How to save money when visiting Monaco (2025)

Monaco has a reputation for being wildly expensive – 30% of it’s popular are millionaires, and it’s whole economy is based on glamour and the super rich.

But you can also see the Prince’s Palace, wander Le Rocher, and watch the superyachts without draining your savings.

In this guide you’ll get: the best months for cheaper hotels, exact transport and cheap-eat options that actually exist in Monaco, how to pick budget accommodation just outside the principality, and a handful of free experiences that still feel like Monaco.

This is written for people who want the Monaco vibe without the Monaco price tag: day trippers, Riviera-based holidaymakers, and budget travellers who don’t want to miss the highlights.

When is the cheapest time to visit Monaco?

Short answer: November–March (avoid Grand Prix / Yacht Show weeks). You’ll get lower hotel rates, fewer crowds and still enjoy clear winter days – perfect for a calmer visit.

The best way to save money in Monaco is to visit during the off-season, which falls between November and March. During these months, hotel rates drop significantly, and many attractions are less crowded. While you might not experience the summer heat, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and still have a great time exploring the city’s sights. Plus, clear days are common in winter, offering stunning views without the crowds.

If you want to visit during the summer, avoid peak times like the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix or the Yacht Show. Accommodation prices skyrocket during these events, and finding a reasonably priced room can be challenging. However, visiting just before or after these events can offer a good balance between lively atmosphere and manageable costs.

What free things can I do in Monaco?

Short answer: Walk Le Rocher, visit the Japanese Garden and watch the Palace guard change – all free and great for photos.

Monaco offers plenty of free attractions and experiences that allow you to soak in the city without spending a euro.

• Wander through Le Rocher (the Old Town): Explore the narrow cobbled streets, lined with pastel buildings and filled with centuries of history.
• Visit the Saint Nicholas Cathedral: Monaco’s white-stone cathedral, where it’s royal family, including Grace Kelly, are laid to rest.
• Relax in the Japanese Garden: A peaceful spot with ponds, bridges, and manicured greenery – perfect for a quiet break from the city.
• Watch the Changing of the Guard: Head to the Prince’s Palace at 11:55 am to see the daily ceremony in front of Monaco’s royal residence.
• Explore the Place du Casino: Admire the ornate Belle Époque architecture, go inside the grand casino lobby, and enjoy some top-tier people-watching among the luxury cars.
• Walk along Port Hercule: Wander past superyachts, watch the locals fishing, and take in views of the harbour backed by Monte Carlo’s hills.
• Climb up to the Jardins Saint-Martin: These clifftop gardens near the Oceanographic Museum offer gorgeous sea views, sculptures, and peaceful shaded paths.
• Visit the Monaco Cathedral Square viewpoint: Just behind the cathedral, you’ll find a lovely panoramic spot overlooking the harbour and the Mediterranean.
• Stroll through Fontvieille Park: A calm, green space filled with sculptures and the Princess Grace Rose Garden. It’s especially pretty in spring and early summer.
• Walk the Formula 1 Grand Prix route: Follow the same streets used during the world-famous race – there are even markings and plaques along the route.
• Enjoy Larvotto Beach: Monaco’s public beach is free, clean, and great for swimming or sunbathing.
• Check out the open-air art installations: Around Monte Carlo and Fontvieille you’ll spot dozens of sculptures and modern art pieces on public display.
• Visit the Condamine Market: Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to wander through the lively market square and soak up the local atmosphere.

If you’re only going for a day trip, you may find that you don’t have time to go in many of the attractions anyway – but seeing them from outside is still brilliant.

Get more ideas and information in our full guide to the best things to do in Monaco.

Is Monaco easy to explore on foot and by public transport?

Short answer: Yes: Monaco is tiny. Walking covers most sights; buses and the Mona Bike system fill gaps for steeper or longer trips.

Monaco’s small size means that most of its main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Instead of spending money on taxis or private cars, consider walking. The city is incredibly pedestrian-friendly, with lifts and escalators connecting the steepest streets and steps, making it easy to get around without needing a car.

If you need to use public transport, Monaco’s bus service is efficient and affordable. A single ticket costs around €2 (in 2025), or you can buy a day pass for unlimited travel. Taking the bus is the best way to reach places like the Jardin Exotique or Larvotto Beach, especially if you want to save your energy for exploring.

Consider also the Mona Bike service – electric bikes are available throughout Monaco for only €1 for 30 minutes or €3 for 24 hours access. Prices and passes change often; check the Mona Bike app or website on the day you travel (this can be cheaper than repeated bus fares for short journeys).

How can I find affordable places to eat in Monaco?

Short answer: Markets and small local cafés offer tasty, affordable meals that let you experience authentic Monaco without overspending.

