Monaco in 5 days

The Riviera's glamorous micro-state. Monte Carlo casino, superyacht harbour and Grand Prix glamour. Best time to visit: April-June & September-October. Average daily budget: $150 to $400 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Monte Carlo, The glamorous heart with the casino, grand hotels and Casino Square.

Morning: See the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Admire the Belle Époque casino and Casino Square's supercars.

Afternoon: Explore Monte Carlo, The glamorous heart with the casino, grand hotels and Casino Square.

Evening: Explore Monaco-Ville on the rock. Wander the old town to the Prince's Palace and cathedral.

Eat: Barbagiuan, fried chard-and-cheese pastries

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher), The old town on the rock, with the palace, cathedral and museum.

Morning: Visit the Oceanographic Museum. Tour the cliff-edge museum and aquarium founded by Prince Albert I.

Afternoon: Explore Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher), The old town on the rock, with the palace, cathedral and museum.

Evening: Walk Port Hercule. Stroll the superyacht harbour and the F1 circuit's harbour chicane.

Eat: Socca, the Riviera's chickpea pancake

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: La Condamine & Port Hercule, The superyacht harbour, market and the Grand Prix start line.

Morning: Watch the changing of the guard. Catch the daily ceremony outside the Prince's Palace at 11:55.

Afternoon: Explore La Condamine & Port Hercule, The superyacht harbour, market and the Grand Prix start line.

Evening: Stroll the exotic gardens. See succulents and panoramic views at the Jardin Exotique area.

Eat: Fresh seafood at the Condamine market

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Larvotto, Monaco's beach district with restaurants and the seafront promenade.

Morning: The free public lifts and escalators that save the steep climbs.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Larvotto, Monaco's beach district with restaurants and the seafront promenade.

Evening: The Japanese Garden, a tranquil free escape near Larvotto.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Pan-bagnat, the Niçoise tuna sandwich nearby

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Fontvieille, A reclaimed-land district with gardens, the marina and museums.

Morning: The Saint-Martin gardens clinging to the cliff below the old town.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Fontvieille, A reclaimed-land district with gardens, the marina and museums.

Evening: Early-morning Casino Square before the supercars and crowds arrive.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Barbagiuan, fried chard-and-cheese pastries

Hidden gems

The free public lifts and escalators that save the steep climbs.
The Japanese Garden, a tranquil free escape near Larvotto.
The Saint-Martin gardens clinging to the cliff below the old town.
Early-morning Casino Square before the supercars and crowds arrive.

Getting around

Monaco is tiny and walkable, but very hilly, so make use of the many free public lifts, escalators and stairways that connect its levels. A cheap, frequent local bus network covers the principality, and a scenic train station links Monaco to Nice, Menton and the rest of the Riviera in minutes, making it an easy day trip or base. Driving and parking are difficult and expensive, so most visitors arrive by train or bus. Walking combined with the public lifts is the best way to explore.

Safety

Monaco is one of the safest places in the world, with heavy police presence and surveillance, and crime is extremely rare. Solo travellers, including women, feel completely comfortable day and night. The main 'risks' are to your wallet: food, drinks and accommodation are very expensive, so plan a budget. The terrain is steep, so use the public lifts to avoid tiring climbs. Dress codes apply at the casino and upscale venues. Traffic on the narrow streets can be busy, especially around Grand Prix time.

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