Monaco is the French Riviera destination that’s widely known as the playground of the rich and famous. This enigmatic microstate is extravagant to its core, packed as it is with five-star accommodations, staggering super-yachts, and Michelin-starred eateries. In fact, Monaco is so glamorous that it’s all too easy to write it off as one of those destinations that’s out of reach for anyone outside the Top 1%. While it’s true that millionaires tend to flock to the country, you don’t need to be incredibly wealthy to visit Monaco and have an unforgettable time while you’re there.
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As well as scouting comparison sites like Kayak and Skyscanner, a vacation in Monaco can be made all the more accessible by planning in advance just what you’d like to do there. There are plenty of attractions and sights to enjoy, some of which are free ensuring you can save your cash for the more important things, like indulging in a delicious dinner at La Table d’Elise. Read on to discover our top tips!
Iconic Attractions
Whether you’re in Monaco for a weekend away or a longer stay, you can experience its rich cultural heritage by visiting the following iconic attractions.
Prince’s Palace
Monaco is a constitutional monarchy, currently headed by Prince Albert II (the son of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier), and the Prince’s Palace is his official residence. In fact, this former fortress has been the residence of the Grimaldi family since the 13th century. Nestled atop the city’s old town cliffs, it serves as both a royal residence and a historic site that’s open to the public.
There’s plenty to discover about Monaco’s heritage and history here; the State Apartments, for instance, are home to several significant artefacts — as well as being exquisitely decorated. The Changing of the Guard is a traditional spectacle that always pulls in the crowds, so retreat to the Palace Gardens for a breather from the hustle and bustle. When you’re ready to take a deeper dive into Monaco’s royal heritage, head to the Palace Museum for its engaging exhibits.
Casino de Monte Carlo
Casinos aren’t often listed as iconic attractions in destination guides, but the Casino de Monte Carlo is quite special. It’s long been immortalised in pop culture staples, including the 007 movies Never Say Never Again and Goldeneye, but the palatial casino actually played a key role in changing the fortunes of Monaco (pun intended). Having opened in 1865, it soon transformed the state into a glamorous destination for international travellers.
Unlike during Bond’s heyday, when it comes to playing card games like poker in the 21st Century we don’t even need to set foot inside a casino. Thanks to the development of the iGaming arm of the global gaming industry, it’s possible to participate in an array of online poker tournaments courtesy of digital platforms such as PokerStars. But then, as convenient as it is to play poker from home, nothing quite matches the atmosphere of the ultra-glamorous Casino de Monte Carlo.
While it’s bound to be popular with gaming enthusiasts, the Casino is also a great place to visit just to soak up its dazzling surroundings. As well as being able to attend morning audio tours around the gilded interiors, visitors can also visit the complex’s lush gardens and check out some of the fine dining options that are available.
The Great Outdoors
Thanks to its glorious climate, Monaco is one of those destinations that’s just so walkable. While you can book plenty of private tours, it’s much more fun to take a self-guided wander around the main sights. You can easily traverse the following hotspots within two hours, leaving plenty of time for a little R&R before diving into Monaco’s exciting nightlife.
- Monaco’s Old Town: Begin your tour by exploring the narrow streets and charming architecture of Monaco-Ville. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, where Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III are buried.
- Oceanographic Museum: Head towards the cliffside and the Oceanographic Museum for unforgettable panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline.
- Monaco Harbour: Walk down to Monaco Harbour, aka Port Hercules. This is where the rich and famous dock their boats so you might spot a star or two here.
- Jardin Saint-Martin: Just a stone’s throw from the Harbour lies the Jardin Saint-Martin. This glorious public garden is the perfect spot to recharge before continuing on with your tour.
- Monaco’s Sculpture Path: The sculpture path is a fascinating outdoor art exhibition that will take you from the Jardins des Boulingrins to the Terrasse du Casino. Along the way, you’ll see works from artists as diverse as Anish Kapoor and Fernando Botero.
- Larvotto Beach: Finally, conclude your walking tour with a leisurely stroll along Larvotto Beach, Monaco’s only public beach.