Monaco · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Monaco
These are the places worth your time in Monaco, from the casino and the palace to the market, the port, the beach and the quiet gardens most visitors walk straight past. Classics sit beside low cost local favourites and a few easy escapes just over the French border, so every kind of traveller finds something to love.
Places to Visit in Monte-Carlo
Arts and Culture
- Casino de Monte-Carlo (Place du Casino)
The belle époque casino at the heart of Monte-Carlo, with gilded gaming rooms you can tour by day before the tables open. - Opéra de Monte-Carlo, Salle Garnier (Place du Casino)
A jewel box opera house by Charles Garnier, home to opera and the Ballets de Monte-Carlo. - Église Saint-Charles (Avenue Saint-Charles)
Monte-Carlo's parish church, a quiet neo-Renaissance interior a few streets from the casino. - Théâtre Princesse Grace (Avenue d'Ostende)
A theatre founded under Princess Grace staging plays, comedy and family shows through the season. - Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo (Monte-Carlo)
Monaco's own ballet company, performing at the Grimaldi Forum and the Opéra through the year.
Stays
- Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo (Place du Casino)
The grand palace hotel facing the casino, the classic address for a once in a lifetime Monaco stay. - Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo (Square Beaumarchais)
A belle époque hotel with a glass domed winter garden and sea views over the port. - Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo (Avenue de la Madone)
A refined hotel steps from the casino with a spa by Givenchy and quiet gardens. - Fairmont Monte Carlo (Avenue des Spélugues)
A large seafront hotel above the famous Grand Prix hairpin, with a rooftop pool and sea views. - Novotel Monte-Carlo (Boulevard Princesse Charlotte)
A modern, reliable hotel within walking distance of the casino and the station.
Cafés
- Café de Paris Monte-Carlo (Place du Casino)
A big brasserie terrace on the casino square, perfect for people watching and supercar spotting.
Restaurants
- Le Louis XV Alain Ducasse à l'Hôtel de Paris (Place du Casino)
Alain Ducasse's Riviera fine dining room, a gilded celebration of Mediterranean produce. - Pavyllon Monte-Carlo (Hôtel Hermitage)
Yannick Alléno's counter dining room with a terrace looking across the harbour. - Rampoldi (Avenue des Spélugues)
A long standing Italian and French restaurant near the casino with a classic Riviera feel. - Cipriani Monte Carlo (Avenue Princesse Grace)
A polished Venetian style restaurant known for carpaccio, pasta and a lively evening crowd.
Nature and Outdoors
- Jardins du Casino (Place du Casino)
Sloping gardens with fountains, lawns and modern sculpture between the casino and the shops. - Jardin de la Petite Afrique (Avenue de la Costa)
A small palm filled garden with benches and sea glimpses, free and rarely crowded.
Shopping and Markets
- One Monte-Carlo (Place du Casino)
A modern luxury shopping quarter beside the casino with flagship fashion and jewellery houses. - Le Métropole Shopping Monte-Carlo (Avenue de la Madone)
An elegant indoor gallery of boutiques and cafés, handy on a rainy afternoon. - Boulevard des Moulins (Monte-Carlo)
The everyday shopping street of Monaco, with bakeries, pharmacies, cafés and more affordable shops.
Bars and Nightlife
- Le Bar Américain (Hôtel de Paris)
A wood panelled piano bar inside the Hôtel de Paris with live jazz in the evenings. - Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo (Place du Casino)
A dramatic lounge and Asian restaurant in a former theatre near the casino. - McCarthy's Irish Pub (Rue du Portier)
A friendly pub with live music where residents and visitors mix without any dress code. - Blue Gin (Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel)
A sea facing lounge bar with DJs at sunset, popular for cocktails before dinner.
Things to Do
- Fairmont Hairpin (Avenue des Spélugues)
The slowest and most photographed corner of the Grand Prix circuit, easy to walk any day of the year. - Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo (Avenue de Monte-Carlo)
A seawater spa with pools and treatments overlooking the port, a calm escape after sightseeing. - Public lifts and escalators of Monaco (Monte-Carlo)
Monaco's free public lifts and escalators link the levels of the city and save your legs on steep streets.
Events
- Monte-Carlo Rally (Place du Casino)
The legendary winter rally finishes its January stages in Monaco, with the cars parked up by the port. - Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival (Opéra de Monte-Carlo)
An autumn series of jazz, soul and blues concerts in the gilded Salle Garnier. - Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo (Monte-Carlo)
A spring festival of classical and contemporary music in venues all over the principality.
