Monaco Prince’s Palace, Nice - Prince's Palace of Monaco
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Monaco Prince’s Palace

4.6
·23k reviews·Monaco, Monaco

Monaco's historic royal residence, offering a glimpse into monarchy and stunning Mediterranean views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daily, 11:55 AM

Witness the guard change

CrowdHigh
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Monaco Prince’s Palace, Nice - Prince's Palace of Monaco

Monaco Prince’s Palace

Best Time

Daily, 11:55 AM

Witness the guard change

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Monaco's historic royal residence, offering a glimpse into monarchy and stunning Mediterranean views.

4.6
(23k reviews)

"Breathtaking views and a captivating glimpse into royal history at this fairytale palace."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Changing of the Guard Ceremony

Changing of the Guard Ceremony

Palace Courtyard

Witness the daily ceremonial transfer of power with precision and tradition. A must-see spectacle!

State Apartments

State Apartments

Palace Interior

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

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Palace Esplanade

Breathtaking vistas of Monaco's harbor, yachts, and surrounding mountains. Perfect for photos!

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for the Changing of the Guard

Don't miss the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Prince's Palace! It happens daily at 11:55 AM. Arrive early, around 11:30 AM, to secure a good viewing spot, as crowds can gather quickly. Reddit

Passport for the Casino, Not the Palace

While your passport is needed to enter the Monte Carlo Casino, it's not required for visiting the Prince's Palace itself. Plan your visit to the palace and enjoy the stunning views, even if you're not heading to the casino later. TikTok

Best Times

When
Daily, 11:55 AM
Why
Witness the guard change
Crowd
High
When
Seasonal (check website)
Why
Tour state apartments
Crowd
Medium
When
Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, great light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @drinks.on.mel if you’re planning a trip from Nice to Monte Carlo. Here is everything you should definitely know before going. #montecarlo #monaco #daytrip #traveltiktok #itinerary #thingsiwishiknew #tips
@drinks.on.mel
73.7K likes • 1.4M views

🎯 Arrive Early for Guard Change

Secure a prime spot for the 11:55 AM Changing of the Guard by arriving 15-20 mins early. Reddit

🎟️ Combo Tickets Available

Save money by purchasing a combo ticket for the Palace and the Oceanographic Museum. Reddit

Tips for your next trip to Monaco 🇲🇨#monaco #travel #tips #visitmonaco
@jyptravels
42.9K likes • 1.5M views
А по тегу #яработаюводворце вы можете почитать, как я работала в Княжеском дворце Монако и участвовала в свадьбе Князя
rufina_de_france
123 likes • 3.6K views

🎧 Audio Guide Included

Enhance your visit with the informative audio guide, available in multiple languages. Reddit

📸 Stunning Photo Ops

Capture incredible panoramic views of the harbor and city from the palace esplanade. TikTok

This is the best view in Monaco 🇲🇨⬇️ • 📍 Find this exact spot in the park Jardins de Saint-Martin, right across the street of the Cathédrale de Monaco • P.S. This spot is not as scary as it looks like from this captured angle 😌 • • #monaco #europetravel #eurosummer #traveltips
@voyagefox
23.3K likes • 547.3K views

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. Reddit

🎟️ Combo Tickets Available

Save money by purchasing a combo ticket for the Palace and the Oceanographic Museum. Reddit

🎧 Audio Guide Included

Enhance your visit with the informative audio guide, available in multiple languages. Reddit

📸 Stunning Photo Ops

Capture incredible panoramic views of the harbor and city from the palace esplanade. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Old Town

Wander through the charming streets of Monaco-Ville after your palace visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(23k reviews)

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

Changing of the Guard
Panoramic views
Historical State Apartments

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Limited interior scope

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

Many visitors arrive from nearby Nice by train, which takes about 30 minutes. Trains can get crowded, so be prepared for that. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, you will need to go through a security screening to enter the palace and visit the State Apartments. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. Reddit

Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, making them ideal for photography. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour light. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Prince's Palace offers a fascinating, albeit brief, experience for families. The Changing of the Guard ceremony at 11:55 AM is a highlight that will captivate children with its marching soldiers and music. Reddit While the State Apartments might be less engaging for very young children, the historical stories and opulent decor can spark curiosity. The panoramic views from the palace grounds are also a great way to keep everyone entertained, offering a chance to spot yachts and imagine grand adventures. Consider a combo ticket with the Oceanographic Museum, which is usually a big hit with kids. Reddit

🚶 Day-Trippers from Nice

If you're on a day trip from Nice, the Prince's Palace is an essential stop. Aim to arrive in Monaco-Ville by late morning to catch the Changing of the Guard at 11:55 AM. Reddit After the ceremony, you can quickly explore the State Apartments if time permits, or simply soak in the panoramic views of the harbor. TikTok Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming old town streets and perhaps a quick look at the Oceanographic Museum nearby. Remember that train travel can be crowded, so factor in travel time. TikTok

🚗 Car Enthusiasts

While the Prince's Palace itself doesn't focus on cars, Monaco is synonymous with automotive excellence. If you're a car enthusiast, make sure to visit the Prince's Car Collection museum, which is often accessible via a combined ticket from the palace ticket office. Reddit+1 This museum houses an impressive array of vintage and modern vehicles owned by the Grimaldi family, offering a fantastic complement to your visit to the palace. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of the Prince's Palace

The Prince's Palace of Monaco, known as the Palais Princier, has a rich history dating back to its origins as a 13th-century fortress built by the Grimaldi family. This historic residence has witnessed centuries of Monegasque history and remains the official residence of the reigning Prince of Monaco. While parts of the original fortress are still visible, the palace has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the years, evolving into the elegant structure seen today. It continues to play a significant role in the country's government and is a symbol of Monaco's enduring monarchy. Reddit

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. Reddit The palace is not just a historical monument; it's a living symbol of Monaco's heritage and its connection to its ruling family. Reddit

Experiencing the Changing of the Guard

One of the most anticipated events at the Prince's Palace is the Changing of the Guard ceremony. This daily ritual, performed by the Monaco Carabinieri, takes place precisely at 11:55 AM in the main courtyard. It's a display of military precision and tradition that draws a significant crowd, so arriving early is key to securing a good vantage point. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit Many visitors find it adds a unique charm to their visit, offering a sense of the principality's enduring customs. Reddit

Panoramic Views and Photography Opportunities

The Prince's Palace is strategically perched on Le Rocher (The Rock), offering unparalleled panoramic views of Monaco. From the palace esplanade, visitors are treated to sweeping vistas of the bustling harbor filled with luxurious yachts, the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and the picturesque cityscape stretching towards the surrounding hills. TikTok This elevated position makes it one of the best spots in Monaco for photography, capturing the essence of this glamorous principality. TikTok

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. TikTok Don't forget to frame your shots to include both the historic palace architecture and the breathtaking seascape for a truly iconic Monaco image. TikTok

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