Monaco Travel Information

When it comes to luxury and glamour, few places can compete with Monaco. This tiny principality on the French Riviera is home to some of the most exclusive restaurants, hotels, and casinos in the world, as well as a host of other attractions that are sure to delight visitors. Here are the top 10 things to do when visiting Monaco:

1. Visit the Monte Carlo Casino

No trip to Monaco is complete without a visit to the famous Monte Carlo Casino. Built in the late 19th century, this stunning building has played host to some of the most famous gamblers in history, and it's still one of the most popular casinos in the world today. Whether you're a seasoned gambler or just looking to take in the sights, the casino is a must-see attraction.

2. Take a stroll along the famous Monte Carlo Harbor

Monte Carlo Harbor is a perfect place to take a stroll and admire the beautiful yachts and boats while enjoying the Mediterranean sea view. You'll also find plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars along the harbor, where you can enjoy a drink or a meal while taking in the sights and sounds of Monaco.

3. Visit the Prince's Palace of Monaco

The Prince's Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Prince of Monaco, and it's open to visitors throughout the year. Take a tour of the palace to see the opulent state apartments, the throne room, and the private chapel, as well as the beautiful gardens that surround the palace.

4. Explore the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is one of the most interesting museums in the world, and it's a must-see attraction for visitors who are interested in marine life and oceanography. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits, including a shark lagoon and a coral reef tank, as well as a number of interactive displays that are perfect for kids.

5. See the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Prince's Palace

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a daily event at the Prince's Palace, and it's a great way to see the palace's guards in their ceremonial uniforms. The ceremony takes place at 11:55 am every day, and it's a great opportunity to take some photos and learn more about the history of the palace.

6. Walk the streets of the medieval old town

The old town of Monaco is a charming area that is full of narrow streets, picturesque buildings and plenty of shops and restaurants. Take a stroll through the old town to see the medieval architecture and learn more about the history of Monaco.

7. Visit the Jardin Exotique de Monaco

The Jardin Exotique de Monaco is a beautiful botanical garden that is home to a wide variety of exotic plants from around the world. Take a stroll through the garden to see the cacti, succulents and other plants that are on display, and enjoy the beautiful views over the Mediterranean.

8. Attend the Monaco Grand Prix

The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most famous and prestigious car races in the world, and it's held annually in Monaco. The race takes place on the streets of Monte Carlo, and it's a great opportunity to see some of the world's best drivers in action.

9. Take a trip to the nearby town of Eze

Eze is a charming medieval village that is located just a short drive from Monaco. Take a trip to Eze to see the beautiful views over the Mediterranean, and to explore the narrow streets and picturesque buildings of the village.

10. Visit the Musée des Timbres et des Monnaies

The Musée des Timbres et des Monnaies is a small but fascinating museum in Monaco that is dedicated to the history of stamps and coins. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits, including stamps and coins from around the world, as well as interactive displays that are perfect for kids. The museum is a great place to learn more about the history and culture of Monaco.

Climate in Monaco

Monaco has a Mediterranean climate, which means that it has mild winters and warm summers. The average temperature in Monaco ranges from around 10°C (50°F) in the winter to around 25°C (77°F) in the summer. The summer months (June to September) are the warmest and driest, while the winter months (December to February) are the coolest and wettest.

Best time to visit Monaco

The best time to visit Monaco depends on what you want to do while you're there. If you're interested in outdoor activities, the summer months (June to September) are the best time to visit, as the weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor events and festivals taking place.

If you're more interested in culture and history, the spring months (March to May) are a great time to visit, as the weather is mild and comfortable, and there are fewer tourists.

For those who want to experience Monaco's nightlife and casinos, the winter months are good too, as the city doesn't get as crowded and you can get good deals on accommodation and activities.

Overall, any time of the year is good to visit Monaco, as the city has a lot to offer all year round, but it's a good idea to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Luxury Hotels

Monaco is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, many of which offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the city. Some of the most famous luxury hotels in Monaco include the Hotel de Paris, the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, and the Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. These hotels offer world-class amenities such as spas, fitness centers, and fine dining restaurants.

Boutique Hotels

If you're looking for something a little more intimate and unique, there are a number of boutique hotels in Monaco that offer a more personal and luxurious experience. Some popular boutique hotels in Monaco include the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, the Hotel Fairmont Monte Carlo, and the Hotel Port Palace. These hotels offer a more personalized service and often have a more exclusive feel.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

Monaco can be quite expensive, but there are still budget-friendly accommodation options available. Some budget-friendly hotels in Monaco include the Hotel Novotel Monte-Carlo and Hotel Ambassador Monaco, which offer comfortable rooms at more affordable prices. Additionally, there are also some vacation rentals and apartments available for rent in Monaco, which can be a great option for travelers looking for more space and privacy.

Campsites

For those looking for a more outdoorsy experience, Monaco has a campsite called the Monaco Monte-Carlo Campsite, it's a great place to stay if you're looking to explore the surrounding area. The campsite is located just a short drive from Monaco and offers a range of facilities including showers, toilets, and a playground.

Car

If you plan to rent a car or drive your own car to Monaco, you'll find that there are several parking options available. There are several public parking lots and garages located throughout the city, as well as on-street parking. However, it can be challenging to find a parking spot in Monaco, especially during the summer months, when the city is more crowded.

Bus

Monaco has an efficient bus system that connects the different areas of the city and the neighboring towns. The bus system is operated by the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM), and there are several bus lines that run throughout the day. The bus is a great way to get around Monaco if you're on a budget, as the fares are quite affordable.

Train

Monaco has a train station that connects to the Nice-Ville train station, from there you can reach other destinations in the French Riviera or other parts of France. It's a convenient way to reach Monaco, and it's also a great option for traveling to other nearby towns and cities.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in Monaco, and they're a convenient way to get around the city. Taxis can be found at taxi stands throughout the city, or you can flag one down on the street. However, it can be quite expensive to take a taxi in Monaco, especially if you're traveling during peak hours.

Bike

For those who want to explore the city in a more eco-friendly way, bike-sharing services are available in Monaco. Bikes can be rented from various locations throughout the city, and it's a great way to get around and see the sights without having to worry about parking or traffic.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.