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Looking to spend one day in Monaco? If you’re planning a trip to this Riviera watering hole for the rich and famous, read on. Here’s what I did on my day trip to Monaco, and what you should (and shouldn’t) do.

A nice view of lots of money
Beasts of the sea
I spent one day in Monaco and pet a baby shark. This was the action portion of my day trip to Monaco, the second smallest country on earth, which only Vatican City trumps for petite-ness.

Just like a puppy!
Finding the beasts of the sea
Petting the shark was a breeze. It was getting to Monaco’s Museum of Oceanography that was the hard part. A Neoclassical building dramatically set into a cliff, as if it just rose up out of the Mediterranean of its own accord – scooping up aquariums full of fish as it went – Monaco’s Museum of Oceanography was established by Prince Albert I, the current Prince Albert II’s great great grandfather, more than a century ago.
But we’ll get back to this fish business later, because first I need to complain about the trial and sweat I suffered trying to find the museum. Is it me? I followed signs for the Museum of Oceanography religiously but was led on a meandering path that had me tramping through the summer heat of the French Riviera until I was so steamed I was ready to jump into an aquarium myself.
Monaco, please get your signs straight.

Why is everyone going the other way?
If you are spending one day in Monaco, learn to love elevators
This brings me to an important point about spending one day in Monaco – take advantage of every elevator or escalator you stumble upon, even if you want to go the other way. Your feet will thank you. Monaco is an up-and-down destination, with yacht-filled ports at the bottom; the Old Town of Monaco, Monaco Ville, at the top; and Monte Carlo with its swanky Casino de Monte Carlo and luxury hotels somewhere in between.
Confused yet? Yes, I was, too. That’s why you need to read my One Day in Monaco blog post, so I can straighten it all out for you.

Monaco, where orange, lime green and vintage cars go together.
Exploring Monaco from the Train Station
First, don’t do what I did and start hiking up behind the Monaco Train Station – it will take you out of Monaco altogether and into Beausoleil and you’ll wear out your shoes for no reason at all.
One day in Monaco – first stop Monte Carlo
The train station in Monaco is a long cavernous beast. To start off, leave the train station from the highest exit – the Sortie Monte Carlo. Once you’re outside head east and eventually down – look for signs or ask for directions – I always end up going down an escalator through the Metropole Shopping Centre, quite by accident, and then through the Jardin du Casino and voila, there is the Place du Casino.

Monaco, where flowers (and money) grow on trees!
The Place du Casino
The Place du Casino is the epicentre of all things haute in Monte Carlo, possibly the most concentrated spot of glamour in Europe. Here you will find the Monaco of jet-setting legends and if you are interested in luxury travel at all, trust me, you have found your spiritual home.

Monte Carlo Casino, the James Bond gambling hall of your dreams
The Monte Carlo Casino
Famously featured in the James Bond movies Never Say Never Again and Golden Eye, the Monte Carlo Casino opened in 1863 as a bid to bring tourists and income to Monaco.
It worked! Now Monaco is filthy rich, and as one of the grandest – though certainly not the largest – casinos in the world, its marble atrium, onyx columns, nymphs, stained glass and private gambling salons add a feeling of old world elegance to the dripping-in-money allure.
Travel tips for the casino: Entrance to the Monte Carlo Casino is 10 Euros. Over 18s only. Make sure to bring your passport! Jackets are recommended for the men after 7 p.m. – unless you’re Prince Albert or Brad Pitt then you can wear what you want.
Fun fact: The word casino comes from the word casina, a small house for ahem, ladies of the night.

Hotel of my dreams, the Hotel de Paris
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
The stunning Belle Epoque Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has one of the most beautiful facades of any grand hotel I’ve seen – and, I humbly add, I’ve seen plenty. The location? A prime spot smack on the Place du Casino, steps away from the Monte Carlo Casino itself.
Yes, you can peek inside Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo’s lobby. Just put on your best I-do-too-belong-in-this-world expression and walk up the steps past the doormen. Inside, gawk around as discreetly as you can then rub the (very worn out) knee of the equestrian statue of Louis XIV for good luck in gambling – you won’t be the first. (Or the ten thousandth.)

