Monaco Highlights
The world's most glamorous microstate — Grand Prix, casinos and royal palaces
Monaco is the world's second-smallest country and its most densely populated — a vertical city of luxury apartments, superyachts, and Michelin-starred restaurants clinging to a cliff above the French Riviera. The Grand Prix circuit runs through its streets every May.
Top Monaco Highlights to Visit
Handpicked destinations for the ultimate monaco highlights experience
Prince's Palace of Monaco
Home to the Grimaldi family since 1297 — the world's oldest ruling dynasty
The official residence of the Grimaldi family — rulers of Monaco since 1297 — perched on the Rock of Monaco above the harbour. The changing of the guard at 11:55am daily is one of the most charming ceremonies in Europe.
Highlights
- Home to the Grimaldi family since 1297 — the world's oldest ruling dynasty
- The changing of the guard at 11:55am — a daily ceremony
- The State Apartments — open to visitors July–October
- Panoramic views over the harbour and the French Riviera
- The Palace Square — the most photographed spot in Monaco
- The Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate — where Grace Kelly is buried
Things to Do
- Watch the changing of the guard — the daily ceremony at 11:55am on the Palace Square is a Monaco institution
- Visit Grace Kelly's grave — the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, a 5-minute walk from the palace, is where Princess Grace is buried
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
Year-round; State Apartments open July–October
Recommended Duration
2–3 hours
Typical Cost
Palace tour €10; exterior free
Travel Tips
- ·Arrive by 11:45am to get a good spot for the changing of the guard
- ·The State Apartments are only open July–October — check before visiting
- ·The Palace Square gives the best views over the harbour and the Grand Prix circuit
Nearby Attractions
Jardin Exotique
Over 1,000 cacti and succulents on a near-vertical cliff face above Monaco
A spectacular cliff-side garden of over 1,000 succulent and cactus species from around the world, clinging to a near-vertical rock face above Monaco. The views over the principality and the French Riviera are among the finest in the region.
Highlights
- Over 1,000 species of cacti and succulents from around the world
- Planted on a near-vertical cliff face — an engineering marvel
- Panoramic views over Monaco and the French Riviera
- The Prehistoric Anthropology Museum in the caves below
- The Observatory Cave — stalactites and stalagmites
- The most unusual garden in Europe
Things to Do
- Walk the cliff-side paths — wind through 1,000 species of cacti on paths cut into the vertical cliff face
- Tour the Observatory Cave — the prehistoric cave beneath the garden has extraordinary stalactites and archaeological finds
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
Year-round; spring for flowering cacti
Recommended Duration
2 hours
Typical Cost
€8 including cave tour
Travel Tips
- ·Visit in spring when many of the cacti are in flower
- ·The cave tour is included in the entry price — don't miss it
- ·The views from the top of the garden are the best in Monaco
Nearby Attractions
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