10 things you must do in Monaco!

The very name Monaco evokes images of supercars, superyachts and sun-drenched glamour on the Côte d’Azur. This tiny Principality more than lives up to its reputation. From Belle Époque elegance to Formula One adrenaline, here are 10 things you must do in Monaco for the ultimate Riviera experience.

1. Visit Casino Square & the Monte Carlo Casino

2. Champagne at Café de Paris Monte-Carlo

Overlooking the iconic Casino Square, Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is one of Monaco’s most celebrated addresses. Located directly opposite the legendary Monte Carlo Casino, Café de Paris has long been the social heart of Monte Carlo, blending Belle Époque elegance with Riviera glamour.

At Café de Paris, every table feels like a front-row seat to Monaco life. The sweeping terrace places you at the centre of Casino Square, where a constant procession of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bugattis and Paganis glide past in a daily display of horsepower and high society. People-watching at Café de Paris is practically a sport — from impeccably dressed visitors to international jet-setters arriving in supercars.

Inside, Café de Paris continues the spectacle with refined interiors, polished brass details and a lively brasserie atmosphere that carries from breakfast through late evening. Order a chilled glass of champagne, settle into the terrace, and let Café de Paris deliver the quintessential Monte Carlo experience — effortless luxury, vibrant energy and an unmatched vantage point over Monaco’s most glamorous square.

Whether you visit for coffee, cocktails or a leisurely lunch, Café de Paris remains an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience the true rhythm and theatre of Monte Carlo.

3. Cocktails at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo American Bar

Step into timeless glamour at the American Bar inside the legendary Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, one of the most prestigious addresses on the Riviera. Overlooking Casino Square and just moments from the Monte Carlo Casino, the Hôtel de Paris has defined Monaco luxury since 1864 — and the American Bar is its most atmospheric gathering place.

The American Bar at Hôtel de Paris embodies classic Monte Carlo sophistication. Marble columns, glittering chandeliers and rich wood panelling frame a space steeped in history, while black-and-white photographs of icons such as Frank Sinatra evoke an era of jet-set elegance. The bar’s refined, club-like ambiance makes it a favourite for pre-dinner aperitifs, late-night cocktails and discreet conversations.

Ordering a vodka martini — shaken, not stirred — feels entirely appropriate in this setting, a subtle nod to Monaco’s enduring connection with cinematic glamour and high society. Expertly crafted cocktails, impeccable service and live music on select evenings ensure that the American Bar remains one of the most iconic experiences within the Hôtel de Paris.

Whether you are staying at the Hôtel de Paris or simply seeking an evening of old-world refinement, the American Bar offers a masterclass in Monte Carlo style — where heritage, elegance and atmosphere meet beneath the chandeliers.

4. Play Tennis at the Monte-Carlo Country Club

Perched dramatically above the Mediterranean, the Monte-Carlo Country Club is one of the most prestigious tennis venues in the world. Synonymous with Riviera elegance and elite competition, the Monte-Carlo Country Club blends sporting excellence with breathtaking natural beauty.

Home to the renowned Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, the Monte-Carlo Country Club hosts one of the most anticipated tournaments on the ATP calendar. Each spring, the world’s top players compete on its iconic clay courts, launching the European clay season in spectacular fashion. The setting is unlike anywhere else in professional tennis.

What makes the Monte-Carlo Country Club truly exceptional is its location. The terracotta clay courts cascade along the cliffside, overlooking the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. From the stands, spectators enjoy panoramic views framed by gleaming superyachts anchored below and the elegant Villa La Vigie rising above the coastline. It is widely considered one of the most scenic backdrops in world tennis.

Beyond tournament week, the Monte-Carlo Country Club remains a hub of refined sporting life in Monaco. Its exclusive atmosphere, immaculate facilities and Riviera setting make it a destination not just for tennis enthusiasts, but for those seeking the full Monte Carlo lifestyle experience.

Whether attending the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters or simply admiring the views from its sun-drenched terraces, the Monte-Carlo Country Club stands as a symbol of Monaco’s unique fusion of sport, luxury and natural splendour.

