Monte Carlo, Monaco: A Rainy Day in One of the World's Most Beautiful Cities

The second stop on our Mediterranean cruise was Monte Carlo, Monaco, and I knew before we arrived that we would be able to see the city from the ship. What I didn't expect was just how beautiful it would look from the deck.

I stepped outside for breakfast and was greeted by a spectacular view of Monaco spread out along the mountainside. The harbor was filled with boats, colorful buildings climbed the hills, and one enormous yacht was docked nearby. It was one of those cruise mornings when you realize just how lucky you are to wake up somewhere new.

A Rainy Day in Monaco

Unfortunately, the only day it rained during our entire vacation was the day we visited Monaco.

Of course!

We had planned to spend some time exploring and shopping, and one of my biggest regrets from the day is that I didn't get to do any shopping. By the time we returned to Monaco after visiting Èze Village, we were completely soaked. At that point, shopping was the last thing on our minds. All we wanted was to get back to the ship, change into dry clothes, and take a nice warm shower.

Even with the rain, though, Monaco was beautiful.

One of the things that immediately stood out to me was how clean Monaco was. The streets, sidewalks, buildings, and public areas all looked remarkably well maintained. I don't remember seeing trash on the ground, graffiti, or anything that took away from the polished appearance of the city.

It felt almost too perfect.

And if you love shopping, Monaco is definitely a place where you could easily spend more time than we did.

Getting Around Monaco

One thing I learned very quickly is that Monaco may be small, but it is not flat.

There are steep streets, stairs, and plenty of hills. A walk that looks short on a map can be much more challenging once you actually start walking it.

The good news is that Monaco has an extensive public transportation system, along with public lifts and escalators that can make getting around much easier. The current Monaco bus network includes several routes serving Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo, Fontvieille, Larvotto and other areas. The official bus company, Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM), also provides current schedules and real-time information.

If you are visiting from a cruise ship, I highly recommend looking at a current map before you leave the ship. Knowing where the elevators, escalators, and bus stops are located can save you a lot of unnecessary walking.

Taking the Bus in Monaco

We walked from the port to a nearby bus stop and used the public bus system to get around. At the time of our visit, we were traveling toward Èze Village, and we had to figure out which bus and connection would get us there.

The bus system has since changed, so I would not rely on the specific bus number we used years ago. Instead, check the current route information before your visit.

The official Monaco bus system now provides current schedules, route maps, and real-time information through its Monaco Bus service. You can also purchase tickets in several ways, including directly on the bus.

And here's another piece of advice that served us well: If you aren't sure you're on the right bus, ask someone!

There were several times when we weren't completely sure whether we were standing in the right place or heading in the right direction. We simply asked the people around us. Someone usually knew the answer.

Don't be afraid to ask.

Would You Like Breakfast Here?

How would you like to eat breakfast with this view?

This is one of my favorite things about cruising. You can wake up, walk outside, and find yourself looking at places that you may have only seen in photographs before.

That morning, Monaco was right outside our window.

A View of Port Hercules

This was our view of the port from the ship.

Port Hercules is surrounded by the hills of Monaco, which is one reason the arrival by cruise ship is so impressive. From the water, you can really appreciate how the city is built into the mountainside.

And this was the view to the right of the port.

Even though the weather didn't cooperate with us that day, I still came away with some beautiful memories of Monaco.

Monaco Travel Tips for Cruise Passengers

If Monaco is on your cruise itinerary, here are a few things I would keep in mind:

Wear comfortable shoes. Monaco is hilly, and you may encounter stairs and steep inclines.

Research the elevators and escalators before you arrive. They can make a huge difference, especially if you don't want to spend your day climbing hills. Monaco's official maps identify public lifts and escalators.

Check the current bus routes. Don't depend on an old cruise blog post for bus numbers. Routes and schedules can change. The official CAM website provides current route and schedule information.

Give yourself extra time. Monaco is small, but getting from one place to another can take longer than you expect because of the hills, stairs, traffic, and crowds.

Carry a map or have directions saved on your phone. It is much easier to enjoy your day when you aren't standing on a street corner trying to figure out where you are.

Ask for help. We did, and it made navigating Monaco much easier.

Watch the weather. We didn't expect rain, and getting caught in a downpour definitely changed our plans. An umbrella or lightweight rain jacket would have been a good idea.