Feeling fabulous? Then you belong in Monaco. The birthplace of glitz, glamour and divine distinction, Monaco exudes wealth and prosperity at every bend. The country’s alluring legacy was heightened by the marriage of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III in 1956. They met in Cannes during the famous film festival, fell in love at a photo shoot, and the rest, as they say, is history. Although their lives ended too soon, the prestige and adoration of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III live on.
Today, travelers booking flights to Monaco do so with one thing in mind: a good time. The unofficial capital of Monte Carlo is a playground for the rich and famous. From sun-drenched days and steamy nights, and only steps away from one of the most famous Royal families, it’s no wonder Monaco flights are packed with travelers wanting a taste of the good life. This isn’t the place for budgets – not even a cheap flight to Monaco can save your bank account. This country is packed full of luxury and everything within reach is priced accordingly. Keep a divine sense about you while you’re traveling Monaco … with more millionaires per capita than any other country, it’s possible your next flight to Monaco will be on a royal jet.
Back to top
Monaco has mild weather year-round and averages 300 sunny days a year. Summer days are warm, in the upper 70s (F), and evenings are cooled by sea breezes. Fall temperatures are in the 60s and 70s, and daytime temperatures in winter are in the 40s and 50s.
Back to top
Peak Season:
Monaco’s peak season runs from April through October with July and August the most popular months. There are fairs, festivals, and celebration nearly every day of the high season.
January’s Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo also draws crowds, as does the Grand Prix in May. If you plan on visiting during the Grand Prix, make Monaco flight and hotel arrangements far in advance, including tickets for watching the race. In April, Monte Carlo hosts the Le Festival International de la Télévision.
Off Season:
The low season is November through March with less traffic and fewer tourists, but plenty to see and explore. The flights to Monaco are cheaper in comparison to the peak season, but you'll still spend a lot to stay and play here.
Back to top
Taxis, helicopters, car services and buses link Nice Airport and Monaco. Helicopter rides take roughly seven minutes.
Back to top
Monaco’s bus system can get you to all the tourist spots, and taxis are readily available.
Monte Carlo is a seemingly easy city to walk around, but first learn where the tunnels, escalators, and elevators are that link different parts of the city—such as the escalators and elevators that take you to the top of the Rock for a tour of the Oceanographic Museum, the Prince’s Palace, and the Cathedral. Most city maps show where these shortcuts are.
Driving in Monaco can be confusing and finding parking can be a challenge.
Back to top
- The Prince’s Palace State Apartments are open to the public between June and October and boast: the Italian-style gallery, the Louis XV Salon, Throne Room, Palatine Chapel, Sainte-Marie Tower from where the Prince’s standard flies when he is in residence, and the Main courtyard.
- The Place du Palais offers stunning views of the Port and Monte-Carlo. At 11:55am each day, the changing of the guard takes place in front of the Palace’s main entrance. The “Carabiniers” have been performing the ceremony for more than a century. Admission to the Place is free.
- The tiny principality has several museums including Automatons and Dolls of Yesteryear, Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, Naval Museum and the Wax Museum of the Princes of Monaco.
- The “Azur Express” Tourist Train departs from the Oceanographic Museum and passes the Monaco Port, Monte-Carlo and its Palaces, the Casino and gardens, as well as the Old Town and Prince’s Palace.
- Monaco’s casino – Monte-Carlo Casino in Place du Casino - is world famous. The beautiful building was designed by Charles Garnier, who also designed Paris’s opera house. The casino is open daily, but operas, ballets and concerts have also been staged here. Across from the casino are the Casino Gardens and Terraces. Admission to the gardens is free.
- The newest part of the principality is Fontvieille. The waterfront area was reclaimed from the sea, and is home to a harbor, stadium and sports complex (Louis II Stadium), industrial zone and shops.
- Gardens: the Princess Grace Rose Garden is close to the Fontvieille Park and has 4,000 rose trees. The Japanese Garden covers 23,000 square feet and admission is free from 9am until sunset. The Exotic Garden, opened in 1933, has several thousand plant varieties. Admission is free. Below the gardens – 200 feet below - are the Observatory Caves.
Back to top