Places to Visit in Monaco-Ville
Arts and Culture
- Palais Princier de Monaco (Place du Palais)
The Grimaldi family's palace on the Rock, with state apartments open to visitors in season. - Cathédrale de Monaco (Rue Colonel Bellando de Castro)
The white stone cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III are buried. - Musée Océanographique de Monaco (Avenue Saint-Martin)
A palace of the sea built into the cliff, with a big aquarium, a shark lagoon and a rooftop terrace. - Chapelle de la Miséricorde (Place de la Mairie)
A seventeenth century chapel of the Black Penitents with a rich baroque interior. - Fort Antoine (Avenue de la Quarantaine)
An early eighteenth century fort turned open air theatre with summer performances above the sea. - Musée de la Chapelle de la Visitation (Place de la Visitation)
A small baroque chapel showing sacred art, including works linked to Rubens and Zurbarán. - Cinéma d'été de Monte-Carlo (Parking des Pêcheurs)
An open air summer cinema on the Rock showing films in original language under the stars.
Things to Do
- Changing of the Guard (Place du Palais)
The Carabiniers change guard in front of the palace each day just before midday, free to watch. - Place du Palais viewpoint (Place du Palais)
Free views over Port Hercule and Monte-Carlo from the cannon lined square, best at sunset. - Rampe Major (Monaco-Ville)
The old stone ramp from Place d'Armes up to the palace, a free walk full of history.
Nature and Outdoors
- Jardins Saint-Martin (Avenue Saint-Martin)
Shady cliff top gardens with paths, statues and sea views, one of the calmest corners of Monaco. - Promenade along the Rock's sea walls (Monaco-Ville)
A free loop around the edge of the Rock with views of Fontvieille, Cap-d'Ail and the open sea.
Shopping and Markets
- Rue Basse (Monaco-Ville)
A narrow old lane of souvenir shops, small galleries and cafés on the Rock. - Chocolaterie de Monaco (Place de la Visitation)
The principality's chocolate maker, with boxes in palace colours that make easy gifts.
Restaurants
- Le Castelroc (Place du Palais)
A long standing restaurant facing the palace, known for Monégasque dishes and its terrace.
Events
- Monaco National Day (Monaco-Ville)
On 19 November the principality celebrates with a mass, the prince on the palace balcony and fireworks.
Places to Visit in La Condamine
Things to Do
- Port Hercule (Quai Albert 1er)
Monaco's deep water harbour, lined with superyachts and the setting for the Grand Prix pit lane. - Stade Nautique Rainier III (Quai Albert 1er)
An open air seawater pool on the port, turned into an ice rink in winter. - Bateau-bus across Port Hercule (Quai Albert 1er)
A little solar powered ferry crossing the harbour, a cheap and charming shortcut. - Le Petit Train de Monaco (Quai Albert 1er)
A road train tour linking the port, the casino and the Rock, easy for children and older travellers. - Grand Prix circuit walk (La Condamine)
Follow the race track on foot past Sainte-Dévote, the casino, the tunnel and La Rascasse.
Shopping and Markets
- Marché de la Condamine (Place d'Armes)
A daily market and food hall where residents shop and visitors eat socca and barbagiuan. - Rue Princesse Caroline (La Condamine)
A pedestrian street of cafés, bakeries and small shops, good for an easy lunch.
Bars and Nightlife
- Brasserie de Monaco (Route de la Piscine)
Monaco's own brewery and bar on the port, with house beers and big screens for sport. - La Rascasse (Quai Antoine 1er)
A bar and restaurant on the famous Grand Prix corner, lively late with live music.
Arts and Culture
- Église Sainte-Dévote (Place Sainte-Dévote)
The chapel of Monaco's patron saint, at the foot of the valley beside the first Grand Prix corner. - Auditorium Rainier III (Boulevard Louis II)
Home of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, with concerts through the season. - Yacht Club de Monaco (Quai Louis II)
A striking ship shaped clubhouse by Norman Foster, worth seeing from the quay. - Fangio statue (Quai Albert 1er)
A life size statue of Juan Manuel Fangio and his racing car on the circuit by the port.
Events
- Grand Prix de Monaco (Port Hercule)
The Formula 1 race through the streets of Monaco, the most famous weekend in the calendar. - Monaco E-Prix (Port Hercule)
Electric single seaters race on a version of the street circuit, usually with easier tickets than F1. - Grand Prix de Monaco Historique (Port Hercule)
Every two years classic racing cars from past decades take over the street circuit. - Monaco Yacht Show (Port Hercule)
Each September the port fills with the world's largest superyachts for this trade show. - Monte-Carlo International Fireworks Festival (Port Hercule)
Summer evenings when international teams compete with fireworks over the harbour. - Fête de la Sainte-Dévote (Place Sainte-Dévote)
On 26 and 27 January a boat is burned by the chapel and a procession honours Monaco's patron saint.
