Occupying a rocky headland overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco-Ville is a central district in the Principality of Monaco. It’s home to many of the country’s most important political and religious institutions, as well as a natural museum created by Prince Albert I, who devoted much of his life to oceanography.
Things to do in Monaco-Ville
Whether you want to follow in the footsteps of royalty or venture beneath the ocean’s surface, you’ll find plenty to captivate you in Monaco-Ville.
Tour the Prince’s Palace. Established as a Genoese fortress in the 12th century, the Prince’s Palace is an official royal residence open to the public for part of the year. Admire its opulently decorated staterooms that include an Italianate-style gallery or coincide your visit with a performance by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra in the courtyard. Don’t miss the Throne Room with its 17th-century frescoes.
Admire the Monaco Cathedral. Officially known as the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, this magnificent Romanesque Byzantine-style building dates back to the late 19th century. It exhibits an ornately decorated facade and houses an episcopal throne carved from Carrara marble. If you visit during Sunday Mass, you may hear the glorious sounds of the Monaco Boys Choir.
Visit the Oceanographic Museum. With Jacques Cousteau once serving as its director, the Oceanographic Museum occupies a monumental Baroque Revival building that rises atop the cliffs of Monaco-Ville. In addition to its collection of starfish, seahorses and crabs, it also exhibits model ships, maritime equipment and ritual objects associated with the sea. Don’t miss the research laboratory from L’Hirondelle, which was the first research lab of Prince Albert I.
Getting around Monaco-Ville
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is a 30-minute drive from Monaco-Ville and has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular trains connect to the Monaco Monte Carlo railway station and buses travel throughout the district. Electric bikes are readily available for getting around Monaco-Ville, although most of the district’s attractions are easily accessible on foot.