What to do in Monaco
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Monte-Carlo Casino and Opera House
It was built in 1893 by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera House. Its marble paved atrium,
surrounded with 28 Ionic columns made of onyx, gives access to the Opera Hall which is entirely decorated in
red and gold, with bas-reliefs and sculptures.
Monte-Carlo Casino and Opera House
Charles Garnier, the architect of the opera house in Paris, built the Casino in 1878. The "atrium," paved in
marble, is surrounded by 28 Ionic columns in onyx. It leads into the auditorium of the opera, called the "Salle
Garnier," which is decorated in red and gold, with a profusion of bas-reliefs, frescoes and sculptures. Here, for
more than a century, outstanding international performances of opera, ballet and concerts have been staged. The
"gaming rooms" comprise a succession of numerous rooms featuring stained glass windows, admirable
decorations and sculptures, allegorical paintings and bronze lamps.
By the end of the nineteenth century, Charles Garnier was hired to build Monaco's Opera House. The famous
architect had gained recognition from his work for the Paris Opera House.
Sarah Bernhard inaugurated the new Salle Garnier in 1879. Between 1893 and 1951, Raoul Gunsbourg directed
the Opera and built fame and prestige for Monaco's Opera House. Among the best internationally, Monaco's
Opera hosted great voices such as Patti, Tamagno, Melba, Caruso, Chaliapine, Garden, Schipa, Dalla Rizza,
Gigli, Lubin, Muzio, Thill, and Pons.
Restricted access – over 18’s only.
Proof of identity required.
Entrance fee: €10
Oceanographic Museum
Opened in 1910 by its founder Prince Albert 1st, this exceptional museum, is a masterpiece of monumental
architecture overlooking the sea on top of a sheer drop of 85 meters.
With its international reputation for excellence, this exceptional museum is dedicated to marine science and
oceanography. Its collections of marine fauna collected by Monaco's pioneering Navigator Prince Prince Albert 1
are both invaluable and unique.
Along with its world-famous Aquarium where the rarest species of fish and marine life in many magnificent
shapes and colors swim about in 90 pools, offers a grandiose and unique perspective of oceanic life. Its latest
installment, the Shark Lagoon, is a giant pool measuring 450 cubic meters, that reveals the diversity and
extraordinary coloring of the coral reef and the creatures which populate it.
Open daily (except the day of the Formula 1 Grand-Prix):
April to June: 9.30am – 7pm
July and August: 9.30am – 7.30pm
September: 9.30am – 7pm
October to March: 10am – 6pm
Prices (per person):
Adults: €13
Children aged 4-18 and students: €6.50 Visit duration: 2 ½ hours.
Monaco Cathedral
Built with the stark white stones from La Turbie in 1875, this Roman-Byzantine-style building houses the burial
places of past sovereigns, including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.
From the interior design, you can admire an altarpiece by the Niçois painter Louis Bréa dating from 1500 as well
as the high alter and the Episcopal throne of Carrara white marble. Pontifical services are held during great
liturgical celebrations accompanied by the harmonies of a grand organ with four keyboards, inaugurated in 1976
the magnificence of which permits the organisation of outstanding spiritual concerts. From September to June
every Sunday at 10am, mass is sung by the “Les Petits Chanteurs de Monaco” and “Cathedral Choir”.
Free admission (outside religious services), 8.30am – 7pm (6pm in winter)
Prince's Palace
Guardian of an ancient tradition, this Palace located in a unique setting upon the "Rock" of Monaco,was built on
the site of a fortress erected by the Genoese in 1215. Today the splendors of this Palace can be admired by all,
such as its Italian-style gallery and its 15th century frescoes; its Louis XVth lounge all in yellow and gold, its
blue room, a harmonious blend of glorious blue and gold; its Mazarin room covered with multicoloured woodpanelling; the Throne Room, decorated with an impressive Renaissance fireplace; the Palatine Chapel built in the
17th century; St-Mary's Tower, built from the white stones of nearby La Turbie; the Main Courtyard and its 17th
century Carrara marble double staircase…
Open daily:
From April 2 to October 31, except Saturday and Sunday of F1 Grand Prix
April, May, June, September and October from 10 am to 6 pm (last admition 5:30 pm)
July and August: from 10 am to 7 pm (last admission 6:30 pm)
Closed from November 1st to April 1st.
