Monaco
“Monaco, protected by the oldest of weapons: guile and determination.”
Count Fernando D’Aillieres
Top Five Destinations in Monaco
- Monaco Old Town: The old city of Monaco, known as Monaco-Ville, is home to many tourist attractions. The number one highlight is the Prince’s Palace, the Prince’s official residence in Monaco. It was first built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress. Wandering this area, you will find grand homes, gorgeous views, and exquisite landscaping.
- Oceanographic Museum of Monaco This is quite a unique place as it is over 110 years old. The museum is as stunning from the outside as it is on the inside. This magnificent building proudly stands on top of a cliff and welcomes passersby to enter its world of whale skeletons, aquariums, and marine life.
- The Casino de Monte Carlo This country is a rich and famous playground. This is where the glamour of this city is revealed. Dress up (there is a strict dress code), have a passport, and explore this fabulous and over-the-top casino. This is not the place for the casual gamblers; this is for the best at the game. Watch the cars that pull up for a bit; it is a car extravaganza in its own right.
- Jardin Exotique of Monaco is a magnificent botanical garden with around 7,000 types of plants and cacti. It is as if you are in the desert while enjoying breathtaking ocean views.
- Monaco’s most popular tourist site is the Cathedral de Monaco. Constructed in 1875 with white stone from La Turbie, it is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The cathedral has impressive paintings, 12th-century-style windows, and a Carrara marble Great Altar. Monaco’s Cathedral is best known for being the resting place of the Royal family, including Prince Rainier III and his wife, Grace Kelly.
Did you know?
Monaco Stats
- Population: 39,000
- Capital City: Monaco
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Government type: Constitutional Monarchy.
- Minister of State: Pierre Dartout since 2020.
- Monarch: Prince Albert II.
- The ruling house of Monaco is the oldest ruling house in Europe.
- Ethnic groups: Monegasque 32.1%, French 19.9%, Italian 15.3%, British 5%, Belgian 2.3%, Swiss 2%, other 23.4%
- Languages: French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque.
- Religions: Roman Catholic 90% (official), other 10%
- The National Anthem is A Marcia de Muneghu (The March of Monaco)
- A Monegasque was born in or had ancestry from the principality of Monaco.
- U.S. State Department Risk Level: 1
- Terrorist groups: N/A.
- Monaco’s land area is .8 square miles, making it the second smallest country in the world and the most densely populated.
- The country does not have a military per se. The country’s defense, though, is in the hands of France.
- In 1931, Monaco became a member of the United Nations.
- The unemployment rate is zero.
- Monaco has the world’s third-highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) behind Liechtenstein and Qatar.
- Monaco is a tax haven. The country relies solely on the revenue generated by its tourism and casinos.
- Fish and seafood are the only natural resources the country has.
- Real estate in Monaco is considered the most expensive in the world.
- Monaco has grown in size by 20% in reclaiming land from the sea.
- Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 16.
- The country has monopolies in several sectors, including tobacco, the telephone network, and the postal service, which helps generate revenue.
- Leading industries are banking, insurance, tourism, construction, small-scale industries, and consumer products.
- Exports are around $1 billion a year.
- Monaco has one of the highest life expectancies in the world at 89.5 years old.
- The death rate is more than the birth rate.
- The literacy rate is 99%
Fun Facts
- Thirty percent of the population of Monaco are millionaires.
- One in every three residents of Monaco is a millionaire.
- Three James Bond Films have been shot here in Monte-Carlo Casino.
- The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the main events that the country hosts every year.
- Monaco has more policemen per person than any other country in the world.
- The residents of Monaco are not allowed to gamble in their country. They are not even allowed to enter the casinos.
- Monaco is the only country in the world with Human Development Index above 1.
- Monaco has over 1.5 million tourists a year.
- Casino de Monte-Carlo was opened in Monaco in 1863.
- Monaco truly is the playground for the rich and famous. It is a place for those with money to be seen.
- More than 50,000 workers arrive daily from France and Italy to work in Monaco.