Restaurants
- Beefbar Monte-Carlo (Quai Antoine 1er)
A stylish grill house on the port with a terrace looking at the yachts. - Quai des Artistes (Quai Antoine 1er)
A big brasserie on the harbour with seafood, steaks and a buzzy terrace.
Stays
- Port Palace (Quai Antoine 1er)
A boutique hotel with harbour view rooms right on the Grand Prix circuit. - Hôtel Miramar Monaco (Avenue Président J.F. Kennedy)
A small hotel on the port with a rooftop terrace overlooking the yachts. - Hôtel Ambassador Monaco (Avenue Prince Pierre)
A simple, central hotel close to the station and market, among the more affordable rooms in Monaco.
Nature and Outdoors
- Parc Princesse Antoinette (Boulevard du Jardin Exotique)
A shady park of old olive trees with a mini golf and play area, loved by local families.
Places to Visit in Fontvieille
Nature and Outdoors
- Roseraie Princesse Grace (Parc Paysager de Fontvieille)
A rose garden created in memory of Princess Grace with thousands of roses in early summer. - Parc Paysager de Fontvieille (Fontvieille)
A green park around a pond with ducks, paths and space for children to run.
Things to Do
- Collection de Voitures de S.A.S. le Prince de Monaco (Terrasses de Fontvieille)
The Prince's car collection, from vintage carriages to Formula 1 cars and rally winners. - Stade Louis II (Avenue des Castelans)
Home of AS Monaco football club, with matches through the season and stadium tours. - Port de Fontvieille (Fontvieille)
A smaller, quieter marina below the Rock lined with cafés and fishing boats. - Héliport de Monaco (Fontvieille)
Helicopter transfers to Nice airport take only minutes and give a spectacular view of the coast.
Shopping and Markets
- Centre Commercial de Fontvieille (Avenue Prince Héréditaire Albert)
A shopping centre with a supermarket and everyday shops, useful for picnic supplies.
Arts and Culture
- Musée des Timbres et des Monnaies (Terrasses de Fontvieille)
Monaco's stamp and coin museum, a niche delight for collectors and curious minds. - Chemin des Sculptures (Fontvieille)
A free outdoor trail of modern sculptures through Fontvieille's parks and terraces. - Villa Paloma, Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (Boulevard du Jardin Exotique)
A villa museum of contemporary art with a garden and views over the port.
Stays
- Columbus Hotel Monaco (Avenue des Papalins)
A relaxed hotel on the Fontvieille seafront with a pool and garden views.
Events
- International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo (Espace Fontvieille)
Every January the world's best circus artists compete under the big top at Fontvieille.
Restaurants
- Les Perles de Monte-Carlo (Port de Fontvieille)
An oyster and shellfish bar run by Monaco's own aquaculture farm, at the end of the jetty.
Places to Visit in Larvotto
Nature and Outdoors
- Plage du Larvotto (Avenue Princesse Grace)
Monaco's public beach, recently rebuilt with shingle, showers and beach restaurants. - Jardin Japonais (Avenue Princesse Grace)
A peaceful Japanese garden of water, stone and pines blessed by a Shinto priest. - Réserve sous-marine du Larvotto (Larvotto)
A protected marine area off the beach where snorkellers can see seagrass meadows and fish.
Arts and Culture
- Grimaldi Forum (Avenue Princesse Grace)
Monaco's glass fronted culture and congress centre, home to big summer exhibitions. - Villa Sauber, Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (Avenue Princesse Grace)
A belle époque villa by the sea hosting contemporary art exhibitions.
Bars and Nightlife
- Jimmy'z Monte-Carlo (Sporting Monte-Carlo)
Monaco's legendary nightclub, with a garden terrace by the lagoon open late in summer. - Twiga Monte Carlo (Avenue Princesse Grace)
A restaurant and lounge club with a party atmosphere late into the night. - Sass Café (Avenue Princesse Grace)
A small piano bar and restaurant where the party often runs past midnight.
Restaurants
- La Note Bleue (Plage du Larvotto)
A beach restaurant on the sand, easygoing for families at lunch and with music in the evening. - Coya Monte-Carlo (Avenue Princesse Grace)
Peruvian dishes, ceviche and pisco in a warm, lively room near the beach. - Blue Bay Marcel Ravin (Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel)
Chef Marcel Ravin's Caribbean inspired cooking with a terrace above the sea.