Dining in Monaco doesn’t have to mean expensive Michelin-starred restaurants every night.

Two specific stalls we ate at and would recommend are Chez Pipo, for a quick socca and cheap coffee, and Le Comptoir du Marché for sandwiches and fresh fruit to picnic by the harbour. These kinds of market buys will stretch your day-trip budget better than a sit-down restaurant.

Try heading to the Marché de la Condamine, where you’ll find local food stalls which are both affordable and delicious, like socca, a local chickpea pancake, or barbajuans, Monaco’s national dish.

Look for cafés and bistros away from the main tourist areas – often found on quieter streets or in neighbourhoods like Fontvieille – where you’ll find more reasonably priced menus. The old town is full of restaurants – while not cheap (as they’re aimed at tourists), they’re cheaper than areas like Monte Carlo.

There’s also local supermarkets and hole-in-the-wall cafes dotted about. These are perfect for picking up a cheap sandwich and drink; you can then find a nice place to sit down and eat (the gardens in Monte Cristo and the cliffs around the Oceanographic Museum and Old Town are perfect for this).

We find Booking.com has the best prices out of all the hotel booking sites:

How can I find affordable accommodation in (or out of) Monaco?

Short answer: Staying just outside Monaco in Beausoleil, Cap d’Ail, or even Nice can save a lot, while keeping you close to all the main sights.

While Monaco is known for its luxury hotels, there are affordable options if you know where to look.

Consider staying in nearby French towns like Beausoleil or Cap d’Ai, which are a short walk or bus ride from Monaco and usually cheaper than hotels inside the principality. If you’d prefer to base yourself in Nice and commute in for a day, our 15 best things to do in Nice guide includes transport notes and realistic cost comparisons to help decide whether a Nice base makes sense for your trip.

You may also only want to go as a day trip from Nice – while Nice itself not the cheapest, its still cheaper than Monaco. Just factor in the cost of travel if you’re going to Monaco for more than one day.

Alternatively, look for deals on local booking sites or check out the Monaco Tourism website for special offers and packages. Booking well in advance, especially if visiting during high season, can also help you find more affordable rates.

Also read our France travel guide: tips, itineraries & must-see places for wider Riviera planning and transport options.

How can I save money on paid activities?

Short answer: Booking tickets and tours ahead, and knowing what you want to see, helps you avoid high costs and wasted time.

Many of Monaco’s museums and attractions offer discounted entry fees during certain times or for certain groups (like students or seniors). Check ahead for any special deals or combination tickets that might offer savings. The Oceanographic Museum, for example, often has reduced prices after a certain time in the afternoon, and the Jardin Exotique has discounts for those under 18 or over 65.

Consider planning your visit around Monaco’s free events and festivals, such as outdoor concerts, public exhibitions, or the Monaco Christmas Market. These events offer great experiences without any cost, letting you immerse yourself in the local culture and atmosphere.

How else can I save money when visiting Monaco?

Monaco has several public amenities that are free or low-cost, such as its beaches, parks, and gardens. Larvotto Beach is a public beach where you can relax without needing to pay for a sunbed – just bring your own towel and umbrella. Many parks, like the Princess Grace Rose Garden, provide beautiful settings for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

Public fountains around the city offer drinking water, so bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your day without buying bottled water. You can save a bit of money and reduce your environmental footprint.

Frequently asked questions – quick answers

How much should I budget for a day in Monaco?

A realistic low-cost day (market food, public transport, free sights, no casinos) can be done for under €60–€80 per person (2025 prices). If you plan to dine at restaurants or visit multiple paid attractions, budget more. Always factor accommodation – that’s the biggest variable.

Is Monaco expensive to visit?

Yes, compared with nearby French towns – but day visits and smart choices (off-season, market food, walking) make it affordable.

Can I see Monaco in a day and still keep costs down?

Absolutely. Start early, focus on Le Rocher, the Prince’s Palace view, the Japanese Garden and stroll the Casino square — skip expensive meals and use market food or supermarkets.

Where should I stay to save money?

Beausoleil, Cap d’Ail or Nice offer cheaper accommodation with easy transport links into Monaco.

By planning ahead and making smart choices, you can enjoy the luxury and allure of Monaco on a budget, proving that this glamorous city is accessible to all kinds of travellers.

What next?

Monaco doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing trip. With timing, a few local food stops, and a nearby base, you can get the Monaco highlights without the Monaco bill.

Try the tips above on your next Riviera trip – and if you’re still undecided about where to stay, our 15 best things to do in Nice guide compares costs and transport options to help you decide.

Or, check out our guide to the best things to do in Monaco.

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