Monaco Prince’s Palace
Monaco's historic royal residence, offering a glimpse into monarchy and stunning Mediterranean views.
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Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness the guard change
Monaco Prince’s Palace
Best Time
Witness the guard change
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Highlights
Must-see attractions
Monaco's historic royal residence, offering a glimpse into monarchy and stunning Mediterranean views.
"Breathtaking views and a captivating glimpse into royal history at this fairytale palace."
🎯 Arrive Early for Guard Change
Secure a prime spot for the 11:55 AM Changing of the Guard by arriving 15-20 mins early.
🎟️ Combo Tickets Available
Save money by purchasing a combo ticket for the Palace and the Oceanographic Museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Palace Courtyard
Witness the daily ceremonial transfer of power with precision and tradition. A must-see spectacle!

State Apartments
Palace Interior
Explore opulent rooms adorned with Renaissance frescoes, tapestries, and chandeliers. A glimpse into royal history.

Panoramic City Views
Palace Esplanade
Breathtaking vistas of Monaco's harbor, yachts, and surrounding mountains. Perfect for photos!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Changing of the Guard
Passport for the Casino, Not the Palace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Guard Change
Secure a prime spot for the 11:55 AM Changing of the Guard by arriving 15-20 mins early.
🎟️ Combo Tickets Available
Save money by purchasing a combo ticket for the Palace and the Oceanographic Museum.
🎧 Audio Guide Included
Enhance your visit with the informative audio guide, available in multiple languages.
📸 Stunning Photo Ops
Capture incredible panoramic views of the harbor and city from the palace esplanade.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Guard Change
Secure a prime spot for the 11:55 AM Changing of the Guard by arriving 15-20 mins early.
🎟️ Combo Tickets Available
Save money by purchasing a combo ticket for the Palace and the Oceanographic Museum.
🎧 Audio Guide Included
Enhance your visit with the informative audio guide, available in multiple languages.
📸 Stunning Photo Ops
Capture incredible panoramic views of the harbor and city from the palace esplanade.
🚶♀️ Explore the Old Town
Wander through the charming streets of Monaco-Ville after your palace visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Prince's Palace for its historical significance, the captivating Changing of the Guard ceremony, and the breathtaking panoramic views of Monaco. The opulent State Apartments offer a glimpse into royal life, enhanced by an informative audio guide. While not as grand as some European palaces, its charm and setting are highly appreciated.
"The Prince's Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Prince of Monaco. It's built on a former fortress site from the 13th century. Parts of the original fortress still visible within its stone walls and towers. Due to lack of time could not visit the interior of the palace. But enjoyed the spectacular, panoramic views of the city, the harbor with the yachts, and the surrounding mountains from the location of the palace. Wonderful experience even without getting inside the palace. Highly recommend it."
Soudamini Mohapatra
"Saw the change of guards ceremony. It was worth the effort to go uphill and watch this. Also, the gift shop in the courtyard is very reasonable compared to other souvenir shops in the city.
The view of Monte Carlo from the palace is breathtaking."
imi mosaheb
"I highly recommend this to anyone interested in the history of Monaco and it's monarchy. This palace is the seat of the royal family and still plays an active role in the government. They recommend purchasing admission tickets in advance online, but tickets can also be bought at the gift shop across the plaza. You will have to go though a security screening to enter the palace. The tour is self-guided, and an audio-guide in 11 languages is included with your ticket. An entire wing is open to the public, so allow at least an hour if you want to see everything. The audio-tour dives deep into the country's history, and I found it very interesting. Each room features beautiful artifacts, furnishings, and vivid information. Guide-led tours are also available, but must be booked in advance. If you plan to visit the nearby Oceanographic Museum on the same day, you can purchase a combo ticket to both for a reduced rate."
Mike M.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Prince's Palace is located in Monaco-Ville, the old town. If arriving by train from Nice, you'll reach Monaco-Monte Carlo station. From there, you can take a local bus (like bus #1 or #2) or a taxi up to the palace. Walking is also an option, though it's uphill.
The train station is in the lower part of Monaco. You can take a bus or taxi to reach the palace in the old town. Be prepared for an uphill walk if you choose to walk, which can be scenic but tiring.
Many visitors arrive from nearby Nice by train, which takes about 30 minutes. Trains can get crowded, so be prepared for that.
There are public parking garages in Monaco-Ville, but they can be expensive. It's often easier to use public transport or walk if you're already in the principality.
Absolutely! Many people do a day trip to Monaco from Nice, and the Prince's Palace is a key attraction. Just be mindful of your time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the palace grounds and the Changing of the Guard is free. However, to enter the State Apartments, there is an admission fee. Combo tickets with the Oceanographic Museum are available for a reduced rate.
While you can purchase tickets at the gift shop across the plaza, it's recommended to buy admission tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to save time.
The State Apartments are open seasonally. It's best to check the official Prince's Palace website for the most up-to-date opening hours and dates, as they can vary.
Yes, you will need to go through a security screening to enter the palace and visit the State Apartments.
Yes, you can visit the palace courtyard and enjoy the views without purchasing an entry ticket for the State Apartments. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is also visible from the courtyard.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place daily at 11:55 AM. It's highly recommended to arrive at least 15-20 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot, as it gets crowded.
If you're just watching the Changing of the Guard and enjoying the views, about an hour is sufficient. To tour the State Apartments with the audio guide, allow at least an hour.
Inside the State Apartments, you'll find richly decorated rooms with Renaissance frescoes, tapestries, chandeliers, and marble flooring. The audio guide provides historical context for each room.
Absolutely! The palace esplanade offers stunning panoramic views of Monaco's harbor, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding mountains, making it a prime spot for photography.
The palace courtyard is generally accessible, but navigating the State Apartments might present challenges due to historical architecture. It's advisable to check with the palace directly for specific accessibility information.
📸 📸 Photography
The esplanade in front of the palace offers breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor and the city. The courtyard itself is also picturesque, especially during the Changing of the Guard.
Photography is generally allowed inside the State Apartments, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on the day of your visit. Tripods and flash photography might be prohibited.
Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, making them ideal for photography. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour light.
Consider capturing the contrast between the historic palace architecture and the modern yachts in the harbor below. The Changing of the Guard also provides dynamic photo opportunities.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for both the interior rooms and the panoramic views. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the grandeur of the State Apartments and the expansive vistas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Day-Trippers from Nice
🚗 Car Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of the Prince's Palace
Visitors can explore the State Apartments, which offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Monegasque royal family. These rooms are adorned with exquisite Renaissance frescoes, intricate tapestries, grand chandeliers, and polished marble floors. The self-guided tour, enhanced by an informative audio guide available in multiple languages, delves into the history and significance of each room and the artifacts within. The palace is not just a historical monument; it's a living symbol of Monaco's heritage and its connection to its ruling family.
Experiencing the Changing of the Guard
The ceremony itself is a captivating spectacle, with soldiers marching in formation, accompanied by a military band. It’s a moment that encapsulates the proud history and ceremonial traditions of the principality. Even if you don't plan to tour the interior of the palace, witnessing this event is a quintessential Monaco experience. Many visitors find it adds a unique charm to their visit, offering a sense of the principality's enduring customs.
Panoramic Views and Photography Opportunities
Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just looking to capture some memorable vacation shots, the views from the palace are a photographer's dream. The interplay of light on the water, the intricate details of the yachts, and the charming old town architecture create a stunning backdrop. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the beauty of these scenes, offering a softer, more dramatic effect. Don't forget to frame your shots to include both the historic palace architecture and the breathtaking seascape for a truly iconic Monaco image.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit