Monaco is a city-state located on the Mediterranean Sea, along the French Riviera. The second-smallest country in the world, it's known for attracting the world's jet-set, as well as for its casino, Prince's Palace, luxury hotels and Formula 1 Grand Prix. The Côte d'Azur is a superlative destination, with a history to tell. What's there to do and see in the Principality's 2.02 km2 territory? Here are the 13 must-sees.
1. Stroll around the Rocher district
The Rocher is one of Monaco'smust-see districts. It is home to the Prince's Palace, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-Immaculée de Monaco, the Palace of Justice, the Chapel of Mercy and the Oceanographic Museum. Take time to see the ramparts, then wander the streets and alleys to admire the pretty houses built between the 16th and 18th centuries. After a stroll or a stroll down the stairs, visitors can stop off at one of the bars or restaurants in the area. The Rocher also offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean.
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2. Visit the Prince's Palace
The Prince's Palace is, as its name suggests, the residence of the princely family. The beauty of the medieval dwelling and the rest of the facade perfectly express the grandeur of the Grimaldi family. The Grands Appartements are open to visitors from April to October. Visitors discover the 16th-century mythological frescoes of the Galerie Hercule, the Salon Louis XV, the Galerie des Glaces, the Salle du Trône and the Chapelle Palatine. Every day at 11:55 a.m., the changing of the guard is a spectacle not to be missed. The Prince's Carabinieri, who ensure the safety of the building and the princely family, cross the square and demonstrate their weaponry to the sound of drums.
Discover all Monaco has to offer on this guided walking tour. You'll stroll through picturesque Monte Carlo, explore the charming old town and admire the Prince's Palace, among other sights.
3. How to get to the Casino de Monte-Carlo
A stroll through the Monte-Carlo district is an opportunity to visit its legendary casino. This venue, featured in numerous films including James Bond, is a sublime Belle Époque building designed by Charles Garnier in 1879. It's hard not to be dazzled by the beauty of its façade. Numerous celebrities frequent it for their gambling. It's also possible to drop in for a visit, every day between 10am and 1pm. Its lounges are magnificent. The casino also houses bars and restaurants.
4. Stroll the paths of the Saint-Martin Gardens
The Saint-Martin Gardens were the first public garden to open in Monaco, in 1816. For the record, they were built on abandoned land to provide work for the inhabitants at a time when the Principality was suffering from famine. Originally, the gardens were typically Mediterranean, with pine, pistachio, myrtle and holm oak trees. Exotic species were added over time, including numerous cacti. Strolling along the pathways, you can contemplate the plants and sculptures, including one by Prince Albert1st, or take a break by the pool. And what views there are of the Mediterranean!
5. Strolling through the Oceanographic Museum
Located on the side of the Rocher and founded by Prince Albert1st in 1910, the Musée Océanographique is one of the world's finest museums dedicated to the marine world. It's a place where you can learn about what goes on beneath the oceans, and learn about the need to preserve them. The collections include naturalized specimens, models, archival documents and photographs, as well as skeletons of marine mammals. It also houses the world's largest cabinet of marine curiosities. The other highlight of the visit is the aquariums. These include species found in the Mediterranean, as well as those found in the tropics.
Click here to book your ticket for the Monaco Oceanographic Museum.
6. Explore the Monte Carlo district
The Monte-Carlo district is a gentle blend of extravagance and refinement in the heart of Monaco's city-state. Known as the home of the casino, it's also worth getting lost in its streets to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of luxury and glamour. There are numerous designer boutiques, refined restaurants, sumptuous hotels, including theHôtel Hermitage, villas and luxury buildings. Strollers can take advantage of their visit to One Monte-Carlo, a new venue dedicated to luxury shopping, gastronomy and culture.
Click here to book your guided tour of Monte Carlo by multi-stop bus. You'll visit Port Hercule, the Oceanographic Museum, Villa Sauber and much more.
7. Laying down your towel on Monaco's Larvotto beach
Monaco isn't a seaside resort per se, but it's still possible to enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean. Larvotto beach is the Principality's only public beach. A mix of sand and gravel, you can come here to set up your towel or rent a deckchair. The waters are clear, making it a great place for snorkeling. Larvotto beach is also lined with a promenade featuring stores, restaurants and establishments of all kinds. A visit to the beach is always appreciated when temperatures rise in summer.
8. Follow the Formula 1 Grand Prix route
The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the oldest and most prestigious motor races in the world. Inaugurated by the Prince in 1929, racing enthusiasts are still keen to follow its route, which winds its way through the streets of Port Hercule, Monte-Carlo and La Condamine over a total length of 3.34 km. A demanding circuit, symbolized by the Fairmont bend, the slowest in F1. Of course, fans of the sport can plan to visit Monaco and watch the race, which takes place every year at the end of May. You can also book this guided tour of the Formula 1 circuit, which will take you behind the scenes of the race.
