A Monaco vacation offers much more than a pit stop on your Formula 1 bucket list trip. Let’s take a peek under the hood and uncover this country’s unparalleled blend of glamour and natural beauty.

The country of Monaco is a destination where you can fully let your inner Grace Kelly shine. Nestled along the dazzling French Riviera, you can find a collection of glimmering casinos, elegant yachts, and breathtaking coastal scenery. The country is also frequented by guests for its culinary excellence thanks to the abundance of Michelin-starred cuisine and fine wines from its neighbors: France and Italy. With our friends at Visit Monaco, we’re here to guide you through how to make the most of your stay in the Principality.

How to prep for a trip to Monaco

Be sure to dress to impress; this is the place to channel royalty.

When preparing for a Monaco vacation, it’s important to distinguish the country from its French neighbors. While the two cultures have plenty of parallels from the cuisine to the fashion, the Principality has its own unique history rooted in royalty dating back to the Roman Empire. Due to its geographical location, you’ll be able to navigate the area with English and a basic understanding of Italian and French. And when it comes to packing, be sure to dress to impress. This is the place to channel royalty and wear your finest pieces whether it’s at the casinos or out on the marina.

When is the best time to go to Monaco for the Grand Prix?

Monaco is best known for being home to Formula 1’s famous Grand Prix, hosted in May every year. The Grand Prix features a jaw-dropping array of stunning F1 cars from the top racing manufacturers in the world from Red Bull to Mercedes. This is also when the city’s buzz is at its peak, with throngs of people rushing through the winding streets to secure a seat in the stands. Rest assured, your SmartFlyer travel advisor can secure you the best seats around, as well as accommodations that place you at the heart of the action.

Outside of the Grand Prix during the summer, Monaco is replete with year-round activities for all ages. From concerts to private exhibitions, there’s always something happening in the Principality. Curious? Check out their year-round event calendar here.

Where to stay in Monaco

• Hotel Metropole: Located in the Carré d’Or just a few steps from the Casino, the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo is the only independent five-star hotel in the Principality. This Belle Époque-style property was built in 1886 and then fully renovated by acclaimed French architect and interior designer Jacques Garcia. The hotel boasts 125 stylish rooms and suites that offer picturesque views of the Mediterranean landscape. Hotel Metropole is particularly accommodating for any guests seeking a wellness retreat. The Spa Metropole by Givenchy – one of three Givenchy spas in the world – is designed by architect Didier Gomez and offers a sauna, hammam, caldarium, ice fountain, and sensory showers. Odyssey is a poolside experience within a haute couture setting designed by Karl Lagerfeld.
• Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo: Just a short stroll from Monte-Carlo’s iconic Place du Casino, Hôtel Hermitage is the chic address of travel connoisseurs. This hotel is best recognized for its Gustave Eiffel-inspired glass dome. The hotel’s 278 rooms are just as elegant, furnished in Louis XV-style and powdered pastel tones. With the help of your SmartFlyer travel advisor, we recommend booking a stay in one of their Terrace rooms to relish in their views of the sea and yacht harbor. Hôtel Hermitage’s four restaurants serve up delectable dishes and views of the shimmering coastline. A visit to the Principality is incomplete without experiencing the most private beach club, Monte-Carlo Beach Club, conveniently located on the premises, offering guests access. After indulging, make sure to rejuvenate in the hotel’s 75,000-square-foot wellness haven, which features a heated saltwater pool, a hammam, and a jacuzzi overlooking the horizon.

• Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo: The majestic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is a sanctuary in Casino Square, with the scenic Prince’s Palace and Mediterranean as a backdrop. This iconic palace is the perfect destination if you are seeking opulence. With a jeweler’s courtyard, exclusive access to the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo wellness center, and the boutiques from the Monte-Carlo Shopping Promenade, the palace’s transformation encapsulates the beating heart of Monaco’s love for the lavish. Be sure to indulge at the three-Michelin-starred Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse, the Salle Empire, which offers a stunning view of the Place du Casino, and Le Grill, located eighth floor with a retractable roof that opens in summer– all conveniently situated on property. The hotel also houses one of the largest hotel cellars in the world. Dating back to 1864, these cellars were frequented by royals throughout the ages, including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace for their twentieth wedding anniversary.
• Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort: This hotel is an oasis that embodies Monte-Carlo’s relaxed chic lifestyle. Located on the peninsula, the property features four hectares of gardens lined with waterfalls, solariums, a pool, and a turquoise sandy-bottom lagoon. The hotel is also sure to please the epicureans. For Michelin-starred cuisine, try The Blue Bay by Marcel Ravin for reimagined Caribbean and Mediterranean classics, while L’Orange Verte’s international menu offers some gastronomic flare. Conclude your evening with an elegant nightcap and live music at The Blue Gin. No stay would be complete without a treatment at the spa Cinq Mondes, equipped with a hair salon and fitness center.
• Monte-Carlo Beach: This timeless 1930s hotel was renovated by architect and designer India Mahdavi, transforming it to a terracotta pearl on the coast of the glimmering sea. Nestled within a towering pine forest, Monte-Carlo Beach offers cabana service at the water’s edge, an Olympic-size swimming pool, the Monte-Carlo Beach spa, as well as the Elsa restaurant. This dining establishment helped the hotel gain a Green Globe certification for its locally sourced ingredients and short supply chains.