5. Walk the Monaco Grand Prix Circuit

During the Monaco Grand Prix, Monaco’s streets transform into the most famous race track in the world. The legendary Monaco Grand Prix is unique in Formula One — not confined to a purpose-built circuit, but woven directly through the heart of Monte Carlo.

Walk the iconic sections of the Circuit de Monaco and you’ll instantly recognise corners seen in decades of racing history. Stroll through Casino Square in front of the Monte Carlo Casino, descend toward the harbour, and trace the path through the tunnel where engines echo at full throttle. Stand at Tabac Corner as cars brush the barriers at breathtaking speed, then make your way to the legendary Fairmont Monte Carlo Hairpin — the tightest hairpin in Formula One and one of the defining images of the Monaco Grand Prix.

What makes the Monaco Grand Prix even more extraordinary is that outside race weekend, this world-famous track is simply part of daily life. Traffic flows where champions battle in May. Even Monaco’s buses navigate the circuit’s tight turns and elevation changes with impressive precision — a reminder that this is a living, breathing city as well as the pinnacle of motorsport glamour.

For the ultimate Monaco Grand Prix experience, rent a supercar and drive the circuit yourself. Taking the Fairmont Hairpin at low speed may be more forgiving than doing so at race pace, but the thrill of tracing the exact route of Formula One legends is unforgettable.

The Monaco Grand Prix is not just an event — it is embedded into the fabric of the principality. Every corner tells a story, every straight carries history, and every visit offers the chance to walk — or drive — one of the most iconic circuits in global sport.

6. Explore Le Rocher & the Prince’s Palace of Monaco

High above the Mediterranean, Monaco’s Old Town — known locally as Le Rocher — is the historic heart of Monaco and the seat of the Prince and the Palace. With its narrow cobbled lanes, pastel façades, artisan boutiques and intimate cafés, this elevated quarter offers a glimpse into the principality’s royal heritage and timeless charm.

At its centre stands the majestic Prince’s Palace of Monaco, the official residence of the Prince of Monaco. Overlooking Port Hercule, the Palace has been home to the House of Grimaldi for more than 700 years. Arrive in time to witness the traditional changing of the guard ceremony, a daily ritual that reflects Monaco’s enduring sovereignty and royal traditions. During certain months, visitors can also tour the State Apartments and admire the Palace’s frescoed galleries and grand ceremonial rooms.

Just steps from the Palace, the elegant Monaco Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée) stands as another symbol of Monaco’s heritage. Built in white stone from La Turbie, the Cathedral is the final resting place of Princess Grace — Grace Kelly — whose story remains inseparable from Monaco’s global allure. Visitors often pause here to reflect on the principality’s unique blend of royalty, romance and history.

Exploring Le Rocher offers a different perspective on Monaco beyond the yachts and the Grand Prix circuit. Here, beneath the Palace walls and in the presence of the Prince’s official residence, Monaco reveals its deeper identity — a sovereign state shaped by centuries of tradition, elegance and royal continuity.

7. Discover the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Dramatically perched on a cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is one of Monaco’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Rising above the sea on Le Rocher, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco combines grand architecture with pioneering marine science, making it a must-visit attraction in the principality.

Founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I of Monaco — a visionary explorer and passionate oceanographer — the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco was created to advance knowledge of the world’s oceans. More than a century later, it remains internationally respected for its scientific contributions and commitment to marine conservation.

Inside the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, visitors discover some of the finest aquariums and marine exhibits in the world. Vast tanks showcase vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, Mediterranean species and fascinating deep-sea creatures, offering an immersive journey beneath the waves. Interactive displays and curated exhibitions explore ocean exploration, climate science and the future of marine biodiversity.

Beyond its exhibits, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is an architectural masterpiece. Its monumental façade appears carved directly from the cliff, while panoramic terraces provide sweeping views across Monaco’s coastline and the open sea — a fitting setting for an institution dedicated to the ocean.