Prices (per person):
Adults: 8 €
Children aged 8-14 and students: 4 €
Paired Tickets: Palace and the Oceanographic Museum
Adults: 19 €
Youth (13-18 years), Students: 11 €
Children (8-12 years): 8 €
Children (4-7 years): 7 €
Tickets valid only for the current year from April 2 to October 31
Paired Tickets: Palace and Collection cars HSH Prince
Adults: 11.50 €
Children (8-14 years) Students: 5 €
Visit duration: 40 minutes.
Fort Antoine
This early XVIII century fortress, built on the northeastern tip of Le Rocher "the Rock," is now used as a
marvelous outdoor theater with a capacity of some 350 spectators in tiered seating built in a semi-circle. In this
enchanting setting, high quality performances are given during the summer season.
Its military architecture, watchtower and the almost total solitude which can be found there, combine to give it a
unique and particular charm. Its stage has been pleasantly arranged with a pyramid of cannon balls at its centre.
The military architecture of the fort is emphasised by the pittosporum hedges which serve as protection as there
is no parapet.
Free admission (except shows)
Le Rocher
Monaco Ville, also called Le Rocher, thrusts skywards on a pistol-shaped rock. It’s this strategic location,
overlooking the sea, that became the stronghold of the Grimaldi dynasty. Built as a fortress in the 13th century,
the palace is now the private residence of the Grimaldis. It is protected by the Carabiniers du Prince; changing of
the guard takes place daily at 11.55am.
Le Rocher is the only part of Monaco to have retained small, winding medieval lanes; they tend to be overrun
with souvenir and ice-cream shops but it does give a sense of what Monaco once was.
To access Le Rocher, walk up the 16th-century red-brick Rampe Major from place aux Armes in the Condamine
area. Alternatively, a path winds from the port up through the shady Jardins St-Martin .
Jardin Exotique
Home to the world’s largest succulent and cactus collection, from small echinocereus to 10m-tall African
candelabras, the gardens tumble down the slopes of Moneghetti through a maze of paths, stairs and bridges.
Views of the principality are spectacular and the gardens are delightful. Your ticket also gets you a 35-minute
guided tour round the Grottes de l’Observatoire .
The caves are an important prehistoric network inside the hillside; strangely, they're the only caves in Europe
where the temperature rises as you descend. They're full of stalactites and stalagmites. Bus 2 links the gardens
with the town centre.
This extraordinary garden, bringing together several million species of plants known as succulents was opened in
1933. With its bold plantings on the rocky mountainsides and steep craggy outcrops, the plants not only blooms
superbly, but thrive to the admiration of botanists and garden aficionados around the world. It is truly a unique
kingdom of nature’s exuberance...and 60 metres below ground, a prehistoric cave reveals its spectacular
stalagmites and stalactites formed over millennia!
Prices adult/student & child €7/3.70
Sainte- Dévote Church
This 11th century votive chapel is dedicated to the Principality's and Princely family's Patron Saint.
It was built in the hollow of the "Vallon des Gaumates", where, during the 4th century a small boat carrying
Sainte Dévote's remains ran aground at its entrance. Every year on 26th January, a boat is burnt at nightfall as
part of a traditional ceremony.
Free admission
Saint-Charles Church
This Renaissance-style building with its bell tower rising 30 meters skywards, was inaugurated in 1883.
Nineteen stained glass windows lighten up its nave, where the gilded chandelier comes from the former arms
room at the Princely Palace.