Stays
- Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort (Avenue Princesse Grace)
A resort hotel on its own peninsula with a sand bottomed lagoon pool. - Le Méridien Beach Plaza (Avenue Princesse Grace)
The only hotel in Monaco with its own private beach, good for families.
Events
- Monte-Carlo Summer Festival (Salle des Étoiles, Sporting)
Summer concerts by international stars in a hall with a roof that opens to the sky. - Monte-Carlo Television Festival (Grimaldi Forum)
A June television festival with screenings and stars on the red carpet.
Places to Visit in Èze
Things to Do
- Èze village (Èze)
A medieval hilltop village just west of Monaco with lanes, galleries and sea views.
Nature and Outdoors
- Jardin Exotique d'Èze (Èze)
A cactus garden among the castle ruins at the top of Èze, with a view along the Riviera. - Chemin de Nietzsche (Èze-sur-Mer)
A steep footpath from the sea up to Èze village, named after the philosopher who walked it.
Places to Visit in La Turbie
Arts and Culture
- Trophée d'Auguste (La Turbie)
A Roman monument high above Monaco built to honour Emperor Augustus, with huge views down to the port.
Places to Visit in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Nature and Outdoors
- Promenade Le Corbusier (Roquebrune-Cap-Martin)
A coastal path around Cap Martin past the architect's cabin, with clear water and pines.
Events
- Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (Monte-Carlo Country Club)
An April clay court tennis tournament on terraces above the sea.
Stays
- Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel (Avenue Princesse Grace)
A 1920s seaside hotel with an Olympic size seawater pool and beach club.
Places to Visit in Cap-d'Ail
Nature and Outdoors
- Sentier du Littoral de Cap-d'Ail (Cap-d'Ail)
A seaside path from Monaco's western edge past coves and villas to Plage Mala. - Plage Mala (Cap-d'Ail)
A small pebble cove with clear water reached by the coastal path, popular for a swim.
Stays
- Riviera Marriott Hotel La Porte de Monaco (Cap-d'Ail)
A marina hotel just over the border, often better value than staying inside Monaco.
Places to Visit in Beausoleil
Shopping and Markets
- Marché de Beausoleil (Beausoleil)
A covered market just uphill from Monte-Carlo where locals buy fruit, cheese and fish.
Places to Visit in Menton
Shopping and Markets
- Marché des Halles de Menton (Menton)
A covered market in the lemon town of Menton, a short train ride east of Monaco.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Café Llorca (Grimaldi Forum, Monte-Carlo)
An Alain Ducasse café with a bright terrace above the sea, good for a long, relaxed lunch. - Song Qi (Avenue Princesse Grace, Monte-Carlo)
A Chinese restaurant serving dim sum and Cantonese dishes in a glamorous setting. - Boutique du Rocher (Avenue de la Madone, Monaco-Ville)
Crafts and homeware made in Monaco, a shop founded under Princess Grace to support local artisans. - U Cavagnetu (Rue Comte Félix Gastaldi, Monaco-Ville)
A casual spot on the Rock for barbagiuan, socca and simple Monégasque cooking. - Le Pinocchio (Rue Comte Félix Gastaldi, Monaco-Ville)
A small Italian restaurant tucked into an old town lane, cosy on a quiet evening. - Musée des Souvenirs Napoléoniens (Place du Palais, Monaco-Ville)
A palace museum of Napoleonic objects and princely archives, check whether it has reopened. - Chez Roger (Marché de la Condamine, La Condamine)
A market stall famous for hot socca, the chickpea pancake of the Riviera. - Hôtel de France Monaco (Rue de la Turbie, La Condamine)
A modest small hotel near the station, a good value base if available. - Jardin Exotique de Monaco (Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, Fontvieille)
A cliff garden of cacti and succulents with huge views, check reopening status before you go. - Grotte de l'Observatoire (Jardin Exotique, Fontvieille)
A cave of stalactites below the exotic garden where prehistoric remains were found. - Musée d'Anthropologie Préhistorique (Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, Fontvieille)
A museum of prehistoric finds from the Riviera's caves, one of the oldest of its kind. - Fontvieille flea market (Port de Fontvieille, Fontvieille)
A weekend market of antiques, records and curiosities on the Fontvieille quay. - Ship and Castle (Fontvieille, Fontvieille)
A British style pub on the Fontvieille marina with simple food and sports on screens. - Top Marques Monaco (Grimaldi Forum, Larvotto)
A supercar show where the world's rarest cars are displayed and driven.