Things to Do in Monaco: City Guides & Audio Tours

Looking for things to do in Monaco? This tiny sovereign city-state on the French Riviera combines the historic Rock of Monaco, the glamour of Monte-Carlo, Mediterranean views and major cultural institutions within an area of just over two square kilometres. Neywo offers free audio guides for 2 cities in Monaco, with 55 narrated places in total, available in 11 languages.

Monaco lies between France and the Mediterranean Sea. Its modern identity is closely tied to the House of Grimaldi, which has governed the principality, apart from brief interruptions, since 1297. A visit reveals how this long history coexists with casinos, museums, opera, sport and marine research.

What to see and do in Monaco

Explore Monaco and the Rock

The historic Rock of Monaco is at the centre of the principality’s story. The Grimaldi family bought Monaco from the Crown of Aragon in 1419 and became the undisputed rulers of the Rock. Their rule was interrupted when revolutionary forces captured Monaco and France occupied it, before the Grimaldis returned to power. Monaco later became a protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia, and its sovereignty was formally recognised by a treaty with France.

The principality is still a constitutional monarchy. Prince Albert the Second is head of state, while France remains responsible for Monaco’s wider defence. These layers of political history make the Rock more than a scenic part of the Riviera: it is the setting for Monaco’s struggle to preserve its independence through changing European powers.

For a focused introduction to the city, explore the Monaco city guide on Neywo. It includes 35 narrated places, among them the Musée océanographique de Monaco, the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate and the Opéra de Monte-Carlo.

Visit the Musée océanographique de Monaco

The Musée océanographique de Monaco reflects the principality’s role in marine conservation and research. Monaco is also home to United Nations marine laboratories, making the sea an important part of its international profile as well as its geography.

The museum is one of the principal places to include in a Monaco travel guide. It shows a side of the principality that goes beyond its reputation for casinos and finance, connecting Monaco with scientific work and the protection of the marine environment.

See the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate

The Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate is among the main narrated places in Monaco. It belongs to the historic and cultural side of the principality, alongside the Rock and the institutions that express Monaco’s long connection with the Grimaldi dynasty.

Including the cathedral in a visit helps balance the modern image of luxury and tourism with the older religious and political character of Monaco.

Discover Monte-Carlo and its casino

Monte-Carlo is one of the best-known parts of Monaco and a natural focus for visitors interested in the principality’s modern identity. The opening of the Monte Carlo Casino in the late nineteenth century helped accelerate Monaco’s prosperity, alongside the arrival of a rail connection to Paris.

The district remains closely associated with the casino, tourism and international visitors. The Monte-Carlo city guide covers 20 narrated places, including the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, Monte Carlo Casino, Nouveau Musée National de Monaco and Synagogue Edmond Safra.

Attend a performance at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo

The Opéra de Monte-Carlo is one of Monaco’s important cultural institutions and appears among the highlights of both the principality and Monte-Carlo. Its presence reflects the breadth of Monaco’s cultural life, which also includes a symphony orchestra and a classical ballet company.

The opera house offers a different perspective on Monte-Carlo: alongside the casino and financial activity, the district has a strong place in the performing arts.

Look beyond the casino image

Casinos and finance are prominent parts of Monaco’s reputation, but they do not describe the whole principality. Tourism, banking and services remain central to the economy, while Monaco also supports football and basketball teams, cultural institutions and marine research.

The concentration of people and languages is equally distinctive. About 38,000 people live in just over two square kilometres, making Monaco the world’s most densely populated country. French is the official language, while Italian and Monégasque are also widely spoken and understood. Monégasque, a variety of Ligurian, appears on some signs and is taught in schools.

Experience Monaco’s international character

Monaco’s prosperity and daily life reach well beyond its borders. The principality hosts the Monaco Grand Prix, attracts visitors through tourism and has developed a role in banking and services. Its constitutional system, international population and close relationship with France all contribute to the unusual character of this small country.

Its sovereignty has been shaped by agreements with larger powers, but Monaco has retained a distinct political identity. That contrast—small territory, international reach—is one of the most interesting things to discover while travelling through the principality.

Explore Monaco with Neywo’s free audio guide

Download Neywo and explore Monaco at your own pace. The app offers free audio guides for 2 cities, with 4 walking tours and 55 narrated places in total. Narration is available in 11 languages.

The app tells the story of each place as you reach it, so you can walk independently, pause whenever you like and discover Monaco without a group or a schedule.