Perched along the French Riviera between the Mediterranean Sea and the Maritime Alps, Monaco is a storied principality where old-world glamour, royal heritage, and Mediterranean elegance converge. Governed by the Grimaldi family for more than seven centuries, this legendary enclave has long captivated European aristocracy, Hollywood icons, and the international jet set. Beyond its iconic Monte Carlo Casino, superyachts, and celebrated Grand Prix, Monaco reveals a rich cultural tapestry of Belle Époque architecture, terraced gardens, exceptional gastronomy, and world-class arts. From the historic streets of Monaco-Ville to the glamorous terraces of Monte Carlo, the principality remains an enduring symbol of Riviera sophistication. Here is our guide to Monaco.
STAY
HÔTEL DE PARIS MONTE-CARLO
The crown jewel of Monaco's hotel scene, this legendary Belle Époque palace opened in 1864 overlooking the Place du Casino. Home to Alain Ducasse's Le Louis XV, Le Grill, and the celebrated Bar Américain, it remains an institution of Monegasque hospitality. Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco; montecarlosbm.com
HÔTEL HERMITAGE MONTE-CARLO
A magnificent Belle Époque property with an Eiffel-designed glass dome, ornate interiors, and sweeping Mediterranean views. More intimate and understated than its sister property, Hôtel de Paris, with access to the renowned Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo. Square Beaumarchais, 98000 Monaco; montecarlosbm.com
HÔTEL MÉTROPOLE MONTE-CARLO
An elegant retreat steps from the Casino, with interiors by Jacques Garcia, a Mediterranean-inspired pool area designed by Karl Lagerfeld, and Spa Metropole by Givenchy. 4 Avenue de la Madone, 98000 Monaco; metropole.com
MONTE-CARLO BEACH
A glamorous seaside retreat designed by architect Roger Seassal in the 1920s, with contemporary interiors by India Mahdavi. Set just across the border in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, the hotel offers a private beach club, Olympic-sized seawater pool, and an intimate Riviera atmosphere. Avenue Princesse Grace, 06190 Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France; montecarlosbm.com
MONTE-CARLO BAY HOTEL & RESORT
A contemporary waterfront resort with landscaped gardens, a lagoon-style pool, and Michelin-starred dining at Blue Bay Marcel Ravin. 40 Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco; montecarlosbm.com
FAIRMONT MONTE CARLO
Overlooking the Mediterranean and the famous Fairmont Hairpin of the Formula 1 circuit, this expansive hotel is known for its rooftop pool, sea views, and proximity to the Casino. 12 Avenue des Spélugues, 98000 Monaco; fairmont.com
COLUMBUS HOTEL MONTE-CARLO
A contemporary boutique-style hotel in Fontvieille, offering a quieter alternative to Monte Carlo's grand palaces. Its Mediterranean-facing rooms overlook the Princess Grace Rose Garden. 23 Avenue des Papalins, 98000 Monaco; columbushotels.com
DINE | DRINK
LE LOUIS XV – ALAIN DUCASSE
Alain Ducasse's legendary three-Michelin-starred restaurant at Hôtel de Paris celebrates the produce, flavors, and culinary traditions of the Mediterranean. The gilded dining room is among the most spectacular in Europe. Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco; montecarlosbm.com
LES AMBASSADEURS BY CHRISTOPHE CUSSAC
The gastronomic restaurant at Hôtel Métropole, led by chef Christophe Cussac, combines refined Mediterranean cuisine with contemporary elegance. 4 Avenue de la Madone, 98000 Monaco; metropole.com
PAVYLLON MONTE-CARLO
Yannick Alléno's restaurant at Hôtel Hermitage offers contemporary French cuisine with Mediterranean influences, an open kitchen, and a terrace overlooking the harbor. Square Beaumarchais, 98000 Monaco; montecarlosbm.com
LE GRILL
Located on the eighth floor of Hôtel de Paris, this celebrated restaurant offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean and an iconic retractable roof. Known for its grilled meats, seafood, and signature soufflés. Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco; montecarlosbm.com
BLUE BAY MARCEL RAVIN
Chef Marcel Ravin brings together Caribbean influences and Mediterranean ingredients at this acclaimed restaurant overlooking the sea at Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. 40 Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco; montecarlosbm.com
AMAZÓNICO MONTE-CARLO
