MONACO SOLO TRAVEL GUIDE
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! MONACO TRAVEL GUIDE 2024
PLAN AND BOOK YOUR MONACO SOLO TRAVEL
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BIENVENUE EN MONACO!
Hi! I’m Gwen, and my passion is using my 28 years of solo global travel and sustainability knowledge and experience to help the solo over 50’s be and stay adventurous through solo travel with their eco-friendly, responsible travel foot forward. Here is my guide Monaco solo travel, all from my solo travel in Monaco, so you can book and realize your solo trip to Monaco. What are you waiting for?
MONACO: DID YOU KNOW?
About Monaco
Monaco – commonly referred to as the “Billionaire’s Playground”, is a sovereign city-state on the French Riviera and the second smallest (smaller than New York City’s Central Park) country in the world. Monaco is home to the fairytale Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace Kelly story, and more millionaires per square mile than any other country (1 in 3 residents are millionaires).
Monaco has the second highest GDP per capita, the highest average life expectancy rate and zero-poverty rate (of course, with that kinda money), the most expensive housing market per square foot, the Monte Carlo Casino where only non-residents can gamble (residents are forbidden by law to gamble), and holds lavish events such as the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monaco Yacht Show. You get the point.
Languages in Monaco
The official language in Monaco is French, which is spoken by 58% of Monégasques, followed by 17% of Monégasques speaking Ligurian (an Italian dialect), and 15% speaking an Occitan dialect. English, of course, is also commonly used.
Monégasque Culture
Officially the Principality of Monaco, Monaco is now a sovereign city-state and micro-state located on the French Riviera. Originally founded by the Lingurians, it was re-founded in 1228 as a colony of Genoa. Monaco was later captured by French Revolutionary forces in 1793 and remained under French control until 1814. After its 1911 constitution declared the princes of Monaco absolute rulers, Monaco was taken by the Italians in WWII and ruled under a fascist administration until a new, and more liberal, constitution was established in 1962. In 1993, Monaco became a member of the United Nations.
Since 1911, Monaco has been governed as a constitutional monarchy with the Crown Prince as chief of state and a Minister of State presiding over a Council of Government responsible for social, internal and external affairs, the environment, health, finance and the economy.
The people of Monaco are called Monégasques (or Monegasques). There are strong Italian and French influences on culture. Approximately 16% of the the less than 40,000 claim Monégasque descent.
Roman Catholicism is the official religion in Monaco, but other religions practiced include Anglican Church, Greek Orthodox Church, Protestantism, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism.
Monaco’s education system is well structured to match international standards and its curriculum closely follows France’s system.
The Monégasques enjoy a robust, public health system as well as private healthcare.
French cuisine, desserts, beverages and wine have a major influence in Monaco. Most dishes are based on fresh seafood, fish, and vegetables, olive oil, rice, pastries, and cheese.
Popular Activities in Monaco
Enjoying milder temperatures year-round, Monégasques enjoy outdoor sporting activities like golf, rugby, tennis and football.
They also enjoy activities like beach-going and swimming, boating, shopping, traveling, dining out, and enjoy socializing in cultural, artistic and musical events as well as over food, wine, and coffee and pastries like the French.
Monaco is well known for its Monaco Music Film Festival held annually in Monte Carlo. Monaco also experiences other yearly festivals.
MONACO TRAVEL PLANNING
Monégasque Currency
Monaco uses the Euro (€). Exchange rates are usually favorable for Europeans but could fluctuate in the other direction.
Tipping in Monaco
Traveling in a new country is easier when you know the country’s tipping etiquette in advance as each country has its own rules. That said, country rules and norms can shift, so here is an international tipping resource for over 70 countries to use as a general guideline that I have found is constantly updated.
What’s not on there is how to tip a concierge, beauty salons or spas, travel or tour guides, etc. For these extras, it is acceptable to tip 10% at minimum. Remember, tipping is for good service only.
Additionally, you should always tip in the local currency (if tipping in cash), and do not be offended if your tip is refused as it may not be the norm. I feel it’s always better to offer a tip for good service than not, unless I know it will be considered offensive, like in Japan.
