Prince's Palace of Monaco

Castle · La Condamine

Prince's Palace of Monaco

Castle · La Condamine

Palais des Princes, 98015 Monaco

Highlights

Perched high in Monaco, this 13th-century palace dazzles with stunning views, rich history, and an impressive art collection worth exploring.

Palais des Princes, 98015 Monaco Get directions

visitepalaisdemonaco.com

@visitepalaisdemonaco

@cntraveler

"Best for: Low-season glitzDecember temperature range: 43-61°F Granted, you won’t be donning swimwear on Plage des Ponchettes or spotting A-listers in Nice's beach clubs come December. However, with up to nine hours of sunshine a day, the winter months are ideal for exploring Nice and the surrounding French Riviera towns—without the crowds that flock here each summer. Check out the Christmas village at Place Massena in Nice, spot the pop-up nativity scenes around the city, or pop to glitzy Monaco for a lavish lunch and glide around the ice rink. Where to stay: Anantara Plaza Nice is a luxe urban oasis centrally located for sightseeing and sunny lunches along the promenade. There’s a glamorous rooftop terrace for sea views and destination restaurants ideal for those occasional rainy nights. A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller." - David Annand, Connor Sturges

The Best Places in Europe to Soak Up the Winter Sun

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@afar

"At five minutes before noon every day, the uniformedCarabiniers du Prince performa ceremonial changing of the guard in front ofMonaco'spalace. Though theroyal family still lives in the palace, much of the year there are tours that visit a selection of state apartments, each room dripping with gilt, draped in silk, and decorated with the vast collection of artwork and furniturecollectedby the House of Grimaldi since it began in 1160.As devoted patrons of the arts, the royal familyhosts classical music concerts on the palace grounds every summer. Tickets to see Prince Albert II’s jaw-droppingly impressive collection of antique cars are also available."

12 Must-do Experiences in Monaco

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@vogue

"Book a flight that gets into Nice as early as possible, pick up your rental car, and head straight for Monaco. Grande Corniche will be the quickest route and takes you up through the mountains, but if you’re willing to spend the extra time to drive along the coast, take Basse Corniche. If you can swing it, arrive at Prince’s Palace by 11:55 a.m. to watch the changing of the guard and tour the royal family’s official residence." - Christina Liao

French Riviera and Aix-en-Provence: The Essential Road Trip Itinerary | Vogue

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Aleksandra Tsyganok

Google

Very stunning and interesting history! It's up high so it has very nice views from up as well of basically the whole of Monaco. Recommend getting tickets before had as there is a very big line for to get in and it's just easier when you already have a ticket. Collection of artwork is very very impressive.

Alex Romero

Google

Espectacular views from this area, one of the main stops for the hop on/off bus. Easy access by foot but is a steep ascension. We toured the castle inside which is not big compared to other palaces in Europe, a lot of history about the royal family of course. We bought the combined ticket to go see the Royal car collection which was pretty cool.

Our adventures Around

Google

Very lucky to arrive at the changing of the guard, there was also an unexpected visit by American war heroes and their vehicles from WW2. Everyone was very excited and happy to see the changing of the guards but to also have the military presence was extra special. The palace is very modern, simple design in a beautiful area and well worth visiting. Make sure you enjoy the view of the harbour, it’s one of the best looking down in to the harbour and over the F1 race track. Some amazing views

Maia Bratu

Google

The Prince's Palace of Monaco is a stunning architectural gem and a must-see when visiting the principality. Although I only had the chance to admire it from the outside, the experience was still quite impressive. The palace sits atop a hill, offering incredible views of Monaco and the Mediterranean Sea. Its location alone makes it worth the visit, as the panoramic vistas are simply breathtaking. The exterior of the palace is beautifully preserved, showcasing its rich history and the elegance of its design. The blend of medieval fortress elements with Renaissance and modern touches makes the palace stand out as a unique landmark. One of the highlights of visiting the palace is witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place daily at 11:55 AM. It's a tradition steeped in history, and even from outside the gates, it’s a fascinating glimpse into Monaco’s royal heritage. The surrounding area, with its cobblestone streets and charming old town, adds to the overall experience. Even without stepping inside, the Prince's Palace offers a captivating look at the history and culture of Monaco. It’s a place where you can feel the legacy of the Grimaldi family and the grandeur of Monaco's past. Definitely a must-see when exploring this beautiful city.

Mr P

Google

Visiting the Prince's Palace of Monaco was a delightful experience, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history and grandeur of Monaco. The audio guide was particularly helpful, allowing for a self-paced tour that aligned perfectly with each room and area we explored. The architecture was breathtaking, showcasing the rich heritage of the principality. Though the tour felt somewhat limited given the palace's size, it was still very informative and engaging. The changing of the guard at 11am was a highlight, adding a ceremonial touch to the visit. Do note, entry is similar to airport security, with bag checks, so it's best to arrive a bit early. Overall, a visit to the palace is well worth it for anyone interested in history and architecture.

Forrest Hamilton

Google

A beautiful building situated in the heart of Monaco, entrance is inexpensive with a free portable audio guide in your language. Inside is stunning artwork and well maintained exhibits, I'd recommend an hour or so for your visit, with parking at the underground multistorey at the foot of the hill around a twenty minute uphill walk away.

Exploring with Jade

Google

Monaco is truly a gem on the Mediterranean coast, blending opulence, history, and stunning architecture in a city that leaves an unforgettable impression. Our recent visit was an absolute delight, filled with breathtaking sights and experiences. We began by exploring the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, an architectural marvel perched dramatically on the cliffside overlooking the sea. This iconic museum, dedicated to marine science and ocean conservation, was founded by Prince Albert I and boasts a unique and picturesque setting. Next, we visited the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, an impressive residence with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. The palace, still the official residence of Monaco’s ruling prince, is nestled in the heart of Monaco-Ville and offers incredible views of the city and the harbor. A short walk away, we marveled at the Cathedral of Monaco, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate. This Roman-Byzantine-style cathedral is not only beautiful but also holds the tombs of past princes, including Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, adding a sense of reverence and history to our visit. The stunning views of the Monaco Harbor, with its luxurious yachts and backdrop of mountains, made for a postcard-perfect scene that captures the essence of Monaco’s elegance. Watching the harbor from the elevated vantage points was mesmerizing, as the blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty truly embodies Monaco’s charm. Overall, Monaco’s beauty, elegance, and unique blend of historical and modern attractions make it a must-visit. This beautiful city has left us with unforgettable memories, and we would recommend it to anyone looking to experience the allure of the French Riviera in all its grandeur!

LS Sheldon

Google

This museum was an unexpected and welcome surprise! We had a terrific time touring the museum and palace space. The audio guide is helpful – – skip ahead to the numbered items and rooms of most interest. We were here a little over an hour, and learned a lot about the prince and his family and the lovely late grace Kelly.