Real-time monitoring plays a crucial role in developing smart cities, leveraging sensor networks and communication protocols to gather and analyze data for efficient urban management. This paper examines integrating sensor networks and communication protocols in enabling real-time monitoring systems within smart cities. It explores the deployment of sensor nodes across urban areas to collect diverse data streams related to environmental quality, traffic flow, energy consumption, and infrastructure health. Communication protocols such as IoT-based technologies and wireless sensor networks facilitate seamless data transmission and integration, ensuring timely and accurate information delivery to city authorities and stakeholders. The paper also discusses the scalability, interoperability, and data privacy/security concerns. Insights drawn from case studies and technological advancements highlight the transformative impact of real-time monitoring on urban sustainability and citizen well-being.