Monaco Tribune

5 things you need to see when visiting the Princely Palace of Monaco

Vue-aerienne-Palais-Monaco

The Prince’s Palace will close its doors on 15 October, leaving three and a half months to enjoy this treasure, which is rarely open to the public. The editorial team has selected 5 things for you to see during your visit.

This summer the Princely Palace is open to the public! The Covid situation meant that the public has been unable to visit the Prince’s Palace for the past two years. A blessing in disguise, in a sense, as conservators were able to use the two years to work on Renaissance frescoes that were discovered in 2015 .

The Palace, a long history

Monaco has not always been independent. The town once belonged to the flourishing city of Genoa, which rapidly fortified the Rock to defend its western border and protect the port of Monaco.

The Monaco legend began in 1297, when François Grimaldi, from an influential family in Genoa, seized the fortress by posing as a monk. The name Monaco dates in fact from this historical event, since Monaco means monk in Italian.

Genoa tried to take the fortress back by force for hundreds of years. In 1506, the Republic of Genoa besieged Monaco but, with help from France, the siege was lifted. However, the city had to be rebuilt. A protection pact with Spain ensured Monaco was safe and the Palace, as it appears today, was built in the middle of the Renaissance, in the 16th century.

Thanks to its alliances, with France in particular, Monaco has managed to maintain its independence up to the present day. It is one of the few remaining Principalities in Europe.

1. Changing of the Guard

can you visit the palace in monaco

There is nothing like watching the changing of the guard in the Palace Square to soak up the princely atmosphere. Every day at 11.55 am, the 124 Prince’s Carabinieri rotate in a solemn, century-old ritual that visitors are sure to enjoy.

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2. The Cour d’Honneur (ceremonial courtyard)

cour-d-honneur-photo-mael-voyer-gadin

A must-see if you decide to visit the Palace, the Cour d’Honneur is the centrepiece of the Palace as a whole. Richly decorated, it houses the iconic horseshoe-shaped staircase commissioned by Prince Louis I in the 17th century, as well as the splendid Galerie d’Hercule, where one of the largest restoration projects on the site was carried out.

The Cour d’Honneur has witnessed many events. Not least, the very enjoyable concerts performed each summer by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. It is also the where Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene said “I do”  11 years ago .

3. Restored ceilings

fresque-palais-princier-ulysse-salle-trone-compressed

Le Palais a complètement changé de visage par rapport à il y a deux ans. Les fresques retrouvées derrière les peintures abîmées et restaurées donnent une allure Renaissance au Palais. Plus chargées qu’auparavant, ces fresques replongent le visiteur cinq siècles en arrière, lors de la construction du Palais sur la forteresse qui protégeait Monaco.

The Throne Room, with the Nekyia of Ulysses, and the European room feature some of the finest works of the period. To create a cohesive whole, each room has been re-arranged with new exhibits. The Green Antechamber was even provided with new flooring.

chambre-deurope-plafond-©-photo-mael-voyer-gadin-palais-princier-de-monaco

4. Royal Antechamber

A small but nevertheless important room, the Royal Antechamber is a testament to history. Located just after the Officers’ Lounge, as you follow the tour, it was here that actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III first met in 1955. A year later, the Prince and Princess were married, forming one of the most iconic couples of the 20th century.

5. Princes’ Gallery

galerie-des-princes-palais-princier

© Geoffroy Moufflet /  Monaco Palace archives 

The Princes’ Gallery is the last room on the Palace tour. Visitors end their tour in this remarkably bright room, surrounded by the illustrious Princes of Monaco.

In contrast to the white sculpted busts of the Princes of the Grimaldi dynasty, Prince Albert II’s head sits at the far end of the gallery. Made in gold by artist Barry X Ball, the head comprises different marine plant species, symbols of the Sovereign’s commitment to ocean preservation.

tete-albert-ii-palais-princier

The Prince’s Palace has designed a “Visit the Palace of Monaco” application, which can be used to visit the architectural complex from home, and for further information during the tour on site.

The Prince’s home is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm until September, and from 10 am to 6 pm, in September and October. Tours cost €10, with a €5 reduced rate.

More information on the Palace tour: Prince’s Palace of Monaco

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Discover the heritage of the Prince's Palace

An extraordinary tale

The frescoes of the palace of monaco

The Palace of Monaco will reopen its doors to the public from 26 March 2024. Enter the Prince’s Palace and visit the sumptuous State Apartments. Discover over 600m2 of unique frescoes that date back to the Italian Renaissance.

Hidden from view, for nearly five centuries in some cases, the Palace of Monaco frescoes have been brought to light by a series of events that owed much to chance. Starting in 2015 with major discoveries and astonishing twists, evolving on a daily basis. The restauration’s outcome goes well beyond anything imaginable!

can you visit the palace in monaco

Placed under the auspices of HSH Prince Albert II, the fresco conservation and restoration projects have strengthened the Palace of Monaco’s place in the history of global art. Not only is this due to the scale of the discoveries, but also the innovative and sustainable approach to their restoration.

Beyond the revelation of these exceptional frescoes dating back to the Italian Renaissance, this discovery resonates with the very history of the Principality and its secular connections to the Mediterranean world as well as the great myths that shaped its culture, and, more generally, its influence in the western world. Today, two heroes and a heroine of Antiquity, Hercules, Odysseus and Europa, have been brought back to life through the Palace frescoes.

Book your tickets

Ticket Office

PRINCE'S PALACE OF MONACO - Adventure through the frescoes

Tours of the State Apartments are currently closed. Reopening is scheduled for 26 March, 2024.

Opening Hours: March 26 to June 30: 10am – 5pm. The Palace closes at 6pm. July 1 to August 31: 10am – 6pm. The Palace closes at 7pm. September 1 to October 13: 10am – 5pm. The Palace closes at 6pm. Visits will be closed during the F1 Grand Prix weekend. For any further information, please contact the Palace via email: « [email protected] »

Behind the scenes

Latest News

can you visit the palace in monaco

Pablo Picasso and Antiquity 16 September – 15 October 2023

can you visit the palace in monaco

Nearly 140 children attend Changing of the Guard on Place du Palais

can you visit the palace in monaco

Mystery can only be explained by mystery…

Découvrez Océane Sicart, une historienne de l’art dont le parcours et la passion mènent tout droit aux fresques du Palais. Originaire de Biscarosse, Océane découvre la Côte d’Azur à l’occasion d’un chantier de fouilles archéologiques auquel elle prend part après avoir obtenu sa licence en histoire de l’art et archéologie à Bordeaux. Désormais installée à Nice, elle y poursuit ses études en master puis en doctorat, avec pour sujet de thèse les peintures murales du XIVe au XVIe siècle dans le sud de l’arc alpin.   Diplôme en poche, cette spécialiste des fresques de la Renaissance s’intéresse alors au chantier en cours au Palais. Les découvertes successives mises au jour dans la résidence du Prince Souverain de Monaco correspondent en effet en tous points à ses domaines d’études. C’est ainsi qu’elle rejoint l’équipe en mai 2023. Sa mission, qu’elle partage avec une autre historienne de l’art, Sophie Kovalevsky, consiste à comprendre et déchiffrer les fresques, ainsi qu’à répondre aux questions historiques des restauratrices et restaurateurs. Alors que le travail de l’historienne est généralement solitaire, Océane est aujourd’hui pleinement intégrée dans un collectif au service de la préservation et de la valorisation du patrimoine.——Discover Océane Sicart, an art historian whose journey and passion lead straight to the frescoes of the Palace. Océane obtained her bachelor’s degree in art history and archaeology in Bordeaux.She continued her studies in Nice with a master’s and then a doctorate, focusing her thesis on mural paintings from the 14th to the 16th century in the southern Alps region.Armed with her diploma, this Renaissance fresco specialist became interested in the ongoing project at the Palace. The successive discoveries unearthed in the residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco perfectly matched her areas of expertise. This led her to join the team in May 2023.Her mission, shared with another art historian, Sophie Kovalevsky, is to understand and decipher the frescoes, as well as to address the historical questions posed by the restorers.

Organized visits

VIP & Group Visits

Guided group tours around the Prince’s Palace are available to book. For further information on how to book, kindly click : ``Group visit request``

You can also offer your best customers, your partners, an exceptional visit to discover « The Prince’s Palace ». Find all the information you need on: « VIP Visits »

can you visit the palace in monaco

The prince's palace

Practical information

Opening hours, prices, access and FAQ, find all the practical information concerning visits to the Prince's Palace.

The prince's palace

The State Apartments are open from March 26th to October 13th 2024.

Opening Hours

From March 26th to June 30th:

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Palace closes at 6 p.m.

From July 1st to August 31st:

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Palace closes at 7 p.m.

From September 1st to October 13th:

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Palace closes at 6 p.m. Tours will be closed during the F1 Grand Prix weekend.

can you visit the palace in monaco

Ticket prices

Adults: 10 € Children (6-17 years old) & students: 5 € Groups and Agencies: available upon request

Cars and coaches are advised to park at the “Parking des Pêcheurs”. Please kindly note vehicles registered outside Monaco and Alpes Maritimes (06) are unable to access Le Rocher or Monaco-ville. Monaco bus service: Lines n° 1 and n° 2 - Stop at “Place de la Visitation”. On foot, 10 mins from Place d'Armes via the Rampe Major, 5 mins from Place de la Visitation through the narrow streets of the Le Rocher.

Due to the Palace being a seat of Sovereignty, there may be unexpected closures to the public without prior notice.

For further information, please kindly contact the Palace via email: «[email protected]»

For the perfect visit

To make your visit as pleasant as possible, a range of services and guides are available.

Audio guides available in 11 languages

Downloadable smartphone app:, children’s booklet (6-11 years old), braille booklet for the visually impaired and blind, guide dogs are accepted as well as any other medical service animal, as the prince’s palace is a historic building, the palace is unfortunately unable to offer wheelchair access (access via stairs only).

More questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i buy tickets.

Tickets can be purchased online ( https://www.visitepalaisdemonaco.com/#billetterie ) or on site at the ticket office located on Place du Palais.

If you have any questions regarding ticket purchasing, you can contact us by email at the following address: [email protected]

We recommend that tickets be purchased in advance to save time when you visit.

Are group visits available?

Yes, group visits are available for parties of 20 or more.

To organize a group visit, please email us on: [email protected]

Are there reduced ticket rates?

A reduced ticket price (5 euros) applies to the following: – students on presentation of their student card – children aged 6 to 17 – individuals with disabilities

Admission is free for children under 6 years old.

Is there a restaurant or food shop at the Palace?

No, however you will find many options for dining nearby, on Le Rocher.

Are animals accepted at the Prince’s Palace?

Service animals, such as guide dogs for the blind, may enter the Palace. Unfortunately pets are not accepted, unless they remain in a small bag.

Can tickets be purchased over the phone?

No, it isn’t possible to purchase tickets for the Prince’s Palace of Monaco over the phone.

Tickets can be bought online ( www.visitepalaisdemonaco.com ) or at the ticket office located on site.

For group reservations, please kindly email us at [email protected]

I would like to cancel my prebooked ticket. Will my ticket cost be reimbursed?

Unfortunately, ticket refunds are not available. But tickets are valid for the entire 2023 season and your visit can be postponed to the date of your choice.

Do you offer audioguides?

Yes, audioguides available in 11 languages for the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. You can also download the Palais Monaco App, available on smartphones through the App Store and the Playstore. For the visually impaired or the blind, a Braille booklet is available at the entrance point. A booklet for younger audiences is also available on site for 6-11 year olds.

Are there guided tours?

Guided tours can be booked in advance. Please kindly contact us via email for more information: [email protected]

Can we buy our tickets directly at the Palace?

Absolutely, however it is preferable to buy them beforehand via our website: www.visitepalaisdemonaco.com

Is the Palace of Monaco open on public holidays?

Yes, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco remains open on public holidays.

Are visits accessible for people with disabilities (reduced mobility)?

Unfortunately, as the building dates back to the 13th century, accessibility is limited and cannot accommodate for people with disabilities.

Contact-Us!

Palais des Princes, 98015 Monaco

+377 93 25 18 31

can you visit the palace in monaco

OPENING TIME

From March 26th to June 30th: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Palace closes at 6 p.m. From July 1st to August 31st: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Palace closes at 7 p.m. From September 1st to October 13th: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Palace closes at 6 p.m. The Palace will be closed during the F1 Grand Prix weekend.

Cars and coaches are advised to park at the “Parking des Pêcheurs”. Please kindly note vehicles registered outside Monaco and Alpes Maritimes (06) are unable to access Le Rocher or Monaco-ville. Monaco bus service: Lines n° 1 and n° 2 - Stop at “Place de la Visitation”. On foot, 10 mins from Place d'Armes via the Rampe Major, 5 mins from Place de la Visitation through the narrow streets of the Le Rocher. Due to the Palace being a seat of Sovereignty, there may be unexpected closures to the public without prior notice. For further information, please kindly contact the Palace via email: «[email protected]»

en_GB

La saison 2023 des visites du Palais princier est terminée. Nous vous accueillerons de nouveau à partir du 26 mars 2024. D’ici là, suivez nos dernières actualités sur notre compte Instagram .

The princely palace is now closed to visitors for the 2023 season. we look forward to welcoming you back from 26 march 2024. until then, follow our latest news on our instagram account..

