can book a hotel with a view of the sea, which is very popular with tourists. If you are travelling on a budget, there are cheaper hotels and guest houses just outside the main city centre.

Local foods and drinks to try

When in Monte Carlo, don’t miss the chance to try some local and French-style food:

• Barbajuan: A tasty snack filled with cheese and vegetables.
• Socca: A thin pancake which is made from chickpea flour.
• Seafood dishes: Fresh fish, prawns and mussels are very popular.
• Pastries and desserts: Try fruit tarts or croissants with coffee.
• Local wines and champagne: If you drink alcohol, try a glass with your meal.

Travel insurance for Monaco, Monte Carlo

Before you visit Monte Carlo, remember that overseas travel insurance is generally a good idea for all getaways. As trips to Monte Carlo can be expensive and you may need to cover medical expenses or other unexpected costs from your pocket, if you don’t have travel insurance, it would be wise to invest in a comprehensive policy before you board your flight.

Conclusion

Monte Carlo is a wonderful mix of beauty, culture, and fun. The city is full of sophistication and at the same time very peaceful and safe. With good planning, you can enjoy this lovely place without spending too much.

Planning your trip is exciting, but being protected is just as important. If you are not sure which travel insurance online is right for you, get personal advice by filling out the form on this page.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.