Changing of the guard
Just before noon.
Alexander Migl — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Jorge Franganillo — CC BY 4.0 · Alexander Migl — CC BY-SA 4.0
The seat of the ruling Grimaldi family since the late thirteenth century, when François Grimaldi seized the fortress disguised as a monk, an episode commemorated by his statue before the palace and on the family arms; it is still the official residence of the Prince of Monaco today. Over the centuries the military fortress became an elegant palace with a sober facade, towers and walls, overlooking a broad square lined with old cannon, with a panoramic view over the harbour and Monte Carlo. When the prince's standard flies over the tower, he is in residence. In the warm season the State Apartments open to visitors, who see halls decorated with frescoes, paintings and fine furniture, and the Court of Honour with its double marble staircase. Every day just before noon, at 11:55, the changing of the guard is held in front of the palace. State Apartments tickets are EUR 13 per adult, open from 30 March to 15 October 2026, sold at the counter on the square and closed on the Grand Prix weekend, per the official site. Watching the guard and the square are free.
Just before noon.
Frescoes and furniture.
Harbour view.
Place du Palais, old town, Monaco
The Rock (Le Rocher)Monaco's old town, set on a towering rocky headland jutting into the sea some si3 minutes walk4.7
Oceanographic MuseumA stately palace of the sea built into the cliff of the Rock directly above the 5 minutes walk4.4
Exotic Garden and Observatory CaveA garden hanging on a towering rock face above the Fontvieille district, opened 6 minutes walk4.5
Port HerculeMonaco's main harbour, a deep basin between the old Rock and Monte Carlo, lined 6 minutes walk4.9
Place du Casino and the Opera HouseMonaco's most famous square and its glamorous showcase, in the heart of Monte Ca14 minutes walkEvery day at 11:55 in front of the palace; watching is free.