Things To Do
in Monaco
Monaco is a tiny, gilded principality on the French Riviera perched between sea and hills. It is renowned for its glittering casino, luxury hotels, and superyacht-filled harbor that epitomize high-end glamour. Despite its small size, Monaco packs world-class dining, cultural events, and a dramatic coastal backdrop into a compact footprint.
Visitors experience a blend of opulence, Mediterranean charm, and scenic viewpoints in every step of the city-state.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the charming streets of Monaco’s Old Town, known as Monaco-Ville. Visit the iconic Prince's Palace and take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Don't forget to stop by the Saint Nicholas Cathedral, where many of the Grimaldi family members are laid to rest.
After a delightful lunch in a local café, explore the Oceanographic Museum, a marvel of architecture that houses incredible marine life exhibits. Spend some time in the surrounding gardens, where the views of the coastline are breathtaking. Encounter the diversity of Mediterranean flora as you wander through the Jardin Exotique.
As the sun sets, dine at a rooftop restaurant to savor exquisite Mediterranean cuisine while enjoying sweeping views of the harbor. Post-dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Port Hercules promenade and admire the luxury yachts. Conclude your day with a visit to the Casino de Monte-Carlo, where you can try your luck or simply soak up the glamorous atmosphere.
Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Monte Carlo Casino, an architectural masterpiece that reflects the opulence of Monaco. Enjoy a guided tour to learn about its history and the films it has inspired, all while appreciating its intricate design. Grab a coffee at a nearby café to fuel up for an exciting day ahead.
After exploring the casino’s sumptuous rooms, head to the nearby Café de Paris for lunch, where you can indulge in local specialties and watch the world go by. Spend the afternoon shopping in the designer boutiques around the Casino Square, where you can find the latest fashion and luxury brands. Don't miss the beautiful gardens nearby, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
As evening falls, dine in style at one of Monte Carlo's Michelin-starred restaurants, where culinary creations are complemented by breathtaking views. After dinner, experience the vibrant nightlife; catch a live performance at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo or dance the night away at a stylish nightclub. Enjoy the glitz and glamour that makes Monaco a unique nightlife destination.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $60-100 |
| 🛏️One night in a mid-range hotel | $150-300 |
| 🧀Grocery items (milk, bread, fruit) for a few days | $15-40 |
| 🎟️Cinema or event ticket | $12-18 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Extremely safe and well-policed
- Compact, walkable city with iconic scenery
- World-class dining and luxury experiences
- Short trips to Nice, Cap-Ferrat, and the Riviera coastline
- Very high costs for dining, lodging, and activities
- Limited nightlife beyond a few flagship venues
- Crowds and traffic around major events (Grand Prix, Yacht Show)
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la toilette?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The check, please
- "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does it cost?
- "Je voudrais..." - I would like...
- "C'est délicieux" - It's delicious
- "Au revoir" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Monaco
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic façade and opulent interiors; best for exterior shots at dusk when the building glows against the Mediterranean sky.
Historic fortress with panoramic views of the harbor and city; excellent for wide-angle shots of the Principality.
Marinas lined with luxury yachts and the blue sea—great for sunset photography and harbor reflections.
Terraced gardens with dramatic cactus displays and sweeping views over the Monaco coastline.
Architectural landmark offering sea-ward views and interesting maritime-themed exteriors.
Food in Monaco
Monaco Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A crisp, fried pastry filled with chard, ricotta, and herbs; a Monaco-Nice culinary staple often found in patisseries and markets around Monte-Carlo.
Must-Try!
A Niçoise-style onion tart topped with anchovies and black olives; enjoy it at bistros and casual eateries throughout Monaco.
A thin chickpea pancake popular along the Côte d’Azur; commonly available from street vendors and market stalls in the Old Town.
A Venetian-influenced fish stew featuring local catch; available at seafood-focused restaurants along the harbor and inrestaurant menus.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market in Monaco-Ville offering fresh produce, cheeses, pastries, and ready-to-eat bites; a great place to sample local snacks like barbagiuan and socca.
Casual options around the Rocher offering Niçoise-inspired street foods, including socca and pan bagnat (Niçoise sandwich).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress codes matter in casinos and upscale venues; modest, smart attire is expected. Greet with 'Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame' and use polite formal address in most settings.
Respect quiet zones, particularly in sacred sites; public displays of affection should be discreet in certain areas.
Safety
Tipping in Monaco
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included in upscale establishments; a small additional tip (5-10%) for good service is appreciated but not required.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is fine, and contactless payments are common. Monaco uses the euro (EUR).
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and comfortable conditions for walking the city and nearby trails. Ideal for outdoor dining and photography without the peak-summer crowds.
Hot, sunny days with high humidity and peak crowds around the coastline and events like the Grand Prix build atmosphere; stay hydrated and seek shade during peak sun hours.
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and vibrant coastal scenery. Great for waterfront-length strolls and hiking in nearby hills.
Milder winters with occasional showers; comfortable for museum visits and city strolls, though some outdoor pools and beaches may be less inviting.
Monaco at Night
Hiking in Monaco
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic coastal trail along the peninsula with sea views, coves, and cliffside segments near Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
A short hike above Monaco offering panoramic views over the principality and the coast; pairs well with a visit to the Ancient Trophy of Augustus ruins.
Airports
How to reach Monaco by plane.
Main international airport for the region, located about 30-40 minutes by road from Monaco; frequent train, bus, and taxi connections to Monaco.
Heliport offering quick heli transfers to and from Nice and other Riviera destinations; convenient for high-priority travel and luxury transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Monegasque citizens, permanent residents, and international expatriates drawn by business, finance, and luxury living.
Visitors come for the casinos, conferences, luxury shopping, and Riviera attractions, concentrated in Monte Carlo and the Old Town.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
AS Monaco FC competes in Ligue 1; matches and related events draw fans from around the region.
The historic Monaco Grand Prix runs through the city streets each year, drawing massive crowds and showcasing high-speed racing.
Monte-Carlo Masters is a premier clay-court tournament attracting top players and spectators.
Yacht culture and nearby coastal waters support sailing, paddleboarding, and other water activities.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy a wide range of vegetable-forward dishes, fresh salads, and cheese or mushroom-based plates; many top-tier restaurants will tailor menus upon request. When dining in Monaco, ask for vegetarian options or pescatarian substitutes, and look for market-driven menus that emphasize seasonal produce.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Monaco.