Is Monaco Worth Visiting? A Local-Style Guide
- Andrew
- Apr 12
- 4 min read
Monaco is tiny, glamorous, and surprisingly quiet. Here’s what it’s really like, and how to experience it beyond the casino square.
The country of Monaco is synonymous with timeless glamour- it immediately conjures up images of Formula 1, Grace Kelly, and the Casino de Monte-Carlo, as well as being a haven for billionaires from all over the world. But does this small slice of the Côte d’Azur really live up to its reputation, and is it worth visiting?
Over the past few years, I’ve visited regularly for work. Staying in Monaco and working and socialising with local people has taught me a lot about what life is really like there.
One of the most surprising things is how little there is to do in Monaco. It’s only 0.8 square miles, but coming from London it feels more like a small coastal town, and after 10pm there’s hardly anyone around. Most people who work there commute from nearby towns in France (and some from Italy). Traffic can be awful at peak times, but in the evening everything slows down: a few tourists, plus locals heading out for dinner and drinks.
The Casino de Monte-Carlo is always the busiest part of the city. You’ll see queues of chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royces and Range Rovers dropping off well-heeled passengers to spend a tiny slice of their fortune on gambling, designer boutiques, or the stunning Hôtel de Paris.
According to my colleagues who live here, that whole area is mostly for tourists and visiting millionaires who want to show off. Locals tend to spend their time in the more low-key Quartier du Port and Fontvieille. Fontvieille is also where many people live in gated apartment complexes, overlooking the harbour where they keep their yachts, and the waterfront restaurants and bars are lively but unpretentious.
So, is Monaco worth visiting?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want nightlife, beaches, or a strong local-culture scene, Monaco probably isn’t the best base. Nearby Nice and Cannes have far more going on, (clubs and bars, expansive beaches, and big-ticket events like the Cannes Film Festival).That said, Monaco is absolutely worth a visit if you’re in the area and want to tick another country off your list, or if you’re curious to experience somewhere truly unique. Below is my guide to seeing Monaco a little more like a local.
How to get there
There are direct trains from Nice and Menton to Monaco–Monte-Carlo, and it’s also an easy drive as long as it’s not rush hour. Once you’re in Monaco, walking can be surprisingly strenuous because of the steep hills. You’ll even find escalators in the streets to help with some of the inclines, plus lots of tunnels and flyovers which can be confusing to navigate.
Where to stay
If you can, stay overnight. Monaco feels completely different in the evening and early morning, when the day-trippers have gone and it’s easier to get a feel for local life. There are only a handful of hotels in the principality. My favourite I’ve stayed in is the Riviera Marriott La Porte de Monaco, which is technically just across the border in France by a few metres. One practical bonus: Ubers can operate there, while they aren’t allowed to pick you up in Monaco.
Things to do (like a local)
1. Explore Monaco-Ville (the Old Town)
This is where the Royal Palace, cathedral, and old town sit on a rocky headland overlooking the glittering Mediterranean. You’ll get fantastic views over Monaco and along the French coast. It’s also the prettiest part of the city, with narrow cobbled streets and plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. The Royal Palace is usually open to the public from March to October, and visitors can tour the state rooms and see beautiful frescoes.
2. Visit the Oceanographic Museum (Musée Océanographique)
Also in Monaco-Ville and built into the side of a dramatic cliff, this museum is part aquarium and part maritime museum. It’s genuinely fascinating, with strong exhibits on marine life and Monaco’s seafaring history.
3. Spend an evening around the ports (Fontvieille & Port Hercule)
These areas sit close to Monaco’s small business district (around Rue de Gabian). Down by the water is where you’ll often find locals: low-key bars and restaurants, plus people pottering around their boats in the harbour.Prince Albert (the head of state) is also said to pop up occasionally near Port Hercule for a drink or two! Nearby, the Princess Grace Rose Garden, created in memory of the late Princess, puts on a beautiful show of blooms in summer.Tip: there’s a small shopping centre near Fontvieille. At the back, an escalator helps you reach Port Hercule while avoiding a lot of steps.
4. See the Casino de Monte-Carlo (even if you don’t gamble)
I don’t usually recommend casinos, but this one is iconic and worth seeing. For a small entry fee (it was €10 when I last went), you can go inside the opulent building and admire the interiors. You also receive a token of the same value, which you can use for gambling or exchange for drinks. It’s also brilliant for people-watching (and supercar-watching) outside!
5. Find green space: parks and gardens
Monaco may be tiny, but it has several lovely gardens that are worth a wander. As well as the Princess Grace Rose Garden, look out for the gardens by the casino, the Exotic Garden (Le Jardin Exotique), and the Japanese Garden (Le Jardin Japonais). They’re great places to slow down, reset, and enjoy city views.
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