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The best things to do in
Monaco

Language:   French

Currency: EUR

Sales Tax: 20%

Monaco is a small but glamorous country on the French Riviera, known for its luxury and beautiful Mediterranean views. It covers just 2.1 square kilometers (0.81 square miles), making it the second smallest country in the world after the Vatican. Despite its tiny size, Monaco has famous attractions and a stunning coastline.

The city-state is known for being one of the safest places in the world, thanks to its strict and highly efficient local police force. In addition, surveillance cameras are placed throughout the principality, especially in tourist areas. Monaco's strict enforcement of laws makes it a safe destination for visitors. However, this also means travelers must respect local regulations to avoid fines or other penalties.

Monaco is best known for being one of the most expensive places in the world. The cost of living and visiting is high due to its luxury hotels, fine dining, and exclusive events like the Monaco Grand Prix and Yacht Show. Real estate here is some of the priciest in the world, and the country attracts many wealthy residents. While visiting can be costly, Monaco offers high-end experiences for those who want to indulge in its lavish lifestyle.

You can explore the historic old town, visit the Prince's Palace, and take in the Mediterranean views from the Monte Carlo Casino and Port Hercules harbor. We have been visiting Monaco every year for some time now and it never gets old. While many cities on the French Riviera have great views of the Mediterranean, Monaco’s charm continues to be endearing. Here are some of the best things to do in Monaco:

FORTLOC Monaco Tour - The glamour of the principality of Monaco

Some of the best things to do in Monaco

Casino de Monte-Carlo

Casino de Monte-Carlo

Exotic car fans will be happy to know that rare hypercars are regularly parked in front of the casino for your viewing pleasure. If you're in town with your exotic car, note that the valet service is as good as they come. You won't need to worry about missing your planned scenic drive after visiting the casino.

Casino Square

Casino Square

Casino Square (Place du Casino) is definitely our favorite spot in Monte Carlo. While it rained during our last visit (during the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show), the weather had a minimal effect on the area’s allure. It is one of the most iconic locations in Monaco. You can’t really claim to have visited the principality without stepping into the square. It is surrounded by several high-end restaurants, shops, luxury hotels, and high-profile casinos. These include the world-famous Casino de Monte Carlo, Casino Café de Paris, and Hotel de Paris. In addition, you can enjoy great views of the superyachts in Port Hercule from Av. de Monte-Carlo, which is just a few meters away.

The road cutting through Casino Square is part of the street circuit used during the Monaco Grand Prix. This makes it a must-visit spot for any Formula One fan. While it's easy to visit most of Monaco's attractions in a short period, Place du Casino should be at the top of your list if you have limited time.

Explore Monaco by Air

Explore Monaco by Air

The French Riviera is an beautiful corner of the planet. From the countless scenic driving routes to nice beaches, islands, and remarkable rock formations, this location has everything to provide a great vacation. Unless you plan to be here for weeks, relatively speaking, you can’t cover much ground. The next best thing? A helicopter tour. Manoco has a helipad by the Mediterranean Sea, offering a glorious view.

Port Hercules

Port Hercules

Some yacht brokers insist there’s a silent competition here on who has the largest yacht. Time your trip carefully, and you may see megayachts that appear as large as cruise ships.

Beyond the yachts, Av. J.F. Kennedy Street, which passes through Port Hercules, is lined with local stores and restaurants you can explore. You can also visit some yacht builders with offices nearby to get a yacht built to your specifications. Don’t forget to make an appointment before your visit.

Fontvieille

Fontvieille

Fontvieille has a range of shopping centers, offices, and residential buildings, all set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. It also boasts a marina filled with luxury yachts. While the harbor is not as large as Port Hercules, it has a similar appeal.

Visitors can explore the Princess Grace Rose Garden, a beautiful space dedicated to Monaco's beloved princess. It features thousands of rose bushes in a well-kept setting. Fontvieille is also home to the Stade Louis II, the stadium where AS Monaco FC plays its home games.