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  • The Prince’s Palace of Monaco: A Mini-Guide

The Prince’s Palace of Monaco: A Mini-Guide

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Last Updated:  19 September 2022

Standing on a rocky promontory ( Le Rocher ), the Prince’s Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the ruling Prince of Monaco . The castle has been the home of the Grimaldi dynasty since the end of the 13th century. The Palais de Monaco occupies a unique and spectacular geological site, facing the Mediterranean Sea at the foot of the Alps. Here’s what you need to know about the Palais princier.

Watch our short video on Monaco: Facts & Figures!

Plan your trip to the Principality of Monaco

  • 🏨 Find the best accommodations in Monaco on Booking.com
  • 🙋‍♀️ Get the PASS CÔTE D’AZUR and take your pick from more than 100 unique experiences on the French Riviera!
  • 🏛 Visit the Oceanographic Museum on the Rock of Monaco
  • 🏰 Visit the Palais Princier (Prince’s Palace of Monaco) and buy your tickets online
  • 🎯 Take a guided hidden gem tour of Monaco
  • 🏎 Enjoy an exhilarating Lamborghini Driving Experience from Monaco
  • 🛥 Ride the Ferry from Nice to Monaco and back with this round-trip ferry transfer
  • 🥗 Experience the culture and food of Old Nice on a 4-hour sightseeing and tasting tour
  • 📚 Read the DK Eyewitness Provence and the Côte d’Azur Travel Guide
  • 🤩 Get familiar with the French Riviera
  • 🗺 Download the free City Map of Monaco

History of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco

The modest size palace was originally edified as a Genoese fortress in 1191. In 1215 the defensive system of the castle was upgraded with the construction of a rampart with four towers and a curtain wall.

The legend of the false monk

Legend has it that on 8 January 1297, Francesco Grimaldi , known as “the Malicious”, posed as a Franciscan monk seeking shelter for the night in the castle. He managed to enter the citadel and opened the doors to his soldiers. Through this trickery, they captured the fortress of Monaco. Since then, the building has become the seat of the Grimaldis.

This is why the coat of arms of the House of Grimaldi and the principality depicts two monks, each armed with a sword, holding the coat of arms of Monaco.

This event is celebrated by the statue of Francesco Grimaldi in the Place du Palais.

However, modern historians have disputed this legend.

Successive restorations

The palace underwent heavy and continuing restoration from its creation to the 20th century. The Grimaldis upgraded the castle into a royal residence in the 15th century. The Italian Renaissance aspect of the palace in the courtyard and its interior was added in the 16th century by hired artists from Italy.

During the French Revolution, the revolutionaries confiscated the palace. It became a military hospital and poorhouse.

The Treaty of Paris gave the Palace of Monaco back to the Grimaldis in 1814. In the 19th century, the succeeding Princes worked on restoring the palace and retrieving the furnishings and works of art that had been dispatched during the French Revolution.

Map of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco

  • A: Entrance
  • C: State flats
  • E: Swimming pool
  • F: Toussaint tower (tour Toussaint{)
  • G: Serravalle
  • H: Midi tower (tour du Midi)
  • K: Middle tower (tour du Milieu)
  • M: Sainte-Marie tower (tour Sainte-Marie)
  • N: Administrative offices and servants’ quarters

The exterior of the palace

To admire the façade of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, you have to stand in the centre of Place du Palais , the Principality’s most famous square.

In  Place du Palais , sentries and cannons guard the palace.

Walk around the square to see more cannons facing the port of Fontvieille.

The changing of the guard

The changing of the guard (‘ la relève de la garde ‘) takes place every day at 11.55 am. The event is announced by a musical element (two drums and two trumpets). Apart from a few details, the parade dress remains that of the beginning of the 20th century (white uniforms in summer and black uniforms in winter).

The Prince’s Company of Carabinieri ( Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince ) has 124 officers and men and is the military unit of the Monegasque public force.

Although the defence of the Principality of Monaco is placed under the protectorate of France, a unit for the protection of the Prince of Monaco ensures the safety of the Prince and the princely family.

The Prince’s Carabinieri Company was created on 8 December 1817 under the reign of Prince Honoré IV for the protection of the Principality of Monaco .

Its motto is “HONOUR – LOYALTY – DEVOTION” ( Honneur, Fidélité, Dévouement ).

Prince Albert II has held the rank of colonel in the Carabinieri Company since 11 November 1986.

The architecture of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco

The external aspect of the palace is a blend of medieval fortifications and Renaissance features. Unlike other royal palaces (Versailles, Buckingham…), it lacks symmetry as it was initially built as a defensive castle to protect Monaco and its coastline from piracy.

Although its façade has a defensive appearance, the crenellated square towers rising behind the classical façade were actually rebuilt during the 19th century.

The Baroque entrance to the palace was added by Prince Louis I . Executed by Antoine Grigho , it features a large arch surmounted by a broken pediment containing the coat of arms of the Grimaldis.

Interior of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco

In the inner courtyard  ( cour d’honneur ), a horseshoe-shaped staircase inspired by the one in Fontainebleau leads to the main entrance of the palace and the open Gallery of Hercules.

Then on the way to the throne room, visitors walk along an enfilade of rooms and galleries: the long Mirror Gallery, which was inspired by the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles, is followed by the Officer’s Room and then by the Blue Room, a large drawing room decorated with blue brocade.

The ultimate room at the end of the ceremonial route is the Throne Room, with ceiling frescoes painted by Orazio de Ferrari depicting the surrender of Alexander the Great. The throne was made in the Empire style and is placed beneath a red silk canopy topped with a gilt crown. The throne room has hosted state ceremonies since the 16th century.

The state apartments feature lavish furnishings and expensive works of art, marble floors and stairways, Renaissance ceiling frescoes, and panelled walls.

For more information about visiting the state apartments and the throne room, check out the official website of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco.

More practical info about Monaco

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What to do in Monaco?

Want to know what you can do in and around Monaco? Click on the image below for a list of activities:

From Private Guided Walking Tour to Lamborghini Driving Experience and French Riviera Cruises, the Principality dazzles with glamorous activities you won’t forget. Here’s a little list of what’s on offer!

Where to stay in Monaco?

Did you know? There are 12 hotels in the Principality, four ***** and four ****. Unsurprisingly, accommodation in the Principality is very expensive. Unless you absolutely want to stay within the Principality, there is a cheaper alternative. For this, you should look at the Beausoleil district in France, a few minutes walk from the Monaco train station. Prices are much more affordable than in Monaco.

Click here to choose your accommodation in Monaco and its surroundings, or browse the map below:

How to get to the Principality of Monaco

Arriving by car.

Monaco is accessible from Nice via the scenic coastal Corniche roads :

  • the Corniche Inférieure road follows the coast via Beaulieu,
  • the Moyenne Corniche passes through Èze,
  • and the Grande Corniche crosses La Turbie.

The Principality is bordered by the French A8 motorway linking Provence to Italy. Paris is 950 km away via the A6, A7 and A8 motorways.

Thanks to the A8 motorway, you can reach the centre of Monaco in less than 30 minutes from Nice and its airport.

  • Exit 56 “Monaco” in the direction of France -> Italy
  • Exit 58 “Roquebrune Cap Martin” in the direction of Italy -> France

However, please note that access to Monaco-Ville ( Le Rocher ) is limited to users whose vehicle is registered in Monaco and the French département of Alpes Maritimes [06].

How to park in Monaco

Other vehicles should park in the Parking des Pêcheurs , which has pedestrian access to the Rock in a few minutes.

It is advisable to leave your vehicle in one of the many public car parks. The Principality has no less than 40 car parks with 15,500 spaces.

All the car parks are underground, guarded and secure. They are therefore the best solution for parking your vehicle. All public “Monaco Parking” offers free parking for 1 hour. For more information, visit the official website of the Monaco Carparks .

Nearest Airport

Nice-Côte d’Azur International Airport links the Principality of Monaco to more than 86 destinations worldwide.

Through Nice Airport (25 minutes away by motorway), Monaco is linked daily to the main European capitals and, beyond, to all continents.

The airline Air France offers 73 flights a day to Nice Airport, directly from 15 cities in France and seven cities worldwide.

Moreover, the airport is 7 km away by helicopter to the Monaco heliport situated in the Fontvieille district.

Monaco Train Station

Monaco is located on the Marseille-Ventimiglia railway line. The underground SNCF station at Monaco-Monte-Carlo, offers daily TGV services to Paris, and up to ten other cities, via the nearby Nice-Ville station.

TER trains link Monaco to Menton and Ventimiglia to the north-east, Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Grasse and Saint-Raphaël to the south-west.

In addition, there are several daily connections to Turin, Milan and Rome via Ventimiglia.

Six entrances allow users to access the underground railway station via a series of escalators or lifts:

Sainte Dévote Bridge, Parvis de la Gare (behind Sainte Dévote Church), Port Hercule, Jardin Exotique, Allée Lazare Sauvaigo/Rue Grimaldi/Rue Suffren-Reymond, Avenue Prince Pierre.

English-French Vocabulary

(f) for  féminin , (m) for  masculin,  (adj) for  adjective  and (v) for  verbs

  • Alps = Alpes (f,p)
  • castle = château (m)
  • changing of the guard = relève de la garde (f)
  • court of honour = cour d’honneur (f)
  • French Riviera = Côte d’Azur (f)
  • fortification = fortification (f)
  • guard = garde (f)
  • harbour = port (m)
  • marina = port de plaisance (m)
  • Maritime Alps = Alpes Maritimes (f,p)
  • Mediterranean Sea = Mer Méditerranée (f)
  • micro-state = micro-état (m)
  • Mirror Gallery = Salle des Glaces (f)
  • old town = vieille-ville (f)
  • palace = palais (m)
  • Prince = Prince (m)
  • Principality = Principauté (f)
  • port = port (m)
  • rock = rocher (m)
  • state apartments = appartements d’état (m,p)
  • throne room = salle du trône (f)

Featured image: The Prince’s Palace of Monaco. Photo: @SNABSA via Twenty20

Author Box 05

About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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Palais Princier de Monaco

Museum and visits

The state apartments.

The Palace of Monaco was originally the western border fortress of the Republic of Genoa, built from 1215. It became the residence of the Grimaldi family when, between the end of the 13th and the beginning of the 14th century, they established their sovereignty over Monaco. At the beginning of the 16th century, the lords of Monaco definitively detached themselves from their mother country and had their independence recognised by the European powers: in 1512 by the King of France and by the Emperor and the Pope in 1524. Their medieval residence gradually took on the appearance of a palace and was strongly influenced by the Italian Renaissance. The original painted decorations of the Cour d'Honneur and a number of rooms in the wing of the State Apartments bear witness to this and are now being completely updated, preserved and restored. Honoré II (1604-1662), the first Grimaldi to bear the title of prince from 1612, endowed his house with architectural marks that signed the dynasty’s move towards a monarchy. During the reign of his grandson Louis I, the Court of Honour was enhanced by a large horseshoe staircase, reminiscent, but in a mannerist style, of that of Fontainebleau, one of the residences of the King of France, who has been the protector and ally of the Principality since 1641. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the palace housed extensive art collections, particularly paintings, which were scattered when the French Revolution reached Monaco. After lying disused for more than twenty years, the palace was refurbished after the restoration of the Princes in 1814 and most notably at the end of the 19th century. The ceremonial rooms of the State Apartments were then arranged more or less as they are today.

The Archives of the Palace of Monaco hold many documents relating to European history, including the former fiefdoms of the dynasty granted by Charles V in southern Italy in 1532 (such as the Marquisate of Campagna), those granted following the Treaty of Peronne in 1641 (the Duchy of Valentinois in the Rhone Valley, marquisate of Les Baux in Provence, county of Carladès in Auvergne), or inherited by marriage (barony of Saint-Lô and county of Torigni in Normandy, seigneury of Matignon in Brittany, duchy of Mayenne, marquisate of Chilly, county of Longjumeau, duchy of Mazarin, counties of Thann, Ferrette, Rosemont, Altkirch in Alsace, etc.). ). Today, these territories are grouped together in a network based on friendship and cultural promotion: the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco .

Five years ago, H.S.H. Prince Albert II decided to carry out a major restoration of the palace's exterior and interior painted decorations, as well as to renew the presentation of the public visitor circuit, usually open from April to October. The approach taken by the restoration team is intended to respect both the environment and the integrity of the historical heritage. For the public, a new look inside the palace should be possible from spring 2022 onwards.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Exceptional closing

Visits of the Prince's Palace/State Apartments  are currently closed.  It will re-open on July 1st, 2022.

The State Apartments are not accessible to those in wheelchairs. Access only by stairs.

  • Vehicle Access   The only vehicles that may drive into the Old Town (Monaco-Ville) area are those having Monaco license plates or French license plates with the last two digits 06 from the Alpes Maritimes Department.  All other vehicles are strictly forbidden to drive to Monaco-Ville.  Parking : Busses and cars are advised to park in the Parking des Pecheurs.
  • Bus Access   One may take either Monaco Bus line 1 or 2, which ends at the Place de la Visitation bus stop and signed Terminus Monaco-Ville. The bus stop is next to the Museum Chapelle de la Visitation. From the Place de la Visitation bus stop one follows the posted signs through the small streets to the Palace, a short 5-minute walk.
  • On Foot   One may take the 10-minute walk from Place d'Armes up the Rampe Major that brings you right to the Palace Square.

