Destinations New to cruising Mediterranean

5 Top things to do in Monte Carlo

Discover Monte Carlo, the city full of mega yachts and five-star resorts that glitter in the shadows of the Alpine Mountains.

4 min 22 May 2023

Editorial Team

Author

For such a small city, Monte Carlo packs a lot of extravagance. Fortunately, the shore experiences we offer take in the best of Monaco's cultural hotspot and beyong, through guided walking tours and coach visits, so you needn't miss a moment in those honeyed Riviera rays.

View cruises to Monte Carlo here.

1. Highlights of Monaco

The narrow streets of Old Monaco and the Prince's Palace cling together on a promontory. Here you’ll see the charming Prince's Palace Square where Prince Albert II, the reigning monarch, lives and St Nicholas Cathedral where Prince Ranier III married Grace Kelly and where they are both now laid to rest. There will also be a chance for you to browse the stylish shops. Afterwards, explore the glamorous Place du Casino, a golden square boasting the Hotel de Paris, Café de Paris and the legendary Casino de Monte Carlo and its beautiful gardens.

If you didn't get enough on land, continue the Monte Carlo casino experience on board.

Casino de Monte Carlo

2. Walking the Formula One

One of the world’s greatest and most challenging motor racing events, the Monaco Grand Prix is the most famous ‘street circuit’ in the Formula One calendar. As you follow part of the road on foot, you can almost imagine Lewis Hamilton or Jenson Button racing past as they compete for that all important pole position. See the hairpin bends and famous corners, including Casino Square and the entrance to the tunnel.

Picture the scene in your mind as you walk part of the course; roaring engines, smoking tyres and the skilful drivers on a course that allows no margin of error. Just think, next time you see the race on TV, you can tell your friends, ‘I’ve walked part of that circuit!’

Pay a visit to the Prince of Monaco’s Private Classic Car Collection, a personal collection of 105 vintage and veteran cars, including a 1929 Bugatti, a 1903 De Dion Bouton, a 1986 Lamborghini Countach, and of course there’s the 1952 Rolls Royce. Each glittering car is perfectly maintained and, of course, was owned by Prince Rainier. Guaranteed to impress, it’s an absolute must for all car buffs.

Monte Carlo race track

3. Riviera Helicopter ride in the skies above Monte Carlo

This tour offers a unique perspective of the highlights of the fairytale Principality of Monaco. A sightseeing flight in a helicopter is a thrilling experience. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the stunning Riviera coastline, its beaches, gardens and surrounding mountains. After circling the Principality, you’ll sweep along the shoreline for aerial views of the village of Roquebrune and onwards over Cap Martin, Menton and the Italian border.Constantly changing images of the Riviera appear before you including Nice, Cap Ferrat and the quaint village of Eze, perched on a hilltop overlooking Villefranche, one of the most beautiful natural bays in the Mediterranean.

To round off this 20-minute scenic extravaganza, you’ll head back along the coast to the glitz and glamour of Monaco. A spectacular way to see the stunning sights of the Riviera.

Monte Carlo Harbour from the skies

4. Nice and Monaco Litte Train

Drive along the Middle Corniche to Nice, where you can enjoy spectacular views along the Promenade des Anglais. This 3 mile-long seafront boulevard is lined with palms and flowers and follows the curve of the wonderful Bay of Angels. You’ll have some limited free time to take in the atmosphere of the Old Town. Stroll along the beachfront promenade, browse for local specialities or souvenirs, or just relax in a nearby café. Your tour continues with a scenic drive along the Lower Corniche from Nice to the Principality of Monaco, where you’ll board the Little Train, an effortless way to discover the old town of Monaco and Monte Carlo.

5. Nice and Cannes on your own

If the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo aren't quite your cup of tea, strike out with the help of P&O Cruises shore experience to nearby Nice and Cannes.

From Monaco you will travel along the motorway to Cannes, home of the famous film festival. Your drop off point will be close to the “Palais des Festivals” and the famous and elegant La Croisette where you’ll have around 1¾ hours of free time to explore Cannes at your own leisure. You may choose to stroll along La Croisette, which separates the town from the beaches, browse the boutiques or view the yachts and pleasure boats in the marina. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants to choose from in Cannes, where you can purchase some refreshments. Afterwards, rejoin your escort and coach at the designated meeting point for the drive to Nice. Your drop off in Nice is approximately 15 minutes walk from the old town and pedestrian shopping streets. The Old Town and Cours Saleyaarea is full of atmosphere; a network of twisting, narrow lanes and steps, where you’ll find tall houses with pastel-coloured façades, shops and restaurants.