Perched on the Rock since 1215, the Prince's Palace of Monaco opens its State Apartments to the public every spring. Discover our complete guide to planning your visit.
The Prince's Palace of Monaco: 700 Years of Grimaldi History
Perched on the Rock of Monaco, the Prince's Palace has overlooked Port Hercule and the Mediterranean for more than seven centuries. As the official residence of the Grimaldi family, it ranks among the Principality's most iconic landmarks and draws visitors from around the world each year. Whether you are passionate about history, fascinated by architecture, or simply curious to explore a royal palace that is still inhabited, this complete guide gives you everything you need to plan your visit to the Prince's Palace of Monaco in 2026.
From a Genoese fortress to a princely residence
The history of the Prince's Palace begins in 1215, when the Republic of Genoa built a fortress on the rocky promontory overlooking the harbour. A strategic position on the maritime route between Italy and Spain, the site served first as a military bastion before becoming the cradle of a dynasty that still reigns today.
Over the centuries, successive sovereigns transformed the austere fortress into a grand state palace. Honoré II, who became the first Prince of Monaco in 1612, gave the residence its monarchical character by commissioning frescoes, galleries and reception halls worthy of the great European courts. The State Apartments, as visitors see them today, preserve the essence of these historic arrangements.
François Grimaldi and the monk's ruse
The Grimaldi seizure of Monaco in 1297 is one of the most famous episodes in Monegasque history. François Grimaldi, disguised as a Franciscan monk, knocked at the gate of the Genoese fortress one January evening. Once inside, he opened the doors to his companions-in-arms who stormed the stronghold. This founding episode is immortalised in Monaco's coat of arms, where two sword-bearing monks flank the princely shield. Attentive visitors can spot these arms on the Palace facade and in the courtyard of honour.
What Can You Visit at the Prince's Palace?
The Prince's Palace opens its doors to the public every year from spring to autumn. The visit takes you through the magnificent State Apartments, the courtyard of honour and galleries adorned with Renaissance frescoes. Here is what awaits you.
The State Apartments
The highlight of the visit, the State Apartments cover more than 600 square metres and offer an outstanding panorama of European decorative art. The tour takes you through the Throne Room, where the Prince still receives foreign dignitaries, the York Chamber, the Hercules Gallery with its 17th-century frescoes, and the Blue Room with its damask-lined walls. Each room tells a chapter of Grimaldi history, featuring period furniture, family portraits and precious artefacts.
The visit is audio-guided and available in several languages, allowing you to appreciate the historical and artistic details at your own pace. Allow approximately 40 minutes to complete the circuit.
The courtyard of honour and galleries
Before entering the Apartments, visitors cross the courtyard of honour, paved with white and pink pebbles arranged in geometric patterns. Flanked by arcades and a monumental Carrara marble staircase, this courtyard serves as the setting for official ceremonies and summer concerts by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. The acoustics are remarkable.
The side galleries display collections of armour, historic cannons and cannonballs dating from the era when the site was still a military stronghold. These elements recall the dual identity of the place: a state palace and an impregnable fortress.
Collections and works of art
The Palace houses an impressive collection of artworks accumulated by the princes over the centuries. Italian and Flemish paintings, Gobelins tapestries, and Louis XV and Empire furniture form a coherent ensemble that rivals some museums. The frescoes in the Hercules Gallery, attributed to 17th-century Genoese artists, are among the monument's best-preserved treasures.
♦ Concierge's tip
To enjoy the State Apartments without the crowds, we recommend our guests arrive right at opening time, 10am, on a weekday. You will finish the tour around 10:45am, just in time to head back down to the courtyard and watch the Changing of the Guard at 11:55am. It is the perfect programme for a morning on the Rock.
The Changing of the Guard: A Spectacle Not to Be Missed
Every day at precisely 11:55am, the Palace Square comes alive for the Changing of the Guard performed by the Prince's Carabinieri. This ritual, observed for over a century, is one of Monaco's most photographed moments and takes place free of charge, right in front of the Palace entrance.
What time is the Changing of the Guard in Monaco?
The ceremony begins every day at 11:55am, summer and winter alike, without exception. It lasts approximately seven minutes. The Carabinieri, dressed in black uniforms in winter and white in summer, perform a meticulously choreographed routine punctuated by weapon movements and drumrolls. The spectacle is solemn yet enjoyed by children and adults alike.
How to find the best spot for the ceremony
The Palace Square fills up quickly during peak season. For a good vantage point, arrive at least 20 minutes before the ceremony, around 11:30am. Position yourself facing the main sentry box, slightly to the right as you look at the Palace. This side offers the best perspective on the entire military ballet. In summer, bring water and a hat: the square is fully exposed to the sun with no shade.
Practical Information: Opening Hours, Prices and Access
Planning your visit to the Prince's Palace of Monaco requires a few checks, as opening hours vary by season and the Palace closes in winter. Here is all the practical information for 2026.
Opening hours 2026
The State Apartments are open to the public from 30 March to 15 October 2026. From March to June, then September and October, visits run from 10am to 6pm (last entry at 5pm). In July and August, hours are extended from 10am to 7pm (last entry at 6pm). The ticket office opens 15 minutes before visits begin, at 9:45am.
The Palace closes during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. Be sure to check the exact dates if your stay coincides with this event.