Where to dine and drink in Monaco

Food

• BeefBar: This bright and airy modern steakhouse spotlights a range of meat-based dishes curated from across the globe. Their Kobe beef and wagyu tacos are a must-try, with plenty of sharing options to accompany your own main course.
• GIACOMO: This seaside restaurant located on Larvotto Beach serves up pasta all’astice, fresh lobster, and other seafood delights. A seat out on their terrace is truly divine.
• Buddha Bar Monte-Carlo: Upon entry, you’ll be met with interiors inspired by the Garnier Opera House in Paris with a subtle mixture of gilded moldings, ancient sculptures, and a distinctly Asian setting. This is the ideal spot to go for a night out with your group thanks to their bountiful shared plate options.
• Café de Paris:  Currently located at the Salle Empire Restaurant, their renovated rooftop will open in Fall 2023 and will have a rooftop featuring the upcoming Amazonico, opening next year
• Coya Monte-Carlo: If you’re craving Peruvian classics like Empanadas de Maíz and Ceviche de Atún Chifa by the water, look no further than this Latin American restaurant. Their Pisco Bar is also a highlight, featuring special weekly events with guest DJs.
• Chez Pierre: An intimate restaurant within the Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo serving up French cuisine within a cozy atmosphere. This family-run restaurant blends the elegance of a local Parisian restaurant with the buzz of a private Monte-Carlo club.
• Elsa: An intimate venue nestled at the heart of the Monte-Carlo Beach, Elsa focuses on sustainable fine dining with its local produce and short supply chains. The vegetables are sourced from the Domaine d’Agerbol kitchen garden, high up in Roquebrune, and are accompanied by fish and meat chosen with consideration for the environment and animal welfare.
• Em Sherif Monte-Carlo: This restaurant is located at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and features a welcoming and lively ambiance with unrivaled sea views. This is our go-to spot for authentic Lebanese-Mediterranean cuisine.
• Gaïa: Rediscover traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist at this collaboration between Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani. This restaurant also features a traditional ice market that always serves up fresh seafood.

• La Note Bleue: Founded by Anne and Alain Tanzi in 2001, La Note Bleue is a tribute to the saxophonist Barney Wilen that seamlessly blends exciting live music with wining and dining. Their weekly live music sessions features artists across the board from funk to soul, jazz, and Afro-Rhythms.
• La Môme Monte-Carlo: A hint of Roaring Twenties floats through the air of this ravishing, chic address on the roof of Le Port Palace. Offering an unimpeded view of Port Hercule, every dish at Le Môme has a flare for the theatrical while being just as vibrantly flavorful.
• La Table d’Antonio Salvatore: With its southern Italian and French influences, the cuisine at La Table d’Antonio Salvatore is artistic in presentation and gastronomic in taste. Think truffle ravioli and octopus gnocchi with tiramisu martini cocktails.
• Le Blue Bay: Since its opening in 2015, the Blue Bay restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean has been in the expert hands of famous Caribbean chef Marcel Ravin. Blue Bay has just received its second Michelin star, reaffirming its reputation as one of the best places to experience French-Caribbean fusion cuisine.
• Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris: With three Michelin stars, the Louis XV – Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris features a menu by chefs Dominique Lory and Alain Ducasse. The tastes and interiors are inventive takes on classic Mediterranean dishes inspired by their motto: “Cuisine that sings of sunshine.”
• Le Grill: On the eighth floor of the prestigious Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Le Grill offers outstanding panoramic views over the Mediterranean and grilled meats that have forged the restaurant’s reputation. In fine weather, the roof opens fully, for sun-drenched lunches or starlit dinners.
• Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac: Executive Chef Christophe Cussac follows the footsteps of his late mentor Joël Robuchon and invites guests to a vibrant culinary experience based on Mediterranean flavors. Their desserts are particularly decadent, all presented via opulent trolley.
• Les Perles de Monte-Carlo: Local seafood lovers flock to this oyster bar located on a terrace at the end of the pier. Biologists Brice Cachia and Frédéric Rouxeville launched their sea products refining enterprise in 2011 with a goal: refining their own oysters and other fine seafood products in a region.