Blending history, science and spectacle, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco stands as a testament to Monaco’s deep connection with the sea — a place where royal legacy, research and world-class exhibitions come together above the Mediterranean.

8. Stroll Around Port Hercule

At the heart of Monaco, Port Hercule is the principality’s iconic deep-water harbour and one of the most recognisable waterfronts in the Mediterranean. Framed by grandstands during the Monaco Grand Prix and lined with gleaming superyachts year-round, Port Hercule perfectly captures the glamour and maritime heritage of Monaco.

Shaped like a natural amphitheatre, Port Hercule curves gracefully beneath the Rock of Monaco, creating a dramatic backdrop of pastel buildings, hillside residences and the Prince’s Palace above. The harbour is home to some of the Mediterranean’s most impressive yachts — from sleek sailing vessels to multi-deck superyachts that define Riviera luxury.

Wander the quays of Port Hercule and you’ll experience Monaco at its most vibrant. Captains prepare for departure, crews polish chrome to perfection, and visitors pause to admire the engineering and design of the world’s most extraordinary vessels. The atmosphere is both relaxed and unmistakably refined.

Port Hercule is also one of Monaco’s premier destinations for waterfront dining. Restaurants and cafés line the marina, offering front-row views of the harbour and the Mediterranean beyond. Whether enjoying a leisurely lunch in the sunshine or dinner as the yachts glow under evening lights, dining at Port Hercule delivers unforgettable views and a true taste of Monaco’s coastal lifestyle.

More than just a marina, Port Hercule is the social and visual centrepiece of Monaco — where sea, sport and sophistication converge in one of the world’s most glamorous harbours.

9. Relax at Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo

For world-class wellness in the heart of Monaco, Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo offers an unrivalled sanctuary overlooking the Mediterranean. Connected to the prestigious Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and facing the harbour, Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo is one of the most luxurious spa destinations on the Riviera.

Set above Port Hercule with sweeping sea views, Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo combines cutting-edge expertise with serene elegance. Its panoramic seawater pool appears to merge with the horizon, while floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light. Relaxation areas, hammams, saunas and state-of-the-art fitness facilities create a comprehensive wellness experience in an exceptional setting.

The extensive treatment menu at Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo is designed to restore, revitalise and rebalance. From bespoke facials and advanced anti-ageing therapies to deep-tissue massages and holistic rituals, each treatment is delivered with precision and discretion. The focus on personalised wellbeing makes Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo a favourite among discerning international guests.

Whether preparing for an evening at the Monte Carlo Casino or simply seeking a moment of calm amid Monaco’s vibrant social scene, Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo is the perfect place to recharge. It is a refined retreat where luxury, innovation and breathtaking views come together — offering a restorative counterpoint to the energy and glamour of Monaco nightlife.

10. Dine at Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse

At the pinnacle of Monaco’s gastronomic scene stands Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant inside the legendary Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. In a principality renowned for its extraordinary concentration of Michelin stars, Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse remains the undisputed crown jewel — a destination where culinary artistry meets Riviera grandeur.

Created by visionary chef Alain Ducasse, Le Louis XV is a masterclass in Mediterranean haute cuisine. Every dish celebrates the finest seasonal ingredients from the French Riviera and beyond, executed with precision, elegance and depth of flavour. The gilded dining room — all crystal chandeliers, frescoed ceilings and opulent detailing — reflects the heritage and prestige of the Hôtel de Paris itself.

Dining at Le Louis XV is not merely a meal; it is an experience defined by impeccable service, world-class wines and a sense of occasion that lingers long after the final course. Lavish, refined and unforgettable, Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse is widely regarded as one of the greatest gastronomic experiences on earth — a must for anyone seeking the ultimate expression of Monaco luxury.

From champagne terraces overlooking the Mediterranean to the roar of engines at the Monaco Grand Prix, from palace courtyards to Michelin-starred dining rooms, Monaco delivers spectacle at every turn. These 10 things you must do in Monaco capture the essence of a principality that is small in size, yet monumental in reputation — a place where excellence, glamour and history converge in unforgettable style.

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