Monaco is a small country on the French Riviera, known for its luxury and sublime bay views. It covers just 2.1 sq km (0.81 square miles), making it the world's second smallest country after the Vatican.
The city-state is known for being one of the safest places in the world, thanks to its strict local police force. Visitors don't need to worry about safety while they're here.
While Monaco can be costly, it offers many high-end experiences. We have been visiting the city-state every year for some time now, and it never gets old. There's no shortage of French Riviera cities with great views of the Mediterranean. However, Monaco's charm remains endearing.
Parking is hard to come by here, so you may want to consider the Petit Train (a mini tourist train) or just walk around. Here are some of the best things to do in Monaco:
Films/TV references
Things to do & See
Casino Square
Casino Square (Place du Casino) is our favorite spot in Monte Carlo. It is one of the most iconic places in Monaco. Unlike our 2024 visit when the rain ruined the views, the weather during the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show was much better.
There are many shops, luxury hotels, and casinos around the square. These include the Casino de Monte Carlo and Hôtel de Paris Monte Carlo. You can also enjoy views of the large yachts at the port from Av. de Monte-Carlo, which is just a few meters away.
The road 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 in a short period, Place du Casino should be at the top of your list if you're short on time.
Casino de Monte-Carlo
Monte-Carlo, famed for its glamour, is the best-known part of Monaco. Casino de Monte Carlo is the most famous place in the district. Many claim the casino, which opened in 1865, is the most beautiful in the world. James Bond films GoldenEye, and Never Say Never Again featured the casino in many scenes.
Even if you're not keen on casinos, you should stop by to take in the Belle Époque facade. Other nice parts of the building include the Atrium and Café de la Rotonde.
Rare hypercars often park in front of the casino for the delight of exotic car fans. 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 a stop at the casino.
It also houses Monaco's famed opera house. If you're an opera fan, be sure to browse through the calendar to see what shows are on during your visit.
Port Hercules
Looking down the hill from Casino Square, you'll find one of the spots that made Monaco famous. You'll see yachts of various sizes docked in Port Hercules, the most popular place in the La Condamine district.
Some yacht brokers insist there's a silent contest here on who has the largest yacht. Time your trip right, and you may see megayachts that appear as large as cruise ships. Yachting fans who can time their trip for late September can enjoy the Monaco Yacht Show. It is the most elegant, if not the best on the planet.
One of the highlights of our visit to the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show was our tour of the IDOL yacht. We also interviewed Erwin Bamps on the Majesty 100 Terrace, which we saw in concept form at the 2024 show.
Beyond the yachts, Av. J.F. Kennedy Street, which runs through Port Hercules, has local stores and eateries to explore. You can also visit some yacht builders with offices nearby to get a yacht built to your liking or buy a pre-owned one. Don't forget to setup a meeting before your visit.
Fontvieille
Fontvieille is known for its modern look that contrasts with the more historic areas. The area is the result of an effort to reclaim land from the sea in the 1970s. It blends residential, commercial, and green spaces.
The district has a large shopping center and nice homes, all set against the backdrop of the sea. It also has a marina filled with luxury yachts and many restaurants. While the harbor is not as large as Port Hercules, it has a similar appeal.
Visitors can explore the Princess Grace Rose Garden, a space that honors Monaco's beloved princess. Socca fans should note that the district is home to the Stade Louis II stadium. This is where AS Monaco FC plays its home games.
Monaco Top Cars Collection
The Monaco Top Cars Collection is a museum housing the cars that belonged to Prince Rainier III. The museum was in Fontvieille until 2023, when it moved to Port Hercules. It is now close to the Automobile Club de Monaco on the route of the Monaco Grand Prix street circuit. Given the hype around the GP, this is a much better spot for it.
The fleet saw major changes in 2012 when some cars were sold. However, there are still plenty of cars to see, including the Bugatti Type 35, driven to victory in the first Monaco Grand Prix in 1929.
Ferrari fans should look out for Charles Leclerc's race cars. The Alpha Romeo he drove on his first F1 team, and the Ferrari he won two races with in his 2019 debut with the Ferrari team. Other cars to look out for include the 1967 Lamborghini Miura and a replica of the 1954 MK1 featured in the movie To Catch a Thief.
Stroll through Le Rocher
Beyond Monte Carlo, Le Rocher (The Rock) is the place to see key landmarks. These include the Prince's Palace and Jardin Saint Martin. The hilltop old town is also known as Monaco-Ville. Other places to see include the courthouse and the Saint Nicholas Cathedral.
While the courthouse isn't open to the public, you should look out for it while exploring the old town. The building is made of white stone and has a great-looking façade.
Visitors can tour the church except during mass. The final resting places of many members of the royal family are here. These include Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace Kelly. Many people visit to see the princess's burial site.
