Explore Monte Carlo in half a day and spend the rest checking out Monaco’s lavish yachts. I still can not believe that two days ago I was on a tour to explore Monte Carlo in half a day. When I booked my trip to Nice, France just over two weeks ago now I didn’t have a plan. They say traveling without a plan is the best way to explore a place. I did exactly that and would do it again in a heart beat.
I had stayed at Hotel Lepante where I saw a guide brochure that gives you a chance to explore the best of the Riviera. This includes Fragonard Parfumeur Factory, Eze Village, Monte Carlo and if time permitting Antibes and Cannes. The prices weren’t cheap but considering what you get to do I think it was worth the price. I paid €100, €70 for the tour and €30 for airport transfer, I could have taken a train or bus but honestly I couldn’t be asked.
The trip was booked through the hotel but payment was made to the tour company Med-Tour. I had arranged to be collected from my hotel which is a service they offer and I think it’s quite handy. What I did between Nice and Monte Carlo I will share in another post.
This post will focus on the three main tourist attractions in Monte Carlo: Palace, Cathedral and Museum. Their other tourist attractions in the town like tourist shops, designer brands and spectacular views 360 of the hill-top.
Explore Monte Carlo in half a day
Dropped off at the only bus stop in Monte Carlo after the tour guide quickly drove through the grounds. When the tour guide left I went off straight for the Palace which was due to have a guard change shift at 11.55am. This is something I personally recommend as many other tour companies. I had seen something similar in Copenhagen outside the Palace but honestly I loved the Monte Carlo one better.
The Prince’s Palace of Monaco
The views from the Prince’s Palace overlooking the sea on all sides was absolutely breathtaking. I couldn’t stop snapping pictures, well that was until my Canon camera packed it in. I could have kicked myself for forgetting to charge my camera but luckily I had both my iPhones with me. Arriving just before 11.55am to watch the changing of guards which was absolutely amazing and better than any other I have seen before.
Saint Martin’s Cathedral
Though I didn’t go inside, apparently Grace Kelly is buried in one of the tombs inside the church. She is the first none royal person to be buried there. She is also the mother to the current ruler of Monaco, Prince Albert II of Monaco. If I was to ever visit Monaco again I would definitely check out the cathedral.
Oceanographic Museum #oceanomonaco
I have never been inside an aquarium before nor had I ever wanted to but somehow I was drawn to this oceanic museum. Though I can’t pinpoint exactly what drew me to this museum I am glad to have explored it myself. From the moment I entered, I went straight for the aquarium where I was mesmerised for over an hour. This has never happened to me before but I wouldn’t change it for the world, it was worth the trip. I will share more about the oceanographical museum in a separate post.
Tips to consider when visiting Monaco
- Though staying Monaco would be idea, I chose to stay in Nice where I was able to explore parts of the French Riviera.
- There are regular buses and trains between Nice and Monaco and loads of tour companies too.
- Visit Monaco outside peak seasons like summer, go just before winter sets in.
- Wear appropriate footwear as most of Monaco is on hill tops and can get tiring.
- Because there are no taxes to pay in Monaco, everything from food to land is expensive.
- To save money book a combined tour ticket from outside Oceanographic Museum. The ticket can cover both museum and aquarium plus a tour with 12 stops in Monaco.
- Arrive early in Monaco to have chance to explore everything on your list, stay for early parts of the night too. The Monte Carlo Casino is amazing but if gambling is not your thing there is an opera house and many restaurants to chill at.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
Monte Carlo is one of the places in my bucket list. There are so many beautiful places to visit.
Anosa says
Hope you manage to visit one day
blm03 says
there are so many amazing places to see! this will definiatrely be added to my bucket list.
Anosa says
Tell me about it, this was last minute decision and I loved that I went ahead with it
Valerie CottageMakingMommy says
I have dreamed of going to Monte Carlo for years. I’ve followed the royal family forever and I hear it is just beautiful. I’d love a day on the beach there.
Anosa says
It’s an amazing place Valerie definitely worth a visit
kerry norris says
Wow looks amazing. I’ve always wanted to go. The palace is stunning x
Anosa says
The palace was absolutely gorgeous and the views all over the country were just incredible
Ali says
Funny enough I have spent half a day in Monte Carlo a few years ago. It is an amazing place.
Anosa says
It truly is an amazing place and I bet you were able to see a lot too right?
mummyandthechunks says
I also love to explore without a plan! I spent half a day in palma in october and had so much fun. Monte Carlo looks fab. Think I would need a day or two though!!
Anosa says
I think I would need a day or too in Palma lol. It’s nice exporing wothout a plan and take the surroundings all in
Stella Kashmoney says
Love the photos. I have always wanted to visit. But the fact that it is expensive is putting me off now.
