You need to agree with the cookies and privacy policy of this external service to view the content
Yachts, casinos, and lavish villas — Monaco vacations offer an opulent and glamorous atmosphere. This tiny principality borders southern France and is near Italy and St. Tropez, sitting directly on the Mediterranean coast. As the second-smallest sovereign state in the world, Monaco covers just about 0.77 square miles but is densely populated with approximately 40,000 residents.
The official language is French, though many Monégasques also speak English. The currency used is the Euro. If you're planning a luxurious getaway to the Côte d'Azur, Monaco is an unforgettable destination.
Monaco's name dates back to Greek settlers from the 5th century BC, but today, it is known simply as "the place to be" for the world's elite. The ultra-wealthy call Monaco home, owning extravagant properties and docking their luxury yachts in its harbors.
One of Monaco’s biggest draws is its tax benefits — residents pay no income or inheritance tax, which is a major attraction for millionaires. In fact, nearly half of Monaco’s residents are millionaires. Hotels in Monaco and nightlife cater to high-end visitors, making a stay in Monaco as luxurious as one desires.
The best way to reach Monaco is by flying into Nice, France. Nice International Airport is about 12 miles from Monaco, and from there you can arrange a Nice to Monaco day trip. To travel to Monaco from Nice, you can take a helicopter shuttle or a taxi. Another option is visiting Monaco via a Mediterranean cruise. For US citizens, a valid passport is required for entry.
Monaco enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm but not excessively hot, while winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 46°F. Snowfall is extremely rare.
Monaco is a great year-round destination. Summer is ideal for beach vacations, while cooler months provide a pleasant escape from harsher winter climates in the USA.
Pirate tip: For a unique experience, book a Monaco trip in January for the International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo. Formula 1 fans should mark their calendars for late May when the Monaco Grand Prix takes place.
Prince's Palace (Palais Princier de Monaco) at Place du Palais
Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate (Notre-Dame-Immaculée)
Monte Carlo Casino
Oceanographic Museum
Jardin Exotique (Exotic Garden)
Larvotto Beach
Hôtel de Paris & Café de Paris
Opéra de Monaco
Monaco Harbor (Port Hercule de Monaco)
Monaco Grand Prix Circuit
Monaco has one of the highest population densities in the world, with about 46,500 people per square mile. Despite its compact size, the principality offers stunning landscapes. Monaco is part of the Alpine nations and established a long-distance hiking route in 2002 that allows adventurers to trek through all eight Alpine states from Monaco to Trieste.
The most vibrant area for tourists is Monte Carlo, the largest district in Monaco. It offers an array of shopping, dining, and nightlife options. The Prince’s Palace, the official residence of Monaco’s ruler, is a must-visit landmark. Certain parts of the palace are open to visitors from March to October.
Monte Carlo’s highlights include the iconic Place du Casino, home to the legendary Monaco Hôtel de Paris and the Monte Carlo Opera. This area is the epicenter of Monaco’s grandeur, drawing tourists year-round.
Another major attraction is Monaco’s luxurious yacht harbors. Port Hercule, the largest, is in La Condamine, while smaller harbors lie beneath the Prince’s Rock. The Monte Carlo Casino is another famous landmark renowned for its ornate and extravagant interior.
For a charming old-town experience, explore Monaco-Ville, also known as “Le Rocher” (The Rock). This historic area features the Prince’s Palace, quaint restaurants, and souvenir shops. However, during peak season, the narrow streets can become quite crowded.
If you're looking for a taste of nature but don’t feel like hiking, head to the Jardin Exotique. This lush garden boasts a diverse collection of plant species. The Oceanographic Museum, perched 280 feet above sea level, offers breathtaking views and fascinating marine exhibits.
Monte Carlo, though often mistaken as Monaco’s capital, is its most famous district. With world-class events, a legendary casino, and stunning attractions, it also boasts excellent accommodations:
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
Monte Carlo View
Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
Hôtel Columbus Monte-Carlo
For larger groups, consider renting a vacation home near the beach. This provides privacy and can be more budget-friendly than luxury hotels.
Monaco’s yacht harbor is world-famous. Visitors can marvel at the extravagant superyachts and possibly spot celebrities. Motorsport fans will recognize the harbor as a key location in the annual Monaco Grand Prix.
Monaco also offers a city beach, Larvotto Beach, popular in summer. The sand is coarse rather than fine, and jellyfish sometimes appear in the waters. For quieter beaches, head to Fontvieille or Cap-d'Ail.
Artificial gardens have been incorporated into the city’s design to counterbalance Monaco’s urban landscape. The Japanese Garden, located on Avenue Princesse Grace, is a must-see, featuring a vast array of plant species, traditional Japanese architecture, and koi-filled ponds.
Get ready to pack your bags! Discover the hottest deals on all-inclusive and last-minute Monaco vacations here.
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All" you accept this and consent that we share this information with third parties and that your data may be processed in the USA. For more information, please read our .
You can adjust your preferences at any time. If you deny, we will use only the essential cookies and unfortunately, you will not receive any personalized content. To deny, .