You will find two famous organs here. One is the grand organ built by Jean-Loup Boisseau. The other is the choir organ built by Tamburini. Visitors should note the dress code for entering the church.
Palais du Prince (The Prince's Palace)
The Prince's Palace is in Le Rocher. As the official home of the royal family, the palace has a long history. It dates back to its origins as a fortress in the 13th century. Visitors to the palace can take guided tours for a glimpse into the world of the royal family.
The State Apartments, with lavish decor and priceless art, showcase the palace's allure. Key places include the Throne Room and the Palatine Chapel, an ornate private chapel. The daily changing of the guard, which takes place at 11:55 AM, offers a colorful display of tradition. You need to arrive early to get front row viewing.
Beyond its history, it offers views of the city and the sea. The palace courtyard morphs into a unique venue in the summer months. It often hosts concerts by the local Orchestra.
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 chic associated with it. If you want to watch the Grand Prix live, make early plans.
Note that hotel prices are at their highest during the Grand Prix and are hard to come by. Even the cost of mooring a yacht at Port Hercules increases during the weekend.
Few F1 venues can match the chic of the Monaco race. F1 team sponsors host many parties with high-profile guest lists. It's also the F1 race with the most celebrity appearances. You can get official premium tickets for the entire weekend for the best views.
New in 2025, and now in 2026, you can get official tickets for viewing from a yacht. In prior years, you could only get those tickets from third parties. They say the paddock is a great place to close deals in a casual setting. If you want to host business partners, Monaco is the place to do it.
Oceanographic Museum
The Oceanographic Museum conducts research to address environmental issues. This is our favorite place in Le Rocher. Everyone who comes to Monaco should visit the museum. Why? Follow the link to watch a video of our visit to the museum. After all, a picture (or in this case a video) is worth a thousand words.
Apart from being a museum, it has a large aquarium with marine life in large tanks. A popular section is the "Shark Lagoon," which has 240,000 liters of seawater. It hosts shark species such as nurse sharks and blacktip reef sharks. It also has hawksbill turtles. The blue-spotted stingray is another fish found here. It is native to the Indo-Pacific region.
The museum has many displays about the ocean. These include a giant squid and a replica of David Bushnell's turtle submarine. Any group with children should add the museum to their list of must-visit places. The little ones will love the large displays.
Le Jardin Saint Martin
With places like the museum and the Prince's Palace nearby, it's easy to walk past the Saint Martin Garden without noticing it.
The garden is close to Cathédrale de Monaco. It is the perfect place to take a break while you explore Le Rocher. With stunning views of the sea, the park makes Monte Carlo's busy streets seem miles away.
It contains some unique plants such as yellow agaves and Aleppo pine trees. Other things to look out for include a statue of Princess Grace and one of Prince Albert I by French sculptor François Cogné.
One Monte-Carlo
Unlike most other places in Monaco, One Monte-Carlo hasn't been around long. It was only opened in 2019 and doesn't have the Belle Époque style of the buildings around it. Instead, it has a unique modern look that stands out.
It is the work of Sir Richard Rogers' firm. If you don't know the name, he also worked on the Pompidou Center in Paris and London's Millennium Dome.
One Monte-Carlo is a premier address in Monaco. It has apartments and retail spaces from top luxury brands, such as Gucci, Prada, and Hermès. It's also close to Hotel de Paris. That makes it the ideal place to shop for guests staying at the hotel.
Shopping on Av. de Monte-Carlo
There's plenty to see on Av. de Monte-Carlo from Casino Square towards La Condamine. There's the Thermes Marins Monte Carlo fitness center and the yachts moored at Port Hercules. Looking to the right at Hotel de Paris, you'll notice many high-end shops, such as Hermes, Gucci, and Prada. The street is one of the best places to shop in Monte Carlo.
If you don't find what you want, try the stores at Hotel Hermitage, a two-minute walk up Av. Princess Alice. There are also options on the other side of Hotel de Paris. Designer stores here include Giorgio Armani and Cartier.
If you love shopping, there's one hotel service you should note. SBM hotel guests can get help taking their shopping bags to their rooms. One more reason to consider one of these hotels.
Moneghetti District
The Moneghetti District (also known as Little Monaco) is the part of the city-state that is home to many locals. It is in the north, and the streets are steep, so be ready for a workout as you explore the district.
This is where you'll find the city-state's only train station. Gare de Monaco train station was opened in 1999.
Most trains stopping at the station are part of the TER regional train service from Marseille to Italy. Visitors can take a train to one of many towns and villages around Monaco. A day trip to Italy isn't a bad idea either.
