What to do in Monaco during the autumn half-term holidays

Activities & experiences

There are plenty of ways to explore Monaco’s compact two square kilometres. Starting outside the Oceanographic Museum, the little tourist train winds its way through the streets of the Principality, taking in all the major places of interest, making it the perfect option for the whole family.  There’s also a tourist bus that lets passengers hop on and off at 12 stops across Monaco.  The ideal way to explore the country at your own pace!

Monaco has a variety of captivating escape games to amuse puzzle fans. At the Oceanographic Museum, you can embark on a voyage through time aboard the Princess Alice II, Prince Albert I’s famous research vessel. Meanwhile, the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology hosts puzzle-solving activities designed to let youngsters learn while having fun. In Fontvieille, the outdoor trail game Captain’ Game is a great way to discover the port and the local area, while learning about the importance of caring for the environment.

If we’re talking about the things you simply must see at least once when in the Principality, the changing of the guard is high on the list.  Every day at 11.55 am sharp, the Palace Guards perform the age-old ritual outside the Prince’s residence on the Rock, a living testament to Monaco’s centuries of history.

Who’s up for a round of mini-golf? Princess Antoinette Park has its own 18-hole golf course - on clay of course, not grass! Pick up a club and enjoy a game among the olive trees!

And for an experience the whole family will remember forever, why not treat yourselves to a helicopter trip? From April to October, Héli Air Monaco runs panoramic 10 or 15 minute flights above the Principality, at competitive rates.  Take a moment out of time and gaze at the Riviera unfolding far below in the gentle autumn sun. Blade also offers unforgettable helicopter rides over Monaco and the surrounding region.

Halloween 

The half-term holidays are of course synonymous with Halloween, and every year, Monaco City Hall organises a whole host of events in locations around the Principality.

On Tuesday 29 October, there will be gently spooky activities at the Princess Caroline Library for children aged 3 and over,  while young fans of shônen and shôjo won’t want to miss the “Manga Blabla” event at the Louis Notari Library, an afternoon of manga-themed fun with special Halloween games.

On 31 October, Princess Antoinette Park will be playing host to the 14th Grand Halloween Game for kids aged 3 to 10, and there will also be a face-painting stand.

The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology will be the venue for thrilling Halloween activities, including an enticing prehistoric candy hunt.

On 31 October, the Espace Léo-Ferré is hosting a Halloween Party with a DJ, unlimited alcohol-free drinks, a selfie booth, fantastic tattoos and lots more, for older kids aged 10 to 14.

And while La Condamine market has fun for all the family with its fancy-dress contest, the Espace Lamartine has older adults covered with a delightful evening ball.

There’s the classic funfair with thrills, fun and games galore at Port Hercule, while adults looking to enjoy the local nightlife will want to make for Twiga Monte-Carlo and its special "Cursed Castle  event on 31 October.

Fun courses & boot camps

Monaco’s the perfect place to brush up your skills and have fun at the same time.

Take to the stage and hone your acting style with one of the drama courses run by the Théâtre des Muses. You’ll do warm-ups, improv, learning short scripts, and give a performance at the end of the course.

In Monaco’s Old Town, the Oceanographic Museum invites kids to discover the marine world with its Oceano Club, while over in the Exotic Garden district, the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology has created stimulating activities designed to pique the curiosity of younger children.

Lunches & dinners

Autumn on the Riviera is also a chance to indulge your inner foodie with a meal at one of Monaco’s countless top restaurants, whether on a sun-kissed terrace or in a plush dining room. Incredible views of the Mediterranean are optional.

The Méridien Beach Plaza has launched brunches at Smakelijk, its Belgian-style brasserie.  Families can tuck into gourmet specialities every Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm, with fun activities to keep the kids amused including games and pastry-making.

Maya Mia  has brought back its "Italian Nights". The trattoria in Monte-Carlo is the place to be for a warm and friendly welcome and delicious Italian delicacies!

AtMarius,  the new restaurant at Port Hercule, guests can arrive in style in a chauffeur-driven vintage car. Pure class. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and hosts afterwork parties with an eclectic line-up of live music.

Finally, Da Valentino in the Larvotto district promises a night of mystery with its "Venetian Masquerade" evening. Guests will be transported into the enchanting world of the Venetian carnival celebrations, for a mystical, beguiling Halloween, accompanied by fabulous fine food!