Monaco Cruise Port Guide

The short answer

The Prince's Palace State Apartments are closed for the season and reopen in spring 2027 (2026 season was Mar 30-Oct 15). The Oceanographic Museum is open (Oct-Dec 10:00 am-6:00 pm; adults 20.50 euros). Monaco is small but steep, so plan for hills.

Getting ashoreDock or tender

Distance to townPort Hercule sits between Monaco-Ville (the Rock, with the Palace) and Monte Carlo (Casino). Both are walkable but uphill; public elevators help (not verified).

Gateway forPrince's Palace, Oceanographic Museum, Casino de Monte-Carlo, Eze

Walk to Monaco-Ville (the Rock)Unverified · Free

On the chart

Where Monaco lies

Where your ship docks

Smaller ships dock at Port Hercule; larger ships anchor offshore and tender to the port. Check your ship.

Shuttle. Not verified.

From the gangway

Getting to the sights

The way	Time	Cost
Walk to Monaco-Ville (the Rock)	Unverified	Free
Walk / public elevator to Monte Carlo Casino	Unverified	Free
Train or bus to Nice	Unverified	Unverified

Walk to Monaco-Ville (the Rock)

Time UnverifiedCost Free

From Port Hercule walk up the ramp toward the Palace.

Steep.

Walk / public elevator to Monte Carlo Casino

Time UnverifiedCost Free

Walk along the port and up to Place du Casino.

Public elevators exist (not verified).

Train or bus to Nice

Time UnverifiedCost Unverified

Monaco station or Lignes d'Azur bus.

Worth the trip

What to see

Oceanographic Museum

Famous aquarium and museum on a cliff.

How: Walk across the Rock from the Palace.
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Tickets: Adult 20.50 euros (one Jan-Mar rate shows 22.50), student 13, child 4-17 13, under 4 free. Hours: Oct-Dec and Jan-Mar 10:00 am-6:00 pm; Apr-Jun and Sep 10:00 am-7:00 pm; Jul-Aug 9:30 am-8:00 pm. Last entry 30 minutes before closing. Closed Dec 25 and F1 Grand Prix weekend.

Prince's Palace (State Apartments)

Home of Monaco's royal family.

How: Monaco-Ville.
Time: 1 hour
Tickets: Season 2026 was Mar 30-Oct 15 (10:00 am-6:00 pm; 7:00 pm Jul-Aug). Adult about 13 (currency shown inconsistently on the official site), child 6-17 8. Closed now; reopens spring 2027. Combined museum + palace ticket in season: adult 31 euros.

Casino de Monte-Carlo and Place du Casino

Famous Belle Epoque casino.

How: Walk from the port.
Time: 45 minutes
Tickets: Entry rules, age and dress code not verified.

Monaco Cathedral

Grace Kelly's grave.

How: Monaco-Ville.
Time: 20 minutes
Tickets: Not verified.

A day ashore

Your day, hour by hour

Planned for a typical call. Check your ship's all-aboard time and be back an hour early. The ship will not wait.

9:00 Ashore at Port Hercule.
9:15 Walk up to Monaco-Ville.
10:00 Palace square (outside); Cathedral.
10:45 Oceanographic Museum.
12:30 Lunch.
14:00 Walk to Monte Carlo and Place du Casino.
15:30 Back to the port. On board (or at the tender) 60-90 minutes before all-aboard.

Wise counsel

What goes wrong, and how to avoid it

Beware

Steep streets and many steps.
Prices are high.
Tender may be cancelled in rough seas.
Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend (May) closes many sights.

Do this

Monaco uses the euro and French phone networks may charge roaming differently, check your plan.
Combine with Eze or Nice if you have time.

Practical matters

Fees, money and access

Rules & fees

Monaco has dress and conduct rules in public (for example, not walking around in swimwear or shirtless), details not verified on an official source.
Casino entry requires ID and has dress rules, not verified.

Accessibility

Very hilly. Public elevators and escalators link levels (not verified). Oceanographic Museum accessibility not verified.

Money

Euro (EUR). Visa and Mastercard work in most shops, restaurants and museums; tap-to-pay is common. Carry 20-40 euros in cash for small cafes, toilets, markets and some buses. Use a bank ATM (inside a bank) and always choose to be charged in euros, not dollars, when a card machine or ATM asks.

Onward