A theatrical dining destination overlooking Place du Casino, combining Latin American-inspired cuisine, lush tropical interiors, cocktails, and live music. Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco; amazonicorestaurant.com
CIPRIANI MONTE CARLO
An outpost of the legendary Italian hospitality institution, serving Venetian classics including carpaccio, baked tagliolini, and Bellinis in a polished dining room. 1 Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco; cipriani.com
COYA MONTE-CARLO
Peruvian-inspired cuisine, pisco cocktails, and vibrant interiors overlooking the Mediterranean. A lively destination for dinner and late evenings. 26 Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco; coyarestaurant.com
NOBU MONTE CARLO
Located within the Fairmont, Nobu combines Japanese-Peruvian cuisine with expansive Mediterranean views. Particularly popular for sunset dinners. 12 Avenue des Spélugues, 98000 Monaco; fairmont.com
LA MÔME MONTE-CARLO
A glamorous rooftop restaurant at the Port Palace hotel, overlooking Port Hercule and its yachts, with Mediterranean cuisine and a lively Riviera atmosphere. 7 Avenue J.F. Kennedy, 98000 Monaco; lamomegroupe.com
LA VIGIE MONTE-CARLO
An idyllic seasonal seaside restaurant perched on a rocky promontory near Monte-Carlo Beach. An exceptional setting for leisurely Mediterranean lunches overlooking the water. Avenue Princesse Grace, 06190 Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France; montecarlosbm.com
ELSA
The signature restaurant at Monte-Carlo Beach, celebrating seasonal Mediterranean ingredients, sustainable seafood, and refined Riviera cuisine. Avenue Princesse Grace, 06190 Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France; montecarlosbm.com
CAFÉ DE PARIS MONTE-CARLO
An institution since 1868, this iconic brasserie overlooking Place du Casino is ideal for a leisurely lunch, afternoon coffee, or people-watching from its celebrated terrace. Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco; montecarlosbm.com
LE BAR AMÉRICAIN
An intimate, wood-paneled institution within Hôtel de Paris, known for its classic cocktails, leather armchairs, and live jazz. One of Monaco's most elegant addresses for an evening drink. Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco; montecarlosbm.com
SASS CAFÉ
A longstanding Monaco nightlife institution, combining Mediterranean dining, live music, and dancing. A favorite of the international jet set. 11 Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco; sasscafe.com
LA NOTE BLEUE
A relaxed beachfront restaurant and jazz venue along Larvotto, serving Mediterranean cuisine accompanied by live performances. Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco; lanotebleue.mc
MARCHÉ DE LA CONDAMINE
A traditional covered market in Place d'Armes, where locals gather for coffee, regional specialties, fresh produce, and socca. A welcome glimpse into everyday Monegasque life. Place d'Armes, 98000 Monaco; visitmonaco.com
ART | CULTURE | ACTIVITIES
CASINO DE MONTE-CARLO
Designed by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opéra, this magnificent Belle Époque casino is Monaco's most recognizable landmark. Visit for its extraordinary architecture, gilded salons, frescoes, and marble interiors. Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco; montecarlosbm.com
PALAIS PRINCIER DE MONACO
The official residence of the Grimaldi family, perched above the Mediterranean in Monaco-Ville. Visit the historic State Apartments when open to the public and watch the traditional changing of the guard. Place du Palais, 98000 Monaco; palais.mc
MUSÉE OCÉANOGRAPHIQUE DE MONACO
Founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I, this monumental museum rises dramatically above the Mediterranean and houses marine exhibitions, aquariums, and a spectacular rooftop terrace. Avenue Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco; musee.oceano.org
NOUVEAU MUSÉE NATIONAL DE MONACO
Monaco's national museum of contemporary art, housed across two historic villas, Villa Paloma and Villa Sauber. Its exhibitions explore art, design, architecture, and cultural heritage. Villa Paloma, 56 Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, and Villa Sauber, 17 Avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco; nmnm.mc
OPÉRA DE MONTE-CARLO
The opulent Salle Garnier, designed by Charles Garnier and inaugurated in 1879, is among Europe's most exquisite performance spaces. Attend an opera, concert, or recital in this historic setting. Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco; opera.mc