Jardin Exotique
Jardin Exotique is a well-known spot in the city-state. It is famous for its beautiful views. It is a exotic garden with cacti, winding paths carved into the rock, and sublime views that sweep across the harbor and the sea.
There's also the added bonus of a grotto and the nearby Museum of Anthropology. It has long been a favorite stop for visitors seeking the best viewpoint in Monaco.
The garden reopened in March 2026 with many safety updates after being closed for about 6 years. As you would expect, Prince Albert II was present to reopen one of the city's key places to see.
Le Jardin Japonais
If you've seen our tour of the city-state, you'll notice we ended it at Le Jardin Japonais. Why did we make that choice? After hiking around, the green space is a good place to relax. The Japanese garden-themed park is a few minutes' walk from the Fairmont Hotel tunnel.
Yasuo Beppu designed it at the request of Prince Rainier III. The park has stone lanterns, bamboo hedges, and a pond with colorful koi fish. All common in Japanese gardens.
It is the perfect place to end your tour of the city-state. However, note that the garden closes at 5:45 or 6:45 pm, depending on the season. You don't want to show up only to find the gates closed.
Thermes Marins Monte Carlo
Thermes Marins Monte Carlo is a top-notch wellness center in the heart of Monte Carlo. It is a great place to end the day after hiking around town.
The 6600sm center has state-of-the-art gear for all your needs. The services include Elemis treatments, massage options, a heated pool, and a whirlpool.
It has a unique in-house eatery. Here, you can get healthy dishes and enjoy the outdoor dining area with views of Le Rocher and the sea. Guests at Hotel Hermitage Monte Carlo and Hotel de Paris can access the center via a tunnel.
Larvotto
Larvotto is just a short walk from Monte Carlo. The beach here has clear blue waters and white sand, making it ideal for a day of lazing around.
The beach has amenities, such as sun loungers, umbrellas, and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy local food while taking in the sea views. The beach is also a hub of fun and social life. When the weather is warm, it buzzes with energy as people enjoy water sports.
Beyond the beach, Larvotto is right next to Mareterra. The new district (though many think of it as part of Larvotto) opened in December 2024. It increased the number of waterfront homes and expanded the meaning of luxury in the city-state. It is a green project with offerings like solar panels.
The Grimaldi Forum in Larvotto is a premier event venue. It hosts events like Top Marques (which we attended for the first time in 2024) and the TV Festival. If you have a big event to attend in the city-state, there is a very good chance it's hosted at the Grimaldi Forum.
The Grand Prix walk
Given the Monaco Grand Prix's fame, walking the circuit is common among visitors. Every time we are in the city-state, we make sure we take a partial walk along the path. However, it's not like there's much you can do to avoid the street circuit. There aren't that many alternate routes. Start your hike at the Sainte Devote Church. Then, go up the hill on Av d'Stende. You will pass landmarks like Thermes Marins and Hotel de Paris.
Proceeding from Casino Square, you can walk by Av Des Spelugues. This will take you to the most famous Fairmont Hairpin. It is in front of the hotel that shares its name. You can then proceed to the tunnel and emerge in La Condamine, where the mega yachts await.
The final part starts at the La Rascasse bar corner. You can then proceed down Boulevard Albert 1er, where the pit lane and finish line are located, to complete the tour.
Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM)
The NMNM, as it is known to many, showcases Monaco's rich art scene. The museum has two locations. The first is Villa Paloma, next to Jardin Exotique. The other is the grand Villa Sauber in the waterfront district. The museum houses many modern art exhibits at both villas.
Both villas are historic buildings. Their designs complement the artwork. The NMNM is known for its rotating art. These highlight the works of famous and emerging artists from Monaco and other countries.
The NMNM also plays a vital role in displaying Monaco's history. The museum often holds art events with international partners. It is a must-visit place for all visitors who like modern art.
Cruise the Mediterranean coast
Driving along the coastline is a great way to experience the scenic roads of the French Riviera. The path you choose matters little. It's hard to go wrong here, and you'll see some sights that are sure to make you marvel. You could drive west through Cap-d'Ail and up to Eze, where views all the way to the Bay of Saint Tropez await you at the hilltop village.
Driving east from Monaco will reveal sublime views in Cap-Martin and Menton. If you like what you see, keep driving past Menton along the coast. You'll see some of the best coastal roads of Côte d'Azur. If you're having as much fun as we think you will at this stage, proceed to the Italian towns along the route and make a few stops to enjoy Italian cuisine.
While traveling along these roads, the team agreed that the drive was the highlight of our last joint trip to the area.
Explore Monaco by Air
The French Riviera is a nice corner of the planet. From the scenic driving routes to the beaches, islands, and unique landscape, this place has all to provide a great vacation. Unless you plan to be here for weeks, you can't cover much of what's worth seeing. The next best thing? A helicopter tour. Manoco has a helipad offering a glorious view before you even get on board.