• Maona Monte-Carlo: A star-studded cabaret space along the water. Jerry Lewis, Josephine Baker, Omar Sharif, Liza Minnelli, Michael Caine, Yves Montand, and Arthur Ashe were just some of the stars and icons who partied at this 60s-inspired restaurant.
• Nobu Fairmont Monte-Carlo: Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa’s world-renowned Japanese fusion with South American flavors makes its debut in the Principality. In a stylish, plush setting with a superb terrace overlooking the Mediterranean, dinner at Nobu Fairmont Monte Carlo is always a reliably flavorful experience.
• Pavyllon Monte-Carlo: “Take a fish, a vegetable, and cook them to perfection.” That is the motto at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo’s gastronomic restaurant, focusing on creating the tastiest possible version of simple, classic dishes. The restaurant also features a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea and the Port of Monaco.
• Yoshi: As the only Japanese restaurant with a Michelin star on the Riviera, don’t miss out on signature dishes, like the black cod presented in its “hoba” leaf, cooked in a salamander stove after being marinated in a mixture based on “miso” and “sake”. We also love their “Ebi-shinjo” balls of shrimp with roe of “tobiko” flying fish, served with a consommé of “kombu” (kelp) with ginger and black mushrooms.

Drink

• Bar Américain: With its unique decor and cozy ambiance, The Bar Américain of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo invites you to relax and enjoy signature cocktails like Pulcinella with its fresh mandarin orange and Pira Villosum with a surprising pear and cardamom combo. With soft, stylish lighting and wine-colored furnishings, the bar looks as if it has come straight out of The Great Gatsby.
• Blue Gin: Located at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, this beachfront space offers breathtaking Mediterranean views all year long with a heated outdoor terrace. Kick off your weekends with music by DJ Nicolas Saad every Friday and Saturday.
• Club La Vigie Monte Carlo: Cosy bungalows, party atmosphere, picture-perfect surroundings, and azure blue water. This new private summer beach club serves Mediterranean dishes, tasty cocktails, and great music.

• Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo: For more than 40 years, Jimmy’z legendary club has attracted celebrities thanks to its outstanding setting, electric atmosphere and cutting-edge programming. This legendary nightclub is known for attracting some of the world’s top DJs, including Robin Schulz, Mark Ronson, FatBoy Slim, Big Ali and Benny Benassi.
• La Rascasse: DJs and live musicians grace this outdoor club venue every night. Whether its an acoustic duo or spinning chart-topping salsa tracks, this is the place to be for Monte-Carlo’s top talent.
• Le Brasserie de Monaco: This bar invites you to try Monaco’s craft beers brewed on-site using organic malts. Be sure to order the Ambrée, the Blanche, and the Blonde.
• Nikki Beach: This bar is located on the rooftop of the Fairmont Monte Carlo and fitted with sumptuous daybeds by the water. In addition to signature cocktails, we highly recommend trying their small plates like slow-roasted free-range rotisserie chicken.
• Sass Café: Born in 1993 and named after its owner “Sassa”, this local hotspot is a perfect marriage between cozy dining room and pumping nightclub. The bar features a curated collection of prestigious champagnes, vodkas, and liqueurs.
• Twiga Monte-Carlo: A concept lounge, shisha, restaurant, and a nightclub that can be best summed up as a billionaire’s jungle. Take to the dancefloor after you’ve imbibed in a few of their extravagantly designed cocktails.
• The Lobby Bar: Looking for something a little closer to home? The barman at Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo bar is more than happy to mix up your favorite drink at any time of the day.