Free admission
Palais de Justice
This Palace was built in 1924, on the initiative of Prince Louis II and inaugurated on May 1st 1930. It is built out
of sea tuff, a grey and porous stone, which was also used for Monaco's ramparts. This stone contains many small
pebbles, and sometimes mollusc shells.The bust of the Sovereign Honoré II, dated 1568, appears on one of the
Palace façades.
Visits not possible.
Princess Antoinette Park
Its majestic entrance is decorated with a spectacular curtain of Bougainvilleas, and opens the "door" to Monaco's
"kingdom" of the sacred olive tree. This naturally beautiful site was probably the place for Sunday gatherings
and get-togethers for Monaco's ancestors; it has since become an amusement park dedicated to garden lovers and
children of all ages.
Free admission
Casino Gardens and Terraces
Uphill from the casino, the French style garden of lawns and magnificent fountains sits alongside the “Little
Africa” garden, with its exuberant species; downhill, the sun filled terraces lead to the “Hexa Grace”, a striking
multicoloured work by Vasarely overlooking the sea.
Free admission
Japanese Garden
A stylized replica of the great outdoors, with its mountain, hill, waterfall, beach and brook, this surprising 7000
m2 park is an authentic work of art created by respecting the strictest principles of the Zen concept of
compactness.
An exceptional park at the foot of the city, this eastern garden is touched by a particular atmosphere,
harmoniously combining stone, water and vegetation.
Avenue Princesse-Grace - Monte-Carlo
Free admission, 9am until sunset.
St Martin Gardens
These gardens, with a rich display of exotic species and where small paths weave gently around the grassy
ridges, bloom throughout the year on the south-west face of the "Rock". The sunny Mediterranean climate
provides a thriving environment for the wild local flora and scattered here and there, classic works of art or a
clear little pond may be discovered.
Monaco-Ville
Free admission
Zoological Gardens
Constructed on the southern side of the "Rock", these impressive zoological gardens - home to many species of
exotic birds and animals - were established in 1954 by Prince Rainier III.
Home to some 250 animals with around 50 different species including: exotic birds, a black panther, a white
tiger, hippopotamus, reptiles, primates, lemurians and more, whose living conditions are quite exemplary.
Open daily (subject to change)
October to February, 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 5pm
March to May, 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 6pm
June to September, 9am – 12pm and 2pm – 7pm
Prices (per person)
Adults: €5
Children aged 8-14 and students: €3
Terrasses de Fontvieille
Visit duration: 1½ – 2 hours
Fontvieille Park and the Princess Grace Rose Garden
A small lake bordered by palms and olive trees, laid out over an area of almostfour hectares, presents a charming
space full of serenity in the Fontvieille area, where following a footpath, you will discover many contemporary
sculptures.
The Rose Garden first opened on 18 June 1984. Prince Rainier III wanted to create a place in memory of his wife
Princess Grace.
More than 30 years later, the new Rose Garden that has just opened is much larger, with a surface area of 5,000
m2. It retains the charm of the previous garden and has 8,000 rose bushes in 300 different varieties.
Visitors can discover roses such as the rose of the Grimaldi Royal Family and roses named after Princes and
Princesses and celebrities. Modern equipment has been installed in the rose garden, including an interactive
terminal and QR codes on each rose variety.
The Rose Garden will be maintained in an eco-friendly way, which could result in the garden being awarded the
"Ecological Garden" label.
Fontvieille Landscaped Garden and the Princess Grace Rose Garden
Avenue des Guelfes
Public Car parks Monaco
On-street parking is not possible for visitors. So you are advised to use one of the car parks for short
term and long term parking.
• first hour is free of charge.
• second hour : € 4.40
• 3rd-5th hour: € 0.70 per 20 min.
• 6th-10th hour : € 0.20 per 20 min.
