Monte-Carlo City Guide
Monte-Carlo is the glamorous heart of the Principality of Monaco – famous for its casino, luxury yachts and the legendary Formula 1 circuit. The world's second-smallest state, on the Côte d'Azur, has around 38,000 inhabitants.
🗺️ Open Monte-Carlo interactively – map & navigationOur walking tour of Monaco
The route starts at the Place d'Armes bus stop, climbs up onto the Rock of Monaco and then follows the entire Grand Prix circuit. The highlights:
Prince's Palace (Palais Princier)
The palace has crowned the sea since the 13th century. Visitors gather daily on the forecourt for the changing of the Carabiniers guard (11:55).
Cathedral of Monaco
The princes of Monaco rest in the white cathedral – among them Prince Rainier III and Princess Gracia Patricia (Grace Kelly), whose grave is always decorated with flowers.
Oceanographic Museum & Aquarium
The monumental museum clings spectacularly to the cliff and houses one of the world's oldest aquariums – with sharks, corals and sweeping views over the Mediterranean.
Casino de Monte-Carlo
Charles Garnier's sumptuous casino crowns the Place du Casino, flanked by the Hôtel de Paris, the Café de Paris and the opera (Salle Garnier) – the most glamorous point on the circuit.
Formula 1 Circuit
On foot along the legendary street circuit: the start-finish straight by the harbour, Sainte-Dévote, the tight Fairmont hairpin, the famous tunnel and the harbour chicane.
Mareterra & Port Hercule
At Le Portier, the brand-new Mareterra district was built out into the sea (2024). In front lies the Port Hercule marina full of luxury yachts – by the Yacht Club de Monaco (designed by Norman Foster).