Monaco Holidays
It’s a complete bummer to spend time and money on the holiday of a lifetime only to show up at a key attraction, or try to access travel or banking resources, only to find them closed due to a national or local holiday.
Therefore, a key activity to do in your early Monaco vacation planning stage is to know the local and national holidays in Monaco.
MONACO TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Travel Documents for Monaco / France
From the U.S., you will need a valid passport with an expiration date greater than 6 months from your return date to the U.S. It is advised to always check the U.S. State Department in advance of traveling to Monaco for pertinent, up-to-date Monaco travel advisories and information. If you are not from the U.S., please check your government’s website.
At this time (October 2023), a travel visa is not required for U.S. citizens who travel in Monaco 90 days or less and within a 180-day period. However, in mid-2025 it is expected that the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETAIS) will go into effect that is designed to strengthen European borders and streamline entry. At that time, a printed ETAIS visa waiver (the “ETAIS”) will be required to enter the Schengen Area for tourist, business or transit purposes of 90 days or less. You will be able to apply online for the ETAIS visa waiver, which will also require a fee (7 EUR). Requirements for an ETAIS are available now. Watch for ETAIS updates if you are planning to solo travel to Monaco in 2025.
If you are not from the U.S., please check if your country is on the ETAIS list indicating whether you are required to obtain an ETAIS or a Schengen Visa.
Choose from Top Travel Document Holders
Vaccinations for Monaco
There are normally no vaccinations required for Monaco. The U.S. State Department provides up-to-date required vaccination information for traveling to Monaco. It is advised to always check for any Monaco travel restrictions and required vaccinations during your planning stage and again before you leave.
If you are not from the U.S., please check your government’s website.
MONACO TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Electronics for Monaco
Want to use your 110V electronics while traveling around Monaco? Monaco’s voltage is 230V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. If you do not already have electronics (hair dryer, clippers, curling iron, etc.) made for Monaco’s voltage, you will need to bring a voltage converter to use your electronics. Below are top-rated power converters for you to compare and buy.
Choose the Converter That’s Right For You
Most smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras and similar electronics don’t require a converter (double-check your device(s) before you leave home), but you will still need a plug adapter.
Traveling to Monaco, Type C, E, and F adapters will fit Monaco’s electronic outlets. I recommend bringing at least one of each adapter type accepted. I do not recommend using those single adapters for 100+ countries. They have been known to break and/or cause a power short.
Be prepared before you visit Monaco. Bring a solid, reliable, and grounded power adapter to safely charge your electronics in Monaco. Below are top-rated U.S. (Type A and B) to Monaco power adapter options, from the only brand I travel with, for you to compare and buy.
Choose the Monaco Adapter That’s Right for You
Type C Adapters
Type E/F Adapters
If you are going to another country in addition to your trip to Monaco, check this international travel adapter guide to make sure you’re prepared.
Cyber Security While Traveling
Having a virtual private network (VPN) service and portable WiFi is always a good idea to not just stay connected, but stay connected securely in your hotel and all public spaces, like airports, train stations, and restaurants.
- Portable WiFi Hotspot for Travel: Experience seamless connectivity with the Solis Lite, your pocket-friendly companion that offers secure and reliable mobile WiFi hotspot coverage in over 135...
- SIMO’s virtual, multi-carrier network, includes all the major carriers, so you can work, learn, or play from anywhere. Stay connected domestically or abroad with your personal Wi-Fi hotspot and...
- Built-in 4700 mAh Power Bank: Stay online all day with 16+ hours of battery life in your Solis Wi-Fi hotspot. Keep all your gadgets charged on-the-go.
- Perfect Case for SIMO Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot
- Featured Design: Strong compact light weight case, the round square design best matching the round shape of the Solis and making it easy to in and out of the case
- Assured Protection: Semi-hard carrying case protecting the device from shock, shake, scratch. PEVA materials with pressure or hit absorbing and water resistant. The round square design make it best to...
GUIDES & ITINERARIES
Use my solo travel guides, itineraries, travel tips, day trip ideas, and recommended things to do in Monaco, all from my travel in Monaco, to plan your best Monaco solo travel.