ADMISSION COST

Prince's palace: State Apartments

  • Adults: 10 euros
  • Children (6-17 years old), Students: 5 euros
  • Adults groups (from 20 persons) : on request

For more information :

Email :  [email protected]

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can you visit the palace in monaco

The Prince's Palace reopens with newly restored frescoes on display

can you visit the palace in monaco

In a few days' time, visitors will be able to glimpse inside the House of Princes with a tour of the sumptuous State Apartments, and marvel at the exceptional frescoes from the Italian Renaissance period, covering a total surface area of  600 m2. The vast and eco-friendly restoration process took eight years to complete, and is one of the most important projects of its kind in Europe!

Discovering heritage

can you visit the palace in monaco

The Palace of Monaco, which has always been home to the current Princely Family, is maintained on a daily basis for the requirements of day to day and diplomatic life. In 2014, while restoration experts were working on the façade of La Régie, part of which was crumbling, they noticed what appeared to be older motifs beneath the layers of paint, painted directly onto the wall.

It marked the start of a series of discoveries that led Prince Albert II to quickly order closer investigations. In the space of a few weeks, other traces of old frescoes were uncovered in other rooms of the Palace. And so the great restoration-conservation project began!

Thanks to the scalpels and painstaking work of the experts, the Renaissance has been brought to life once more,  on the ceilings and walls of the Prince's Palace. For almost ten years, a team of experts has been uncovering hidden treasures, including a 50 metre-long gallery.

In the 16th century, a technique known as "al fresco" involved applying pigments to a freshly rendered surface, to preserve them for as long as possible in the material. The restoration meant removing all of the areas painted in the 19th century. To reveal the treasures underneath without damaging them, the experts needed to recreate the pigments of the time.

The finest paintings are to be found in the Galerie d’Hercule, where the frescoes were discovered for the first time, and also in the Salon Matignon renamed the Chambre d’Europe for the marvellous medallion depicting the mythological story of the abduction of Europa. A pioneering project in terms of sustainable development.

The Prince wanted "this project to be respectful of resources, techniques, and people". Around forty specialists of different nationalities worked on a truly environmentally friendly restoration.

The use of solvents to remove paint was banned, in favour of scalpels and laser treatments. For the retouches, natural mineral pigments were used with the "trattegio" technique (minuscule parallel lines) to ensure they could be distinguished from the original parts. 

This vast project is due to be completed by the end of 2025. Unless further new discoveries are made, in the last three rooms of the "old quarter", where surveys are yet to be conducted…

can you visit the palace in monaco

Frescoes and more besides!

But that is not all. The State Apartments have been refurbished with some remarkable artworks added. For example, the green antechamber now houses paintings by Jacopo Bassano, Orazio de Ferrari and Philippe de Champaigne, which were recently purchased by Prince Albert II.

can you visit the palace in monaco

A Palace full of surprises!

Every summer, the famous Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra  performs in the Cour d’Honneur at the Prince’s Palace. The Philharmonic first played at the Palace back in 1959, rekindling a secular tradition of the Grimaldi family. The orchestra sets up between the two 17th century staircases, and the magic is instant. Classical musical and the Prince’s Palace are truly a match made in heaven…

can you visit the palace in monaco

can you visit the palace in monaco

The palace of the Prince in Monaco

can you visit the palace in monaco

  • To walk along the Chemin des Sculptures
  • To go to the Tourism Office
  • To visit Monaco Cathedral

Did you know that Monaco's motto is « Deo Juvante » ? You can find other clues by visiting « Monte-Carlo by Night »

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Musées et visites

Museum and visits.

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ENTRY TICKETS

can you visit the palace in monaco

Grand Apartments of the Prince's Palace

Tickets are not exchangeable or refundable. Those tickets will be valid for the new season from the 26 March to the 13th of October 2024.

Timetable: From March 26th to June 30th : 10H - 17H ; Closing of the Palace at 18H. From July 1st to August 31st : 10H - 18H ; Closing of the Palace at 19H. From September 1st to October 13th : 10H - 17H ; Closing of the Palace at 18H. The Palace Tours will be closed on the weekend of the F1 Grand Prix.

For more information, you can contact us by email «[email protected]».  

can you visit the palace in monaco

Car Collection of S.A.S. The Prince

can you visit the palace in monaco

Le Jardin Animalier de Monaco

Tickets are not exchangeable or refundable. Horaires d'ouverture :

  • Du 1er mars au 31 mai : de 10h à 12h et de 14h à 18h
  • Du 1er juin au 30 septembre : de 9h à 12h et de 14h à 19h 
  • Du 1er octobre au 28 février : de 10h à 12h et de 14h à 17h 

Renseignements complémentaires :

Le Jardin Animalier Esplanade Rainier III Terrasse de Fontvieille 98000 MONACO ✆ 377 93 50 40 30 [email protected]

TWIN TICKETS

can you visit the palace in monaco

Grand Apartments of the Prince's Palace and Collection of Cars

Tickets are not exchangeable or refundable. The tickets will be valid for the period of opening of the visits of the Palace to the public is from the 26 March to the 13 October.

From 26 March to June 30 th  : 10H - 17H; Closing at 18H. From July 1 st to August 31 st : 10H - 18H; Closing at 19H. From September 1 st to October 13 th : 10H - 17H; Closing at 18H.

The Palace Tours will be closed on the weekend of the F1 Grand Prix. 

Prince's Palace of Monaco

can you visit the palace in monaco

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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can you visit the palace in monaco

Prince's Palace of Monaco - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

HelloMonaco

Where to go in Monaco: Prince’s Palace

The Prince’s Palace located in Monaco-Ville has been the official residence of Monaco’s rulers for more than 700 years. The Renaissance style prevails in the palace’s architecture, but the towers of the ancient fortress, built in the 13th century by the Genoese, saw the establishment of the House of Grimaldi. In fact, the Prince’s Palace combines different architectural styles, as every ruler of the Principality redecorated his residence to his own tastes.

The Prince’s residence faces the biggest square of Monaco – the Palace Square. It offers a stunning view of the city and two harbours. On each side of the square you can see the cannons dating back to the 17th century. Don’t miss the changing of the guard in front of the Palace at 11:55. The ritual has remained the same for several centuries.

Right near the main entrance to the Palace Square you will see the monument to the first Grimaldi who, dressed as a monk, entered the fortress and seized it with his men. At night an atmosphere of mystery and magic reigns on the Palace Square.

You can also visit State Apartments in the royal Palace:

Adults – 8 euros Children – (8-14 years old), students: 4 euros Double ticket: State Apartments + Private Collection of Antique cars Adults: 11.50 euros Children (8-14 years old) + students: 5 euros

The State Apartments are not accessible to those in wheelchairs. Access is only by the stairs. Schedules: open 10:00 to 18:00 (last entrance 17:30) and from 1st of July to 31st of August 10:00 to 19:00 (last entrance 18:30)

Bus access: One may take either Monaco Bus line 1 or 2, which ends at the Place de la Visitation bus stop and is signposted as Terminus Monaco-Ville. The bus stop is next to the Museum Chapelle de la Visitation. From the Place de la Visitation bus stop one follows the posted signs through the small streets to the Palace, a short 5-minute walk.

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Joan Miró in Monaco

can you visit the palace in monaco

One day itinerary for visiting Monaco on a budget

  • July 27, 2023
  • curious goose

can you visit the palace in monaco

Monaco has earned the reputation of the ‘playground of the rich’. It is one of the most glamorous places along the chic French Riviera. The Port of Monaco is one of the most desired places to moor your luxury yacht (if you are lucky enough to own such a thing!) You even have to be invited by the Prince of Monaco if you want (and can afford) to live in Monaco. Everything about Monaco oozes sophistication, luxury and money!

So, can you really visit Monaco on a budget? …The answer is yes!

Of course, you won’t be staying in a penthouse apartment. In fact, you probably won’t be staying in Monaco at all! But you certainly enjoy a lot of what Monaco has to offer without having a millionaire’s bank account.

How do I know? Well, the French Riviera was one of the first places my husband and I visited as we embarked on our full time travels in 2021. And I can tell you, our budget was definitely more lemonade than champagne!

There are plenty of budget-friendly activities you can do in Monaco. If you’re travelling on a budget and want to visit Monaco, then I’ve got you covered with this one day itinerary for visiting Monaco on a budget.

Related posts:

  • How to visit Paris on a budget
  • How to spend one day in Antibes
  • 6 great places to visit in the French Riviera

Itinerary overview

1. Visit the Monte Carlo casino 2. Take your photo at the Grand Prix ‘Hairpin bend’ 3. Visit the Princess Grace Japanese Garden 4. See the Monte-Carlo Opera house 5. Stroll through the Jardins d’acclimatation 6. See the luxury yachts in Port Hercules 7. See the Prince’s Palace of Monaco 8. Walk to Port Fontvieille viewpoint 9. Wander through the Port Quarter

The below itinerary has been written in an order that can be followed as a DIY walking tour, visiting some of the best highlights in Monaco. I would recommend downloading an offline google map and pinning the highlights which you want to see so that you can create a route that works for you, without having to double-back on yourself. So, here’s my one day itinerary for visiting Monaco on a budget.

1. Visit the Monte Carlo casino

You can’t visit Monaco without stopping by the iconic Monte Carlo casino . It’s a great place to start your day in Monaco as it is signposted from within the train station! Anyone can step inside the atrium to have a look at the grand decor, and take a couple of photos without having to pay a penny. However, if you want to enter the casino itself, admission is €17. There’s also a strict dress code and you will need to show ID to prove that you are over 18.

Even if you don’t go inside the casino, it is worth paying a visit just to see the grand building and manicured gardens. You will also be likely to see one or two super cars parked out the front of the casino too!

The famous Monte Carlo casino

2. Take your photo at the Grand Prix ‘Hairpin bend’

This one is for the Grand Prix fans. In front of the Fairmont Hotel is the famous ‘Hairpin bend’ from the Monaco Grand Prix track. It’s literally just a road with a tight U bend, so if you’re not into Grand Prix, you can probably skip this one!

The Monaco F1 hairpin bend outside the Fairmont hotel

3. Visit the Princess Grace Japanese Garden

The Japanese gardens were designed with strict zen principles by Japanese architect, Yasuo Beppu at the request of Prince Rainier III. In the centre of the garden is a small pond and bridge with a little tea house. Entry is free and the gardens are a beautiful slice of calm within the busy city.

4. See the Monte-Carlo Opera house

Just behind the Monte Carlo casino is the Monte Carlo Opera house. You can expect to pay a premium to watch an opera show in this famous opera house. However, with its ornate detailing, and elegant windows, the architecture of this grand building is worth admiring from the outside.

Standing in the Jardins d'acclimatation looking over to the Monte Carlo Opera House

5. Stroll through the Jardins d’acclimatation

In front of the Monte Carlo Opera house sits the tranquil Jardins d’acclimatation. Within the coastal park are various sculptures to observe. Around the edge of the park are the footprints of famous footballers, pressed into concrete too! This is a nice place to have a quiet stroll and there are several benches where you can have a rest and enjoy stunning views out to sea.

6. See the luxury yachts in Port Hercules

Besides the Monte-Carlo casino, another iconic attraction in Monaco is the famous Port Hercules. This is the glamorous marina where the world-renowned Monaco Yacht show is held. The Yacht show is Europe’s largest display of luxury yachts in water and attracts thousands of visitors every year in late September. (you definitely want to avoid this time of year for visiting Monaco if possible, unless you’re planning on buying a yacht of course!) On the edge of Hercules Port is the Monaco Yacht club. The Yacht Club is an elite, members-only private club, so sadly tourists can’t enter, but it is an impressive building to admire all the same. Walking around Port Hercules is one of the top things to do during your day in Monaco, you might even bump into someone famous!

Looking down onto Monaco's famous Port Hercules and the Yacht Club

7. See the Prince’s Palace of Monaco

After you have walked from the Yacht Club round the edge of Port Hercules, you will arrive near the base of the hill of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. On the corner of Avenue du Port, you will see a set of stairs in stone ramparts. Follow signs up the stairs for ‘Harbour viewpoint’ or ‘Vue Panoramic’. Continue all the way to the top of the stairs until you arrive at the top viewpoint.

If you want to visit one of the palace museums, to see the apartments, car collection or zoo, there is a fee. However you can enjoy the outside of the Palace for free. You might even catch the changing of the guards.

After you have taken your photos in front of the palace, spend some time wandering through the narrow streets on the hilltop in front of the Palace. There are many souvenir shops and little cafes and restaurants here.

A guard stands in front of The Prince's Palace of Monaco

8. Walk to Port Fontvieille viewpoint

On the other side of the hillside Palace ramparts is Port Fontvieille. This smaller, pretty port is sheltered by the rocky cliff face and is surrounded by colourful shops and restaurants along the waterfront. To get to the viewpoint, start from the Prince’s Palace of Monaco and take the small path next to the official souvenir shop. After you have enjoyed the views of Port Fontvieille and the surrounding city and mountain ranges, you can either go back to the Palace, or continue to follow the path down the hillside.

The hillside path winds down, around the Palace ramparts, leading you through the tranquil hillside Jardins de Saint-Martin , with gorgeous views out to sea. Eventually you will arrive at the Marine museum and open air theatre on the edge of Port Hercules.

Port Fontvieille in Monaco, surrounding by colourful buildings and steep cliffs

Port Fontvieille (L) and the coastal walk through Jardins de Saint-Martin (R)

9. Wander through the Port Quarter

The Port Quarter is a shopping and dining area opposite Port Hercules. Here, you will find plenty of restaurants and cafes. For budget eats, head to the quieter streets, further inland. The further away you are from the Port, the more reasonable prices are and you will also find a couple of takeaway options. Even if you don’t want to go shopping or eat here, wandering around the small area of Port Quarter is a nice addition if you have a bit of time and your legs are still up for walking!

