If you are looking for a fun route to visit Monaco in 1 dayso here is my little tourist circuit which allows you to visit Monaco on foot !
At a road trip in Provence or of holidays on the French Riviera, it is true that Monaco really deserves a day of visit. Yes, but here it is: How to visit Monaco in 1 day, where are the most beautiful sites, which walking tour to see everything?
Well, why not take inspiration from my walking tour around the most beautiful tourist sites in Monaco ? It allowed me to spend an ideal day between Palace, Casino, museums, gardens and mythical beach!
And icing on the cake, I also share below the interactive Google Map of the route to follow in pedestrian GPS mode!
How to visit Monaco in 1 day?
To visit Monaco in 1 day, you have several options:
This is the walking tour that I propose to you below. It takes a full day and lets see theessential of monaco. See detailed itinerary below.
Visit Monaco on foot
When I planned my visit to Monaco, I searched the Internet to see if there was an itinerary of the must-see sites in Monaco. But even the tourist office does not offer any.
So, it’s me who follows me, does my little route to do on foot. Thus, I have programmed varied and well-organized visits for a complete one-day circuit.
Indeed, Monaco is very small (two square kilometres) and the tourist sites are all quite close to each other. So it’s super easy to discover them on foot.
Especially since walking is the best way to discover Monaco, its alleys, its luxury boutiques, its heritage and its inhabitants. In addition, there are many elevators or escalators to quickly reach each neighborhood in a few minutes. And yes, Monaco is rich!
What to do in Monaco in 1 day?
For those who do not like to visit, you can also go to Monaco simply to enjoy the time of a day:
- the superb Monte-Carlo Casino,
- to go window shopping in the streets where the most beautiful luxury boutiques are located,
- stroll on the port to admire the yachts of millionaires and the many Lamborghinis, Porsches, Ferraris and Maseratis…
- go on a small cruise at sea,
- take a beautiful hike along the coast (Promenade du Cap d’Ail),
- or simply laze on Larvotto beach.
But, if like me, you prefer to discover the history, the culture and the way of life of the Monegasques, then my tourist circuit will please you!
What to visit in Monaco?
When we talk about Monaco and Monte-Carlo (a district of Monaco), we have images of princesses, palaces, Jet set, luxury, palaces and small racing cars…
Yes, but Monaco also has interesting tourist sites to visit and such a special atmosphere that gives the impression of being in a magical and privileged place. Between architectural and cultural heritage, gardens, casino and museums, there is enough to occupy tourists for a whole day!
Visit Monaco in 1 day – The must-see sites
When you only have one day to visit Monaco, you have to resign yourself to visiting only the mythical and unmissable sites of the rock. Here are the main steps of my Monaco sightseeing tour which can be done on foot in 1 day:
- The Princess Grace Rose Garden
- exotic garden
- Rock of Monaco
- Cathedral
- Chapel of Mercy
- princely palace
- Oceanographic Museum
- Monte Carlo Casino
- Japanese garden
- The champions promenade
- Larvotto Beach
Visit Monaco in 1 day – Itinerary map on foot
Click on “More options” in the map to follow the GPS
Visit Monaco in 1 day – Program
The ideal way to do my circuit is to park near the hyper center. All car parks are very expensive in Monaco in high season. The cheapest is the Parking Saint Antoine which is quite well placed to make a circuit on foot.
My circuit for visit Monaco in 1 day represents 6.4 kilometers of walking and is divided into 2 parts:
- Morning itinerary : from the Princess Grace Rose Garden to the Rock of Monaco (3.2 kilometers or about 49 minutes on foot).
- Afternoon itinerary : from the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco to Lavartto beach (3.2 kilometers or about 49 minutes on foot).
Visit Monaco on foot – Morning stages
The Princess Grace Rose Garden
To start my little walking tour, without making a real visit, a short stroll in the heart of the Fontvieille landscape park is nice to discover the Princess Grace Rose Garden (4,000 rosebushes over 5,000 m2).
exotic garden
A 26-minute walk away, botanic enthusiasts will appreciate a quick visit to the Exotic Garden of Monaco. Many species from all continents are organized for the pleasure of the eyes.
Rock of Monaco
The Rock of Monaco is the district of the old town at the top of the Rock.
We visit:
- Place Saint-Nicolas,
- Bosio Square,
- the Chapel of Mercy,
- courthouse,
- Cathedral,
princely palace
This is the must-visit in Monaco! This magnificent monument is in fact the official residence of the Prince of Monaco and has been since 1297.
To visit the Prince’s Palace, I recommend that you be there for 11:55 am precisely. Indeed, it is at this time that the changing of the Carabinieri Guard takes place every day.
Visit Monaco on foot – Afternoon stops
What to do in Monaco – Oceanographic Museum
After your lunch, my circuit takes you on a 5-minute walk: at oceanographic museum. With its 90 pools, 6,000 species and its shark lagoon, it’s a surprising and interesting visit for everyone (young and old).
What to do in Monaco – Monte-Carlo Casino
After the oceanographic museum, you will have to walk half an hour to discover a majestic monument of the Belle Epoque: the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. Currently it is open every day from 12 p.m. to 6.30 p.m..
What to do in Monaco – Japanese Garden
Only 700 meters from the Casino, we arrive at the Japanese Garden. If you have time, I recommend that you go and spend at least half an hour there. Indeed, it was made by a Japanese landscape architect who made it a true work of art.
What to do in Monaco – The champions promenade
By following my itinerary, you will go through The Champions promenade. It is a seafront promenade where the most famous football players from all over the world have left their footprints (Diego Armando Maradona, Pelé, Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane). It will take you to the beach 500 meters further.
What to do in Monaco – Larvotto Beach
And to end this day of sightseeing in style, I suggest you relax on the one and only beach in Monaco: the mythical Larvotto beach.
Where to sleep for a weekend in Monaco?
For a successful weekend in Monaco, you have to experience the Hôtel Hermitage. Indeed, you will stay in a sumptuous Belle Epoque palace listed as a historic monument!
Its location is perfect as it is only 200 meters from the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
So if you want to really treat yourself, don’t hesitate to choose this beautiful place!
Cheap hotel in Monaco
Everyone knows it: there are no cheap hotels in Monaco. On the other hand, 4 km from Monaco, I found a nugget: The Hotel Restaurant Edmond’s.
It is located in Cap-d’Ail and has excellent value for money: €107 per night!
It has an ideal location as it is very close to the beach and the Cap d’Ail train station.
The big advantage is that you can take the bus directly from the hotel to Monaco! As a result, you save the price of parking when you visit Monaco in 1 day.
Other weekend ideas?
The Bordeaux wine route in 2 days
or one weekend in new york !!!
