Find out everything there is to know about the tour of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco during an exceptional day trip with Tour Azur, your tour and transfer operator on the French Riviera.
In short:
- Hours: March through October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Duration of the tour: approximately 1 hour.
- Price: 13 euros for an adult.
- Don’t miss it: At 11:55 a.m., you can watch the changing of the guard for free on the Place du Palais.
Why visit Monaco's Princely Palace?
This architectural jewel, symbol of the Grimaldi dynasty since the 13th century, embodies centuries of heritage and culture, making it a must-see destination for lovers of history and architecture. What’s more, its position on the Rock of Monaco offers spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding area.
Since 2015, under the impetus of Prince Albert II, an ambitious renovation program has restored the Palace to its former glory. It reopened its doors to the public in 2022, revealing in particular almost 600 m² of frescoes found by chance.
The history and architecture of Monaco's Princely Palace
Over 800 years in the making, the Palais truly tells its own story.
A place steeped in history
- 1215: Construction of a fortress by the Genoese.
- 1297: The site became the seat of the Grimaldi family after they seized power.
- 16th century: It retained its defensive purpose while evolving into a princely residence. It was then expanded to include a chapel, a double-helix staircase, a main entrance, and sumptuous pavilions. It housed prestigious art collections, particularly paintings.
- French Revolution: Dispersal of the Collections, Departure of the Grimaldi Family.
- 1814: The Grimaldis returned to the palace following the princes’ restoration.
💡Legend has it that François Grimaldi entered the fortress with weapons concealed under his monk’s robe (“monaco” in Italian). With God’s help (“Deo Juvante”), he seized the castle. To this day, Monaco’s motto is “Deo Juvante”, and the holders of the coat of arms are monks, each carrying a raised sword.
The unique architecture of the Princely Palace
The architecture of Monaco’s Princely Palace bears remarkable witness to the evolution of styles over the centuries.
Its defensive features, such as ramparts and bastions, are a reminder of its strategic role.
In the 16th century, the palace was transformed into a princely residence, incorporating influences from the Italian Renaissance.
Finally, with its harmonious blend of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque styles, the Princely Palace is a masterpiece of architecture and history, both sovereign residence and timeless symbol of Monaco.
Whether for personal or business travel, our private transfer service is at your disposal.
What should you see when you visit the Palais de Monaco?
From floor to ceiling, everything is an excuse to marvel.
Les Grands Appartements
The grand apartments of Monaco’s Princely Palace are a series of sumptuous rooms used for state receptions, official ceremonies and visits by dignitaries. Among the most remarkable rooms are :
- The Throne Room, adorned with a series of breathtaking frescoes that tell the story of the Grimaldi dynasty. Restoration work begun in 2015 uncovered Renaissance frescoes, including an excerpt from Homer’s Odyssey in which Ulysses makes his way to the gates of the Underworld.
- The Salon Mazarin, famous for its elegant 17th-century Italian woodwork.
- The Blue Room, with its walls adorned with gold motifs on a blue background, crystal chandeliers and elegant furnishings that reflect princely refinement.
The apartments also house an impressive collection ofworks of art, recently enhanced by acquisitions made by Prince Albert II, including paintings by Jacopo Bassano, Orazio de Ferrari and Philippe de Champaigne.
💡Did you know? The civil weddings of Albert II and Charlène de Wittstock, and of Rainer III and Grace Kelly, were celebrated in the Throne Room.
The Hercules Gallery
It is from this gallery, located in the grand apartments, that the Sovereign addresses Monegasques gathered in the Cour d’Honneur on major occasions.
It links several emblematic areas: it leads directly to the Cour d’Honneur, and also serves as a link between the ceremonial areas and the symbolic zones of the Palace, such as the Throne Room.
In 2015, restoration work revealed Renaissance frescoes depicting the birth, labors and death of Hercules, by the painter Orazio dei Ferrari.
💡Did you know? It was from the balcony of this gallery that Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène presented their children, Jacques and Gabriella, to the people of Monaco.
The Cour d'Honneur and its frescoes
Visitors can admire the monumental double-revolving white marble staircase, a remarkable work of architecture dating back to the 17th century.