The tree lined streets of Monaco's chic Port Quarter

The tree lined streets of Monaco’s chic Port Quarter

I spent the whole day in Monaco, had a great time and barely spent a thing! I travelled by train, using my unlimited Zou weekly pass. If you are staying in the French Riviera for a few days, this is such good value. I also packed a sandwich for lunch. Now, some of you may think that you can’t possibly eat a packed lunch in Monaco! Well you can and we did! We found a quiet spot, away from the main paths and tucked into our picnic with gorgeous views of Port Hercules and the Yacht Club.

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive, and Monaco is no exception. There’s so much you can see for free in Monaco. It’s a beautiful place and I would really recommend adding a day in Monaco to any trip to the French Riviera.

For more money-saving advice, check out my Top Tips for travelling in the French Riviera on a budget

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solosophie

How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Monaco Itinerary & Guide

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 15th March 2024

Categories Itineraries , Monaco

Last Updated on 15th March 2024 by Charlotte

Set alongside the glittering French ‘Côte d’Azur,’ Monaco is a tiny principality defined by its rocky nature and miniature size. Best-known for being the home of the wealthy (around 30% of the population are millionaires), here’s your ultimate guide on how to spend one day in Monaco.

Monaco harbour on a sunny day with palm trees

Introducing Monaco

Is one day enough time to visit monaco, explore the old town, prince’s palace of monaco, monaco cathedral, old monaco museum, sainte-dévote chapel, visit the f1 race track.

  • Walk around the Ports

See the Monte Carlo Casino

Enjoy sunset at the tête de chien, how to get to monaco, french riviera tips.

Monaco is not only a country in its own right, but also a city-state, meaning that the entirety of the autonomous state also lies within the city limits. Monaco is technically a principality, meaning that the head of State is a Prince. Prince Albert II is the current head of state and has been so since 2005.

Locals are known as Monégasques, and they even have their own Ligurian dialect, that of Monégasque. With this being said, it’s worth noting that the official language of Monaco is French (though you’ll easily get by with just English).

Many of the people who reside in Monaco choose to live there because there’s no income tax, though the Principality makes up for it with high corporation tax and steep VAT rates. The aquarium of the town was directed by Jacques Cousteau for no fewer than 17 years.

visit monaco

Monaco is one of the smallest countries in Europe , second only to the Vatican City in Rome. The territory is around 1 square mile in size and has a population of around 40,000 inhabitants.

As such, you can easily walk across the whole of the country in roughly an hour! One day in Monaco is more than enough time to explore all that this destination has to offer.

Monaco is also incredibly expensive, with many of the bars and bistros serving up food and drink at much higher rates than elsewhere along the French Riviera. For this reason alone, you might consider not spending more than a day exploring the country!

Monaco city centre with plenty of palm trees

Suggested one day in Monaco Itinerary

Of course, the true highlight of a trip to Monaco is the chance to wander around the pastel hued streets of the old town. This is one of the busiest parts of the Principality and so be sure to keep an eye on your valuables at all times!

I would personally opt to visit the old town in the morning as the afternoon gets very busy and so you’ll get more of the place to yourself if you opt to visit earlier in the day. The Old Town is also where most eateries are located.

Many of Monaco’s main attractions are hidden amongst the little pedestrianised streets of the old town and so you’ll want to set aside a good few hours in order to enjoy everything that Monaco Old Town has to offer.

old town monaco

Perched atop ‘Le Rocher’ (the rock), the old town’s crowning jewel is the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, which is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco (surname Grimaldi) and began life in the 12th-century as a medieval fortress.

Today, Palace Guards stand outside of the Palace 24/7, and a Changing of the Guard (which you can watch for free) takes place every day at noon. You can visit the Palace on a daily basis for a small fee.

The centre of the square directly in front of the Palace boasts a late 20th-century bronze statue which celebrates François Grimaldi, a man who captured the area in the 13th-century after entering disguised as a monk, and whose descendants still rule the land to this day.

Prince's Palace of Monaco

Monaco’s Cathedral is situated just a stone’s throw away from the Palace and is the final resting place for generation upon generation of Grimaldis. The Cathedral you see on site today is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and was constructed at the beginning of the 20th-century.

Monaco Cathedral is also the final resting place of Princess Grace of Monaco. Acclaimed Hollywood actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier in a highly publicised publicised ceremony in the mid 1950s.

The wedding led to plenty more intrigue about Monaco and its royals after Kelly met the Prince while starring in a film set in Monaco. Tragically, Grace Kelly died in a car accident in the early 1980s.

monaco cathedral

For those who are even more intrigued about the history of Monaco and how the city state came to be, there’s a free to visit Old Monaco Museum which is open exclusively on Wednesday and Fridays from 11 AM to 4 PM between June and September.

There are a variety of exhibitions on display, including ceramics, clothing, and displays detailing what Monaco was like in times gone by. In French, the museum is known as Musée du Vieux Monaco.

After a morning exploring the Old Town, I would recommend staying on Le Rocher to grab a bite to eat for lunch. If there’s one thing you should know before visiting Monaco, it’s that almost everything is very expensive and a ‘reasonably priced meal’ can still be quite pricey.

Le Rocher has the greatest concentration of bars and restaurants and will stand you in good stead for visiting the rest of Monaco. Some of the best lunch spot recommendations include La Tavernetta, Maison des Pâtes Condamine, and Le Petit Bar Monaco.

After leaving Le Rocher area, be sure to pay a visit to the Sainte-Dévote Chapel. There has been a chapel on site in some form or another since 1070, though the place of worship was heavily restored during the 16th-century. Today, visitors can see the small church which is close to the port.

Sainte-Dévote Chapel

Just a stone’s throw away from the Sainte-Devoté Chapel, visitors can see a statue that depicts one of the first race cars which participated in the Grand Prix. The bronze sculpture is one of several such dedicated to the Grand Prix in the city state.

F1 statue monaco

Those with a particular penchant for cars will likely know that Monaco is well-known for hosting the Grand Prix. Well, since there is no actual dedicated race track, you can actually walk the route of the Grand Prix on foot since it’s just various streets of the city. Find a detailed map here.

F1 racetrack monaco

Walk around the Port s

As I mentioned, Monaco is fairly tiny and compact, meaning that you can see almost all of the territory as soon as you arrive. One of the main attractions in the state are the ports. Monaco has two ports; Port Hercule and Port Fontvieille.

Port Hercule is a natural port located at the base of Le Rocher (the natural elevated rock upon which the old town was built) and is the best port to explore while in the city. You can easily meander along the docks, soak up the sun, and marvel at all of the different boats and yachts moored at the port.

Meanwhile, the other port in Monaco is Fontvieille, which is in an area of the city which was quite literally reclaimed from the sea. This area of the city is more residential and boasts a plethora of high rise luxury residences. This is also where most cruise ships dock close to.

monaco port

While I am not a fan of gambling myself, I would say that the exterior of the Monte Carlo Casino is a must-see while in Monaco, particularly because it has served as a filming location for many top movies and TV shows over the years.

Monte Carlo is an administrative region of Monaco and it is largely centred around the casino, hence why the Casino is named Monte Carlo. The Casino was constructed after Monaco lost much of its territory to neighbouring France during the 1860s.

In order to continue drawing in crowds, the Prince of Monaco of the time commissioned a Casino. Today, rather curiously, it’s actually illegal for residents of Monaco to gamble in the Casino- use of the Casino is only reserved for visitors!

monte carlo casino

Though not technically within the confines of Monaco itself, end your day the right way by heading to the Tête de Chien for sunset. The viewpoint is perched atop of a 550 metres high rock in Southern France.

Unfortunately the viewpoint can only be reached via car and so if you’re not renting a car during your French Riviera trip then you won’t be able to enjoy the view. It is the highest point on the Grande Corniche road and offers views over the entirety of Monaco.

Easy to visit as a day trip from Nice , I would personally not bring a car to visit the city state, particularly considering that parking is often between €20 – €30 for a day. Instead, train connections to nearby cities such as Nice and Cannes could not be easier and so I personally would recommend taking the train to and from the city state.

monaco train station

The French Riviera (including the principal of Monaco) is in the South of France. France and Monaco use the Euro (€)

The French Riviera is best explored over the course of several days, preferably longer. Check here for our suggested French Riviera itinerary.

The main language spoken in France is French . Though you can get by with English in the more popular places along the French Riviera, it’s always a good idea to learn some of the local language. Bring along a simple phrasebook like this one to help make your travels easier.

France uses plug types, types C and E. As such, if you’re travelling from the UK, USA, Canada, and many other destinations, you’ll need to buy an adapter. I recommend buying  a universal travel adapter  that you can use for multiple destinations (rather than buying a new adaptor for each place you visit).

As one of the most popular destinations in the world, you should always consider booking your accommodation well ahead of time. Check out this website for price comparison details and detailed reviews.

Be careful with your belongings. I also highly advise to avoid wearing a backpack and to instead opt for a crossbody bag  like these ones .  I personally use a crossbody bag  by this brand  and love its shape, size, and versatility.

Enjoyed reading about how to spend one day in Monaco? Pin this article now, read it again later:

best of monaco/ How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Monaco Itinerary europe

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Monaco   Travel Guide

can you visit the palace in monaco

14 Best Things to Do in Monaco

Think of the tiny principality of Monaco like one of the most exclusive country clubs in the world. And the main activity of the day is being seen while sipping a creamy yet overpriced cappuccino, whether it be at the Yacht Club or a 5-star hotel

  • All Things To Do

can you visit the palace in monaco

Oceanographic Museum of Monaco Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I (a sea explorer and scientist), this museum and aquarium are must-sees in Monaco. The prince went on dozens of expeditions, the fruits of which are on display here: for example, the skeleton of a whale featured in the museum's zoology room. And the aquarium – widely considered one of the best in Europe and a favorite for local families – contains more than 90 tanks with 6,000 creatures, including a shark lagoon. From the aquarium, you can access the open-air Sea Turtle Odyssey.

Most travelers highly enjoyed their visit here. Many said it's a great place to bring kids, as the exhibits are engaging and there are plenty of exotic animals and fish to see.

can you visit the palace in monaco

Saint Nicholas Cathedral Saint Nicholas Cathedral free

This Monaco-Ville cathedral is a popular attraction because it contains the grave of Grace Kelly, the actress-turned-princess of Monaco. Its history dates a bit further back than her 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier III: The site once held a 13th-century church, but the current cathedral hails from the late 19th century. It is also where Prince Albert married Charlene Wittstock, and where religious ceremonies for the princely family are held year-round. Inside, you can admire its regal features, which include a white marble altar and an exquisite grand organ. The world-renowned Monaco Boys Choir often sings here at Sunday Mass at 10:30, which is open to the public. Recent travelers said they were impressed by the beauty of this religious site and highly recommend touring inside.

The cathedral is open daily for tours from 8:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. – except during Mass services – free of charge. Keep in mind that this is a place of worship, so you will need to dress respectively: no shorts (Bermuda length is okay) nor skirts and cover your shoulders. For more information, visit the Monaco tourism board website .

can you visit the palace in monaco

Prince's Palace Prince's Palace

This grand Prince's Palace in Monaco-Ville , up on the rock, has sheltered the Grimaldi family since the 13th century, including Prince Rainier III and his Oscar-winning actress wife, Grace Kelly (of the 20th century). Today, Rainier's heir, Prince Albert II, calls the Palais du Prince home. Every day at 11:55 a.m., there is a changing of the palace guard, called the Carabinieri Corps, who have been protecting the palace since 1817. Many visitors recommend at least stopping by to see the exterior of the palace on your Monaco vacation, even if you're not up for a tour of the state rooms. Travelers also say the views from the nearby terraces are impressive. Some said the changing of the guard is nothing special.

The state apartments are typically open from April through mid-October; you can tour the rooms for 10 euros (about $11) for adults and 5 euros (around $5.50) for children 6 to 17. Audio guides for the palace interiors are available to download on your mobile device for free.

can you visit the palace in monaco

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can you visit the palace in monaco

Monaco Old Town (Monaco Ville) Monaco Old Town (Monaco Ville) free

No matter where you are in Monaco, you can look up and feel protected by "the Rock," (Old Town's nickname) framed in part by the Prince's Palace and Oceanographic Museum , and once home to Princess Grace. Explore the tiny backstreets of this neighborhood and you can imagine the fashionable princess, with her tied scarf, walking her three young children from the Palace to the local school, saying hello to the villa residents.

