Monaco is one of the easiest places in Europe to visit: it is safe, compact, and everyone speaks English. But the principality has some quirks that catch first-time visitors off guard. Here are the practical answers to the questions most travellers ask before their trip.
Monaco Travel Tips: Getting There
Monaco has no airport. The nearest airport is Nice Cote d’Azur (NCE), 30 km to the west. From NCE, you have several options: the helicopter transfer (Monacair or Heli Air Monaco) takes just 7 minutes and costs about 160 EUR one-way. The express bus (Line 110) takes 45 to 55 minutes and costs 22 EUR one-way. The train from Nice Saint-Augustin station (connected to the airport by tram Line 2) takes about 30 minutes to Monaco-Monte-Carlo station and costs around 5 EUR. A taxi costs 90 to 120 EUR. The train is the most cost-effective option. For help deciding when to go, see our best time to visit Monaco guide.
Monaco Travel Tips: Getting Around
Monaco is tiny enough to walk. It takes about 45 minutes to cross the entire country on foot. However, the principality is steep, and there are numerous public lifts and escalators (87 public elevators in total). The local bus network (CAM) runs 5 daytime routes and 2 night routes. A single trip costs 2 EUR, a day pass costs 5.50 EUR. Buses run from roughly 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM. The Bateau Bus, an electric solar-powered ferry, crosses Port Hercule every 20 minutes (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM), costing 2 EUR per crossing. Taxis within Monaco cost 15 to 25 EUR for a trip across the principality. Explore the different districts with our Monaco neighborhoods guide.
Monaco Travel Tips: Money and Costs
Monaco uses the Euro (EUR), despite not being an EU member state. Credit cards are accepted everywhere, even for small purchases. ATMs are plentiful. Monaco is expensive, but not outrageous for day-to-day costs: a coffee at a regular cafe is 3 to 4 EUR, a glass of wine is 6 to 8 EUR, and a sandwich from a boulangerie is 5 to 7 EUR. Dinner at a mid-range restaurant runs 35 to 50 EUR per person without wine. The real expense is accommodation, with even budget hotels charging 150+ EUR per night in low season. Our where to stay guide covers hotel options at every price point.
Monaco Travel Tips: Practical Information
The official language is French, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites. The emergency number is 112 (European standard). Tap water is safe to drink. Pharmacies display a green cross; the Pharmacie Internationale at 1 Avenue des Citronniers is open 24/7. Public toilets are free and clean. Tipping is not expected in restaurants (service is included by law), but rounding up or leaving 5 to 10% for exceptional service is appreciated. Monaco is extremely safe: it has the highest number of police officers per capita in the world (roughly 1 officer per 70 residents), and there are surveillance cameras throughout the principality.
Monaco Travel Tips: Visa and Entry Requirements
Monaco is not part of the Schengen Area but has an open border with France. If you can enter France, you can enter Monaco. There are no border controls or passport checks when crossing from France into Monaco. Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can enter France visa-free for up to 90 days. Other nationalities should check French Schengen visa requirements.
Monaco Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Monaco as a day trip?
Yes, Monaco is one of the best day trips on the French Riviera. Trains from Nice run every 20 to 30 minutes and take 22 to 30 minutes. You can see the Casino, the Prince’s Palace (changing of the guard at 11:55 AM), the Oceanographic Museum, and the Exotic Garden in one full day. Start early (arrive by 9:30 AM) and you will cover the highlights by 5:00 PM. Our things to do guide has opening hours and ticket prices for all major attractions.
What is the dress code in Monaco?
Monaco is more formal than most beach destinations. For the Casino de Monte-Carlo gaming rooms, men need a jacket after 8:00 PM and a tie is recommended. No shorts, flip-flops, or sportswear are allowed in the casino or upscale restaurants. For everyday sightseeing, smart casual is fine: trousers or nice jeans, collared shirts or blouses, and closed-toe shoes. Beachwear should stay at the beach.
Is Monaco expensive for food and drink?
It can be, but there are ways to eat well without spending a fortune. The Condamine Market has stalls selling socca (3 EUR), barbagiuan (4 EUR), and pissaladiere (3.50 EUR). Cafe de Paris on Casino Square charges 40 EUR for a burger, but walk 5 minutes to Rue Princesse Caroline and you will find French and Italian restaurants with lunch menus at 18 to 25 EUR. Supermarkets (Casino Supermarche on Boulevard des Moulins, Carrefour City on Rue Grimaldi) sell sandwiches, salads, and drinks for 5 to 8 EUR total. Our neighborhoods guide covers La Condamine where the market and affordable restaurants are located.
Do I need to book the Casino de Monte-Carlo in advance?
No advance booking for the casino is needed for standard entry. Just show up with your passport and 19 EUR entry fee. The casino opens at 2:00 PM daily. If you want a guided tour of the casino’s private salons, book the Behind the Scenes tour through the Casino de Monte-Carlo website at least a week in advance. Tours run on Saturdays at 10:00 AM and cost 180 EUR per person.
Suggested Hotels in Monaco
Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo
The definitive luxury hotel of Monaco, occupying the prime position on Casino Square since 1864. Three Michelin-starred dining options, a world-class spa, and a wine cellar of over 350,000 bottles. Best for those seeking the ultimate Monaco experience. Check rates and availability
Novotel Monte-Carlo
A reliable mid-range chain hotel 3 minutes from the train station with an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and family-friendly rooms that sleep up to four. Best for families and travellers who want dependable quality without palace-hotel prices. Check rates and availability
Hotel Ambassador Monaco
A small, clean three-star hotel 5 minutes from the train station and the port. Excellent location for the price in an expensive city, making it the best budget option inside Monaco itself. Best for solo travellers and couples who plan to spend their days exploring. Check rates and availability