The courtyard floor, paved with black and white pebbles arranged in geometric patterns, reflects the Palace’s concern for refinement and symmetry. The facades are adorned with frescoes, including Le Triomphe de Bacchus and Les Divinités de la Mer.
Practical information for your visit
Opening Dates and Hours
The Prince’s Palace of Monaco is not open to the general public year-round. It is generally open from March to October, but the dates vary each year.
In 2026, tours begin on March 30. Hours are typically 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (or 6 p.m. in July and August).
💡Tours are not available during the F1 Grand Prix weekend. Since the Palace is a seat of sovereignty, not a tourist attraction, it may be closed without prior notice.
Prices, Ticket Sales, and Reservations
Here are the rates for individual visitors :
- Adults: 13 €.
- Children (ages 6–17): €8.
- Students: 11 €.
- Free admission: children under 6 years old.
For groups and travel agencies, rates are available upon request only.
The online reservation is strongly recommended, even though it is possible to buy tickets on site. Please note that reservations cannot be made by phone. Here is the direct link to the palace’s website; there is no need to go through third-party ticket vendors: https://www.visitepalaisdemonaco.com/
The tour includes an audio guide available in 11 languages.
Access to the Princely Palace and transport
On foot: this is the option we recommend, health permitting. The Palais is 10 minutes from the Place d’Armes via the Rampe Major, and 5 minutes from the Place de la Visitation through the narrow streets of the Rocher. It’s a 25-30 minute walk from the station.
Bus: Lines 1 and 2, stop at Place de la Visitation.
Cars and buses: Vehicles registered outside of Monaco and the Alpes-Maritimes department (06) are not permitted to enter the Rock (Monaco-Ville), the neighborhood where the palace is located. We recommend parking at the Parking des Pêcheurs, which allows you to avoid the uphill drive to the Rock. The Condamine parking lot and the Quai Antoine Ier parking lot are also located not far from the Palace.
💡Wheelchairs and baby carriages: access to the Grands Appartements is by staircase only. Strollers must be left at the entrance to the Palais.
Our tips for a successful visit to the Palais de Monaco
The best times to visit
As we have seen, the Princely Palace of Monaco is open for approximately 8 months of the year.
As for the best time to visit, it depends in part on whether you’d like to watch the changing of the guard on the Palace Square, which takes place every morning at 11:55 a.m. If you’re not interested in this ceremony, we recommend visiting the palace while it’s taking place, or later in the day, to avoid the crowds.
Our tips for avoiding the crowds
Visits to the Palace are very popular. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Book your tickets in advance.
- Visit the sites outside weekends and school vacation periods.
- Check closing times and days: the Palais is a place of sovereignty, not a place for visitors. If circumstances require, it can be closed at any time without notice.
Activities near the Princely Palace
Here are the must-do activities within a radius of less than a kilometer.
Cultural and historical tours
The Prince’s car collection, located 850 meters from the Palace, has been moved to the Rainier III Aquatic Stadium, as the garage at the Prince’s Palace was too small to hold about a hundred cars.
The Oceanographic Museum, located 300 meters from the Palace, houses an extensive marine collection and aquariums with more than 6,000 specimens.
💡Good to know: you can buy twin tickets for the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince’s Car Collection.
Monaco Cathedral, located 200 meters from the Prince’s Palace, is a magnificent Roman-Byzantine building and the final resting place of the princes of Monaco, including Rainier III and Grace Kelly.
The Museum of Stamps and Coins is just 150 metres from the Princely Palace.
Outdoor activities
Situated 300 meters from the Palais, the Jardins Saint-Martin offer shaded paths, sculptures and breathtaking sea views.
Port Hercule, Monaco’s main port 500 meters from the Palais, is lined with luxury yachts and restaurants, ideal for a seaside stroll.
Shopping and leisure
Stroll down Princesse Caroline pedestrian street, which offers a variety of boutiques, cafés and restaurants.
Just over a kilometer away, don’t miss the Casino de Monte-Carlo ! We’ve listed all the things to do in Monaco Monaco in one day.
Our chauffeur-driven car service is ideal for planning your personalized itinerary.
Annual Events and Ceremonies at the Prince's Palace
Changing of the guard
This is a not-to-be-missed tradition during your visit to the Principality.