The grocery stores, florist, cobbler and stationery shop were long ago replaced with mostly souvenir shops and restaurants. Though the chocolate shop has hung in there for a hundred years, don't expect a traditional farmers market like you would find in many French old towns. (You'll want to stop by Condamine Market for that). At one-tenth of the country's entire size, Monaco-Ville is the country's political center, from the government's National Council building to the mairie , the mayor's town hall. However, locals rarely spend time up here, which is a shame because the coastal views and tranquility are a gift – as long as you are not visiting when a cruise ship is in port.

can you visit the palace in monaco

Car Collection of the Prince of Monaco Car Collection of the Prince of Monaco

Prince Rainier III funded and gifted his personal collection of 100 cars in 1993 to create a museum-like space in the Terrasses de Fontvieille. Prince Albert carried on his father’s car enthusiasm, and in 2022 the location moved to Port Hercule, right off the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

If you go gaga for autos you'll absolutely love the array on display in this two-level ultra-modern space where black and white films of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace play behind some of the cars, like the Rolls Royce that Grace rode in on her wedding. The first Monegasque to drive for Ferrari, Charles Leclerc, donated his Formula One SF90 which he raced in for the 2019 season. Visitors were impressed with the selection of vehicles on display – from racing cars to antiques – and said even those who aren't big car geeks will appreciate the collection.

can you visit the palace in monaco

Larvotto Beach Larvotto Beach free

Monaco's main beach, Larvotto, is a free-to-the-public shore located less than a mile downhill from Monte Carlo along Avenue Princesse Grace, one of the world's most expensive streets. The beach complex was renovated in 2021 with comfortable luxury in mind. 

Smoking and vaping are prohibited on the beach, and local appreciate the protective jellyfish nets installed here. Travelers recommend this sand beach for visitors of all ages and mobility levels since the water is shallow, calm and there is wheelchair access. The beach and its facilities (toilets, fresh water showers, lockers) are clean. However, families should keep in mind that – like in France – some beachgoers sun topless here. Also know that this beach has pebbles rather than sand, so you'll want some sturdy shoes.

can you visit the palace in monaco

Condamine Market Condamine Market free

At the bottom of the winding road that leads up to Monaco's Old Town and the Prince's Palace , you’ll find Place d’'rmes, a très busy roundabout with round the clock police surveillance. There is a physical police station – and handy public toilets. This square in the heart of the Condamine district, the Place du Marché, captures the color of Monegasque life with its charming arcades, café-restaurants (there is a vegan option) and morning fruit and vegetable market. Created in 1880, the Condamine Market offers a handful of outdoor merchants, drawing locals and visitors to pick up the freshest seasonal produce (at a high price) and flowers with a stop for coffee and people-watching.

Inside La Halle Gourmande, the decade-old indoor food hall with some 20 stalls offers local delicacies like the Monegasque national dish, the deep-fried spinach- and ricotta-filled barbagiuans, or socca , a pancake made using chickpea flour, alongside fresh pasta and the catch of the day. At night the area transforms into a hotspot for families, friends and pizza, if you can snag a table. When little ones need to play, you'll find a small playground and open space for kids to run around. Plus, Santo Gelato, the best Italian-style ice cream in Monaco, is open daily. This square also happens to be where the mayor lights up the Christmas tree to kick off the season in Monaco. Travelers have commented that the market offers a great variety of food options while others say it is one of the few places in Monaco to get an inexpensive meal.

can you visit the palace in monaco

Monte Carlo Casino Monte Carlo Casino

Perhaps the attraction that best exemplifies Monaco's DNA is its casino. Kitty-corner to the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo and in the heart of Monte Carlo, the building's beaux-arts design was overseen by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris opera. Unsurprisingly, this grand casino also facilitates the country's opera. If this complex looks familiar, it's because you may have seen it before in the James Bond films, "Never Say Never Again" and "Goldeneye." It was also the inspiration for the casino in Ian Fleming's first Bond book, "Casino Royale."

Recent visitors said the casino is a must-see when you're in Monaco, citing its grand decor, variety of gaming options and plentiful people-watching as prime reasons you'll enjoy your visit. Some travelers did note the casino was on the small side, compared to the sprawling casinos of Las Vegas .

can you visit the palace in monaco

French Riviera Boat Cruise, Speedboat 34ft, Depart Monaco or Nice

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Shore excursion to Nice, Eze, Monaco & Monte-Carlo from Cannes

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can you visit the palace in monaco

Exotic Garden of Monaco (Jardin Exotique de Monaco) Exotic Garden of Monaco (Jardin Exotique de Monaco)

The Exotic Garden is currently closed due to renovation. It is expected to reopen in 2024.

Plant lovers and horticulturists unite: The Exotic Garden, which lies along cliffs of the Principality, is "fantastic," according to visitors. This garden has been open for more than 75 years and has cultivated an extensive collection of rare plants and cacti. You'll see more than 1,000 plant species – and even a deep underground cave – but in order to tour its stalagmites and stalactites, you'll need to follow a guide.

can you visit the palace in monaco

Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (New National Museum of Monaco) Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (New National Museum of Monaco)

The principality has just one New National Museum of Monaco but it is divided into two venues: Villa Paloma, north of the Exotic Jardin , and Villa Sauber close to Larvotto Beach . Each location features a contemporary visual arts collection and houses two temporary exhibits a year. Past artists include George Condo, Tom Wesselmann, Helmut Newton and Shimbaku. While the two properties may be on the smallish side when you think of a national art museum, the buildings themselves are a fascinating slice of local history. Take Villa Sauber: it is one of the last examples of the country’s belle epoque architecture and previously belonged to the Blanc family, who were instrumental in developing the Monte Carlo Casino , the Hotel de Paris and Monte Carlo Opera. At the turn of the 20th century, the English painter and Londoner Robert Sauber purchased the villa from the Blancs, sold it before the First World War and then bought it back in 1925, unimaginable at the time. Ownership of Villa Sauber and its garden eventually ended up with Monaco's Société Immobilière Domaniale (in other words, in the state’s hands) in 1969. It would many years later, in 1995, that ownership of the three-floor Villa Paloma would be transferred into the hands of the Monegasque state and it was inaugurated in 2010 as the second building of the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco.

Museumgoers say a visit here is without a doubt interesting and charming, and children enjoy it also. Travelers also say it is more of an exhibition center with high quality galleries than a traditional museum.

can you visit the palace in monaco

Princess Grace Japanese Garden Princess Grace Japanese Garden free

This municipal park next to Grimaldi Forum, Monaco's convention center, will celebrate its 30 years of existence in 2024. It was conceptualized by landscape architect Yasuo Beppu, who was at the time hot off winning the 1990 Grand Prix at the Osaka Flower Exhibition. Remarkably, Yasuo has made the journey from Japan to Monaco every year since 1994 to ensure the plants get the care they need. While it is a traditional Japanese garden with all the fixings – bamboo imported from Japan, a pond with koi carp, bridges over islands, a waterfall and Awaji Island stone lanterns – there is a nod to Mediterranean vegetation with pine, olive and pomegranate trees. At the moment, the Zen garden is coming up short on tranquility, as it is situated close to the construction site of the luxury waterfront development, Mareterra, due to be delivered in 2025. Recent visitors have admitted that while it can be noisy you can still find refuge. Others say it is something very different to see in Monaco, where you can take beautiful photos.

You can stroll through the garden for free anytime between 9 am and 5:45 or 6.45 pm, depending on the season. Take the No. 1, 5 or 6 bus to the Portier stop.

can you visit the palace in monaco

Princess Grace Rose Garden Princess Grace Rose Garden free

U.S. News Insider Tip: There is the Princess Grace of Monaco Memorial in Villefranche, France. It is not where her car went off the road, but a lookout point with an engraved stone commemorates her death at 71 Boulevard Princesse Grâce de Monaco, about 10 miles from the rose garden. – Nancy Heslin

The fragrance of thousands of rose blossoms fill Princess Grace Rose Garden with their sweet scents. Located in the southwestern corner of Monaco, this garden was built in memory of the princess after her tragic death and is a welcome space to find respite from the noisy traffic of Monte Carlo. The rose garden, with a bronze statue of Princess Grace by Kees Verkade, is its own distinct area within Fontvieille Park. So, while in the area, take time to explore the park's palm and olive trees, and especially the contemporary sculptures dotted throughout. Travelers say the park is a peaceful oasis situated amid the glitz and glamour of Monaco. Many add that while the garden is small, it's well-maintained and filled with a variety of colorful flowers.

can you visit the palace in monaco

Plage Mala (Mala Beach) Plage Mala (Mala Beach) free

You could walk from Monaco into France and be none the wiser that you have crossed a border. The Fontvieille district on Monaco's west side seamlessly blends into neighboring Cap d'Ail. The Cap d'Ail coastal path connects Pointe des Douaniers, Cap Rognoso and Cap Mala and takes about 2.5 hours to walk the 3-mile out-and-back trail. The historical path features volcanic rock, quarry stone dating back to the early Middle Ages and early 20th century villas. Start at the public Marquet beach in the east – at noon you'll see lots of workers from Monaco eating lunch here or going for a dip – and head to the white sand and pebbled Plage Mala beach in the west. When you get to Cap Mala, follow as the path narrows into a steep area giving access Plage Mala beach, directly above the cliffs of Les Pissarelles. Recent visitors noted Plage Mala is a piece of paradise and has a view is to die for but when it comes to the best time to head to small beach, travelers are divided: some say get there early before the two private beach restaurants open while others advise later in the day is less crowded.

Mala Beach is open year-round and has a public space and two private beaches where you can rent loungers during spring and summer. The Cap d’Ail coastal path is free and open year-round except when there are unfavorable weather conditions, like a strong swell and waves; some access points may be closed as a result.

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can you visit the palace in monaco

Formula 1 Walking Tour Formula 1 Walking Tour

Considering Monaco is home to the most prestigious Formula One race on the planet and 11 F1 drivers, a dedicated walking tour for the Monaco Grand Prix is a no brainer. The circuit may be just over 2 miles but it packs elevation, from the tour's start point in Port Hercules at 46 meters above sea level up to 89.5 meters at Place du Casino and over to the famous Fairmont hairpin curve (where "Star Wars" filmmaker and F1 fan George Lucas has reportedly spent upwards of $20,000 a night to watch the race from one of the Fairmont 's suites that overlook the hairpin turn). This tour is as good as gets if you want history and anecdotes from a Monaco insider.

Tourgoers consistently gush that this is a fantastic way to get insight into what F1 drivers endure at the world's most iconic Grand Prix and recommend it over simply walking the course on your own. Other visitors commented that for partners of F1 fans, you'll get to see the sights of Monaco and guide Tommaso Battaglia is passionate, knowledgeable and has a sense of humor.

can you visit the palace in monaco

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Blog Provence Lovers Logos

Provence Lovers

To awaken your senses in Provence - Le blog de Claire et Manu

Prince’s Palace (Monaco): visit + photos

by Fanny AUFFRET , Region Lovers | March 11, 2024 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

Want to discover an unforgettable monument ? Visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco! You’ll be dazzled by its magnificent late-Renaissance architecture and sumptuous furnishings . The building is still inhabited by the princely family, as evidenced by the changing of the guard every morning to ensure their safety. Only part of the château is open to visitors in season. Don’t miss this opportunity!

In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!

BEFORE OUR TIPS + PHOTOS HERE ARE OUR FAVORITES ON THE Côte d’Azur East

can you visit the palace in monaco

Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars

can you visit the palace in monaco

Our must-see tours: Villa Ephrusi between Nice and Monaco Magnificent village of Èze and Monaco from Nice or Cannes

can you visit the palace in monaco

Our unforgettable outdoor activities:

Calanques de l’Esterel by boat from Cannes Snorkeling in Antibes Helicopter flight from Cannes

can you visit the palace in monaco

Our favorite places to stay: Nice: top-rated hotels e.g. Anantara Palace Antibes: top-rated hotels e.g. Hôtel la Villa Port d’Antibes Cannes: top-rated hotels e.g. Five Seas Hotel Monaco: top-rated hotels e.g. Hôtel Hermitage Menton: top rated hotels e.g. Hôtel de Londres

Read our article on Monaco's Palais Princier!

This guide is completely independent , based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

Why visit the Prince’s Palace?

Is the palace worth it our opinion:.

Yes, the palace is well worth a visit! In fact, we listed it in our article on the best museums in Monaco . We found it quite impressive to enter a palace inhabited by the princely family at the head of the government. Although only the Grand Apartments can be visited, there’s plenty to see, including a splendid main courtyard, numerous 16th-century frescoes, and even the Throne Room!

It’s one of the best things to do in Monaco !

Overview of the Galerie d'Hercule.

Why is the palace famous?

The palace is famous for many reasons. Firstly, it dominates the Rocher, Monaco’s historic quarter, alongside the Oceanographic Museum . With the princely family living and ruling in the building, the palace is also marked by great historical moments. One example is the meeting between Prince Rainier III and the American actress Grace Kelly, which we’ll tell you more about later! The castle is also a symbol of Monaco’s sovereignty. Looking at the façade, we noticed its defensive functions, having repelled the assaults of foreign powers, notably the Genoese in the 16th century. Last but not least, the changing of the guard, to ensure the palace’s security, is a military ceremony that attracts curious onlookers from all over the world!

View of the Prince's riflemen from behind.

Our favorite moments

You’ll find the details of our visit later, but we can’t resist sharing our favorites with you right now:

  • The changing of the guard: the Prince’s Carabinieri, a military corps created in 1817, take it in turns to ensure the safety of the palace and the princely family every morning. In our opinion, attending is a unique experience!
  • The Cour d’Honneur: we were stunned by the beauty of this courtyard. In the sunlight, the Renaissancce motifs on the facades stood out. We felt like we were in Italy!
  • The throne room: finding ourselves face to face with the prince’s throne gave us a very special sensation. We felt privileged and thought of all the historic moments that must have taken place in this room!

View of the motifs on the courtyard façade.

WHERE TO STAY IN Monaco

Option 1: In Monte Carlo

Discover luxury palaces in Monaco’s most sought-after district:

  • Hotel de Paris – see prices, pictures and availability
  • Hermitage Hotel – see prices, photos and availability
  • Hotel Métropole – see prices, photos and availability

View of the Hotel Hermitage's Eiffel dome.

