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Looking for some fun and exciting things to do in Monaco? Look no further!
Monaco may be small, but it’s packed with history, luxury, and stunning views that keep me coming back. After exploring here multiple times, I’ve uncovered the top experiences – from walking the legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit to visiting the glamorous Monte Carlo Casino.
To help you make the most of your trip, I’ve put together this guide to the must-do activities. Whether you’re here for the history, the thrills, or the scenery, these are the experiences you won’t want to miss!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Monaco was this Formula 1 tour! We went behind the scenes to walk the actual track with a guide. We learned about this famous spot and heard some incredible stories.
It was the highlight of our time in Monaco!
Things to do in Monaco
1. Go behind the scenes of the Monaco Grand Prix
- Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Time: Multiple times available
- Highlights: Walk the Monaco Formula 1 circuit, learn about the race history and highlights
- Inclusions: Guide, bottled water, Inside Track magazine
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Every year, Monaco hosts one of the world’s most prestigious races – the Monaco Grand Prix! But even if you’re visiting outside of race week, you can still get a taste of the action by going on this Formula 1 walking tour.
Our guide, Tom, was an absolute F1 expert, sharing fascinating stories about the history of the race, legendary drivers, and the insane logistics behind transforming Monaco’s streets into a high-speed circuit. Walking the actual track where motorsport legends have raced was surreal!
The 3.3 km (2-mile) walk takes you through some of the most iconic sections of the Grand Prix. We strolled past the tight Fairmont Hairpin, a famous bend in Formula 1, where drivers rely on pure skill to maneuver at just the right angle. Then, we made our way through the high-speed tunnel, where race cars hit incredible speeds before bursting back into daylight.
Whether you’re a lifelong motorsports fan or just curious about what makes the Monaco Grand Prix so special, this tour is a must-do. It’s the closest you’ll get to experiencing the thrill of the race without actually getting behind the wheel!
Read the hundreds of 5-star reviews and book our favorite Monaco tour here!
2. Take a day trip to Eze and Saint-Paul de Vence
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Private trip to the French Riviera, explore the medieval hillside village of Eze, visit the artistic village of St. Paul de Vence
- Inclusions: Private guide, transportation, bottled water, Monaco pick-up (for an additional fee)
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
While visiting Monaco, why not take a break from the glitz and glam to explore more of the stunning French Riviera? This region is packed with charming medieval villages and fascinating history, and the best way to explore it is on this private half-day tour!
The adventure begins with pickup from your hotel (though if you’re staying in Monaco, note that pickup comes with an additional fee). Then, you’ll set off in a comfortable private vehicle, driving along the stunning Mediterranean coastline toward Èze.
This hilltop village feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale, with narrow, winding streets, charming stone houses, and breathtaking panoramic views. I loved learning about its medieval heritage and had so much fun wandering through the alleys and popping into all the quaint boutiques.
Next, we headed to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, one of the most famous art villages in the Riviera. Once a favorite retreat for Picasso and Chagall, its galleries, cozy cafés, and historic charm made it an absolute delight to explore. I could’ve spent hours browsing the art shops and watching local artists at work!
What made this tour so special was how our guide tailored the experience to our interests. It was the perfect way to escape Monaco for a few hours and discover the breathtaking scenery and culture of the French Riviera!
Check availability and reserve your private trip here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
3. Experience Monte Carlo’s top sights with a local guide
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple times available
- Highlights: Private walking tour, learn about Monaco’s history, see Monaco’s most iconic landmarks like the Monte Carlo Casino and Prince’s Palace
- Inclusions: Professional guide, snacks, bottled water
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you want to experience the best of Monaco in just a few hours, this private 3-hour walking tour is the way to go! We did it on our first trip to Monaco and I can’t recommend it enough.
After meeting our fantastic guide, Jenny, we started at the Monte Carlo Casino, where she shared fascinating stories about high-stakes gambling and Monaco’s elite. After strolling through Monte Carlo’s elegant streets, we stopped to admire the Japanese Gardens, a peaceful oasis designed by the same architect behind Kyoto’s imperial gardens.
Next, we walked part of the Formula 1 Grand Prix track, passing the legendary Fairmont Hairpin and high-speed tunnel. Seeing these spots in person made me realize just how insane this race really is!
From there, we made our way to Monaco’s Old Town, where we explored charming alleyways and took in panoramic views over the harbor. But the highlight for me was visiting the Prince’s Palace, where we got to see the Changing of the Guards ceremony – such a cool moment!
With a knowledgeable private guide by our side, this tour felt totally personalized, allowing us to ask questions and explore at our own pace. If you’re looking for an intimate, in-depth look at Monaco’s rich history and dazzling lifestyle, this tour is a must!
Secure your spot on this popular walking tour here and get FREE 24 hour cancellation!
Where to Stay in Monaco
Choosing the right place to stay in Monaco is key to experiencing the glitz and glamour of this tiny but ultra-luxurious destination. Whether you want to be near the iconic Monte Carlo Casino or soak up the Riviera views, there are many options to choose from. To help you decide, I’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Monaco for every budget!
Luxury – $$$
The Fairmont Monte Carlo is a top-tier luxury stay right in the heart of Monaco, offering unbeatable views of the Mediterranean and the famous Grand Prix hairpin turn. This 4-star hotel features a stunning rooftop pool, a world-class spa, and several dining options, including the renowned Nobu restaurant. Located just a short walk from the Monte Carlo Casino and the beach, it’s the perfect spot to indulge in Monaco’s glamorous lifestyle while enjoying top-notch service and amenities!
Prices vary depending on the time of year but usually start between $400- $600 USD. You can check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
For a stylish and comfortable stay in Monaco without the sky-high price tag, Boutique Hotel Miramar is a fantastic mid-range choice. This hotel sits right on the Port of Monaco, offering stunning harbor views and an unbeatable location within walking distance of the Monte Carlo Casino and major attractions. The rooms are modern and cozy, and the rooftop terrace and bar are the perfect spot to soak in the scenery. It’s a great home base for exploring Monaco in style!
Prices start as low as $200 USD in the low season and $400 USD in the busy summer season. You can book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
If you’re looking for a more affordable stay in Monaco, Hôtel de France is a great pick. Located just a short walk from the Prince’s Palace and Port Hercule, this small, no-frills hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms with modern decor. While amenities are basic, the excellent location and friendly service make it a solid budget-friendly option for exploring Monaco without breaking the bank!
Rooms start as low as $140 USD per night and sell out quickly, so make sure you reserve your room on Booking.com in advance!
For more options, see all of the hotels in Monaco here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Monaco is one of those bucket list places to see! It has all the glitz and glam, along with some pretty incredible experiences you can only do here. Hopefully, our short and sweet list has helped you find the perfect activity to add to your trip!
While you’re traveling in this part of the world, have a look through all our blogs on Europe. We’ve explored a lot of different countries and cities here and have tons of tips to share.
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