Every day, at precisely 11.55 a.m., the Place du Palais becomes the scene of an impressive military ceremony orchestrated by the Prince’s Carabinieri.
Dressed in black in winter and white in summer, the Carabinieri perform a meticulously choreographed ritual, punctuated by weapon movements and the sound of drums. This solemn ballet, which lasts around seven minutes, attracts crowds of amazed spectators every day.
💡Did you know? To be in the best position, we recommend arriving as early as 11:30 am.
Cour d'Honneur concerts
Every summer since 1959, the Palais Princier de Monaco has hosted classical music concerts in its Cour d’Honneur, performed by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. Major works by Strauss, Mozart and Beethoven resonate here.
Initiated by Prince Rainier III, this modern tradition is inspired by the concerts given in the 18th century by the Princes of Monaco for their people. It perpetuates the legacy of the Grimaldis, protectors of the arts and music, by opening the Palace to all.
National Day celebrations
Monegasque National Day, celebrated every year on November 19, is a day rich in tradition and ceremony.
The celebrations begin with a solemn mass in the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, attended by members of the Princely Family.
At 11 a.m., the presentation of medals takes place in the main courtyard of the Palais Princier. The ceremony continues with a military parade, a solemn moment attended by the Princely Family from the Palace balcony.
One of the highlights of the day is the salute from the balcony of the Palais Princier, eagerly awaited by the Monegasque population and spectators alike.
💡Did you know? November 19 was chosen by Prince Rainier III as a tribute to Saint Rainier, Monaco’s patron saint. Prince Albert II wished to perpetuate the tradition established by his father.
Tour Azur offers guided tours of the Princely Palace
We take care of everything, while you enjoy your day.
Our private tours
A private tour is a personalized experience with a dedicated driver-guide. He or she accompanies you every step of the way, offering detailed explanations of the sites visited.
If you’re interested in the Rock of Monaco, we have three private tour packages to suit you.
Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze from Nice
Our shared tours
The shared tours allow groups to travel together in a shared vehicle, following a predetermined itinerary. The driver provides transport between the various stops, but does not offer a guided tour. To explore Monaco, we offer two types of tours to suit your needs.
Our luxury vehicles at your service
Tour Azur offers you an exceptional travel experience aboard high-end vehicles. Whether you choose a Mercedes Luxury Vito Tourer minivan or a Mercedes Prestige Class V minivan (gas or electric), you’ll enjoy leather seats and optimal air conditioning.
Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the Rock and treat yourself to a royal day, where every detail reflects the grandeur of Monaco—and trust Tour Azur to make your excursion a success.
Is it possible to visit the Palace of Monaco?
Yes, but only during certain times of the year, and not in its entirety. We’ll explain everything in this article! Generally, the palace is open to visitors from March through October, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much does it cost to visit the Palace of Monaco?
In 2026:
- Adults: 13 €.
- Children (ages 6–17): €8.
- Students: 11 €.
- Children under 6: free.
- Groups and travel agencies: rates available upon request.
Is the Palace of Monaco worth a visit?
Yes, without a doubt. Visiting the Palace of Monaco means stepping into a place that’s still alive and steeped in history. In fact, even without taking a tour, the grounds and the Palace Square offer a memorable experience.
What can you visit for free in Monaco?
Contrary to popular belief, there are a lot of places you can visit for free:
- The port,
- Notre-Dame-Immaculée Cathedral,
- The Japanese Garden,
- Larvotto Beach,
- Palace Square,
- The Saint-Martin Gardens
- The Princess Grace Rose Garden,
- The new Mareterra neighborhood.
What can and can't be done inside the Palais?
Eating is not permitted inside the Palace. However, you’ll find plenty of dining options near the Palace.
Taking photos inside the Palace has at times been prohibited, as some visitors have noted. However, photography is currently allowed as long as you do not use a flash.
As for pets, they are not allowed unless they are in a suitable carrier. However, service animals, such as guide dogs, are permitted inside the Palace.
How long does the tour last?
Allow about 1 hour for the tour. The tour follows a set route.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, by reservation only. There is also a VIP Tour Program organized by the Prince’s Palace, which allows visitors to be guided by Christian Gauthier, the head of restoration at the Palace of Monaco, and to admire Prince Albert II’s car collection.
