Prince's Palace (Palais Princier)
7.9Friend Score / 10#8 of 13 Attractions in Monaco
Known forprinces palacepalais princiergrimaldistate apartments
The Grimaldis' working palace on the Rock, seat of one family's rule for 700+ years. The State Apartments (€13, open 30 March-15 October) are genuinely opulent, and the daily 11:55 Changing of the Guard on the square is free and real ceremony, not pageant theatre. Caveat: it closes entirely for the Grand Prix and can shut without notice for state events.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 10:00–18:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Monaco-Ville stop (CAM lines 1 and 2); or climb the Rampe Major from Place d'Armes on foot |
| Time needed | 1-1.5 hours for the apartments; add 30 minutes to catch the guard change |
| Best time to go | Arrive 11:30 for the 11:55 guard change, then go inside |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.9/10- Value7.5
- iconic8.5
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level5.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- How much does the Prince's Palace cost to visit?
- The State Apartments are €13 for adults, €11 for students, €8 for kids 6-17, free under 6. Watching the Changing of the Guard on the square outside is completely free.
- Can I photograph inside the State Apartments?
- No — photography is strictly forbidden inside, and it's enforced. Outside on the square, shoot away; the panorama over Port Hercule and Fontvieille from the palace esplanade is one of Monaco's best free views.
- When is the palace open in 2026?
- The State Apartments open 30 March through 15 October, 10:00-18:00 (until 19:00 in July-August), with last entry around 17:15. It closes entirely for Grand Prix weekend in early June and can shut without notice for state occasions — it's a working palace.
- How do I get up to the palace?
- The classic way is walking up the Rampe Major, the old cobbled ramp from Place d'Armes — 10-15 minutes, gorgeous views. Buses 1 and 2 also climb to Monaco-Ville. Note that private cars with foreign plates can't drive into the old town.
- Do the royals actually live there?
- Yes — Prince Albert II and his family live and work in the palace, which is why visits are seasonal, photography inside is banned, and whole wings stay off-limits. When the red-and-white standard flies, the Prince is in residence.
- What time is the Changing of the Guard?
- Every day at 11:55 sharp on Place du Palais, performed by the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince. It's a genuine military ceremony, about 10 minutes long, and free — get there by 11:30 for a front-row spot in summer.
- Is it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?
- The square is reachable by bus without climbing, but the apartment visit involves stairs and historic flooring — challenging for wheelchairs. Ask at the ticket office about assistance; the esplanade and views, at least, are step-free.
- Is the interior actually worth €13?
- If palaces are your thing, yes — the restored Renaissance frescoes revealed during the 2015-2022 works are remarkable, and the audio guide is included and good. If you're palace-fatigued from Europe generally, the free square, views, and ceremony may satisfy.
Nearby in Ask Monaco
- Musée du Palais Princier (State Apartments of the Prince's Palace)Museum0.04 km · 1 min walk
- Maison des PâtesRestaurant0.05 km · 1 min walk
- Condamine Market (Marché de la Condamine)Market0.06 km · 1 min walk
- Chez RogerRestaurant0.07 km · 1 min walk
- U CavagnetuRestaurant0.09 km · 1 min walk
Where to stay near Prince's Palace (Palais Princier)
Compare hotels & stays on Booking.com · doesn’t affect the Friend Score