9. Stroll through Monaco's Japanese Garden
Created in 1994 at the request of Prince Rainier III, the Japanese Garden is one of Monaco's most beautiful spaces. A rich blend of Japanese traditions and Mediterranean elements. Built by landscape architect Yasuo BEPPU in accordance with the principles of Zen thinking, it invites visitors to discover the elements of a Japanese garden: islands, waterfall, Koi carp pond, tea house, lanterns, Zen garden and bridges. For the record, the plants are Mediterranean, while all the materials, such as wood, tiles and stone lanterns, have been imported from Japan.
10. See Prince Rainier III's automobile collection
Monaco and cars have a long history. Car enthusiasts can visit the Prince of Monaco's car collection , housed in a beautiful showcase at Port Hercule. A visit that can follow the route of the Formula 1 circuit, for example! Around 70 vehicles are on display in a modern, attractive setting. The collection includes legendary Ferrari and Porsche models, vintage cars from the early 20th century, racing cars including Formula 1s, and even the car used by Prince Albert II and Charlene of Monaco for their wedding in 2011.
11. Discover the New National Museum of Monaco
Visitors with an interest in art can plan to visit the NMNM, the Nouveau Musée National Monaco. Its aim is to enhance the Principality's heritage and showcase contemporary art through temporary exhibitions at the two sites, Villa Paloma and Villa Sauber. The collection includes 10,000 works of contemporary art, with names such as Claude Monet, Léon Bakst, Michel Larionov, Jean Cocteau, Guy Lartigue and Victor Vasarely. Villa Sauber is one of Monaco's last remaining Belle Époque villas. The Villa Paloma also catches the eye, with its daring architecture.
12. Enjoy the gastronomic scene
Monaco is a great getaway for food lovers. Visitors can browse the traditional Condamine market for local produce, and the Principality also boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants. Many addresses feature Mediterranean cuisine, renowned for its diversity of flavors and use of healthy products. But there are also establishments that honor the gastronomy of other countries, such as Japan. La Chocolaterie de Monaco is a veritable institution. It has been operating since 1920.
13. Explore the Fontvieille district
Fontvieille is Monaco'swesternmost district. Multi-faceted, it is organized around a harbor where it is pleasant to stop for lunch or dinner. The restaurants offer beautiful views of the Rock. The terraces of Fontvieille, on the higher ground, reveal a lovely marine panorama. This is also where you'll find the Jardin Animalier, home to some 300 animals of some 60 different species, and the 315 varieties of roses in the Roseraie de la Princesse Grace, located in the Parc Paysager de Fontvieille. In short, Fontvieille has something for everyone.
Where to stay in Monaco?
Let's face it, spending a whole week in a hotel in Monaco can quickly add up. The Principality boasts a number of luxurious hotels. However, even the tightest of budgets can find a few affordable establishments where they can enjoy the pleasure of waking up in the Principality.
- Hôtel Miramar, overlooking Port Hercule
Located on Port Hercule,this hotel boasts bright, modern rooms with a marine theme. Some have a small balcony with a view of the boats and the Prince's Palace. The location is perfect for quick access to the old town or the dynamic Fontvieille district. Breakfast can be taken on the rooftop on sunny days. Click here to book your stay!
- Novotel Monte-Carlo, for relaxation areas
The hotel boasts bright, comfortable rooms that you can book here in just a few clicks. It boasts a beautiful swimming pool and access to a spa with sauna, hammam and steam bath. An on-site restaurant serves Mediterranean specialties. The hotel's location is perfect, close to the train station. Monaco's main sights are within easy walking distance.
- L'Hôtel de France, for affordable rates
The hotel offers simple but perfectly comfortable rooms bookable right here. The value for money is excellent for this establishment located in the heart of the La Condamine shopping district. It's also just a 10-minute walk from the Palais Princier and the Monte Carlo Casino. For those arriving by car, there is paid parking right next to the hotel.
What's free in Monaco?
It's perfectly possible to visit some of Monaco's must-see places without spending a penny. We recommend strolling around the Rock, visiting religious monuments such as Monaco Cathedral, and visiting the ports of Hercule and Fontvieille. Gardens such as the Exotic Garden and the Japanese Garden are also freely accessible. And these are wonderful natural settings. Another idea is to follow the route of the F1 Grand Prix.
What can families do in Monaco?
Visitors who decide to come to Monaco as a family have plenty of options to keep the kids happy. In fine weather, the whole family will enjoy spending time on Larvotto beach, between sandcastles and swimming in the translucent waters of the Mediterranean. Gardens such as the Japanese Garden, the Exotic Garden and the Saint-Martin Gardens are a feast for the eyes, both in terms of landscaping and plants. With the little ones, you can plan a tour of Monaco on the little train, and get on the bikes with the teenagers. Don't forget to visit the Animal Garden and the Oceanographic Museum. The latter boasts some magnificent aquariums.
You can also download this self-guided treasure hunt in Monaco's old town. You'll explore Monaco's old town, finding clues and solving riddles to find your way to the city's most iconic attractions.
A trip to Monaco is often added to the program of a stay in Nice. Discover the city's must-sees and everything you can do duringa weekend in the prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes.
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