Monaco-Ville and the Prince's Palace

Monaco-Ville, known as Le Rocher, the Rock, is the historic old town of the principality, perched atop a rugged headland jutting into the Mediterranean, a striking contrast to the modern high-rises below. A charming warren of narrow, car-free medieval lanes leads to the Prince's Palace, the official residence of the ruling Grimaldi family, whose picturesque changing of the guard draws crowds each day. Nearby stand the Romanesque-Byzantine cathedral, where Princess Grace, the Hollywood star Grace Kelly, and other royals are buried, and terraced gardens and ramparts offering sweeping views over the harbour, the sea and the packed principality.

What you actually see

• The Prince's Palace - the Grimaldi residence and changing of the guard.
• The cathedral - the resting place of Princess Grace and royals.
• The old town lanes - the car-free medieval streets.
• The ramparts and views - the sweeping vistas over Monaco and the sea.

When to go

April to October, for the mildest, sunniest weather to explore the old town and enjoy the views; the daily changing of the guard at the palace takes place around midday, drawing crowds, so arriving a little early secures a good spot. The old town is atmospheric year-round and pleasant to wander in the cooler evenings.

Honest expectations

The old town, while charming, is small and can be crowded with day-trippers and tour groups, especially around the changing of the guard, and the palace state apartments are open only seasonally; Monaco overall is famously expensive. As the historic heart of the principality, though, with its medieval lanes, the Grimaldi palace, the moving royal cathedral and sweeping clifftop views, Monaco-Ville is a genuinely charming and characterful contrast to the glitzy modern city.

Nearby

The Oceanographic Museum, the harbour and Monte-Carlo are close by.