Musée océanographique de Monaco

I highly recommend visiting the Monaco Oceanographic Museum. The building has five levels in total (including the ground floor and terrace), but the two highlights are Floor -2 and Floor +1. Floor -2 (Aquariums): This is where you’ll find the aquariums, the main attraction for both adults and children. It’s a must-see. Floor +1 (Exhibits): This floor houses fascinating exhibits about oceanography, exploration, and history. Adults will find them engaging, though children may lose interest quickly. For families, a good strategy is to let the kids enjoy the aquariums first while you take time to explore the museum-style exhibits upstairs without rushing. A visit takes a minimum of 2 hours, with 3 hours being ideal. Anything longer might feel overwhelming, so if you want to dive deeper into all the details and information panels, it’s worth considering a second visit. Other floors are less essential: Floor -1: Mostly empty. Ground floor (0): Entrance, gift shop, and a stunning conference hall that looks more like a palace. Terrace (+2): Offers beautiful views but not a major highlight compared to the main exhibits. Overall, the museum is an enriching experience, especially if you focus on the two key levels.

Is this place awesome? Yes. Is it worth the entry price? Maybe. Would I go again? No. Let me clarify. If you've got kids, it's DEFINITELY worth it. Otherwise there's other things to do / see that are more amazing. What it's got is a nice restaurant terrace with a kids playground. And an awesome function room that we spend some time just sitting. Otherwise it's just good, but not great.

Beautiful and well curated. The aquarium part is well kept, with interesting information about the fish and other creatures kept in the tanks. It is not too big, but with its focus on the Mediterranean, it covered a lot of species. The exhibit part was very interesting and organised, and much better than what I would expect from what I thought would be an aquarium. The 2050 exhibit was positive and engaging, and I left feeling hopeful (in contrast to the usual feeling of helplessness against climate change). The view from the terrace is beautiful.

One of the most beautiful museums in Europe! On the very edge of a steep cliff, carved into stone overlooking the ocean. Very modern and well kept with exhibitions ranging from polar ice explorations and skeletons of blue whales to the history of Monaco. Definitely a must visit if you go to Monaco! We did not buy tickets in advance nor did we wait, visited in July!

A must do visit in Monaco, with or without children. The building itself was very impressive. However the displays were amazing. The exhibition was incredibly well done and very entertaining. The view from the rooftop with its restaurant and cafe was amazing.

My favourite place in the world! Beautiful building on the side of the cliff, price was 22 euro for an adult but well worth it, especially if you have never been before. Large clean tanks and animals look well cared for. New digital installation which the nephews loved. Make sure you go to the rooftop for the panoramic views! Lush clear blue sea and fab views of the boats and port.

Small, but great aquarium at the top of a mountain. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water for the walk up and up and up the incline to reach the aquarium. Most of the people going up to the museum stopped to rest and enjoy the view about midway up. I believe there is a little train/tram... wish I had known before the exhausting climb.

A Must-See in Monaco! Situated in a stunning historical building right opposite the Prince’s Palace, this well-designed aquarium offers a fascinating glimpse into marine life — it really has a bit of everything. From massive tanks with colourful fish to sharks, graceful turtles, and mesmerizing jellyfish 🐟, there’s something to capture the attention of all ages. You can explore it in about one to two hours, depending on how long you linger at each tank. On a super hot day, it’s slightly cooler inside — a welcome break from the heat, even if not fully air-conditioned. A bonus is the location — there are some great places for lunch nearby that are not too overpriced, making it easy to turn your visit into a relaxed day out. You can even buy multi-tickets, which allow you to visit the aquarium and the castle, making for a perfect combination of history, culture, and nature in one trip. Whether you’re in Monaco for a quick visit or a longer stay, this spot is a fantastic family-friendly experience that blends history, education, and the wonder of the ocean.