Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Inspire me!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Inspire me!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team- Home
- Destinations Monaco
Flights to Monaco: Travel guide for holidays to Monaco
Explore the various deals on offer for Monaco hotels – with last-minute flights to Monaco and advance booking, there's something for everyone.
Monaco is one of Europe's most popular cities, a state in its own right. Whether you visit it as part of a stay on the Cote d'Azur or book a hotel in Monaco itself, the city is worth exploring. Notoriously a city that is set up to cater to the needs of the rich and famous, Monaco can still be enjoyed by everyone. If you are considering holidays to Monaco and want to know how to keep costs down, this guide will help.
Why visit Monaco on holiday?
Monaco might be famous for its casino, super-yacht harbour and royal family, but there's more to it than that. Firstly, this rocky part of the Mediterranean is a beautiful place to visit. Much of the old part of the city has retained its charm. Of course, there are plenty of high-rise buildings crammed into the area, too. However, this gives the place an exciting, modern feel, a bit like Hong Kong in a way. As such, you get a blend of the old and the new in Monaco.
Although there's no beach in the central part of the city, which is dominated by the port, there are some good ones. Holidaymakers typically head to Larvotto Beach, with plenty of amenities. There's also a man-made beach called Plage du Solarium. It is often less crowded than Larvotto and better suited to a half-day visit.
The Changing of the Guard at the Prince's Palace is another big draw. This happens every day from five minutes to noon. It is popular with tourists because it shows something of the city's unique heritage. What's more, unlike many things in Monaco, it is free to witness.
Visiting Monaco on day trips
Because hotels in Monaco are expensive, even by the standards of the South of France, you might consider staying nearby and heading to Monaco on day trips. Many visitors do this. Parking can be expensive, though, but bus links are cheap. Strolling around the harbour is a popular thing to do. For those who like to walk, following the Formula 1 racing circuit is possible. Take some bottled water with you if this is your plan, though, because it can get hot.
The Casino de Monte-Carlo is on this walking route. Its square is worth a visit for its belle époque architecture and the many luxury cars you'll find parked outside. You don't have to step inside with the high rollers to be able to enjoy its iconic status. Near Larvotto Beach is a wonderful set of Japanese gardens. Something of a hidden gem, they feature koi ponds, waterfalls and traditional Japanese landscaping. Free of charge to enter, they offer a serene break from the bustle of Monaco's busy streets.
London to Monaco transport options
Monaco does not have its own airport. It only has space for helipads, which typically transfer wealthy passengers to and from nearby airfields. Nice Cote d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the nearest airport. Search for flights to Monaco via Nice. London to Monaco flights run from Stansted (STN), Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Luton (LTN) and City (LCY). You can also fly directly to Nice from Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), Bristol (BRS), Edinburgh (EDI), Liverpool (LPL) and Leeds Bradford (LBA). Seasonal services run from Belfast (BFS).
Driving from London to Monaco takes about 15 hours, so you would need to stop en route after crossing the Cchannel. Some people prefer to take the train. This involves taking the Eurostar to Paris and then transferring across the French capital, however. Once you've made your way to Gare de Lyon, where services to Monaco depart, it is a further six hours of travel, even on an express service. Generally speaking, flights to Monaco are cheaper, not just quicker.
How to get cheap flights to Monaco
Booking early is often the best way of obtaining deals on flights to Monaco via Nice. Look for services from the UK to Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) in Italy, as well. Although this would involve a much longer transfer (109 miles), you can sometimes find bargains among last-minute flights this way.
Some British holidaymakers are tied to certain dates. If so, the sooner you can book your flights to Monaco, the better. However, if you can be flexible, then last-minute flights can be a better option. Typically, you won't find them on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, though. If you're prepared to fly on a Tuesday or a Wednesday, the chances of securing last-minute flights to Monaco become more likely.
FAQs about holidays to Monaco
Q: How expensive is a holiday to Monaco?
A: Monaco is an expensive place to stay and eat out in. Even compared to the cost of accommodation in much of the Cote d'Azur, hotels in Monaco are pricey. Buses in the city are reasonably priced, but most activities will be costly. You can keep costs down by staying outside of Monaco and travelling to it on day trips.
Q: Can you have a cheap holiday in Monaco?
A: Holidays to Monaco will never be cheap. However, by booking the right flights to Monaco and tracking down deals on Monaco hotels, you can lower the costs. Many people choose a weekend break instead of a full week's holiday in the city to stay on top of their overall spending.
Q: How much money do I need for a trip to Monaco?
A: Even with budget hotels outside of Monaco and using public transport, you can expect to spend several hundred pounds per person per day in the city. However, just wandering around the city on foot is free. It is quite small and can be explored this way. You'll see many of the famous sites, but you'll need to pay if you want to go in to explore them.
Q: What time is best to visit Monaco?
A: May to September is Monaco's high season. Flights to Monaco and the cost of Monaco hotel rooms go up at this time of year. Note that prices soar when the Monaco Grand Prix is staged in May. The same occurs for the annual yacht show each September. With the exception of the run-up to Christmas – when a festive market is staged – winter is generally cheaper.
- Packing list for every type of breakPacking list for a city breakPacking list for a beach holidayPacking list for a winter holidayPacking list for a hiking trip
We value your privacy
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised content, and analyse our traffic. By clicking "Accept All" you accept this and consent that we share this information with third parties and that your data may be processed in the USA. For more information, please read our .
You can adjust your preferences at any time. If you deny, we will use only the essential cookies and unfortunately, you will not receive any personalised content. To deny, .