Anosa says
If you stayed outside monaco and communted then you would reduce the expense as the bus is cheaper
Clairejustineo says
Oh wow, it looks amazing here!! I would love to visit, beautiful pictures 🙂
Anosa says
It sure is amazing, there is so much to see and so much to do. If you get a chance definitely pack the family and go as it is so worth it
Baby Isabella says
We’d love to go to Monte Carlo! Just need the spending money! It’s great that you managed to pack so much in on your visit!
Anosa says
Thanks Bella
Evelina says
I love Monace, have been there for the 2nd time in October and would happily go back again.
Anosa says
I can not wait to go back and check it out some more
Charlotte says
Your photos are amazing! glad you had your iPhone as a back up. x
Anosa says
Me too, I couldn’t believe my camera battery died at the most crucial time
Sheri says
Monte Carlo is beautiful and I find the best time of year to visit Monaco is in September. Everything is perfect with not too many tourists and the weather is awesome. Lovely pics.
Anosa says
I was fortunate to visit December and the weather was just right. But yes I was told semptember is awesome with less tourists
Emma Matthews says
Your photos seriously make me want to go on holiday! What a lovely post, it looks like you got heaps done.
Anosa says
Hahaha I am glad to hear that and yes got heaps done on my self tour
Jayne says
Wow! What an experience! Love how much you crammed into your short time there.
🙂 x
Anosa says
Thanks Jayne, I surprised myself too
Bonnie Gowen @WEMAKE7 says
That is a lot of great places to visit there. I would love to go to that ocean museum.
Anosa says
I would love to go back to the oceano museum again
Melanie Mathis says
Wow! That’s a lot in half a day! Those pictures make me want to visit Monaco now!
Anosa says
You should luv it is amazing country
Nayna Kanabar says
I can’t believe you packed in so much in half a day. The photos look super.
Anosa says
Thanks Nayna, it’s incredible what one can do when you set your mind to it
Beautyqueenuk says
I am impressed with how much you have managed to fit in half a day, that is amazing and it looks beautiful x
Anosa says
Thank you so much, I was determined to make the most of my visit
Hungry_Healthy_Happy says
Oh wow. It looks like you can pack so much in to half a day. It looks like an amazing place.
Anosa says
You sure can with motivation and dedication
Melissa Zia says
I have never been to Monaco before but it looks like a beautiful city, I need to visit one day
Anosa says
You should, Monaco is a beautiful country though small has so much to offer (apart from incredible views and no tax)
Stephanie Merry says
I loved Monaco when I went. But like you we stayed outside and travelled in each day x
Anosa says
I think it is a great idea to stay outside as traveling in is so cheap but staying in not so much
Ellie Maple Syrup & Teacups says
wow! What a beautiful City to visit! Saint Martin’s Cathedral looks stunning!
Anosa says
It’s it just? I was so taken in and loved it
Sarah (@craftinvaders.co.uk) says
What a stunning city – so beautiful and clean. It sounds like you made the most of your time there and your photos are lovely – I especially love the jelly fish – stunning!
Anosa says
Thanks Sarah, I made the most of my visit and I am glad I did
Sheila says
What a beautiful place! Thank You for taking me on tour. The palace is beautiful! I’ve always heard about Monaco, but it was great to see a person’s perspective up close and personal. Happy Travels!
Anosa says
Awww thank so much Sheila, it was a total pleasure sharing this experience on the blog
dramrita says
I absolutely loved the oceanographic museum.Have to try visiting it.The cathedral looks great too
Anosa says
Thanks they are amazing places to visit boht inside and out
Rebecca Swenor says
It sounds like you had a great time indeed in Monte Carlo. I would love to visit here some day. The palace looks gorgeous and so does the cathedral. Thanks for sharing the tips and your experience.
Anosa says
Thanks Rebecca, I would love to go back and explore some more
Briana Marie says
The Oceanographic Museum looks sooo cool! I’d love to check that out. Nice work doing all of that in half a day.
Anosa says
Thank you, I surprised myself too but loved it all
Jo Wiggins says
Well done for doing all that in half a day. I did it in 2 days and even then I felt I could have stayed longer x
Anosa says
I wish I could do it for longer but when you’re pressed for time you can either do lots or none
Rhian Westbury says
I love the look of the ocean museum as I am a huge fan of aquariums. Sounds like you managed to squeeze quite a lot into half a day x
Anosa says
I sure it and yes the oceano museum was just breathtaking and I spent a lot of time there
Little Steps says
Wow, would love to do this, even if it’s just a half-day like you mentioned 🙂 Must make plans. x
Anosa says
You will not regret it I promise you that
Nicole Cochingco Escat says
Wow! Such a beautiful city! I’ve never thought that you can explore it in just a half a day, amazing! I adore all your pics.