- Monaco has the largest display of in-water yachts in Europe.
- Societe des Bains de Mer is the country’s biggest employer. It runs the vast majority of Monaco’s tourism-related activities.
- Due to its size, Monaco doesn’t have an airport, but it does have heliports. You can take a helicopter from the heliport to the Nice airport within a few minutes.
- Monaco’s natives are a minority, accounting for 1/5 of the population. The largest population in Monaco is the French, followed by Italians and British.
- Monaco is a premier tourist destination and recreation center.
- Monaco is part of the Eurozone but not the E.U.
- If you’re a resident of Monaco but aren’t born here, you’re not called a Monégasque but a Monacoian.
- Italy lies on the eastern side of Italy at a distance of 8 kilometers.
- Monaco is a city-state and, therefore, does not have a separate capital.
- You can walk across the length of the country in 56 minutes.
- Archeological evidence has found that Monaco has been inhabited for 300,000 years.
Monaco Map
Good to know before you go – Monaco
- Tipping is customary in Monaco. This includes restaurants and cab drivers, porters, bartenders, and other service workers. Credit cards are accepted everywhere.
- Overall, clothing is stylish, and many will dress elegantly and extravagantly. People wear jeans during the day, but they are well-kept and fitted. Dress modestly in churches, with shoulders and torso covered. Formal attire is expected in specific social settings, including evening Casino de Monte Carlo visits.
- Monaco is a tiny country. As a result, driving is standard city driving. It can be slow to get around, but the roads are clean and easy to navigate.
- Overall, Monaco has one of the highest living standards in the world. Differences in social stratification are not immediately apparent.
- Use the formal vowels when speaking French to anyone unknown or older than you. The informal tu is reserved for close friends, family, and children.
- Men will typically shake hands when greeting each other. A man and a woman, or two women, may exchange kisses on the cheek.
- Most Monegasque are Roman Catholic, and the church plays a vital role in Monegasque traditions, particularly on feast days and special holidays.
- Marriage is an integral part of Monaco’s culture. Weddings are held according to Roman Catholic traditions.
- Monaco traditions are deeply rooted in the 700-year history of the Grimaldi Dynasty. In 1924, representatives of the oldest Monaco families created a National Committee of Monaco Traditions to ensure that these traditions were kept alive.
- The rules of etiquette are much like those found in France, emphasizing respect for privacy.
- This is a country that plays by the rules, so follow them.
- Monaco is a country that strongly supports art and humanities.
- Monaco’s traditional foods include barbagiuan, fougasse, socca, and stocafi.
- Access to fresh, local produce and the sea has led to exceptional local cuisine. Monaco has many restaurants, and seafood is featured in many dishes. Daily eating habits reflect a Mediterranean heritage, and French and Italian influences can be found in the local recipes.
- The area around Monaco has an enormous number of activities and sites to see. Eze, France (see our post on this beautiful location; click here), Nice, the French Riviera beaches, and Italy are just a few choices nearby.
- Breakfast is minimal, but lunch and dinner often have several courses.
- Security cameras are everywhere!!
- It is a very safe country. Crime is very low.
When to go to Monaco
The best time to visit Monaco is during the late spring and early summer, from May to June. This period offers pleasant weather, with temperatures averaging between 20-25°C (68-77°F), making it ideal for exploring the city-state’s attractions and enjoying outdoor activities. Additionally, May is a fascinating time to visit because of the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious events in the Formula 1 calendar, drawing visitors from around the world.
July and August are also popular months, but they tend to be more crowded and expensive due to the peak tourist season. Temperatures during these months can rise to around 30°C (86°F), making it perfect for beach activities but potentially uncomfortable for extensive sightseeing.
For those looking to avoid the crowds and high prices, the shoulder seasons of March to April and September to October can be a good choice. The weather is still mild, with fewer tourists and more affordable accommodation options.
Winter months (November to February) are the least popular due to cooler and wetter weather, but they can offer a quieter and more relaxed experience in this glamorous destination.