Monacair and Heli Air Monaco are the two main tour vendors. Both offer many shared and private rides with tours ranging from short trips over the city-state to extended Riviera tours. The private tours cost more, but these give you more control over what to see. If you can spare the time, plan for long tours or transfers to other parts of the region.
If you're arriving from Nice, a good option is the transfer from Nice airport. To get an idea of how nice these tours can be, check out the video of our Monaco tour above or our Nice video, which shows an aerial tour of Cannes.
FORTLOC Monaco Tour - The glamour of the principality of Monaco
Airport
Transportation
- Bus: The Airport Xpress buses are the best way to get from Nice Airport to the city center. Monaco Menton Express Bus 110 offers direct transit to Monaco.
- Taxi: Several taxi companies are available at the airport.
- Train: You can take the train from the St Augustin station which is close to Terminal 1 at the airport.
Ride Hailing
Sixt, Blacklane
Popular Local Cuisine
Pan Bagnat
A sandwich might not seem special when talking about delicacies. However, Pan Bagnat is different. This sandwich comes stacked high with anchovies or tuna (some 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 comes with plenty of olive oil. Given what's in it, you can think of the sandwich as a tuna salad wrapped in bread. In nearby Nice, you can also find the sandwich in bakeries and markets. On your next visit to Monaco, be sure to try this special "tuna salad".
Best Time to Visit
Choosing the best time to visit Monaco may be a bit of a challenge. With year-round high-profile events, you should decide what's most important to you before your visit. The Grand Prix and Yacht Show are the most popular events. That means a visit in May or September. However, if you don't care much for those events, late spring or early summer is the best time to visit.
Historical Weather by Month
Monaco, Monaco
Where to Eat
Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse
Le Louis XV is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant. It is best known as one of the area's most celebrated places to eat. Chef Alain Ducasse's menu highlights the flavors of Provence. Each dish uses produce and protein sourced from the region's farmers, fishermen, and foragers.
The cuisine includes dishes like blue lobster, line-caught fish, and greens from the Riviera elevated to an art form. Wine lovers will like the 450,000-bottle wine cellar the most, one of the largest in the world.
Le Grill
Le Grill offers views of the sea and the city from the eighth floor of Hôtel de Paris. The menu highlights simple grilled dishes, prepared with precision. Its famous, retractable roof makes dining here unique.
Dishes like wood-fired lamb and grilled lobster are served with seasonal produce. There's an aura of elegance here, with service that goes well with the inviting menu. It's an ideal spot for travelers seeking good dining and great views.
Pavyllon Monte-Carlo
Pavyllon Monte-Carlo brings French dining with a creative twist to Hôtel Hermitage. Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno is in charge here, and it shows. The place blends high culinary skill with a relaxed, open-kitchen. Guests can watch the kitchen staff at work for an engaging and elegant night out.
The menu features dishes with special sauces that reveal Chef Alléno's unique skills. The chefs design every meal to balance modern methods with time-honored cooking styles. It also has the secret weapon of fine wines curated by experts.
Yoshi
Yoshi presents an elegant fusion of Japanese minimalism and Monte-Carlo glamour. Designed by Didier Gomez, the restaurant has a Zen-like interior that contrasts with the vibrant Japanese garden terrace. This makes it perfect for formal dinners.
Under the guidance of chef Takéo Yamazaki, the cuisine includes sushi, sashimi, and inventive hot dishes crafted with the finest ingredients. The menu honors authentic Japanese flavors while adapting to European tastes. Yoshi offers a journey into Japanese cuisine in Monaco's fine dining scene.
Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac
Set within Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo, Les Ambassadeurs offers a gastronomic experience where chef Christophe Cussac showcases Mediterranean flavors with elegance. The interiors, designed by Jacques Garcia, combine rich textures and warm lighting, creating an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere.
The menu showcases refined Mediterranean classics, with emphasis on fresh produce. Expect dishes like sea bass with seasonal vegetables and rich sauces. Aiming to be authentic, Les Ambassadeurs stands as a modern fine dining reference in Monaco.
Rampoldi
A Monte-Carlo institution since 1946, Rampoldi has long been a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Located across the street from the gardens of Casino de Monte Carlo, its glamorous Belle Époque interiors exude timeless charm.
The restaurant has elevated its culinary offering under Chef Antonio Salvatore. It blends Italian roots with modern creativity. The eatery offers dishes such as truffle risotto and exquisite pastas, paired with wines from a well-curated cellar. The atmosphere is both elegant and welcoming, drawing in celebrities, jet-set travelers, and the royal family.
Where to Stay