The more I travel in Monaco, the more that gets added to this Monaco Travel Guide. Keep checking back.
South of France
Best Things to Do in Monaco
HOW TO BOOK MONACO TRAVEL
It’s important to book the top three travel necessities early: flights, accommodations and ground transportation.
No travel Monaco guide would be complete without the booking tools below. These, along with fun Monaco things to do and ecotourism ideas, will allow you to realize your solo trip to Monaco.
Cheap Flights to Nice
The closest airport to Monaco is Nice Côte d’Azur airport (NCE) in France. With the ever-growing demand for airline tickets to Nice, France, flights book quicker these days. Find cheap flights to Nice now.
Don’t Wait to Book Your Flight to Nice
Monaco Places to Stay
Second in importance to buying airline tickets to Nice is finding the best place to stay in Monaco for your solo travel to Monaco. Develop your Monaco travel itinerary now and find the best accommodations in Monaco to knock one more item off your Monaco travel planning list.
Find the Best Solo Travel Accommodations in Monaco
Getting Around Monaco
Monaco does not have Uber, but it has Carpoolworld and possible regional ridesharing services and apps (research in advance if they are in your destination area).
There are also taxis, of course, and you can easily find a rental car if that better suits your Monaco solo travel itinerary.
Find the Best Deals on Monaco Rental Cars
Monaco also part of Europe’s incredible bus and train network, so getting around and booking transportation is easy.
Things to Do in Monaco
Here are some more of the top things to do in Monaco to book for your solo Monaco trip.
Best Day Trips from Monaco
MONACO ECO-TRAVEL IDEAS
There are ways to reduce your eco and carbon footprint through air travel, accommodations, tours, and activities in Monaco. To help avoid greenwashing businesses, here are some eco-friendly or sustainable travel (also called responsible travel) tips and resources, you can use to book your travel.
Air Travel Tips
Skyscanner provides a ‘Greener flights’ filter highlighting flights that emit less CO2.
Purchase carbon offsets through your airline or through a third party, like MyClimate.org, Carbonfund.org, or terrapass. Carbon offsetting allows you to buy a certificate to reduce carbon emissions, a major contributor to climate change, which in turn contribute community projects across countries to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Ground Transportation
The best eco-friendly forms of ground transportation in Monaco are public transportation, walking, or renting a bicycle or electric scooter. They are also apt to cost less than other ground transportation.
Explore Monaco Bike and Electric Scooter Rentals
Try to avoid renting a car in Monaco or France by using the amazingly convenient and inexpensive buses and/or trains.
Accommodation Tips
Look for accommodations with the following self and third-party assessed certifications when you book:
Green Globe – Green Globe certifies hotels, resorts, conference centers, transportation, attractions, tour operators, and other tourism businesses globally on sustainable operations and management. Look for Monaco and other European Green Global members.
Green Key Global is an internationally recognized environmental certification for the lodging and meetings industries, including hotels and hostels, campsites and holiday parks, restaurants and attractions in 65 countries. Search for Green Key awarded sites.
Living Building Challenge – if you want to stay in a true, sustainable building, find one certified by the Living Building Challenge. LBC’s certification directory shows all project types globally. Hopefully they will put in a filter soon to allow searching by hotels or hospitality type.
LEED Certified – the USGBC’s LEED Certified label on buildings, like many of the Marriott’s hotels, are those that have verifiably employed multiple and varying green building strategies to improve human and environmental health. Search the LEED directory for Monaco certifications.
Green Lodging Program – Audubon International has an environmental stewardship certification through third-party verification. Search its certified members directory.
GSTC Certified – the Global Sustainable Tourism Council provides global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, as well as international accreditation for sustainable tourism Certification Bodies. Booking sites that offer GSTC certified sustainable are bookdifferent, EcoHotels, and Transat.
Another way to find an establishments implementing eco-friendly or sustainable practices, certified or not, is through Booking.com in which you’ll need to find and review each establishment’s ‘Sustainable Initiatives’ within the booking process. Starting 2022, however, you’ll be able to filter searches for accommodations with the Travel Sustainable badge.
