Castles & palaces
Prince's Palace
The Prince's Palace of Monaco
The Prince's Palace serves as the official residence of the reigning Prince of Monaco and stands as a primary symbol of the principality. Visitors go to view the architecture of the fortress and the surrounding gardens, and to observe the changing of the guard ceremony.
Getting There
The palace is located in the Monaco-Ville district on the Rock. From the city centre, you can reach it via public buses or by walking up the pedestrian paths. The journey typically takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point and mode of transport.
Time Allocation
Allow approximately 1.5 to 3 hours to explore the site. This provides enough time to view the exterior, walk through the palace gardens, and watch the guard ceremony.
When to Visit
The site gets crowded during the peak summer months and during major national holidays. To avoid the largest crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons or early in the morning. The changing of the guard typically occurs daily at 11:55 AM, which is the busiest time of day.
Nearby Attractions
Because the palace is situated in the historic Monaco-Ville area, it is easy to combine the visit with other nearby sites:
- Napoleon Museum: 0km (located on the palace grounds)
- Museum of Stamps and Coins: 0.2km
- Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate: 0.2km
- Monaco-Ville: 0.4km
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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