Our Favorite Monaco Resources
This resource section contains some Amazon affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Travel Books/Guides
Joelle visited Monaco with her sister-in-law during an Italy, Monaco, and France trip. It has turned out to be one of our favorite places. The guides and tools below helped build that excitement and made for the perfect trip.
Fodors Provence & French Riveria (Full-Color Guide) by Fodors
Due to Monaco’s size, we don’t suggest any dedicated travel guides. You will find it within the guides of the greater area. Fodor’s Provence & the French Riviera guidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time. Discover this travel guide here.
Rick Steves Provence and the French Riviera by Rick Steves
We are huge Rick Steve fans; it will be rare for us not to recommend one of his wonderful guides. We love his travel style and perspective. His off-the-beaten-path approach and his independent travel philosophy match well with how we travel. The guides never disappoint. This book made the cut into our suitcase and was a fantastic resource. Find this must-have guide here.
Our favorite websites
2. U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Consular Affairs Monaco Country Info
We cannot encourage you enough to visit this website as you plan and prepare for your trip. This is the U.S. Federal Government addressing the safety, security, travel risk, entry, exit, visa documents mandates, emergency U.S. and Embassy contacts, health, local laws, special circumstances, threats, traveler vulnerabilities, government warnings, and transportation in Portugal. This is your best and most reliable resource for all this important info. Check back often before you go, as things can change quickly. Being prepared is essential in all travel, but especially internationally.
3. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers Health Resource
This CDC travel resource provides essential health info for your specific destination. Using their tool, you can determine which vaccines, medications, and health advice recommendations are needed for Monaco.
Our favorite apps
Google Maps Trip and Holiday Organizer. Enter any address, landmark, or city in the app, and it will instantly display all your travel options and booking info, along with accommodation providers and things to do. We love it when using public transportation, it is spot on! Find it on your local app store.
Duolingo-Language Lesson Audio lessons that help improve your listening and speaking skills. Find it on your local App Store.
Rick Steves Audio Europe This app includes a vast library of Rick Steve’s audio content. Get cultural and travel info. Includes self-guided tours of top attractions and historic walks. Amsterdam options. A must-have. Find it at your local App Store.
Google Translate: We often use this to practice the proper pronunciation of French words. As we always encourage, learning the basics of greeting and thanking people in the local language is essential. Google Translate was an easy app to use. If needed, you can enter text in English, which will speak back in French to aid in communicating with locals. Furthermore, it came in very handy to translate text into images instantly.
Do you have a favorite Monaco travel resource? Share your favorites in the comments section at the bottom of this page or
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Flights, Accommodations, and Everything You Need to Book in One Place
Are you planning a vacation this year? Start your research early to explore your options and find what fits your budget. By booking your own travel, you’ll uncover great deals and have complete control over your itinerary. The links below can be used for all elements of your trip, not just accommodations.
It is essential to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.
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Travel Insurance
Squaremouth.com
Our favorite travel insurance site!
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To empower you as a consumer, we recommend you read our blog post on why travel insurance is essential and how to secure the best coverage from leading companies at an affordable price.
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To learn more about how Medical Evacuation membership with Medjet Assist works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.
Accommodations and Airfare
Booking.com
Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours
Booking.com connects millions of travelers to unforgettable experiences, a wide range of transportation options, and incredible places to stay—from homes to hotels and beyond. As one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces, it supports well-known brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes. For its convenience, variety, and reliability, it’s our preferred booking platform.
Transportation
Expedia and VRBO
Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours
Expedia is a U.S.-based company with a mission to make global travel accessible to everyone, everywhere. At Wanderers Compass, we embrace independent travel, and platforms like Expedia are essential to making that a reality. Expedia allows you to book every aspect of your trip—from flights and accommodations to rental cars, cruises, and activities—making it a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.
Daytrip
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To learn more about how Daytrip, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.
Travel Experiences
Viator
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Communication products for seamless connectivity overseas
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Shopping
Wanderers Compass Amazon Storefront
An excellent source for all travel essentials and guides that we have vetted ourselves
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