• after 19.00 hours : € 0.30/hr, evening/overnight flat rate : € 2.00
• daily maximum : € 20.00
It was built in 1893 by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera House. Its marble paved atrium,
surrounded with 28 Ionic columns made of onyx, gives access to the Opera Hall which is entirely decorated in
red and gold, with bas-reliefs and sculptures.
Monte-Carlo Casino and Opera House
Charles Garnier, the architect of the opera house in Paris, built the Casino in 1878. The "atrium," paved in
marble, is surrounded by 28 Ionic columns in onyx. It leads into the auditorium of the opera, called the "Salle
Garnier," which is decorated in red and gold, with a profusion of bas-reliefs, frescoes and sculptures. Here, for
more than a century, outstanding international performances of opera, ballet and concerts have been staged. The
"gaming rooms" comprise a succession of numerous rooms featuring stained glass windows, admirable
decorations and sculptures, allegorical paintings and bronze lamps.
By the end of the nineteenth century, Charles Garnier was hired to build Monaco's Opera House. The famous
architect had gained recognition from his work for the Paris Opera House.
Sarah Bernhard inaugurated the new Salle Garnier in 1879. Between 1893 and 1951, Raoul Gunsbourg directed
the Opera and built fame and prestige for Monaco's Opera House. Among the best internationally, Monaco's
Opera hosted great voices such as Patti, Tamagno, Melba, Caruso, Chaliapine, Garden, Schipa, Dalla Rizza,
Gigli, Lubin, Muzio, Thill, and Pons.
Restricted access – over 18’s only.
Proof of identity required.
Entrance fee: €10
Oceanographic Museum
Opened in 1910 by its founder Prince Albert 1st, this exceptional museum, is a masterpiece of monumental
architecture overlooking the sea on top of a sheer drop of 85 meters.
With its international reputation for excellence, this exceptional museum is dedicated to marine science and
oceanography. Its collections of marine fauna collected by Monaco's pioneering Navigator Prince Prince Albert 1
are both invaluable and unique.
Along with its world-famous Aquarium where the rarest species of fish and marine life in many magnificent
shapes and colors swim about in 90 pools, offers a grandiose and unique perspective of oceanic life. Its latest
installment, the Shark Lagoon, is a giant pool measuring 450 cubic meters, that reveals the diversity and
extraordinary coloring of the coral reef and the creatures which populate it.
Open daily (except the day of the Formula 1 Grand-Prix):
April to June: 9.30am – 7pm
July and August: 9.30am – 7.30pm
September: 9.30am – 7pm
October to March: 10am – 6pm
Prices (per person):
Adults: €13
Children aged 4-18 and students: €6.50 Visit duration: 2 ½ hours.
Monaco Cathedral
Built with the stark white stones from La Turbie in 1875, this Roman-Byzantine-style building houses the burial
places of past sovereigns, including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.
From the interior design, you can admire an altarpiece by the Niçois painter Louis Bréa dating from 1500 as well
as the high alter and the Episcopal throne of Carrara white marble. Pontifical services are held during great
liturgical celebrations accompanied by the harmonies of a grand organ with four keyboards, inaugurated in 1976
the magnificence of which permits the organisation of outstanding spiritual concerts. From September to June
every Sunday at 10am, mass is sung by the “Les Petits Chanteurs de Monaco” and “Cathedral Choir”.
Free admission (outside religious services), 8.30am – 7pm (6pm in winter)
Prince's Palace
Guardian of an ancient tradition, this Palace located in a unique setting upon the "Rock" of Monaco,was built on
the site of a fortress erected by the Genoese in 1215. Today the splendors of this Palace can be admired by all,
such as its Italian-style gallery and its 15th century frescoes; its Louis XVth lounge all in yellow and gold, its
blue room, a harmonious blend of glorious blue and gold; its Mazarin room covered with multicoloured woodpanelling; the Throne Room, decorated with an impressive Renaissance fireplace; the Palatine Chapel built in the
17th century; St-Mary's Tower, built from the white stones of nearby La Turbie; the Main Courtyard and its 17th
century Carrara marble double staircase…
Open daily:
From April 2 to October 31, except Saturday and Sunday of F1 Grand Prix
April, May, June, September and October from 10 am to 6 pm (last admition 5:30 pm)
July and August: from 10 am to 7 pm (last admission 6:30 pm)
Closed from November 1st to April 1st.