Feeling lucky? Rub my knee!
The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo
With beginnings that date back to 1868, the pretty-as-a-picture Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, also on the Place du Casino, is an atmospheric place to stop for lunch, rest your weary feet and/or sob into the cheapest beer on the menu because you lost all your holiday money playing Roulette. You won’t be the first. (Or the ten thousandth.)
Another lunch option near the Place du Casino is Nobu in the 4-star Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel, the trendiest fusion of Japanese cuisine and South American spices you ever did eat.
Read more about how to explore Monte Carlo highlife.
Exploring Monaco beyond Monte Carlo
Unless you want to do a little shopping at Chanel (Or Zara. Shh. I won’t tell.) it’s goodbye Monte Carlo and time to search for the Museum of Oceanography! Basically you need to head west and down. I took an elevator down (by stumbling onto one in a park) to end up on the Quai des Etats Unis.
Down on the quay I should have: taken the Bateau Bus for 2 Euros across the Port Hercule. Keep it in mind.
Instead I walked around the quay, which would have been lovely had I not then been taken on what will now be referred to as the Wild Oceanography Museum Goose Chase, which led me through a parking lot past the Esplanade de Pecheurs and down to the very tip of Quai Rainier III and then all the way back to the Esplanade and around the Chemin Des Pecheurs.

Seriously? You’re telling me to go there?
I should have: Taken the Bus. Make Bus #1 and #2 your friend. They will always get you where you want to go.
At last I could see the Museum of Oceanography from a distance. It’s truly a dramatic sight from the coast, which is one reason (the only reason) to go the long way. And then I followed the signs up.

And the museum rose up from the sea
I should have: stopped at the Monte Carlo Story, a documentary about the history of the Princes and Princesses of Monaco.
If I’d stopped at the Monte Carlo Story I could have sat down and rested, and had all the history of Monaco’s royal family brought to me, but those tantalizing signs for the Museum of Oceanography kept luring me on, each time convincing me it was JUST AROUND THE CORNER.
I should have: taken an elevator. But not once did the signs point to the elevator or explain that this was an option.
One day in Monaco – next stop The Rock
Okay, I’ll shut up about the Wild Museum of Oceanography Goose Chase, because eventually I arrived here at the top of The Rock, where the museum is located. And as soon as I stepped inside I came to the Shark Petting Pool.
Who knew baby sharks were like puppies? Gambolling over as soon as you put your hand in the water, all roly poly shark softness, seeking affection (or more likely food, but luckily they don’t seem interested in finger snacks), and acting as little shark ambassadors so that you don’t hate these notorious predators of the sea.
It works! I feel quite kindly towards baby sharks now.

A pool full of sea ambassadors .. who might eat your finger
What to see at the Museum of Oceanography
You’ll see 6,000 species of fish at the Museum of Oceanography, and I should have liked it more, because it’s dedicated to “raising awareness, love and protection of the oceans,” and because Jacques Cousteau used to be the director, but I was too tired. (I did perk up momentarily at the poisonous animals of the sea tank, but that’s because I’m macabre.)

Fishies
A high tech marine world
If I hadn’t somehow missed the Liquid Galaxy Simulator, where you can become a virtual sea explorer, I’m sure I would have had a better time, but really all I wanted to do was soak my feet in the jelly fish aquarium – yes, even at the risk of stings.
So please go to Monaco’s Museum of Oceanography for yourself, learn lots and tell me what I missed.

Oh, go soak your feet
Le Rocher
After the Museum of Oceanography it’s smooth sailing (ha) from here because you’re already in the Old Town, also situated on The Rock or Le Rocher, the illustrious origins of Monaco itself.
Note: Right outside the museum is the departure point for the little train tour of Monaco, where you can zip around Monaco on a 30-minute tour, which I kind of wanted to do, but after working so hard to get to the Old Town I didn’t dare leave.