Anosa says
I think you can certainly do all of monte carlo in half a day and then spend the rest in other parts of monaco as its a small country
Lyndsey O'Halloran says
Oooh it sounds lovely. I don’t think I’ve ever really thought of going before
Anosa says
I never did until I was so close it would have been a shame not to and I am glad i did go
Blair Villanueva says
Indeed, traveling without plans makes it more memorable. I remember Monte Carlo from a movie with the same title.
Anosa says
Oh yes I remmeber the monte carlo movie lol and so true exploring without a plan is awesome way to do it.
The Travel Ninjas says
Very cool experience in one of the most lavish places in the world. Good tip on the aquarium. We’d like to see what makes it so special too.
Anosa says
You should visit for sure, they have the leading marine life and support for the ocean programs
T-Nicole Johnson says
This looks like such a wonderful expericence. Cant wait to visit. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Anosa says
You’re most welcome and hope you manage to visit one day
Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz says
I visited Monaco a very long time ago and would love to go back. These are all great places to visit when you are there!
Anosa says
It’s an awesome place and I am sure it remember its beauty still
Jennifer says
If I got to explore Monte Carlo I would hope to have more time than you did but you really saw a lot. It looks like such a beautiful place to explore.
Anosa says
If I got back next time I will shedule more than a day to explore it all
Lisa Favre says
I would love to visit Monte Carlo! This looks like it can be a romantic getaway for my husband and I!
Anosa says
It is such a beautiful place to visit and would make a perfect romantic getaway
Milly says
I love exploring new places, even if we only have a short time there – I managed to pack a lot into the afternoon I spent in Washington D.C this year! I’ve never been to Monte Carlo, but sounds like there’s plenty to explore there!
Anosa says
I am the same too and I bet you had an awesome time in DC
Ana De Jesus says
I like the sound of the oceanographic museum especially since I am a big fan of educational attractions. I would love to go to Monte Carlo!
Anosa says
It was such an amazing place to visit Ana, you would love it for sure then
Sarah Bailey says
You really packed a lot into half a day! What a beautiful place to visit, and your photos are stunning. The cathedral and the palace are gorgeous and the Oceanographic Museum looks to be a fascinating place to visit.
Anosa says
Thanks Sarah, where I can pack many adventures in I do
LaaLaa says
What a beautiful city, I adore Cathedrals, I’ve always said I want to get married in one – such big dreams. Damn the Oceanographic Museum is one interesting sight to take in.
Anosa says
I would love to get married in a Cathedral too one day lol, a girl can dream lol.
Amber says
What a gorgeous area! I’d love to visit. That museum looks so cool! The inside looks really lovely.
Anosa says
It sure is a lovely museum with so much to see and do for the entire family
Pam says
Wow, the oceanographic museum in Monte Carlo is really cool. I would love to visit Monte Carlo for a day.
Anosa says
A day is what I am hoping to do next time and yes the Oceanographic Museum was just wow!!
Paula Schuck says
I would love to visit Monet Carlo with the family one day. It’s such a gorgeous place. I LOVE the architecture.
Anosa says
I loved the architecture too and yes it’s a great place to visit at least once
Vera Sweeney says
I would love to visit Monte Carlo!!! Mexico has so many amazing travel destinations to visit, especially with the cold weather hitting.
Anosa says
Yes Monte Carlo in Monaco is amazing,
But I bet Mexico is a hot destination for many of us especially now.
Jeanette says
What a beautiful place! I have heard that Monte Carlo is a awesome place to explore. I am hoping one day I can get there.
Anosa says
It sure is and I can not believe I was there only a few days ago
Shirley Wood says
Such a gorgeous place to visit. The architecture is amazing. Your photos make me want to go. I don’t know if half a day would be enough for me. Great tips especially about the footwear.
Anosa says
Hahaha I think for next time I will allocate an entire day
Alli Smith says
I’ve always loved and admired Grace Kelly. I would have to visit her tomb if I ever get the chance to visit Monte Carlo. It’s such a lovely place.
Anosa says
Me too, when I got back I will go check it out for sure
Candy Kage says
Only half a day and you were able to see all of Monte Carlo. Nice to know how and where to go when booking trips like this. Very beautiful place.
Anosa says
I was and yes such a beautiful place and so much to get tucked into
Dad of Divas says
This looks like a beautiful place. I have only heard about the area, but seeing this and how much you did and saw in such a short time, I am sold! Sign me up!
Anosa says
Awww I am glad to hear that lol
Robin Rue says
I had no idea there was so much to see and do there. I am adding this to my must-travel-to list for the near future!!
Anosa says
Oh yeah there is buckets to do or better yet sit on the beach and soak up the sun
Divya @ Eat. Teach. Blog. says
Wow, there is so much to do and see! I like the tip of “wearing appropriate footwear.” I once made that mistake when sightseeing in Turkey and my feet did not feel too good the rest of the trip!!!
Anosa says
There was definitely lots to see and yes I regretted my decision when I got back home wearing heels strutting around in Monaco