Find Your Travel Sustainable Stay in Monaco
Eco-Friendly Things To Do
Monaco has ecotourism ideas available to explore for your next vacation.
Search Green Global and Green Key awarded members for eco-friendly activity providers in Monaco. Some may also have the GSTC Certified logo.
Top Eco Friendly Activities in Monaco
Eco-Travel Products
There are more ways to do your part for the planet in your responsible travel, like bringing sustainable and eco-friendly products to protect Monaco’s environment.
There are more ways to do your part for the planet in your responsible travel. Read my 10 Easy Eco-Travel Tips and view my suggested Eco Travel Resources to learn more.
MONACO TRAVEL SAFETY
Before You Go
Always consult your government’s Monaco travel advisory for your Monaco travel in the beginning travel planning phase and up to your departure date.
Buy Monaco travel insurance and international medical insurance for your solo travel to Monaco to protect yourself and cover for emergencies.
Safety in Monaco
The south of France has been known to have acts of terrorism, and Monaco is its neighbor. Please consult your government’s travel advisory site in your planning phase.
If there is no advisory, there is nothing I can recall from Monaco making it more of a “safety concern” than traveling in my own home country. Crime such as vandalism, theft and drug dealing in Monaco is low. So, my standard tips for female and solo travelers are:
- always carry photo ID with you; if you don’t want your passport on you at all times, at least carry a copy of it.
- always be “street wise”.
- always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you feel the need to imbibe or feel the need to “let loose” – you’re on vacation so have fun!
- never leave your food or drink unattended.
- keep your belongs on your person, or at least in your view in close proximity, at all times.
- be open to meeting and talking with new people – that is where a lot of the travel experience lies – but be careful on how you divulge personal information.
- research places in advance, if possible, so you know what to expect (i.e., “have a familiar view” – I like to Google the street view of new addresses I’m going to first).
- if something, someone or someplace makes you feel uncomfortable, go with your gut – leave.
MONACO BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS
Best Time to Visit Monaco
If France can be pricey, put Monaco on top of that. However, that’s not to say you can’t find budget accommodations (at least close by), try local foods, or hit some great site seeing and entertainment on a budget. Monaco is a country I would a little planning on if you are on a budget.
Like other countries in Europe, Monaco’s high, tourist season, and most expensive time, is the summer (June to August) – expect crowds to be heavy and prices to go up!
Crowds are not as heavy in the spring (April and May) and Fall (September to October), where prices are better than the summer season. The least expensive time to go to Monaco would be November to March.
Budget Accommodations
Staying in hostels could save you a lot of money on accommodations, especially if you stay in a dorm-style room. Save more money by booking well in advance. Unfortunately, there are no hostels in Monaco, but there are hostels in Nice, which is very close by.
Some Nice hostels also offer private rooms, which I choose from time to time. Private rooms in hostels could possibly be cheaper than hotels in Nice or Monaco – it depends on where you stay and how far in advance you reserve.
Don’t overlook exploring hostels in Nice if you’re on a budget.
Reserve Your Nice Hostel
Best Time to Book Travel
Ready to book your solo travel to Monaco? The sooner you book your reservations, the more you’re likely to save money and get the best flight, accommodation, and rental car choices and deals.
Don’t miss out and find the best Nice flight deals deals. The best time to book travel is now. Bundling flight, hotel and/or transportation reservations may even save you more money on your trip to Monaco.
Do You Know What Flights and Hotels Cost for Monaco?
PERSONAL STORY
Call me silly, but of all things to do in Monaco, my top Monaco bucket list item was to gamble in the Monte Carlo Casino. I don’t gamble that much. It must have been all of those James Bond movies. Whatever. It’s a beautiful building, and I just had to do it when I spent three days the south of France.
The thought of drinking free champagne while playing roulette, surrounded by opulent decor for an evening, just couldn’t be passed up. Every time I clapped when I won 10 Euros, the roulette croupier would just laugh at me. I was such a tourist, but I could tell he was getting a kick out of me, and I didn’t care. It was worth the experience.
Sometimes we have to just live for the moment, no matter how silly it seems. Now I just have to go back and experience more of what Monaco has to offer. What an area.