Planning a day in Monaco can feel overwhelming – there’s so much to see and do in this glamorous principality. That’s where this Monaco 24-hour itinerary comes in. From wandering the charming streets of Old Town to admiring marine wonders at the Oceanographic Museum, soaking up the sun at Larvotto Beach, and strolling through Palace Square, this guide shows you how to make the most of every hour. Whether you’re after iconic sights, relaxing moments by the marina, or a taste of Monte-Carlo’s signature luxury, this itinerary walks you step by step through the perfect day in Monaco.

Morning Adventures on the Monaco 24-Hour Itinerary

08:30 – Coffee with a view (Monaco‑Ville)

Start on Le Rocher (Old Town). Grab a cappuccino on the square facing the palace ramp to watch the city wake. The lanes are still quiet, and the light over the port is soft.

09:15 – Oceanographic Museum

Walk five minutes to the cliff‑edge temple of sea life. The aquariums, sea‑turtle area, and rooftop terrace are a perfect first immersion. Plan ~90 minutes. (Opening hours vary by season; the museum publishes current times and closure notes on its site.) 

11:40 – Stroll back to the Palace square

Arrive a little early for the ceremony.

11:55 – Changing of the Guard (Carabiniers du Prince)

A short, precise daily ritual on the square – kids love the music and uniforms; adults love the sense of tradition. It’s scheduled at 11:55 every day. 

Optional detour (5–10 min): Step inside the Cathedral for a quiet moment and a look at the Grimaldi tombs before or after the ceremony. (Hours vary; check the cathedral page.) 

Afternoon Highlights for Your Monaco 24-Hour Itinerary

Marché de la Condamine (Place d’Armes)

Walk down (or take the free public elevator) to the covered market. Order a slice of barbagiuan, a socca wedge, a salad, or pasta, then sit at the communal counters. It’s lively, local, and very Monaco. The market hall runs ~7:00-15:00 daily; in the evening the Halle Gourmande reopens with food stalls (Tue–Sat 18:00-21:30). 

Early afternoon (14:00-16:00)  – Slow Riviera

14:00 – Bateau‑Bus across the port

From the market, it’s a 6-7 minute stroll to the quay for the Bateau‑Bus: a tiny electric shuttle that glides you across Port Hercule to the Yacht Club side. It’s a short, pretty crossing and a fun micro‑experience (operated by the Monaco bus company; current schedule/fares on the official page). 

14:30 – Japanese Garden & Larvotto

Amble along the seafront to the Japanese Garden for ten minutes of calm, then continue to Larvotto Beach. Depending on the season, dip your feet, rent beds, or simply people‑watch with a lemonade. The garden is free; see the Monaco page for current notes. 

Prefer wheels? The red hop‑on hop‑off loop (Monaco Le Grand Tour) is an easy way to connect Old Town, the casino, and the waterfront if you want to rest your legs for a bit. Timetables and stops are published on the official site. 

Afternoon Highlights for Your Monaco 24-Hour Itinerary

16:00 – Carré d’Or browse

Make your way up to Place du Casino and the One Monte‑Carlo arcades. Even if you’re not shopping, the windows are a show – silk, leather, and high jewelry against Belle‑Époque facades.

Casino atrium peek

Under‑18s can’t enter gaming rooms, but anyone can admire the rotunda and Belle‑Époque detailing from the public areas during the day. Dress rules and age policy are clearly listed by the operator (Monte‑Carlo SBM). 

17:30 – Golden hour on the terraces

Choose a terrace: casino square, Hôtel de Paris courtyard, or a Larvotto beachfront bar. Order something citrusy and watch the light slide down the towers.

Evening Glamour on the Monaco 24-Hour Itinerary

Option A – Market‑by‑night (casual & fun)

Circle back to Halle Gourmande at Marché de la Condamine for a relaxed dinner from the food stalls (Tue–Sat evenings). Families love the buzz; it’s easy with kids. 

Option B – Classic Monte-Carlo (dressed-up)

If you want a more polished evening, begin with dinner around Place du Casino. This is Monaco at its most iconic – palms lit softly, Belle-Époque facades glowing, and a sense of timeless theatre in the air. You’ll find refined French dining at Chez Pierre (inside the Metropole Shopping Center), inventive vegan tasting menus at Blue Bay Monte-Carlo, or Italian glamour at Cipriani Monte-Carlo. Each has its own character, and you’ll find fuller impressions of these in my dining section.

After dinner, linger in the square – the terraces of Hôtel de Paris are perfect for a digestif. And if you feel like adding a touch of gaming, the Casino de Monte-Carlo is open late (ID and evening dress are required, minimum age 18). Even if you don’t play, stepping inside the atrium for a moment gives you a glimpse of Monaco’s Belle-Époque soul.

Nightcap idea: Cross back to the port for one last look at the yachts; the reflections against the Rock are pure Riviera cinema.

“If it rains” (and other smart swaps)

• Swap beach time for Villa Paloma / Villa Sauber (NMNM) or extra time at the Oceanographic Museum; both are excellent with children. Check current exhibitions/hours before you go. 
• Use the public elevators to save hills. Monaco runs an unusually dense network of free lifts/escalators (official page notes 79 elevators, 35 escalators, 8 travelators). The Your Monaco app maps them. 

Handy map of the day (order you can follow)

Old Town (coffee) → Oceanographic Museum → Palace square (11:55) → Condamine Market (lunch) → Bateau‑Bus → Japanese Garden → Larvotto → Carré d’Or / Casino → Dinner (Halle Gourmande or Monte‑Carlo) → Port stroll.