LES BALLETS DE MONTE-CARLO
Monaco's internationally acclaimed ballet company, founded under the patronage of Princess Caroline, presents an ambitious program of contemporary and classical dance. Performances at various Monaco venues; balletsdemontecarlo.com
JARDIN EXOTIQUE DE MONACO
A dramatic botanical garden perched high above the principality, renowned for its collection of succulents, cacti, and panoramic views. Check reopening and visitor access before planning a visit. 62 Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, 98000 Monaco; jardin-exotique.mc
JARDIN JAPONAIS
A serene Japanese garden with a koi pond, waterfalls, stone lanterns, and traditional landscaping, offering a quiet retreat from the energy of Monte Carlo. Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco; visitmonaco.com
ROSERAIE PRINCESSE GRACE
Created in memory of Princess Grace, this romantic rose garden in Fontvieille contains thousands of rose bushes and is particularly beautiful during spring blooms. Avenue des Papalins, 98000 Monaco; visitmonaco.com
MONACO-VILLE / LE ROCHER
Wander the narrow streets of Monaco's historic old town, perched on the Rock above the harbor. Discover pastel-colored buildings, the Prince's Palace, and the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III are buried. Monaco-Ville, 98000 Monaco; visitmonaco.com
PORT HERCULE
Monaco's legendary deep-water harbor, lined with extraordinary yachts and framed by the dramatic architecture of Monte Carlo. Particularly atmospheric at sunset and during the annual Monaco Yacht Show. Port Hercule, 98000 Monaco; visitmonaco.com
LARVOTTO BEACH
Monaco's principal public beach, with a waterfront promenade, beach clubs, restaurants, and clear Mediterranean waters. Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco; visitmonaco.com
THERMES MARINS MONTE-CARLO
A renowned wellness sanctuary overlooking Port Hercule, offering seawater treatments, a heated indoor pool, spa rituals, and fitness facilities. 2 Avenue de Monte-Carlo, 98000 Monaco; montecarlosbm.com
SPA METROPOLE BY GIVENCHY
A sophisticated spa designed by Didier Gomez, combining Givenchy's beauty philosophy with tailored treatments and an elegant, fashion-inspired interior. 4 Avenue de la Madone, 98000 Monaco; metropole.com
SHOP
ONE MONTE-CARLO
A contemporary luxury shopping district beside Place du Casino, featuring flagship boutiques from the world's leading fashion and jewelry houses, including Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier. Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco; montecarlosbm.com
LE MÉTROPOLE SHOPPING MONTE-CARLO
An elegant shopping gallery with marble floors, chandeliers, designer boutiques, jewelry houses, and cafés, located opposite Hôtel Métropole. 17 Avenue des Spélugues, 98000 Monaco; metropoleshoppingmontecarlo.com
CERCLE D'OR
Monaco's prestigious luxury shopping quarter surrounding the Casino, home to international fashion maisons, fine jewelry, and watchmakers. Avenue des Beaux-Arts and surrounding streets, 98000 Monaco; visitmonaco.com
CONDAMINE SHOPPING DISTRICT
A more intimate shopping experience with independent boutiques, specialty food shops, local businesses, and traditional markets around Rue Grimaldi and Rue Princesse Caroline. La Condamine, 98000 Monaco; visitmonaco.com
EVENTS | CULTURE
MONACO GRAND PRIX
One of the most prestigious events in international motorsport, with Formula 1 cars racing through Monte Carlo's narrow streets, past the Casino and around Port Hercule. Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco; formula1.com
MONACO YACHT SHOW
An annual gathering of the world's most extraordinary superyachts, designers, shipbuilders, and collectors at Port Hercule. Port Hercule, 98000 Monaco; monacoyachtshow.com
MONTE-CARLO ROLEX MASTERS
One of Europe's most prestigious clay-court tennis tournaments, held each spring at the Monte-Carlo Country Club overlooking the Mediterranean. 155 Avenue Princesse Grace, 06190 Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France; montecarlotennismasters.com
MONTE-CARLO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
The principality's distinguished orchestra performs classical concerts at the Auditorium Rainier III, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, and the Prince's Palace courtyard. Auditorium Rainier III, Boulevard Louis II, 98000 Monaco; opmc.mc