Prices (per person):
Adults: 8 €
Children aged 8-14 and students: 4 €
Paired Tickets: Palace and the Oceanographic Museum
Adults: 19 €
Youth (13-18 years), Students: 11 €
Children (8-12 years): 8 €
Children (4-7 years): 7 €
Tickets valid only for the current year from April 2 to October 31
Paired Tickets: Palace and Collection cars HSH Prince
Adults: 11.50 €
Children (8-14 years) Students: 5 €
Visit duration: 40 minutes.
Fort Antoine
This early XVIII century fortress, built on the northeastern tip of Le Rocher "the Rock," is now used as a
marvelous outdoor theater with a capacity of some 350 spectators in tiered seating built in a semi-circle. In this
enchanting setting, high quality performances are given during the summer season.
Its military architecture, watchtower and the almost total solitude which can be found there, combine to give it a
unique and particular charm. Its stage has been pleasantly arranged with a pyramid of cannon balls at its centre.
The military architecture of the fort is emphasised by the pittosporum hedges which serve as protection as there
is no parapet.
Free admission (except shows)
Le Rocher
Monaco Ville, also called Le Rocher, thrusts skywards on a pistol-shaped rock. It’s this strategic location,
overlooking the sea, that became the stronghold of the Grimaldi dynasty. Built as a fortress in the 13th century,
the palace is now the private residence of the Grimaldis. It is protected by the Carabiniers du Prince; changing of
the guard takes place daily at 11.55am.
Le Rocher is the only part of Monaco to have retained small, winding medieval lanes; they tend to be overrun
with souvenir and ice-cream shops but it does give a sense of what Monaco once was.
To access Le Rocher, walk up the 16th-century red-brick Rampe Major from place aux Armes in the Condamine
area. Alternatively, a path winds from the port up through the shady Jardins St-Martin .
Jardin Exotique
Home to the world’s largest succulent and cactus collection, from small echinocereus to 10m-tall African
candelabras, the gardens tumble down the slopes of Moneghetti through a maze of paths, stairs and bridges.
Views of the principality are spectacular and the gardens are delightful. Your ticket also gets you a 35-minute
guided tour round the Grottes de l’Observatoire .
The caves are an important prehistoric network inside the hillside; strangely, they're the only caves in Europe
where the temperature rises as you descend. They're full of stalactites and stalagmites. Bus 2 links the gardens
with the town centre.
This extraordinary garden, bringing together several million species of plants known as succulents was opened in
1933. With its bold plantings on the rocky mountainsides and steep craggy outcrops, the plants not only blooms
superbly, but thrive to the admiration of botanists and garden aficionados around the world. It is truly a unique
kingdom of nature’s exuberance...and 60 metres below ground, a prehistoric cave reveals its spectacular
stalagmites and stalactites formed over millennia!
Prices adult/student & child €7/3.70
Sainte- Dévote Church
This 11th century votive chapel is dedicated to the Principality's and Princely family's Patron Saint.
It was built in the hollow of the "Vallon des Gaumates", where, during the 4th century a small boat carrying
Sainte Dévote's remains ran aground at its entrance. Every year on 26th January, a boat is burnt at nightfall as
part of a traditional ceremony.
Free admission
Saint-Charles Church
This Renaissance-style building with its bell tower rising 30 meters skywards, was inaugurated in 1883.
Nineteen stained glass windows lighten up its nave, where the gilded chandelier comes from the former arms
room at the Princely Palace.
