Monaco-Ville

When you arrive in the Principality, your eyes will naturally be drawn to the Rock and its fortress. So it's only natural that your steps should lead you to the Place du Palais, where the Carabinieri change of guard takes place every day at precisely 11.55am.

In front of you is the Prince's Palace built in the 13th century and remodelled during the Renaissance. The guardian of a centuries-old tradition, with its Italian gallery and 16th-century frescoes, the Palace reveals some of its splendour to visitors following major renovation work completed in the summer of 2022.

Further along, to the left of the Place du Palais, you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the Fontvieille district, framed by old cannons. Continue on your way to the Jardins Saint Martin laid out around 1830 under the reign of Prince Honoré V, where you'll find a playground for children in the shade of the umbrella pines.

In the immediate vicinity of the Saint Martin Gardens you will find the imposing Monaco Cathedral where Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly said "YES" to each other and now rest in peace in the building's crypt. The Palace of Justice is nearby.

Continue along the Jardins Saint Martin and you will come across the Oceanographic Museum one of the Principality's architectural marvels. Built in 1910 under the aegis of HSH Prince Albert 1st, this oceanographic institute, also known as the "Temple of the Sea", was for many years directed by Captain Cousteau. The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco's rich permanent exhibition space includes a shark lagoon, an area dedicated to marine turtles, and themed aquariums devoted to tropical fish and Mediterranean marine species. Last but not least, the "Immersion" room regularly renews its programme with breathtaking audiovisual shows broadcast on 650 m² of screens. Whether it's the Arctic, the Great Barrier Reef or the Mediterranean, each immersive exhibition is an opportunity to literally immerse yourself in an ecosystem.

At the foot of the Oceanographic Museum, take the Monaco Tours tourist train. These little trains in the national colours take passengers on a daily guided tour of Port Hercule, Monte-Carlo and its Palaces, the famous Casino and its gardens, before returning to the Old town with its ramparts and the Prince's Palace.

As night falls, let yourself be carried away by the magic of the Monaco Open Air Cinema a unique venue nestling at the foot of the Princely Rock, overlooking the sea. Every evening, a new film in its original version with French subtitles awaits you, in an unforgettable atmosphere under the starry Mediterranean sky.

Comfortably seated in an armchair in front of a giant 200 m² screen, Enjoy a programme combining great classics, new releases and international blockbusters. The setting is exceptional, the atmosphere relaxed... and the view spectacular.

On the same esplanade, riders will find what they're looking for with a Skate Park with a 275m² skate park overlooking the sea and offering great curves and ramps for maximum thrills!

Continuing towards Port Hercule, you'll find Monaco's true Instagram emblem, the Peace Frame offers one of the Principality's most popular vantage points, and could be compared to the "Dubai frame". This imposing structure masterfully frames Port Hercule and its luxury yachts, creating a striking visual effect that attracts amateur photographers and influencers from all over the world.

On the way down, you'll come across Fort Antoine which offers a splendid panoramic view and hosts shows and plays from time to time, depending on the programme.

In Place de la Visitation, you will be surrounded by political institutions: the Ministry of State, the Conseil National and the Town Hall are just a few steps away. To enter the heart of the Rock, take the picturesque little streets paved with numerous little souvenir shops and restaurants. On the way you'll see the Irish Library Princess Grace Irish Library which is packed with works by Irish authors in tribute to Princess Grace's Irish origins. It also contains books from the Princess's personal/private collection.