Monaco-Ville
Monaco-Ville is the walled hilltop quarter where the Prince's Palace, a cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum sit above the harbor.
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Monaco-Ville is the old quarter of Monaco, a city-state on the French Riviera that borders France on three sides and faces the Mediterranean on the fourth. It sits on a rocky headland above the harbor, and locals often call it the Rock. The narrow streets, the Prince's Palace and the cathedral all lie inside its old walls, and the quarter is small enough to walk in a morning.
The quarter is best known for the Changing of the Guard at the Prince's Palace, the Oceanographic Museum built into the cliff face, and the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, where Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace are buried. Visitors come for the harbor views and a short, focused visit. It suits a day trip from Nice or a half day within a longer stay in Monaco. Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking the hill. Plan at least half a day to see the main sights.
Monaco-Ville in five
- Take the public lift from La Condamine up the RockThe lift links La Condamine, by the harbor, with Monaco-Ville, so you can skip the steepest climb from the port. Check its hours before you rely on it late in the evening.Getting around
- Wear shoes with grip on the old streetsThe streets and staircases of the Rock are steep, and the stone gets slippery after rain. Flat shoes with grip work best, since thin-soled heels slip on wet stone.
- Arrive early for the changing of the guardThe ceremony takes place at the Prince's Palace and draws a crowd into the square, so arrive well before it starts to get a view. Check the palace schedule before you go, since the ceremony and palace opening times change through the year.
- Carry euros and a card on the RockMonaco uses the euro. Cards work in most shops and restaurants, but carry cash for small cafés and kiosks, and keep some coins for small purchases.Money and costs
- Dress modestly for the cathedralThe cathedral is a working church, and Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace are buried there. Cover your shoulders and knees before you go inside.
Things to do in Monaco-Ville
See all attractions in Monaco-Ville
Need to know
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Entry
- No border checks from France; Schengen visa rules apply
- Emergency
- 17 police, 18 fire and ambulance, 112 EU-wide
- Tipping
- Not expected; service is usually included in the bill
- Time
- UTC+1 in winter, UTC+2 in summer (daylight saving)
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCool, quiet
- FebruaryCool, quiet
- MarchMild, fewer crowds
- AprilMild, blooming
- MayGrand Prix, busy
- JuneWarm, long days
- JulyHot, busy
- AugustHot, crowded
- SeptemberWarm, quieter
- OctoberMild, calm
- NovemberMild, quieter
- DecemberCool, quiet
Right now in Monaco-Ville
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
17
- Feels like
- 14°
- Humidity
- 33%
- Wind
- 6 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Monte Carlo
09:37 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today19°13°0%Monday: Clear. High 19°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue19°14°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed18°12°10%Wednesday: Rain. High 18°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Thu18°14°22%Thursday: Cloudy. High 18°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 22%.
- Fri18°12°46%Friday: Rain. High 18°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 46%.
- Sat16°11°19%Saturday: Cloudy. High 16°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 19%.
- Sun15°12°41%Sunday: Rain. High 15°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 41%.
Updated 06:54 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Day trips by train
- Niceabout 30 min by trainA large coastal city with a seafront and an old quarter.
- Mentonabout 15 min by trainA French town on the coast known for its gardens.
- Ezeabout 30 min by carA hill village above the coast, with narrow lanes and sea views.
Before you go to Monaco-Ville
Rules for Monaco-Ville, checked
- There are no routine border checks between France and Monaco, so carry your passport or ID card for hotel check-in and police requests.
- Dress modestly for the cathedral, with shoulders and knees covered, as it is an active church.
Plan around Monaco-Ville
The principality beyond the Rock and how its districts link up
Read the guideGetting around MonacoThe public lift, buses and rail links along the coast
Read the guideMoney and costsEuros, card use and typical prices for a day on the Rock
Read the guideVisas and entrySchengen rules for visitors crossing into Monaco from France
Read the guideWhere to stayHotels on the Rock, in La Condamine and in Monte-Carlo
Read the guideCulture and museumsThe palace, cathedral and Oceanographic Museum, and what to check before you go
Read the guideMonaco-Ville FAQ
Is Monaco-Ville worth visiting?
Yes, for the palace square, the cathedral and the cliff views over the harbor. It is small, so a few hours or an evening is enough for most visitors, and it is calmer than Monte-Carlo.
How do you get up to Monaco-Ville?
Take the public lift from La Condamine, climb the steep streets on foot, or take a local bus. The lift saves the climb from the harbor, but check its hours before a late visit.
Can you visit Monaco-Ville on a day trip?
Yes, from Nice or Menton by train, and the old town takes about a morning to see. A day trip leaves little time for the museums, so add an afternoon if you want them.
How many days do you need in Monaco-Ville?
Half a day covers the palace square, the cathedral and the views. Staying one night lets you see the Rock once the day visitors have left.
Is the changing of the guard worth seeing?
Yes, if you are already on the Rock at the right time. It is short and takes place in the palace square, so arrive early, because the crowd gathers well before it starts.
Is Monaco-Ville or Monte-Carlo better?
Monaco-Ville suits history and views, and Monte-Carlo suits casinos, hotels and shops. Pick the Rock for atmosphere, or Monte-Carlo for a livelier evening.