Free admission
Palais de Justice
This Palace was built in 1924, on the initiative of Prince Louis II and inaugurated on May 1st 1930. It is built out
of sea tuff, a grey and porous stone, which was also used for Monaco's ramparts. This stone contains many small
pebbles, and sometimes mollusc shells.The bust of the Sovereign Honoré II, dated 1568, appears on one of the
Palace façades.
Visits not possible.
Princess Antoinette Park
Its majestic entrance is decorated with a spectacular curtain of Bougainvilleas, and opens the "door" to Monaco's
"kingdom" of the sacred olive tree. This naturally beautiful site was probably the place for Sunday gatherings
and get-togethers for Monaco's ancestors; it has since become an amusement park dedicated to garden lovers and
children of all ages.
Free admission
Casino Gardens and Terraces
Uphill from the casino, the French style garden of lawns and magnificent fountains sits alongside the “Little
Africa” garden, with its exuberant species; downhill, the sun filled terraces lead to the “Hexa Grace”, a striking
multicoloured work by Vasarely overlooking the sea.
Free admission
Japanese Garden
A stylized replica of the great outdoors, with its mountain, hill, waterfall, beach and brook, this surprising 7000
m2 park is an authentic work of art created by respecting the strictest principles of the Zen concept of
compactness.
An exceptional park at the foot of the city, this eastern garden is touched by a particular atmosphere,
harmoniously combining stone, water and vegetation.
Avenue Princesse-Grace - Monte-Carlo
Free admission, 9am until sunset.
St Martin Gardens
These gardens, with a rich display of exotic species and where small paths weave gently around the grassy
ridges, bloom throughout the year on the south-west face of the "Rock". The sunny Mediterranean climate
provides a thriving environment for the wild local flora and scattered here and there, classic works of art or a
clear little pond may be discovered.
Monaco-Ville
Free admission
Zoological Gardens
Constructed on the southern side of the "Rock", these impressive zoological gardens - home to many species of
exotic birds and animals - were established in 1954 by Prince Rainier III.
Home to some 250 animals with around 50 different species including: exotic birds, a black panther, a white
tiger, hippopotamus, reptiles, primates, lemurians and more, whose living conditions are quite exemplary.
Open daily (subject to change)
October to February, 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 5pm
March to May, 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 6pm
June to September, 9am – 12pm and 2pm – 7pm
Prices (per person)
Adults: €5
Children aged 8-14 and students: €3
Terrasses de Fontvieille
Visit duration: 1½ – 2 hours
Fontvieille Park and the Princess Grace Rose Garden
A small lake bordered by palms and olive trees, laid out over an area of almostfour hectares, presents a charming
space full of serenity in the Fontvieille area, where following a footpath, you will discover many contemporary
sculptures.
The Rose Garden first opened on 18 June 1984. Prince Rainier III wanted to create a place in memory of his wife
Princess Grace.
More than 30 years later, the new Rose Garden that has just opened is much larger, with a surface area of 5,000
m2. It retains the charm of the previous garden and has 8,000 rose bushes in 300 different varieties.
Visitors can discover roses such as the rose of the Grimaldi Royal Family and roses named after Princes and
Princesses and celebrities. Modern equipment has been installed in the rose garden, including an interactive
terminal and QR codes on each rose variety.
The Rose Garden will be maintained in an eco-friendly way, which could result in the garden being awarded the
"Ecological Garden" label.
Fontvieille Landscaped Garden and the Princess Grace Rose Garden
Avenue des Guelfes
Public Car parks Monaco
On-street parking is not possible for visitors. So you are advised to use one of the car parks for short
term and long term parking.
• first hour is free of charge.
• second hour : € 4.40
• 3rd-5th hour: € 0.70 per 20 min.
• 6th-10th hour : € 0.20 per 20 min.
• after 19.00 hours : € 0.30/hr, evening/overnight flat rate : € 2.00
• daily maximum : € 20.00