Old Town of Monaco
What to do in the Old Town of Monaco – Monaco Ville
Stroll around the narrow streets of Monaco Ville and do not miss the Neoclassical Cathedral, where the much-loved Princess Grace of Monaco lies at rest. Built of white La Turbie stone, the 19th-century cathedral is a lovely peaceful stop with an ornate 16th century altarpiece by Louis Bréa, a well-known painter from Nice.

Cathedral
With one day in Monaco visit the Prince’s Palace
Your last stop in Monaco’s Old Town is the Prince’s Palace, a Renaissance building constructed on the site of a 13th century fortress. This is where the royal family still resides – at least when they’re not at one of their gazillion other palatial homes.
Monaco fun fact: The Grimaldi family has ruled Monaco since 1297. And if the family dies out, technically Monaco could revert to France. So isn’t just a good thing Prince Albert’s wife, Princess Charlene, is expecting? Congratulations Princess Charlene! (Talk about pressure to breed!)

A little place the Grimaldis call home
The changing of the guard
Every day at 11:55 a.m. you can watch the palace’s Changing of the Guard (in which case you’re probably better off doing Monaco Ville first and Monte Carlo later, unless you’re a seriously efficient sightseeing early bird and can fit it all into the morning).
Touring the Prince’s Palace of Monaco
You can also tour the lavish State Apartments from April to October. (I mean to say the tour should only take you 40 mins, you wouldn’t actually be touring from April to October – this is a one day in Monaco blog post, not a 7 months in Monaco post.)
Fun fact: Prince Albert married Princess Charlene in the Throne Room of the Prince’s Palace.
Look out for gorgeous frescoes, the 13th-century ‘double revolution’ (ie twirly) Carrera marble staircase, the Mirror Room a la Versailles, the yellow-hued Louis XV bedroom and the gorgeous Blue Room … and everything else. Why can’t we all live like this?
Note to self: Create a magnificent Blue Room in home in future.
Are we finished yet?
You’re finished your day trip to Monaco tour if you want to be. If you have any strength left, however, you can visit the Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs, which is located in a wing of the Prince’s Palace.
And don’t worry, from the Prince’s Palace of Monaco it’s all downhill to the train station. Take the winding outdoor path at the edge of the Place du Palais, where the palace is located, first stopping to enjoy the view of Monaco. Then follow the signs for the train station – signs that actually take you where you want to go!