Monaco Top Cars Collection

Monaco Top Cars Collection

The collection was re-organized in 2012 when some of the original cars were sold. However, there are still plenty of amazing cars to see including the Bugatti Type 35 which was driven to victory in the first ever Monaco Grand Prix in 1929.

Palais du Prince (The Prince's Palace)

Palais du Prince (The Prince's Palace)

The Prince's Palace is in Le Rocher (Monaco-Ville). As the official residence of the ruling Grimaldi family, the palace has a long history, dating back to its origins as a fortress in the 13th century. Visitors to the palace can embark on guided tours that offer a glimpse into the world of Monaco's royalty.

The State Apartments, with their lavish decor, priceless art, and exquisite furnishings, showcase the elegance of the palace. Highlights include the Throne Room, where official ceremonies occur, and the Palatine Chapel, a beautifully ornate private chapel used by the royal family. The changing of the guard, which takes place daily at 11:55 AM, is a popular attraction, providing a colorful and ceremonial display of tradition.

Beyond its historical significance, the location offers views of the surrounding city and the Mediterranean Sea. During the summer months, the palace courtyard transforms into a unique venue for open-air concerts by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, adding a cultural dimension to the visitor experience.

Monaco Grand Prix

Monaco Grand Prix

The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most popular races on the F1 calendar. It also has plenty of fans outside the F1 crowd due to the prestige associated with Monaco. If you’re interested in watching the Grand Prix live, plan accordingly. Note that hotel prices are at their highest during the Grand Prix weekend and are difficult to come by. Even the cost of mooring a yacht at Port Hercules increases during the weekend.

They say the paddock is a great place to close business deals in a casual setting. If you’re looking to host business partners at a race, Monaco is the place to do it.

Musee Oceanagraphique

Musee Oceanagraphique

The museum has a large aquarium with marine life in large tanks. A popular part is the "Shark Lagoon," which has 240,000 liters of seawater. It hosts various shark species, including nurse sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and hawksbill turtles. Other popular fish in the aquarium include the venomous blue-spotted stingray native to the Indo-Pacific region.

Le Jardin Saint Martin

Le Jardin Saint Martin

One Monte-Carlo

One Monte-Carlo

Shopping on Av. de Monte-Carlo

Shopping on Av. de Monte-Carlo

There's plenty to see when walking down Av. de Monte-Carlo from Casino Square towards La Condamine. There's the Thermes Marins Monte Carlo fitness center and the superyachts and megayachts moored at Port Hercules. However, looking to the right, where Hotel de Paris is located, you'll notice many high-end shops lining the street. You'll find brands including Hermes, Gucci, and Prada.

If you're staying at one of the nearby SBM hotels, they'll happily help you get your shopping bags to your room. So feel free to indulge in a lengthy shopping spree.

Stroll through Le Rocher

Stroll through Le Rocher

The Romanesque Revival architecture cathedral, built in 1875, is open for daily tours, excluding mass time. The cathedral is famous for housing the final resting place of many from Monaco's Royal Family, including Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III.

Moneghetti District

Moneghetti District

The Moneghetti District's narrow streets will give you a different experience of the French Riviera. Also known as Les Moneghetti or Little Monaco, this part of the city-state is home to many native Monegasques. Situated in the northern part of Monaco, the streets have steep hills, so be ready for a workout while you explore the neighborhood.

Le Jardin Japonais

Le Jardin Japonais

If you've seen our video tour of Monaco, you'll notice that we ended the tour at Le Jardin Japonais. Why did we make that choice? After hiking around Monaco's attractions, Le Jardin Japonais is the perfect place to relax. The Japanese garden-themed park is located a few minutes walk from the Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel tunnel. It was designed by landscape architect Yasuo Beppu at the request of Prince Rainier III. The park comes complete with stone lanterns, bamboo hedges, a waterfall, and a pond with colorful koi fish.

It's the perfect place to end your exploration of the city-state, but if you choose to do that, you should note that the garden closes at 5:45 or 6:45 pm, depending on the season. You certainly don't want to show up there only to encounter closed gates.

