Itineraries for Your Trip to Monaco
1 Day in Monaco for First Timers
The first time I visited Monaco, my immediate impression was wow. My family and I passed through the tiny principality on a trip that took us from northern Italy to the French Riviera. Even when compared with those idyllic places, Monaco stood out. Its ambiance was undeniably glitzy, its inhabitants unbelievably well-heeled, and its waterfront astonishingly picturesque.
Thanks to its small size, it’s very easy to make the most of a day trip to Monaco (we had time to spot the Prince’s Palace, drop by the Oceanographic Museum, and enjoy a waterside picnic). If you’re planning to spend one day in Monaco, this itinerary covers all the key sights and experiences.
Thanks to its location on the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco enjoys sun-drenched weather for much of the year; don’t forget your bathing suit.
If you only have time for one thing, make it driving—or even walking!—Monaco’s famous Formula 1 circuit, where it hosts the Grand Prix.
It may not be massive, but if you’re spending your first time in Monaco, it’s still a good idea to get acquainted on a relaxing hop-on hop-off bus tour—you won’t just be able to explore the Old Town, but you’ll be rewarded with views from the upper deck. Grab tickets in advance and set off first thing in the morning; look out for must-see Monaco attractions, including the Monte Carlo Casino, Japanese Garden, and Princess Grace Rose Garden, as you do the whole loop.
One of the best things to do in Monaco for first-timers is exploring the principality’s iconic Formula 1 circuit. Instead of a dedicated racetrack, the course is famously situated right in the city-state’s streets. Many petrolheads consider driving the circuit a bucket-list opportunity—but that isn’t the only way to experience the route. Instead, you can spend your afternoon in Monaco on a walking tour that takes you along every twist and turn of the 2-mile (3.3-kilometer) circuit.
No 1-day Monaco itinerary is complete with a glamorous night on the town. To really experience the local scene, you’ll want to dress to impress, enjoy a gourmet dinner, and even rub shoulders with the high-rollers at the storied Monte-Carlo Casino. But before you go out, book a private photo shoot experience to capture shots of your party dressed to the nines. You can reserve a photo shoot for your preferred time and location, ensuring perfectly customized mementos of your trip.