Prices and tickets
Ticket prices for the State Apartments in 2026 are as follows: EUR 13 for adults, EUR 11 for students, EUR 8 for children aged 6 to 17, and free for children under 6. Tickets can be purchased at the Palace ticket office or online at the official website palais.mc. Booking online is recommended during peak season to avoid queues.
How to reach the Palace from Port Hercule
From the Port Palace, a boutique hotel on Port Hercule, the Prince's Palace is a 15-minute walk. The most scenic route follows the Rampe Major, a gently sloping pedestrian path winding between the colourful houses of the old town. The alternative: take the free public lift near the Fishermen's car park, which drops visitors directly on the Rock.
For those who prefer motorised access, the Chemin des Pêcheurs car park sits at the foot of the Rock. Port Palace guests can also ask for route advice at reception.
Tips for a Successful Visit to the Prince's Palace
A few tricks will help you make the most of this experience and avoid the usual pitfalls of highly visited sites.
When is the best time to visit the Prince's Palace?
April, May (outside Grand Prix week), September and October offer the best balance between pleasant weather and moderate crowds. On weekdays, the first hours after opening at 10am are the quietest: organised groups tend to arrive around 11am. If you want to combine the State Apartments and the Changing of the Guard, start with the Apartments at 10am and head back to the courtyard around 11:45am.
How long does the visit take?
The audio-guided tour of the State Apartments takes about 40 minutes. Add 15 to 20 minutes for the courtyard and exterior galleries, plus 10 minutes for the Changing of the Guard if you stay for it. In total, allow between 1 hour and 1.5 hours on site, more if you wish to linger on the Palace Square and enjoy the panoramic views over the port and the Mediterranean.
Is the Prince's Palace worth visiting?
Absolutely. The Prince's Palace is one of the few European royal palaces still inhabited by a reigning family, giving it an authenticity that museums cannot replicate. The State Apartments are beautifully preserved, and the view from the Palace Square ranks among the finest on the French Riviera. At EUR 13 per ticket, the value is excellent compared to palaces in Paris or Rome.
☉ Good to know
Photos are allowed in the courtyard and on the Palace Square, but prohibited inside the State Apartments. Wear comfortable shoes: the climb to the Rock involves slopes and cobbled steps. In summer, the Palace Square is fully exposed to the sun - a hat and water bottle are essential.
What to See Near the Prince's Palace on the Rock of Monaco
The Rock quarter (Monaco-Ville) is home to several remarkable sites just steps from the Palace. Combining these visits in a single morning or afternoon is easy and allows you to discover the historic heart of the Principality.
Monaco Cathedral
Built in 1875 from white La Turbie stone, the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate houses the tombs of Monaco's princes, including those of Rainier III and Princess Grace. Entry is free. The cathedral is a 3-minute walk from the Palace, heading south along the Rock.
The Oceanographic Museum
Founded by Prince Albert I in 1910, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is one of Europe's largest aquariums. Its monumental facade overlooks the sea from an 85-metre cliff. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the visit. It sits 5 minutes on foot from the Palace, at the southern tip of the Rock.
The Saint-Martin Gardens
These hanging gardens connect the Palace to the Oceanographic Museum along a shaded path running beside the cliff. Parasol pines, agaves and sculptures line the walk, with spectacular viewpoints over the Mediterranean. Access is free and open year-round. It is a detour of just a few minutes that is well worth taking, especially in the late afternoon when the light turns golden.
For a complete overview of the Principality's highlights, see our guide to the must-see attractions in Monaco.
Stay Facing the Prince's Palace, on Port Hercule
Visible from the Palace Square, Port Hercule provides an ideal base for a visit to Monaco. The Port Palace and its suites overlooking the harbour sits 15 minutes on foot from the Rock, right on the waterfront. When staying with us, guests enjoy a dedicated concierge service that can arrange every detail of their stay: ticket bookings, route recommendations or transfers from Nice airport.
In the evening, the La Mome restaurant on the hotel's 6th floor serves Mediterranean cuisine with rooftop views over the harbour and the illuminated Rock. A natural extension to a day of cultural discovery.
Port Palace Monaco
Stay 15 minutes from the Prince's Palace, facing Port Hercule
All our rooms offer views over the harbour and the Rock of Monaco. Enjoy a dedicated concierge service to arrange every detail of your visit.
Book your stayFAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About the Prince's Palace
Can you visit the inside of the Prince's Palace in Monaco?
Yes, the State Apartments are open to the public from 30 March to 15 October each year. The visit is audio-guided and lasts approximately 40 minutes. For the rest of the year, the Palace is closed to visitors as it remains the private residence of the princely family.
How much does it cost to visit the Prince's Palace?
In 2026, the adult ticket costs EUR 13, the student ticket EUR 11 and the child ticket (6-17 years) EUR 8. Entry is free for children under 6. The Changing of the Guard, which takes place daily at 11:55am on the Palace Square, is free and open to all.
Is the Prince's Palace open all year round?
No, visits to the State Apartments are only available from spring to autumn (late March to mid-October). However, the Palace Square and the Changing of the Guard are accessible year-round, free of charge. The Palace also closes during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.
How do you get to the Prince's Palace from central Monaco?
From Port Hercule or the Condamine, allow 10 to 15 minutes on foot via the Rampe Major or the free public lift at the Fishermen's car park. From the Casino de Monte-Carlo, it takes about 20 minutes on foot. There is no car park at the top of the Rock.
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