Thermes Marins Monte Carlo

Thermes Marins Monte Carlo

The 6600sm center offers state-of-the-art equipment to provide the rejuvenation you need. In addition to the fully equipped fitness center, other amenities and services include multiple Elemis treatments, various massage options, a heated seawater pool, and an outdoor whirlpool.

The center also has an in-house restaurant, L'Hirondelle. It offers healthy Mediterranean dishes and an outdoor dining area with clear views of Le Rocher and the Mediterranean Sea. If you stay at Hotel Hermitage Monte Carlo or Hotel de Paris, you can access the center without exiting the building.

Larvotto

Larvotto

Larvotto district is just a short walk from Monte Carlo. The beautiful beach here has clear blue waters and white sand. This makes it ideal for a day of lazing around.

The beach has amenities, including sun loungers, umbrellas, and beachside restaurants where visitors can enjoy great Mediterranean food while enjoying the sea views. It is also known for its calm, shallow waters.

Larvotto Beach is also a hub of activity and social life. During the summer, the beach buzzes with energy, attracting a mix of swimmers, and people enjoying water sports.

The Grand Prix walk

The Grand Prix walk

Given the popularity of the Monaco Grand Prix, walking the path of the street circuit used in the race is a common activity among visitors. Every time we are in the city-state, we make sure we at least take a partial walk along the path. You can start the hike at the Sainte Devote Church and proceed up the hill on Av d'Stende, passing by landmarks like Thermes Marins, Hotel de Paris, and Casino Square.

Proceeding from Casino Square, you can walk by Av Des Spelugues, which will take you to the most famous part of the circuit, the Fairmont Hairpin, right by the hotel that shares its name. You can then proceed to the tunnel and emerge in La Condamine, where the super and mega yachts await to dazzle you.

The final part starts at the corner where the La Rascasse bar is located. From here, you can proceed down Boulevard Albert 1er, where the pit lane is located to complete the tour.

Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM)

Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM)

The Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM) is a prominent cultural institution that showcases Monaco's rich heritage and contemporary art scene. Spread across two locations - Villa Paloma, next to Jardin Exotique, and the grand Villa Sauber in the Larvotto district. The museum offers various exhibitions featuring modern art.

Both villas are historic buildings, and their stunning architecture complements the artwork. The NMNM is known for its rotating exhibitions, which highlight the works of famous and emerging artists from Monaco and other countries.

In addition to its art exhibitions, the NMNM plays a vital role in preserving Monaco's cultural history. The museum often collaborates with international institutions, hosting temporary exhibits that explore various art. It is a must-visit destination for all visitors who appreciate modern art.

Cruise the Mediterranean coast

Cruise the Mediterranean coast

Monaco only has a coastline of 2.38 miles, and there is no better way to explore it than in a supercar. Tourists can head out of the city-state to other parts of the French Riviera as the Mediterranean Sea breeze blows through their hair. You can rent a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or any other grand tourer to cruise around the beautiful coastal roads.

Monaco is an great vacation location, especially for people who like cars. Its unique attractions make it one of the most glamorous vacation spots on the planet.

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Where to Stay

Top Luxury Hotels

Book your stay in one of Monaco's top luxury hotels

Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo


Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo

Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo


Fairmont Monte Carlo

Fairmont Monte Carlo


Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel

Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel


Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo


Monte Carlo Bay

Monte Carlo Bay


Pan Bagnat

Local Favorite: Pan Bagnat

While a sandwich may not sound very interesting when talking about cuisine and delicacies, there’s something rather special about the Pan Bagnat. This sandwich comes stacked high with anchovies or tuna (some varieties come with both), hard-boiled eggs, and raw vegetables, topped off with olive oil, salt, and pepper. All these go into a round french bread, sometimes rubbed with garlic. It’s also worth noting that the bread is essentially drenched in olive oil. Given its ingredients, you can think of the sandwich as a tuna salad wrapped in bread. Also popular in neighboring Nice, the sandwich is usually available in bakeries and markets. On your next visit to Monaco, be sure to try this special "tuna salad".

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