CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Located on the French Riviera, Monaco is a top destination for travelers who want to discover a luxurious city that’s one of a kind 💎. Small as it is, this city is packed with tourist sights and activities for every taste. It’s ideally located between France and Italy 😉. If you’re short on time and want to visit Monaco in one day, don’t worry, it’s entirely possible (that was the plan, but in the end we only went in the evening)! Walking around the city, you can discover many iconic sights and learn more about Monaco’s fascinating history.
If you want to discover Monaco in one day, you’re reading the right article 👍. Good to know: right next to Monaco is the beautiful village of Èze, which is well worth the detour 😍! You’ll discover the most popular places in Monaco in just one day. So get ready to see Monaco in a day!
THE MONTE-CARLO CASINO 🎰
The Monte-Carlo Casino is an iconic landmark of Monaco and one of the most famous casinos in the world 😁! It’s the first stop on your visit to the Principality. It first opened its doors in 1863, on the initiative of Prince Charles III of Monaco, to replenish the principality’s finances 💰. The casino was designed by the famous architect Charles Garnier (who also designed the Paris Opera). The Monte-Carlo Casino has an elegant, opulent Belle Époque style. The Monte-Carlo Casino has hosted many prestigious events and attracted famous figures from all over the world, such as James Bond in the movie “Casino Royale” 📽️. The casino is also home to traditional gaming rooms, slot machines, restaurants and bars.
We were lucky enough to go inside and discover this magnificent place! Entry costs €18/person, and filming inside the casino is strictly forbidden . It’s a must-see during your stay in Monaco.
THE PRINCESS GRACE JAPANESE GARDEN 🎎
Located in the heart of Monaco, the Princess Grace Japanese Garden is a true haven of peace 🧘♂️. Nestled between the skyscrapers and the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, this exquisite garden embodies the harmony between nature and Japanese art 🏯. Calm ponds are home to colorful koi, while waterfalls bring a touch of freshness and serenity. Delicate arched bridges and elegant pagodas add an artistic dimension to the landscape. The Princess Grace Japanese Garden is a tribute to the deep relationship between Monaco and Japan.
THE CHURCH OF SAINTE-DÉVOTE ⛪
Nestled in the Principality of Monaco, the Church of Sainte-Dévote is a symbol of faith and devotion ⛪. This historic church, built in the 13th century, is a living testimony to the history of Monaco. It’s dedicated to Saint Devota, the patron saint of Monaco. Her legendary story, linked to the protection of the country, is told through precious relics and religious objects. The Church of Sainte-Dévote is also renowned for its remarkable architecture 🏛️. The finely chiseled architectural details and delicate sculptures reflect the craftsmanship that has endured through the centuries. During your one-day visit to Monaco, it’s a place to discover and easy to reach on foot
MONACO CATHEDRAL ✝️
Monaco Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, is a magnificent church in the heart of the Principality of Monaco. It’s an important place of worship and a much-visited cathedral in Monaco 🙂. The cathedral was built in 1875 and designed by the architect Charles Lenormand in a Romanesque Revival style. An impressive facade, with its two slender towers and magnificent marble portal, catches the eye very quickly 👀. The inside of the cathedral is just as impressive, with marble columns, colorful stained-glass windows and a magnificent wooden vault.
The cathedral is also known for its great organ, installed in 1976. This impressive instrument has more than 4,000 pipes and is regularly used for concerts and religious ceremonies ⛪. It’s also an active place of worship where services are held regularly. It’s a place to discover during your one-day visit to Monaco.
THE CHAPEL OF MERCY 🛐
The Chapel of Mercy, in Monaco, is an iconic place that combines history, spirituality and architectural beauty. The chapel was built in the 17th century. The Chapel of Mercy is a testament to the importance of faith and devotion in the principality. It’s a Baroque building, characterized by its ornate facade and elegant architectural details. The walls are decorated with delicate frescoes depicting religious scenes, while the altars are adorned with sacred sculptures and paintings. The Chapel of Mercy is also known for its sacred music concerts.
THE PRINCE’S PALACE OF MONACO 💂
The Prince’s Palace of Monaco is a true icon of the principality, offering a fascinating glimpse into its history and rich heritage. Perched on top of a hill, this majestic palace is the official residence of the sovereign prince of Monaco. Built in the 13th century, the Prince’s Palace has impressive architecture, with its imposing facade and fortified towers. The inside of the palace is just as sumptuous, with richly decorated rooms, historic frescoes and period furniture.
When visiting the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, you’ll discover many rooms, such as the throne room, the state apartments and the prince’s private apartments. The palace’s lush gardens also offer a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and the surroundings of Monaco. If your timing is right and you plan to be in front of the palace at 11:55 a.m., you’ll be able to see the changing of the guard 💂. This colorful, traditional ceremony is a show not to be missed. The palace is the symbol of Monaco’s sovereignty and identity.
👉 For entry to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, expect to pay €10 per person.
WHERE TO STAY IN MONACO & THE SURROUNDING AREA? 💤
You’ll find plenty of accommodations in Monaco or nearby for all budgets (in Monaco itself it will be very expensive 💶). Monaco and the surrounding villages are very touristy in summer ☀️, which means prices for guesthouses, Airbnbs and hotels are often excessively high in peak season 😶. The key to getting the best accommodations is to book ahead and have as much choice as possible at more or less reasonable prices 😏.
HOW TO GET TO MONACO? 😎
BY CAR
The Principality of Monaco is quick and easy to reach by car via the A8 highway. If you're staying in Cannes, it takes about 1 hour; from Nice, 30 minutes. There are several parking garages in Monaco, which can quickly get very expensive… It's up to you to choose the one that best suits your budget, even though they're all about the same price…
BY TRAIN
To get to Monaco by train, there's one station: Monaco-Monte-Carlo. If you're coming from far away, from Paris for example, expect a 5 to 6-hour journey, changing from a TGV to a TER regional train (from somewhere close like Marseille, allow 2.5 hours). To reach Monaco, you have to take a TER (no TGV yet)
BY PLANE
The nearest airport is Nice. From there, you can rent a car, take a taxi or a shuttle. If you're coming from far away and plan to spend a few days in the South of France, a rental car will be your best friend.
BY BUS
There are regular buses linking Monaco to neighboring towns, including Cannes and Nice. Buses are often a cheaper way to get around the region, but you'll need more time to spend on public transportation.
MY ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES FOR WEEKEND TRIPS 🧳
Even on a short weekend, I like to bring certain accessories and items that help me feel at ease 😉. At the same time, it’s always cheaper to plan ahead than to buy at the last minute in very touristy places 👇.
OUR YOUTUBE VIDEO IN MONACO 🎥
It’s always a pleasure to share our day in Monaco and the surrounding area with you. In this YouTube video, you’ll find our feedback on this day and the places covered in this article that we discovered. Enjoy watching 🥳!
COMING SOON / VIDEO
THANKS FOR YOUR FEEDBACK 
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