Best Places to Visit in Monaco

Planning a trip to Monaco but not sure where to go? I got you covered!

Monaco, a small yet stunning spot on the French Riviera, is where beautiful views and gourmet cuisine meet. This place is popular for its splendid panoramas and private beach restaurants.

Want to make it more exciting? Try a private boat trip or even a helicopter flight. These experiences promise to give you a whole new perspective of this wonderful place. So, let's dive into the heart of Monaco and explore what it has to offer.

Here are the top 10 best places to visit in Monaco.

Held in May, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most popular attractions in Monaco. It's like nothing else, with racing cars zooming by just minutes away from coastal views that'll take your breath away.

The best part? You can even get there in minutes by train if you're staying somewhere else on the French Riviera.

But if you're looking for an even more exciting journey, consider taking a rental boat or a sailing boat. This will not only get you there, but also give you a unique view of the race from the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Since you're in Monaco, you can't miss out on the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo. If the name sounds familiar, it's because you may have heard about it in James Bond movies. This grand, luxurious building is a playground for the rich and famous.

But, you don't have to break the bank to have a good time here. You can simply walk around, take in the beautiful architecture, and maybe even spot a celebrity. After all, it's not every day you get to feel like James Bond!

Remember, even if you don't play the games, the visit itself is an adventure.

If you are with your kids, don't miss out on the Oceanographic Museum. This is one of Monaco's top tourist attractions, especially for families. The museum is home to the famous Shark Lagoon, where you can see a variety of marine life in a giant aquarium. It's a thrilling sight that your kids will surely love. After the tour, you can stop by the souvenir shops to buy some keepsakes.

To get here, you can easily take a day trip by train from any station along the French Riviera. Make sure to check the train schedules ahead of time so you can plan your train journey.

Buying train tickets in advance is also a good idea to avoid the rush. The scenic ride to the museum only adds to the fun of this memorable experience.

The Prince's Palace of Monaco stands as the official residence of the ruling Prince. Built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress, it brings history to life with its 13th century architecture. Prince Albert II currently holds court in this magnificent palace.

The Palace of Monaco will reopen its doors to the public from 26 March 2024, inviting visitors to explore the sumptuous State Apartments. As you wander through these grand rooms, you'll discover over 600m2 of unique frescoes that date back to the Italian Renaissance.

Stepping into the palace is like stepping back in time, and a visit here is an essential part of any trip to Monaco.

Though temporarily closed for reconstruction, the Exotic Garden of Monaco is still a must-see sight. Known for its beautiful tropical gardens, this place surrounds the Observatory Cave that showcases weird rock formations.

The Villa Paloma, located within the garden, is known for its colorful flowers that add to the panoramic views you can get from this garden. This garden dates back to the 19th century and was first opened to the public in 1933.

As one of the best places to visit in Monaco, if Exotic Garden is on your bucket list, make sure to check its reopening schedule so you don't miss out on this beautiful experience.

When you visit during the summer months, Larvotto Beach is a must-visit in Monaco. This beach complex offers a sandy shoreline where you can relax, swim, or build sandcastles.

But if you're looking for other beaches, a 6-minutes drive will take you to the historic Fort Antoine. Known for its open-air theatre, Fort Antoine also has a beach where you can soak up the sun.

Another stunning spot is Plage Mala beach, a hidden gem tucked away in the cliffs, offering crystal clear waters and peaceful surroundings. Carnolès beach is also a great option. This beach is the closest beach to Monaco's city center and is very popular among visitors.

Four minutes drive away from Larvotto Beach is where you will find the heart of Monaco, the Casino Square.

Known for its luxury boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurant, the square can be very crowded but it is worth visiting. The Casino de Monte-Carlo, towering over the square, is a sight to behold. You can also go inside the Casino to see its opulent interior.

To gain entry, you must be 18 or older, show your passport to identify yourself (drivers licenses are not accepted) and pay an entry fee of 18 euros. After that, it is up to you how much you want to spend on the games, but even just a quick peek inside is an exciting experience.

Who would expect to see a slice of Japan in the heart of Monaco? Yet, that's exactly what you'll find at the Princess Grace Japanese Garden.

This pretty park is a peaceful spot filled with bridges, waterfalls, and even traditional Japanese tea houses. It was made by Prince Rainier III as a tribute to his wife, Princess Grace.

Visitors can walk through the meticulous botanical garden, where each flower and shrub has been carefully chosen and planted. And the best part? It's just a short walk from the main train station, making it an easy and rewarding stop on your Monaco journey.

Another must-visit place while you're in Monaco is Fontvieille Park, a beautiful green oasis covering over four hectares of land. This park has walkways lined with palm trees and flower beds full of vibrant, colorful blooms.

But what really sets Fontvieille Park apart is its collection of bronze statue contemporary sculptures. These artworks, scattered throughout the park, are the work of artists from all over the world.

They add a modern touch to this peaceful setting, making for a unique blend of nature and art that's sure to captivate any visitor.

Monaco Ville Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, is a must-see when you're in Monaco. This beautiful church is where many of the Grimaldis, including Grace Kelly, are laid to rest.

Grace Kelly was a famous American actress before she became Princess of Monaco by marrying Prince Rainier III. Today, you can visit her final resting place in the cathedral.

Her grave is marked with a simple and elegant tombstone that matches her timeless beauty and charm.

Aside from the ten mentioned, here are some more fun and exhilarating activities that you can do while in Monaco:

• Get a bird's eye view of the entire city of Monaco with a thrilling helicopter ride. It is truly one of the best ways to see the whole city within a short time, and the aerial views are absolutely breathtaking.
• Take a stroll down the popular Promenade des Anglais. This walkway is the perfect way to spend an afternoon, lined with ice cream stalls, artists sketching, and musicians playing. Plus, it offers beautiful views of the French Riviera.
• If you have a boat license, you can rent a boat and explore Monaco's shores on your own. Experience the thrill of steering your own vessel as you discover the wonderful coastlines of Monaco.
• If you don't have a boat license, don't worry. You can still enjoy the sea by hiring a boat with a skipper. This way, you can relax and focus on the beautiful surroundings while someone else drives the boat.
• Monaco's lovely beaches are great for water sports. Whether you like jet-skiing, paddleboarding, or simply swimming, you'll find plenty of activities to enjoy.
• One of the best things to do in Monaco at night is to admire the city lights from a rooftop bar. These bars offer stunning views and delicious cocktails, making it the perfect way to end your day in Monaco.

Though small in size, Monaco has so much to offer. From luxurious casino squares to beautiful gardens, stunning beaches to unique cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in this beautiful principality.

You can rent a car in Monaco if you want to explore further and visit nearby towns like Nice. Just make sure to keep your passport and international driving license with you at all times, especially if you are from countries outside EU and EEA.

Don't forget to ask for a driving guide, as driving conditions in Monaco can be challenging for inexperienced drivers. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the things to know before traveling to Monaco can help you make the most of your visit. With so many exciting things to do and see, Monaco is a destination that should not be missed.