One Day in Monaco: Luxury and Hidden Gems Await

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Monaco-Ville, also known as Le Rocher, is the historic heart of Monaco and a wonderful place to start your day.

Perched on a rocky hilltop, its narrow, winding streets are lined with pastel-coloured buildings. It was quiet and a much more quaint feeling than the larger Old Town in Nice.

I wandered past charming boutiques and tucked-away courtyards, making my way to Saint Nicholas Cathedral, where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III were laid to rest.

Nearby, the Monaco Courthouse and the Chapel of the Visitation offer glimpses into the principality’s architectural heritage. For a deeper dive into local history, the Old Monaco Museum would be a place to visit (I didn’t, though).

Before continuing, I stopped at Bar du Palais for a morning coffee (for my husband) and a buttery croissant for me — a simple pleasure with a view of the Prince’s Palace.

A short stroll through the Saint Martin Gardens, with its sea views and shaded benches, was the perfect way to admire the peaceful and elegant side of Monaco.

Late Morning: Prince’s Palace of Monaco

The Prince’s Palace stands proudly overlooking Monaco’s harbour, offering a glimpse into the country’s royal heritage.

I arrived just before noon to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a daily tradition at 11:30 AM. There was a small crowd gathered in the square to watch the guards with their bright black tunics and bright azure blue hats, marching in perfect unison. If you can line up the timing, great; if not, don’t be disappointed if you miss it.

Afterward, I took my time admiring the palace’s exterior, with its blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture.

For those interested in stepping inside, the State Apartments are open seasonally and offer a look at the opulent rooms where Monaco’s Grimaldi family has lived for centuries. Even if you choose to stay outside like I did, the panoramic views from the palace square are worth the visit — the sparkling Mediterranean on one side, the city’s terracotta rooftops on the other.

Lunch: Two Options

For lunch, I headed to Le Marché de la Condamine, a lively covered market that’s a favourite among locals. It’s the kind of place where friends gather for a casual meal, and the air is filled with the aromas of freshly prepared dishes.

I couldn’t resist trying the socca at Chez Roger, a traditional chickpea pancake that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Served warm and lightly salted, it paired perfectly with a chilled glass of rosé. I found a spot at one of the communal tables, soaking in the market’s vibrant energy — a true taste of everyday Monaco.

Afternoon: La Condamine Neighbourhood

After lunch, I decided to explore more of the Condamine neighbourhood. Just a short walk from the market, the streets are lined with stylish boutiques, cafés, and independent shops. One spot that caught my eye was Le Dressing, a high-end thrift store offering carefully curated designer pieces like a vintage Chanel bag or a timeless Hermès scarf.

I made my way to the Jardin Exotique de Monaco, perched on a cliffside with sweeping views of the Mediterranean. The garden’s collection of cacti and succulents from around the world is impressive, with vibrant blooms adding pops of colour against the rocky landscape. Strolling along the winding paths, I thought to myself this would be a great spot to come and watch the sunset.

As the day wound down, I treated myself to a creamy gelato from one of the small cafés near the port — a sweet farewell before heading back to Nice. The memory of enjoying a cone of stracciatella while taking one last look at the sparkling yachts is still vivid in my mind. It felt like the perfect way to wrap up my time in Monaco.

But if you’re tempted to linger a little longer, Monaco has plenty to offer for an extended evening. Watching the sunset from Fontvieille Harbour is a peaceful choice, with the sky’s soft colours reflecting on the water. For a more lively atmosphere, Larvotto Beach offers a beautiful seaside backdrop, and the beach bars are perfect for an apéritif as the day turns to night.

When it comes to dinner, the choices range from indulgent fine dining to fresh seaside fare. For a truly luxurious experience, Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris serves up Michelin-star-worthy French cuisine in an opulent setting.

If you’re after something elegant yet relaxed, the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort offers several dining options with views of the Mediterranean. Seafood lovers should head to Les Perles de Monte-Carlo, a laid-back oyster bar tucked away in the Fontvieille port — a spot where you can savour the freshest catch while soaking up the harbour views.

• Train: The most convenient option from Nice. Trains run frequently, and the journey takes around 25 minutes. The Monaco Monte-Carlo Station is centrally located.
• Bus: Take Bus 100 from Nice, offering scenic views along the coast. It’s budget-friendly but slower, taking about an hour.
• Car: While driving is possible, parking in Monaco can be pricey and limited. If you do drive, consider using one of the public garages.

Size and Timing:

• Monaco is about 2 km² (less than one square mile) in size, making it easy to explore on foot.
• A day is just enough time to get a good feel for the city, though an extra evening is a bonus if you want to enjoy dinner or nightlife.
• Skip visiting during the Monaco Grand Prix (typically in late May). The city is crowded, hotels are expensive, and some areas are inaccessible due to race preparations.

General Tips:

• Budget accordingly: Monaco is known for its luxury, but meals at markets or cafés can be more affordable.
• Respect local customs: While casual attire is fine during the day, some venues, like the Monte Carlo Casino, have strict dress codes in the evening.
• Keep your passport handy: Monaco isn’t in the EU, though there are no border controls when travelling from France. It’s always good to have ID with you.