Option 2: Larvotto

Close to Larvotto beach, you’ll find some splendid resort hotels. We recommend..:

  • Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort – view prices, pictures and availability
  • Le Méridien Beach Plaza – view prices, pictures and availability

View of the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort.

Option 3: At Port-Hercule

Boutique hotels, with superb views of the port and the Rock.

  • Hotel Miramar – prices, pictures and availability
  • Port Palace – see prices, photos and availability

View of the port from the Miramar hotel.

See our reviews of the best hotels in Monaco

can you visit the palace in monaco

History in brief

Monaco has always been densely populated. Forming a natural port, Phoenicians and populations from present-day Lebanon came here to trade. The port was acquired by the Republic of Genoa in 1191. To protect herself, she fortified the Rock and built a citadel, the forerunner of today’s palace. In the 13th century, conflicts broke out between the great Genoese families. Among them is the powerful Grimaldi family. It is established throughout the Côte d’Azur, as witnessed by the many châteaux we visited. Examples include the Château-musée de Cagnes-sur-Mer and the Château-musée d’Antibes, now home to the Musée Picasso .

17th-century Baroque ceiling at the Château-Musée Grimaldi in Cagnes-sur-Mer.

According to legend, it was in 1297 that François Grimaldi, posing as a monk seeking asylum for the night, entered the Genoese citadel. He brings in his soldiers and takes over the fortress. That’s why Monaco’s coat of arms features monks brandishing swords! We noticed it on this Aubusson tapestry. By the way, “Monaco” means monk in Italian. Genoa subsequently laid siege to the principality on numerous occasions, but it defended itself by forging alliances with the French and Spanish kingdoms. Monaco gained its independence. In the 16th century, the fortress became the elegant Prince’s Palace we know today!

View of the Aubusson tapestry with the Grimaldi family coat of arms.

Access: Prince’s Palace, Monaco

Where is the palace.

  • In the Rocher district,
  • On the Place du Palais, in the Principality of Monaco (98015),
  • close to the cathedral , Jardins Saint-Martin and Musée Océanographique .

Here’s a map to help you find your way:

carte meilleurs musees monaco

OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence

  • Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
  • Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
  • Think of the complete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
  • There is a lot of demand, book it early .

can you visit the palace in monaco

There are three parking lots within a ten-minute walk of the palace: the Condamine parking lot, the Quai Antoine Ier parking lot, and the Chemin des Pêcheurs car park. These parking lots charge for parking of 1 hour or more, and are open 24 hours a day. If you want to avoid the climb up to the Rocher, we advise you to opt for the latter. It is directly accessible via an escalator next to the Oceanographic Museum entrance. Why not take the opportunity to visit it?

Escalator to the Chemin des Pêcheurs parking lot.

PLAN YOUR STAY IN Monaco

  • Best things to do in Monaco
  • Best hotels to stay in Monaco
  • Best restaurants
  • Best museums
  • Most beautiful gardens
  • Monaco’s most beautiful beaches
  • Visit Casino Monte-Carlo (coming soon)
  • Visit the Prince’s Palace (coming soon)
  • Visit the Oceanographic Museum (coming soon)
  • Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days (coming soon)

Antibes

Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…

Best time to visit.

The ideal time slot for your visit depends on whether or not you wish to attend the changing of the guard. The ceremony takes place every morning at 11.55 a.m., so it’s worth visiting the palace at 10 a.m. to observe the ceremony. As far as we were concerned, we first looked at the relief, then entered the palace. However, the crowds were quite large, especially at the end of the course.

If you’re not interested in the changing of the guard, we recommend visiting the palace while it’s taking place or at the end of the day. If you can, avoid weekends and school vacations.

View of the world in front of the palace.

Length of visit and main difficulties

Allow 1h to 1h30 for the visit (depending on possible closures due to restoration work).

Access to the palace is not possible for people with reduced mobility, as there are only stairs. There are no places to sit throughout the tour. Guide dogs are allowed, and a tour booklet in Braille is available at reception.

La Chambre Valentinois.

Advice on how to visit

The visiting direction is imposed. After passing through a security check and the ticket office, you’ll discover the main courtyard. You’ll then enter the Chamber of Europe and walk through the various rooms to the royal quarters. It includes some impressive rooms (throne room, royal bedroom…). It leads into the Galerie des Princes, serving a hall where exhibitions are held on a regular basis. At the time of our visit, other large rooms were closed (chapel, library), but you may be lucky enough to see them. To get out, you’ll have to pass through the main courtyard. Don’t miss this impressive grotto just before the exit!

View of the cave.

A LITTLE MORE patience

All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!

If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on Provence , subscribe:

Box Ebook Corsica FR

Visiting with children

A visit booklet for children aged 6 to 11 is available at reception.

Schedules and rates

The Prince’s Palace is open to visitors only during the high season. It depends on the year, but in general, it starts either at the end of March or the beginning of April, and ends at the end of September.

Here are the timetables:

  • Open daily from 10am to 5pm.
  • Open daily from 10am to 6pm in July and August.
  • Closed on the weekend of the Formula 1 Grand Prix (usually held at the end of May).
  • Exceptional closures possible without prior notice, as the palace is the seat of the princely government.

Here are the prices:

  • Full adult rate: €10
  • Reduced rate (children aged 6 to 17 and students): €5

The tour includes an audioguide, available in 11 languages. You can also find the content of this audioguide on the tour application. To find out more, and see the latest opening times, visit the official website here .

View on an audioguide.

Guided tours

Guided tours are available on reservation only. For more information, visit the official palace website here .

On the Rock, you’ll find a few good addresses. We particularly recommend Le Petit Bar, with its generous, tasty cuisine. In fact, we listed it in our article on the best restaurants in Monaco .

Le Petit Bar.

A “fortress” palace: the changing of the guard

The changing of the guard ceremony.

Life at the palace is punctuated every day by the changing of the guard. At 11:55 a.m., the Prince’s Carabinieri, a military corps created in 1817, take turns to ensure the safety of the princely family. Lined up in a row, they cross the Place du Palais, handling their weapons to the sound of drums. This takes about fifteen minutes. If you wish to attend, we advise you to arrive a little before 11:30 am. Indeed, this tradition attracts many tourists. For this reason, you won’t be able to cross the square, as the central part is off-limits. If you want to get to the other side, you’ll have to make a detour via the district’s main streets. This is important information to keep in mind, because if you find that it’s too crowded where you are, you’ll have to change sides well before the ceremony begins!

View of the changing of the guard.

From defensive architecture to pleasure palace

Arriving at the palace, we were astonished by its composite architecture. On the right-hand side of the monument, you can see a medieval dwelling. It was built in the 13th century, when the Rock belonged to the Republic of Genoa. It features a stone tower, the Tour Sainte-Marie. It is part of the fortress that still forms the heart of the palace. This complex comprises a defensive wall protected by a curtain wall, flanked by 4 towers. The other towers are less visible. They are the same color as the facade, which dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. We were struck by its elegance. It bears witness to the transformation of the fortress into a pleasure palace when Monaco gained its independence and the protection of the Spanish kingdom from the Genoese. The many loggias and rooftop terraces reflect the influence of the Italian Renaissance!

View of the palace facade.

A plunge into the Italian Renaissance

The main courtyard and 16th-century frescoes.

Once inside the palace, we were amazed by the main courtyard. We felt like we were in Italy! In this, continuity with the façade style is undeniable. Take time to admire the motifs adorning the various buildings. Can you spot the Monaco coat of arms? These shimmering frescoes, even more beautiful in the sunlight, were created in the 16th century by artists from Genoa. We didn’t get to go down to the middle of the courtyard to admire the splendid horseshoe-shaped staircase, desired by Prince Louis I in the 17th century. We were nevertheless able to observe its ornamentation and its balls of black Portor marble (originally from Spain), from the Galerie d’Hercule.

View of the main courtyard.

The Galerie d’Hercule was recently restored to reveal these superb 16th-century frescoes, which had been damaged and altered over time. We took a close look at the lunettes (parts under the vaults), depicting the life and work of the Roman mythological hero Hercules. The vaults, meanwhile, are covered with late-Renaissance grotesques. These whimsical ornaments particularly appealed to us, their bold colors standing out against the bright white. Be sure to look up: the medallions feature allegories of the liberal arts (geometry, arithmetic) and the points of the compass.

View of the fresco.

A trip to Genoa

As we entered the 1st room of the tour, our feeling of being in Italy persisted. The Chambre d’Europe features a 16th-century Renaissance ceiling that we found magnificent! They feature decorative ornaments widely used in Antiquity, such as hybrid figures (centaurs…). This antique influence is reflected in the central medallion depicting “The Abduction of Europa” from Ovid’s poetic epic Metamorphoses . Take time to admire the various Renaissance paintings, and the Aubusson tapestry depicting the Grimaldi family coat of arms!

Ceiling of the Chambre d'Europe.

We were unable to visit the old marble alcove room as it was being renovated. It, too, features superb painted decorations! On the other hand, we were able to discover the same style of ornamentation in the vaults of the Salon Bleu, known as the Matignon Room. The name of this large room evokes the alliance between the Grimaldi and Matignon families. We know this family because, like us, they come from Normandy , where they ruled over Alençon!

View of the blue matignon lounge.

A rich collection

In the Salon Matignon, we saw large portraits and rich furnishings. This is the case in many other rooms, notably the green antechamber. The second room on the tour, it is laid out like a cabinet of curiosities. Here you can admire some remarkable paintings, such as the portrait of Monaco’s first prince, Honoré II Grimaldi, by the renowned painter of the kingdom of France, Philippe de Champaigne. You’ll also see some superb marquetry pieces featuring the Monaco coat of arms, dating from the 18th century.

View of the green antechamber.

Now that you’re familiar with the coat of arms, you can make the most of the History Cabinet. We were impressed by the array of princely decorations inside. You’ll be able to admire coins, medals, stamps, princely collars, uniforms and weapons, including the swords used by the Prince’s Carabinieri, which we saw at the changing of the guard!

View of the History Cabinet.

Just past the Cabinet d’Histoire, you’ll come across the Salon des Officiers. Arranged like an Italian cabinet, it houses paintings of Venice. It confirmed our impression that we were travelling to Italy! The name of this antechamber is explained by its function: it is occupied by members of the princely retinue in the service of the sovereign. That’s why it’s located next to the royal quarter.

View of the Officers' Lounge.

The royal district: discovering the princely splendors

The throne room.

This is the most emblematic room in the Palais! It has always hosted swearing-in ceremonies for new sovereigns. However, the throne was not installed until 1881. In Empire style, it reminded us of Napoleon’s Château de Fontainebleau, 1 hour from Paris! Several ceremonial portraits of the Princes of Monaco adorn the walls. Be sure to look up to admire the late 16th-century ceiling, and check out the superb Renaissance fireplace.

View of the Throne Room.

Aside from the throne, the element that most caught our eye in this room was this Louis XIV-style marble inlaid table. We were seduced by its sparkling colors! The principality’s most important deeds were signed here. One example is weddings. In fact, 5 civil and royal weddings have taken place in this room, including that of Prince Rainier III with American actress Grace Kelly in 1956!

View of the marquetry table in the Throne Room.

Prestigious apartments

The rest of the royal district is made up of sumptuous 17th-century apartments. Their function? Welcoming VIPs of royal rank. It was in the royal antechamber, for example, that Prince Rainier III and the actress Grace Kelly met, who had come to the palace for a press report on her participation in the Cannes Film Festival .

View of the Royal Antechamber.

The room that impressed us most, however, was the Royal Chamber, known as the York Chamber. It’s famous because the Duke of York, brother of King George III of England, died there, despite the care he was given by order of Prince Honoré III. But what really stood out for us was the golden alcove separating the bed from the rest of the room, and the brightly painted ceiling. Everything about this room evokes princely magnificence!

View of the Royal Chamber.

You’ll then discover 18th-century rooms: the Cabinet and the Chambre Valentinois. They bear witness to the Grimaldi family’s alliance with the Duchy of Valentinois, located along the Rhône. They are richly furnished. You’ll be able to admire some precious crockery in the cabinet. In the bedroom, we fell in love with this Louis XVI cylinder writing desk. We were overwhelmed by the delicacy of its precious wood marquetry!

View of the Valentinois Cabinet secretary.

The Galerie des Princes and exhibitions

We then entered the Galerie des Princes, which leads from the Grands Appartements to the Galerie d’Hercule. In the 17th century, masterpieces by Titian, Raphael and Michelangelo adorned its walls. Unfortunately, the palace was plundered during the French Revolution. Today, you can still marvel at the mirrors installed in 1892 on either side of the corridor. Have fun observing them: they reflect infinite images and their vanishing point changes according to your position!

View of the Galerie des Princes.

The gallery is also decorated with busts and painted portraits of successive members of the princely family. The first sculpture features the effigy of Honoré II, the first of the Grimaldis to bear the title of prince. The latest is a representation of the current Prince, Albert II, by American artist Barry X Ball . Don’t miss the Salle des Artistes on your left, where exhibitions are held regularly! Unfortunately, we were unable to visit the chapel and library, which are closed to the public.

View of a portrait of Prince Albert II.

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can you visit the palace in monaco

Frequently asked questions

When can i visit prince’s palace of monaco.