Place du Palais
No, don’t let my One Day in Monaco Tour be over!
Okay, carry on then. They’re your feet not mine. Highly recommended is a visit to the Jardin Exotique de Monaco located at 62, Blvd du Jardin Exotique. With a cathedral-like cavern, cacti and other succulents (plants that adjust to dry climates by, I assume, sucking up water reserves), the Exotic Garden of Monaco has been getting rave reviews since 1933.
So there you have it, a stunning sightseeing day in Monaco. Didn’t you love it and want to move here forever, especially because it’s a tax haven? You wouldn’t be the first. Or the ten thousandth!
Read more: For more information on places to see on the French Riviera go to Things to do in the South of France. For more information on Monaco visit the Official Monaco Tourism Site.
Day tripping around the South of France? Read High Heels at the Cannes Film Festival, one day in Menton and one day in Grasse.
Thanks, Kirk. Getting lost is half the fun … except when your feet hurt. Hope you’re having a great trip to Monaco.
This is very helpful and I definitely laughed out loud several times commiserating with your frustration. I’m 100% sure we would have gotten lost when we visit from Nice in a few months. Now I will be very aware of the navigation issues – we’ll still get lost probably, but at least I’ll know we’re not the only ones.
Hi i have not yet spend days in Monaco but according to your share believe i just wondering that i’m there nice share.
You’re welcome, Danni. The South of France is one of my favourite destinations of all. Here’s a link to things to do in Nice if you’re wondering what to do there. https://wanderingcarol.com/15-top-things-to-do-in-nice-france/
Thank you for this post! My friend and I are headed to the South of France this coming May. We are staying for one night in Monte Carlo at the Fairmont and then moving onto an Airbnb in Nice for the rest of our stay in the area. I have been wondering what to do for our one day in Monte Carlo and you really broke it down. Thank you! Your post is extremely helpful! I just forwarded this onto my friend and we are going to base our one day itinerary on a lot of what you did.
Ah, I wish I could help, Maria. I was staying in Nice so I didn’t have any luggage. It’s tricky, for sure.
Hi Carol, you said you went to Monte Carlo for a day trip. So you didn’t stay the night? May I know where did you put your luggage if you also didn’t drive when you were in Monte Carlo? I’m planning to go to Florence/Pisa in next year. Considering to go to Monte Carlo for a day trip. Thanks in advance! :)
Love this. I’ve stayed at the Hotel Hermitage (adjacent to the Hotel de Paris but I’m sure you know this!) and explored Monaco fairly thoroughly but I haven’t been to the Aquarium or the Cathedral. I last visited for a day trip in 2014 by car and train from Villefranche-sur-Mer. We drove in the first time but the car park we chose was a bit hairy in our brand new Audi so we took the train the next time. Very easy… Another nice place to visit is the Yacht Club de Monaco which has a great terrace with fab views… Three of the main characters in my book live in Monaco so I’ve had to do a fair bit of research to add to my own experiences! I’m just editing the sequel so I spotted your article at a very good time… Best regards, Jane
Hi T, Glad you like this Monaco travel guide. The 30-minute Monte-Carlo Story, aka Monaco the Film, is oddly enough, located in the gargantuan parking terraces of the Chemin des Pecheurs, very near the Aquarium.
Loved this article. Can you tell me where to watch the documentary the Monte Carlo Story that you mentioned that you wished you would have watched?
For those who might not know, EQVITA is a new vegan restaurant in Monaco owned by tennis champion, Novak Djokovic, and his wife, Jelena. What a fantastic and healthy addition to the Monaco food scene. As to whether it’s hard to get into, Marcia, there’s one way to find out. Make a reservation at https://fb.prpepper.com/eqvita/booking.html – you can also visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/eqvita.restaurant/ Hope that helps.
What about Djokovic’s new restaurant EQVITA? Is it good? Hard to get into?
Read your day tour again and simply love it. We will most definitely follow your tour guide to the letter!
I feel your pain, Susan. I’m heading to England this summer.
Hi Carol, we have since planned a flight to Nice and booked a hotel for 2 nights. Because of the dramatic events following Britain’s decision to exit the EU, we have to monitor what our SA Rand is going to do against other currencies before can even consider to pay for our holiday. Sad hey?
You can possibly walk, Jill, if you don’t mind an uphill climb. Aim for Monaco-Ville. There are also elevators and escalators throughout Monaco, you should be able to access an escalator from the parking lot near the cruise terminal. From Monaco-Ville you can take bus number 6 to Monte Carlo where you’ll find the casino.
If you want to visit Monaco from Rome only from a day, the only way you could possibly do this is to fly to Nice, Susan. The train would take you hours. I wouldn’t suggest doing Monaco as a day trip from Rome. Why don’t you extend the stay?