The Palais Princier is open to visitors only during the high season. It runs from late March/early April to September, but opening times can change from year to year! Visit the official website here for more information.

Who lives in Prince’s Palace of Monaco?

The palace is home to the princely family, who head the government. You won’t come across them, as they occupy another wing of the château. In the Princes’ Gallery, however, you can admire sculptures bearing their likenesses. Here, for example, is a bust of the American actress Grace Kelly, wife of Prince Rainier III.

View of a statue of Grace Kelly.

Are photos allowed inside the château?

Yes, photos are allowed.

Are there any special events or ceremonies taking place at the Palais Princier?

Numerous events and ceremonies take place in the palace, still today the seat of the princely government. In addition to the signing of official documents, the event also featured historic moments such as the wedding of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. Cultural programming is also available. For example, every summer, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra organizes concerts in the Cour d’Honneur. The Salle des Artistes, adjacent to the Galerie des Princes, hosts exhibitions. We were able to enjoy an exhibition on Pablo Picasso and Antiquity during our visit!

View of the entrance to the Pablo Picasso exhibition.

Are there any dress restrictions when visiting the castle?

There are no dress restrictions when visiting the palace.

Are pets allowed inside the palace?

Service animals, such as guide dogs, can enter the palace. Pets are allowed only if they are in a suitable bag.

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Seven must-see F1 weekends to tick off your 2024 bucket list – and how to get there as cheaply as possible

Ever wanted to know which F1 races you need on your bucket list? Well, if you were in any doubt before, we have seven races that absolutely need to be on there.

And we know F1 can be a very expensive sport to watch, so we’ve looked at how you can get to each one of them as cheaply as possible!

Monaco Grand Prix, 24-26 May 2024

A view of Monaco in the evening. F1

The jewel in Formula 1’s crown.

The Monaco Grand Prix has been held around the streets of the Principality since way back in 1929, and the illustrious history surrounding the race makes it one of motorsport’s Triple Crown events – it has been a fixture on the Formula 1 calendar since the World Championship started in 1950.

Unless you’re one of the lucky ones to arrive on a helipad or among the private jets, Nice Airport is your best bet for travelling to Monaco.

It is possible to get the Eurostar to Nice from London, but at nine hours of journey time, it will take significantly longer and cost a great deal more – at £557 return for an adult over Grand Prix weekend [23-27 May] – than flying.

Flights on Skyscanner start from £165 return per adult from London to Nice on their cheapest deals , based on flying out on Thursday 23 May and returning on Monday 27 May – a day either side of Grand Prix weekend – with return flight prices starting from £222 from Edinburgh, £229 from Manchester and £235 from Bristol [all price information correct as of March 18, 2024, subject to change].

For those looking to condense their trip into the three days of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, departing on Friday 24 May and returning Sunday 26 May, flights from London to Nice begin at £158, £184 from Edinburgh, £203 from Manchester and £216 from Belfast.

To do a one-day trip on race day, you can get a return deal from London to Nice for £293 on Skyscanner .

For the most cost-effective way to the Principality from the airport, a short two stops on a bus to Nice Saint-Agustin station follows before a train to Monaco, which runs a regular service throughout the day and takes approximately 30-35 minutes, costing around €5 per adult ticket.

Once you get there, ‘glitz’ and ‘glamour’ are words never far away when it comes to Monaco, with the rich and famous from around the world descending for the world’s most famous street race every May.

While the tightness of the two-mile track does not lend itself to overtaking, a sprinkling of rain can add a dose of chaos to any Monaco Grand Prix – and the circuit remains the ultimate challenge for every single Formula 1 driver.

Qualifying day at Monaco remains one of the prime spectacles of the season, with the drivers pushing the limit and daring to get as close to the wall as possible around iconic corners such as Sainte Devote, Casino Square, Tabac, the Swimming Pool complex and La Rascasse.

For fans, sitting at the grandstands at Tabac and the Swimming Pool will offer great views of the cars as they pass 78 times for the sport’s most famous race, so close you could almost touch them.

Even though Monaco races can sometimes lack overtaking, for visitors it is an iconic location – with all Monaco’s landmarks within reasonable walking distance and plenty of nightlife to experience.

As the second smallest country in the world, you never know which celebrity you might spot, and a visit to Casino Square by the stunning Hotel de Paris and Casino de Monte-Carlo are an absolute must, if only to ogle at the magazine-worthy car park.

Away from the Formula 1 action, tourists can take in the sights of Monaco such as the Prince’s Palace, still the official residence of Monaco’s royal family with construction that dates back to the 12th century.

The Princess Grace Japanese Gardens bring a taste of the Far East to the Principality and are free to access, and for Formula 1 fans needing directions to get there, instead of turning right at Portier, you turn left instead!

Naturally, Monte-Carlo itself is full of nightlife and shopping, and away from the hustle and bustle, the Port de Fontvieille is another, perhaps more peaceful, harbour worth a visit once you’ve had your fill of superyachts.

Belgian Grand Prix, 26-28 July 2024

F1 cars on damp Spa-Francorchamps track. Belgium, July 2023.

A true ‘driver’s circuit’ in every sense that always ranks highly among their favourite tracks whenever the drivers are asked about it, Spa-Francorchamps also matches that with a famous fan experience.

For people travelling to the race, you are awash with options for cities to stay within reasonable driving distance to the circuit.

With the circuit surrounded by small towns and villages such as Malmedy, Stavelot and Francorchamps, fans often choose to travel to the track from slightly further afield if they are making it a destination race, but it can also become an ideal part of a wider trip for those travelling around Europe.

The borders of Germany, the Netherlands, France and Luxembourg are not too far away, with the nearest large airports in Liège and Cologne for those choosing to fly – but for your best value, Cologne is a much cheaper destination than Liège over Belgian Grand Prix weekend.

With Skyscanner, you can fly direct from London to Cologne from just £70  based on a departure date of Thursday 25 July and return of Monday 29 July, a day either side of Grand Prix weekend.

For those even wanting to condense their trip into the same day, an early-morning flight from London Heathrow to Cologne can see you arrive in Germany with several hours to spare to travel to Spa-Francorchamps before a flight back that night on deals starting from £101 return, though we are not responsible for any delays or traffic if you want to take that risk!

For anyone travelling further afield, it’s possible to drive from the UK to Belgium – with Eurotunnel fares from Folkestone to Calais starting from £126 on Belgian Grand Prix weekend (price correct at time of writing, based on Friday departure and Monday return), with a further 355km to go to Spa-Francorchamps once you cross get across the border – approximately four hours in good traffic conditions.

For those heading by train, Eurostar travellers can head from London to Brussels from £198 return for an adult on Grand Prix weekend, before taking onward travel to Spa-Francorchamps into account via a further train to Verviers and a bus to Francorchamps.

Once you arrive via your chosen mode of transport however, the circuit is filled with iconic corners such as Eau Rouge, Raidillon, La Source and Pouhon, and vantage points like the Kemmel Straight, where fans can watch and hear F1 cars going at top speed while jostling for position into Les Combes.

In stark contrast to the built-up surroundings of Monaco, Spa is nestled in the beautiful Ardennes region of Belgium, and the scenic views offered at the Belgian Grand Prix only add to the experience of the often excellent racing on offer.

The nearby campsite means fans can camp at the circuit too, making for an immersive experience for anyone attending the longest and one of the most famous circuits on the F1 calendar.

If you choose to fly, the beautiful German city of Cologne holds such tourist attractions as its world-famous Chocolate Museum, the stunning Gothic Cathedral and a diverse selection of museums, which sits approximately 140km from the circuit.

Approximately 60km from the track is the city of Liège, home of the Liège Waffle (a variation on what most of us would call the ‘standard’ Belgian waffle found in Brussels), as well as a host of attractions including plenty of museums, restaurants and the Montagne de Bueren, a daunting 374-step staircase built in honour of 600 soldiers who died to defend the city in the 16th centry.

Italian Grand Prix, 30 August – 1 September

Ferrari fans in Monza

“Everyone is a Ferrari fan. Even if they say they are not, they are Ferrari fans,” – Sebastian Vettel.

And once you visit Monza, the ‘Temple of Speed’, you would have to be made of stern stuff to not have some kind of  Tifosi  blood coursing through your veins.

For visitors, Monza itself has its own beautiful architecture and attractions to visit, but given the circuit sits just 25km north east of Milan, for anyone looking to make a bigger trip of their Italian Grand Prix weekend, one of the country’s biggest cities being within a reasonable distance presents the perfect opportunity to pay it a visit.

For UK visitors, a flight to Milan Linate is your quickest and most convenient option to get to the vicinity of Monza.

Direct return flights from London to Milan begin at £144 on Skyscanner , based on arriving and leaving a day either side of Italian Grand Prix weekend [29 August – 2 September], with deals available from £179 from Manchester and £202 from Edinburgh.

To do it all in a day, flight deals from London to Milan begin from just £167 on Skyscanner .

Once you have arrived, however, for onwards travel to the circuit on race weekend, we would recommend allowing 90 minutes to get from the centre of Milan to get there.

It is possible to drive to the circuit from Milan, but the most cost-effective way to get there would be via public transport, with regular trains, subways and buses running to Monza and Buttafava for approximately €4 each way – with Buttafava being a 40-minute walk from the circuit entrance.

Monza train station is around 5km from the circuit, but shuttle buses operate on race weekend to bring fans to the circuit from there. The bus is also an option from central Milan, taking the Metro through Sesto1 Maggio FS, and then the Z221 bus to Monza. This provides a direct line to the circuit, but is an extremely busy route!

Once you are through the door, however, all the drivers are met with a sea of red all weekend, as the two people driving for Ferrari are not just driving for a team, they are driving for an entire nation. The Scuderia has the weight of Italy on its shoulders.

Sitting on the pit straight offers the opportunity to see F1 cars going at full tilt on the fastest circuit on the whole calendar, and the chance to go on track and stand underneath the podium among the most partisan crowd of the whole year is a real moment of beauty.

To get a sense of the atmosphere, you only need to see a Ferrari driver overtake somebody else at Monza to feel how much it means to the home crowd and, at such an iconic circuit that has been in Formula 1 since its inception, any chance to be among the  Tifosi  has to be taken.

If you choose to stay in Milan for the remainder of your time in Italy, the Duomo di Milano is the largest church in the country and the spiritual heart of the city, as well as one of Europe’s most stunning pieces of architecture that is well worth visiting. As is seeing the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which houses one of the world’s most famous paintings, the mural of ‘The Last Supper’ by Leonardo da Vinci.

Coupled with Milan’s history is a huge offering of culture, shopping and food that makes it a widely popular destination for tourists – that’s before you mention its status as one of the foremost cities in the world for fashion.

Singapore Grand Prix, 20-22 September 2024

Aerial shot of the Marina Bay in Singapore at blue hour

Formula 1’s original night race, the Singapore Grand Prix joined the calendar in 2008 and has been a firm favourite ever since.

Known for pushing the drivers to their physical and mental limits, with the humidity in Singapore meaning that drivers can lose a significant amount of weight during a race, the challenging layout around the Marina Bay Circuit also pushes race time up towards the two-hour limit.

It’s also an accessible race for fans all over the world, with Singapore’s Changi Airport providing a central transport hub for countries across the globe.

To arrive the day before Singapore Grand Prix weekend and leave a day after [19-23 September], flight deals on Skyscanner start from £639 per person from London , £632 from Manchester, £673 from Edinburgh and £657 from Birmingham, with a plethora of options available to fans travelling from the UK.

Once fans are in the country, Singapore’s MRT [metro] system is the cheapest, most efficient way to get around – particularly with road closures surrounding the Grand Prix weekend. Most of the entrances to the grandstands are covered by MRT stops, and it takes around 30 minutes for the MRT to reach central Singapore from Changi Airport.

On the track, the Marina Bay Circuit is a street track that also produces overtaking, and no short amount of drama has been produced in Singapore over the years, with Carlos Sainz fending off a huge challenge from multiple drivers for victory last season.

For visitors, there’s plenty within Singapore to make your trip worthwhile alongside the racing, with Marina Bay already a hugely popular tourist attraction before that area of the city is transformed for the Grand Prix weekend.

Alongside the novelty of seeing a race under the lights, there’s the opportunity to see Formula 1 drivers operate at one of its most demanding circuits.

But in the daytime, there’s lots to see and do in Singapore. Visitors can take in a bird’s eye view on the Singapore Flyer, the London Eye-style observation wheel that offers an air-conditioned view of the city.

Other recommended destinations include the 101-hectare Gardens by the Bay, Singapore’s Botanic Gardens, Singapore has its own branch of Universal Studios, while Clarke Quay is a prime place to shop during your visit.

São Paulo Grand Prix, 1-3 November 2024

A sea of fans on the Interlagos track.

Even 30 years after his tragic death, chants of Ayrton Senna’s name ring around the Interlagos grandstands as the Brazilian legend is celebrated at each edition of the São Paulo Grand Prix.

The fan grandstand along the pit straight at Interlagos plays host to one of the loudest atmospheres of the whole season, with races at Interlagos long known for their drama, overtaking opportunities and importance in the context of the year, as they often take place towards the end of the schedule.

Flights into São Paulo Guarulhos Airport are best for access to the city, and for travellers from the UK, you can get a return flight from London for £650 for based on flights a day either side of Grand Prix weekend [Thursday 31 October – Monday 4 November].

Once you fly in, the airport is a half-hour drive outside the city and can be accessed via public transport, though it can take significantly longer to get into the city while doing so.

But after you get into the city, the circuit is situated relatively close to the city centre of São Paulo, making it one of the more accessible races of the season for fans, with shuttle buses around the city taking fans to the circuit on race weekend for the approximate equivalent of £2.

Like all of the circuits we have listed, the place of Interlagos on the F1 calendar is loved by drivers and fans alike, and for a blend of culture, great racing and F1 history, look no further than Brazil.

For those looking to make the most of their visit to São Paulo, Parque Ibirapuera lays claim to being the most-visited public park in South America, nestled in the heart of the city and is often comparable to being Brazil’s version of New York’s Central Park.

The Mercado Municipal de São Paulo [Municipal Market] is well worth seeing – with the Olympic Torch having passed through the market on its way to Rio de Janeiro in 2016 – and other cultural attractions in the city including São Paulo’s Football Museum, multiple art galleries and its Cathedral.

Las Vegas Grand Prix, 21-23 November 2024

The Las Vegas GP has been a huge financial success.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix announced its return to the F1 calendar in some style in 2023, with some substantial upgrades on the Grands Prix of the 1980s that took place in the car parks of Caesars Palace.

Instead, F1 has now taken over the entire city on a temporary street circuit with a race that takes place at primetime on Saturday night in the entertainment capital of the world. What’s not to love?

A flight to Harry Reid International Airport puts fans almost into the city immediately, with the MGM Grand, Luxor and Bellagio Hotels within a stone’s throw of where planes fly into Las Vegas – making onward travel relatively easy for people making their way into Sin City.

Remember, this race takes place on a Thursday-Saturday schedule, so for those flying into Vegas, Skyscanner are offering best deals from London for £623 per person and from £764 from Manchester , based on a Wednesday 20 November and Sunday 24 November arrival and departure, for taking in the entire Grand Prix spectacle.

The circuit itself takes in some iconic landmarks, including the full Las Vegas Strip, no less, that sees the cars reach Monza levels of top speed before a big braking zone.

The inaugural event in 2023 was full of pomp, entertainment, pizazz and what turned into one of the most gripping races of the season.

And for everything you’ve heard about the city, you’ll be able to take it all in around the Grand Prix weekend.

A trip to a casino, take in a show at one of Vegas’ world-class entertainment facilities or hotels, maybe see one of the biggest bands or musicians in the world if they’re in town, see the Fountains of Bellagio outside just one of Sin City’s famous hotels and more.

You can go on a gondola around ‘Venice’ at The Venetian, head to any number of bars or restaurants, or even get married – the choice is yours.

With the circuit being set in the heart of the city, there’s no shortage of ways to keep yourself entertained around the race weekend and, just remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 6-8 December 2024

Max Verstappen, Red Bull

Now, we know what you’re thinking, Abu Dhabi and bucket list don’t belong in the same sentence but trust us: they do!

Say ‘Abu Dhabi’ and the word that usually follows next is ‘expensive’, but you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that going to the final race of the season is actually priced competitively and falls more in line with one of the many European adventures you can take on the 2024 calendar.

For example, once you land at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, to complete the short hop to Yas Island and the Yas Marina Circuit, the Yas Express Shuttle Bus transports guests direct from the airport – and is complimentary to use, upon presentation of e-tickets or vouchers to Yas theme parks. The 102 bus route also operates from the airport to Yas Island, while a taxi takes around 10 minutes to get there.

But getting to Abu Dhabi couldn’t be simpler with Skyscanner, and if you are travelling for the whole race weekend, based on a Thursday 5 December arrival and Monday 9 December departure, return deals from London start at £395, £415 from Manchester and £422 from Edinburgh .

But not only is this race weekend your last chance to get your F1 racing fix until the following March, the now traditional season finale also provides unique ‘I was there’ opportunities that other races simply cannot offer.

Being at the Yas Marina circuit to witness Lewis Hamilton’s final race for Mercedes, for example, is an opportunity not to missed and given just how many drivers are out of contract in 2025, there could be plenty other farewells being said up and down the paddock, too.

Even if the two World Championships are sewn up long before we get to Abu Dhabi, there will be still plenty to race for. There is no such thing as a ‘dead rubber’ race in Formula 1.

In addition, you will also get to witness the next generation of driver talent as the F2 season finale also takes place in Abu Dhabi. Being able to say you saw the next rising stars of the sport before they made it big is a claim all F1 fans should be proud to mention!

And, talking of rare opportunities, you do not get to see the F1 drivers perform donuts very often. However, in Abu Dhabi, you will be able to ogle over plenty of them as the cars are taken for one, final spin (literally) in front of the grandstands. The race engineers will hate it, but drivers and fans love it! That moment will stay with you for a lifetime.

And remember, there’s more to Abu Dhabi than just the racing.

For anyone looking to make the most of their time away from the track, Abu Dhabi plays host to multiple to multiple shopping centres and theme parks, notably Ferrari World – which is the world’s first Ferrari theme park and holds the Formula Rossa, which lays claim to being the world’s fastest rollercoaster.

Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi are also open for visitors to Abu Dhabi, as are local cultural touchpoints like the presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Top F1 travel tips from Skyscanner

If you are planning to travel to any race lucky enough to be on the F1 2024 calendar, then do consider these extra tips below. They could save you some precious pounds and pennies!

“Compare, compare, compare!,” says Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s Travel Trends and Destinations Expert on travelling during busy periods.

“Prices are fantastic but it’s always worth doing that extra bit of research not only to save money but to make the most of the flights from your chosen departure airport.

“You might discover you can try somewhere you hadn’t thought of or that was previously out of reach. Also, combining different airlines for the outbound and return legs of your trip can seriously cut costs. Fares don’t have to be booked as returns.

“Look at flying out with one airline and back with another to save money.

“If you live nearby two airports, or don’t mind an extra bit of travel before your trip, try using the ‘include nearby airports’ button when searching on Skyscanner . It will open up more pricing and more routes for better comparison.”

Flight prices listed are based on Return economy fares on Skyscanner correct as of 18/03/2024

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COMMENTS

  1. Prince's Palace

    The Prince's Palace in Monaco is a private residence, but the State Apartments are open to visitors for part of the year. The Palace has a long history and has been extended and renovated several times over the centuries. Its origins date back to the early thirteenth century - 1215 to be exact. Following a succession of transformations, the ...

  2. The Prince's Palace of Monaco

    The Prince's Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Grimaldi family in the Principality of Monaco. Some of the palace's chambers can be visited.

  3. Prince's Palace of Monaco

    RecommendedTours & SightseeingWalking & Biking ToursMulti-day & Extended ToursShore Excursions. Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze, la Turbie Full-Day from Nice Small-Group Tour. 179. Recommended. Full-day Tours. from. $101.42. per adult. Trip from Nice to Monaco with a Walking Tour.

  4. 5 things you need to see when visiting the Princely Palace of Monaco

    The Prince's Palace has designed a "Visit the Palace of Monaco" application, which can be used to visit the architectural complex from home, and for further information during the tour on site. The Prince's home is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm until September, and from 10 am to 6 pm, in September and October. Tours cost €10, with ...

  5. Prince's Palace of Monaco

    Visit of H.S.H. Prince Albert II to Calabria. Official website of the Prince's Palace of Monaco. News of the princely family: press releases, speeches, videos, photos... Discover the history of the Palace and the Grimaldi family.

  6. Visite du Palais Princier de Monaco

    The Palace of Monaco will reopen its doors to the public from 26 March 2024. Enter the Prince's Palace and visit the sumptuous State Apartments. Discover over 600m2 of unique frescoes that date back to the Italian Renaissance.

  7. Prince's Palace of Monaco

    Prince's Palace of Monaco The arms of the Prince of Monaco. The supporters represent François Grimaldi who, according to legend, in 1297 captured the fortress disguised as a monk.. The Prince's Palace of Monaco (French: Palais princier de Monaco; Monégasque: Palaçi principescu) is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco.Built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress, during its long ...

  8. The Prince's Palace of Monaco: A Mini-Guide

    Standing on a rocky promontory (), the Prince's Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the ruling Prince of Monaco.The castle has been the home of the Grimaldi dynasty since the end of the 13th century. The Palais de Monaco occupies a unique and spectacular geological site, facing the Mediterranean Sea at the foot of the Alps. Here's what you need to know about the Palais princier.

  9. The Prince's Palace

    The Prince's Palace. At heart of the Principality, on the site of a fortress constructed by the Genovese in 1215 stands the Prince's Palace. It harbours splendours tracing out seven centuries of uninterrupted sovereignty. Touring the Palace is synonymous with journeying through the centuries - from the Renaissance to the Napoleonic period.

  10. Prince's Palace of Monaco

    Visits of the Prince's Palace/State Apartments are currently closed. It will re-open on July 1st, 2022. The State Apartments are not accessible to those in wheelchairs. Access only by stairs. Vehicle Access. The only vehicles that may drive into the Old Town (Monaco-Ville) area are those having Monaco license plates or French license plates ...

  11. Taking a look at the Prince's Palace of Monaco

    The Throne Room. Source: palais.mc. Prince Rainier III is credited for restoring the Prince's Palace to its glory, and shortly after his accession, he began a full-scale restoration and renovation project. "Many of the external frescoes on the courtyard were restored, while the south wing, destroyed following the French Revolution, was rebuilt," reads the Prince's Palace Wikipedia entry.

  12. The Prince's Palace reopens with newly restored frescoes ...

    Publication date: 28/03/2023. The Prince's Palace of Monaco, one of the Principality's most iconic sites, is reopening to the public from 2 April. Visitors can expect to step back in time as they admire its well-preserved treasures, including restored frescoes dating from the Renaissance period. In a few days' time, visitors will be able to ...

  13. The palace of the Prince in Monaco

    The Prince's Palace is an unavoidable visit when you are in Monaco. Lined with batteries of canons cast during the reign of Louis XIV, the Place du Palais offers a unique panoramic view overlooking the Port and Monte-Carlo as well as Fontvieille and Cap d'Ail. You are surprised by the crowd gathered in front of the Palace so you come closer ...

  14. Ticketing

    Car Collection of S.A.S. The Prince. Tickets are not exchangeable or refundable. Opening time : From 10 am to 6:00 pm every day of the year (except December 25) Further information : Monaco Top Cars Collection. 54 route de la piscine - MC 98000 MONACO. Such. +377 92 05 28 56 -- Fax : +377 92 05 96 09 -- Email: [email protected].

  15. Prince's Palace of Monaco

    The Prince's Palace is well worth a visit when in Monaco. The palace gives you a great introduction into the life of Monaco's rich and famous. The entrance fee of 8 euros takes you through many of the rooms showing examples of great wealth and includes many portraits of the royal family. Security is very high.

  16. Prince's Palace of Monaco

    Well worth factoring into a visit to Monaco if the palace is open. Exceptional value to get the combined ticket for the palace and the Prince's car collection (another must-see). Read more. Written February 10, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews ...

  17. Where to go in Monaco: Prince's Palace

    The Prince's residence faces the biggest square of Monaco - the Palace Square. It offers a stunning view of the city and two harbours. On each side of the square you can see the cannons dating back to the 17th century. Don't miss the changing of the guard in front of the Palace at 11:55. The ritual has remained the same for several centuries.

  18. One day itinerary for visiting Monaco on a budget

    7. See the Prince's Palace of Monaco. After you have walked from the Yacht Club round the edge of Port Hercules, you will arrive near the base of the hill of the Prince's Palace of Monaco. On the corner of Avenue du Port, you will see a set of stairs in stone ramparts. Follow signs up the stairs for 'Harbour viewpoint' or 'Vue ...

  19. How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Monaco Itinerary & Guide

    Prince's Palace of Monaco. Perched atop 'Le Rocher' (the rock), the old town's crowning jewel is the Prince's Palace of Monaco, which is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco (surname Grimaldi) and began life in the 12th-century as a medieval fortress. ... You can visit the Palace on a daily basis for a small fee ...

  20. 14 Best Things to Do in Monaco

    No matter where you are in Monaco, you can look up and feel protected by "the Rock," (Old Town's nickname) framed in part by the Prince's Palace and Oceanographic Museum, and once home to Princess ...

  21. 12 things you might not know about the Prince's Palace of Monaco

    You might think that the Tour Sainte-Marie is the oldest of the palace's towers. And you would be both right and wrong. Right because for many centuries the Tour Sainte-Marie was the main tower and served as the keep. Wrong because this tower was damaged by the earthquake that shook the region in 1887. It was then rebuilt in 1894 and is ...

  22. Prince's Palace of Monaco, Monaco

    During your time in Monaco, you can visit the Prince's Palace, the Casino, and the Oceanographic Museum. At the end of the day, you'll return to Nice by ferry, once again enjoying the stunning views en route. Schedule: Departure from Nice: 9:30 AM Arrival in Monaco: 10:15 AM Departure from Monaco: 5:00 PM Arrival in Nice: 6:00 PM ...

  23. Prince's Palace (Monaco): visit + photos

    Our favorite moments. You'll find the details of our visit later, but we can't resist sharing our favorites with you right now: The changing of the guard: the Prince's Carabinieri, a military corps created in 1817, take it in turns to ensure the safety of the palace and the princely family every morning.In our opinion, attending is a unique experience!

  24. Seven Must-see F1 Weekends To Tick Off Your 2024 Bucket List

    Away from the Formula 1 action, tourists can take in the sights of Monaco such as the Prince's Palace, still the official residence of Monaco's royal family with construction that dates back ...