We are coming on a cruse,what is the best way to get into the center of the town?
Hallo, thank you for the informative post. We will be visiting Rome for the first time in February 2017 and would love to spend a day in Monaco. How do you suggest we do this? Would by by train be the best way? We’re from South Africa.
Regards, Susan van Dorp.
Good information – thanks for taking the time. This will be helpful!
Thanks, Theresa – I visited some perfumeries in Grasse and loved the experience. I’d love to visit your friend’s shop as well.
I just found you. You are hysterical!! I have been going to Monaco for over 15 years. My husband and I stay in Ville Franche Sur Mer. We stay with a friend in his villa and he has a wonderful perfumery by the palace. He is one of the 50 noses in the world. Anyways I love your quirkiness and your fun. Just wanted to let you know I enjoyed your post!! Keep up the adventures!!!
Hey Nesta, I love to talk about the south of France with Carol and I’m happy to recommend a few great restaurants in Nice. If you love seafood, try Boccaccio on the pedestrian street right off Place Massena http://www.boccaccio-nice.com, on the beach we love the Plage Beau Rivage restaurant http://plagenicebeaurivage.com/en/home-en/ and for a unique experience with true Provençal cooking, take a look at La Merenda on the edge of the vieille ville ~ no cards, no reservations, tiny shoebox, excellent food and great ambiance http://lamerenda.net/La_Merenda_Site_Officiel/La_Merenda_Nice_Eng.html.
Hi Nesta, I always go to the fabulous Hotel Negresco for a drink. It’s right on the Promenade des Anglais so easy to get to and while you’re there take a close look at the terrific art all around you. I’m going to reach out to my friend Patricia Sands to see what restaurants she recommends, because that woman knows her restaurants. In Monaco, my husband and I splurged out and ate at Le Grill on the eighth floor of divine Hôtel de Paris. I’m still planning to write about the experience. It’s very pricy, so we went at lunch instead of dinner.
Oh, I’m so glad, Sherly – have a marvelous time!
Loved this! Thank you Carol! I am heading to Monaco next month for the first time and was absolutely clueless until I read your blog! I appreciate all of the details! <3
Thanks Carol. This is great. we will try the train. I know your blog is about Monaco but I was wondering if you might know about Nice? I’m Looking for restaurant recommendations for Nice. Lunch and dinner. I’d like to try a traditional French restaurant but also a posher restaurant too. I’ve heard the sea front restaurant at Le Meredien hotel is good. Also any restaurants spring to mind in Monaco? Thank you in advance.
Hi Nesta, The train is an easy option and it’s fast. You’ll probably want to buy a day pass for the regional train rather than 2 separate one-way tickets. I found it a little confusing trying to find the right platform to come back from Monaco to Nice on, just ask people if you’re having trouble. Just make sure you’re not staying. I believe the last train from Monaco to Nice leaves at 23:12 (on weekdays), but please check at the train station as schedules can change. Have fun!
I enjoyed reading this. We are going to Nice in a few weeks and we would like to go to Monaco for the day and evening but come back to Nice after an evening meal. How do you recommend we do this? Hire a car ourselves, train or use a tour company? Thanks in advance.
Thanks, Samah – I hope you enjoy Monaco!
I like the artical .. Really nice to know all the places
Thanks, Lucie – I appreciate your comment.
Really nice article and great description of the Principality of Monaco! It really stimulate the desire to discover this city/country with its own steps!
You sure covered a lot of ground – well done! Not sure how I missed the Oceanographic Museum, but it is on the list for next time.
Hi S, Parking in Monaco: There are pedestrian streets in the Old Town of Monaco so you can’t drive everywhere. There is a large parking lot, the Chemin des Pêcheurs, located under the Oceanographic Museum with elevators up to the Old Town. There is a little tourist train, The Azur Express Tourist Train, that leaves from the square outside the Oceanographic Museum, which might be corny but saves walking.
Hi Carol
We are traveling to Monaco for a day by car and have my parents with me – are cars allowed into old town? am not sure they can walk all that much and up steep hills
Glad I could help, Paula. Ask directions and you’ll be fine.
I enjoyed your blog. I am going there in July 2015 and this is the only travel spot which stresses me because I can’t seem to find a good map from the train station to the town. However, your information was very helpful.
My one day in Monaco posts actually covers the Place du Casino, the Hôtel de Paris, the Café de Paris, the cathedral, the Prince’s Palace and the Changing of the Guard … as well as baby sharks. But thanks for reading!
odd that the focus is on sharks, not really Monaco.
Those baby sharks looks quite cute and not something I’d ever expect to see in Monaco!