Our top recommendations for shopping in Monaco

• Fontvieille Shopping Centre: With thirty-six shops including hi-fi equipment, music, furniture, and clothes alongside various restaurants and a Carrefour hypermarket, this area serves as a one-stop-shop for everything you need while on your Monaco vacation.
• Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo: Reopening in 1988 beside the Casino Gardens, this shopping center is distinctly Mediterranean and features eighty shops and six restaurants. Beneath its two grand chandeliers, you can find classic global brands such as Dior, Chez Pierre, and Hermès.
• Marché de La Condamine: This open-air marketplace first opened on November 18th, 1880 and has continued to serve Monte-Carlo locals vibrant food and flowers all year round. There are three zones within the market where you can tuck into and dig into Monegasque specialities such as socca, barbagiuans, pissaladière, and fougasse.
• One Monte-Carlo/The Monte-Carlo Shopping Promenade: A cluster of forty high-end boutiques near the Place du Casino. It also functions as a notable residential area that will wow even the most discerning architectural enthusiasts.

Immersing Yourself in Monaco Culture

Museums & More

• Casino de Monte-Carlo: A visit to Monte-Carlo wouldn’t be complete without a visit to their exclusive casino. With views over the Mediterranean and a terrace under the stars, this space immerses you in the thrill of the game, with classics from Baccarat or Texas Hold’em.
• Change of the Guards: A daily ceremony dating back to 1817. Every day at 11.55 am, you can witness this ritual taking place on the Palace Square in Monaco’s Old Town.
• Francis Bacon MB Art Foundation: Normally only available by appointment only, your SmartFlyer travel advisor can grant you VIP access to this prestigious art collection and library. The collection filled with 3,000 items dedicated to Francis Bacon is also open to guests of Hotel Metropole.
• Monaco National Day: Also known as The Sovereign Prince’s Day, this holiday is celebrated every November 19th with fireworks over the harbor the evening before and a mass in the St. Nicholas Cathedral the following morning. Keep an eye out for the various Monegasque flags proudly on display, and don’t forget to pack some white and red outfits!
• Museum of Stamps and Coins: The stories found through the rare stamps here give guests a clear picture into the Principality’s postal history, as well as all the documents which have been used in the stamp-printing process. On display is the first Charles III stamp in 1885, as well as examples outlining the evolution of physical currency throughout the region.
• Nouveau Musée National de Monaco – Villa Paloma: A showcase of the Principality’s contemporary art scene found in two locations: Villa Paloma and Villa Sauber. Their use of rotating, temporary exhibits is inspired by the dynamic dialogue between artistic, scientific, and cultural disciplines that flow through Monaco, meaning every exhibit is a fresh look at how the country continues to shift with the times.
• Oceanographic Museum of Monaco: Built on the side of Monaco’s legendary Rocher, the Oceanographic Museum founded by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco’s great-great-grandfather Prince Albert I is renowned throughout the world for its 6,000 specimens on display. The aquariums and immersive exhibits truly immerse you in the beauty of the sea.
• Opera Garnier: This opera house is home to a range of Monaco’s premier music acts and events such as the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival. Their stage has been graced by artists such as Prince, Lionel Richie, and the fabulous Lana del Rey.
• Prince’s Palace: While the Prince’s Palace in Monaco is a private residence, but the State Apartments are open for the public to visit. The State Apartments are adorned with preserved Rennaisance Era frescoes and other historical art pieces from around the world.
• Princess Grace Irish Library: The Princess Grace Irish Library is one of the hidden cultural treasures of the Principality. The library allows guests to borrow English-language books and Irish literature and additionally houses a collection of beautiful reference works and items of historical value.
• The Cars Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco: This collection of automobiles can be found at Port Hercule just a few yards from the iconic Formula 1 circuit. The exhibition space is home to seventy vehicles in a modern and dynamic setting from a 1903 De Dion Bouton to Rolls Royces and Maseratis.

Photo-Worthy Destinations & Events

• Exotic Garden of Monaco: High on the cliffs overlooking Monaco, the Exotic Garden – set to reopen in 2024 – is home to curious flora that create a truly surreal and otherworldly experience. The garden is home to an underground prehistoric cave lined with spectacular lime formations formed over millennia.
• Fontvieille: For the local Monaco experience, this is the place to be. The district’s distinct geographical features from its close location to the water has its own special atmosphere with its mix of small crafts, superyachts, and marketplaces.
• Japanese Garden: Those who take a stroll through the gardens will be able to discover all the essential components of a Japanese garden: a pond, islands, a waterfall, lanterns, bridges, a tea house, and a Zen Garden. This green oasis is a rich mix of Japanese tradition and Mediterranean touches, the result of close collaboration between gardeners from Monaco and Japan.
• Larvotto Beach: This recently redesigned seaside complex is perfect for all ages, with its shaded promenade and completely refurbished beaches. Dip your toes into the refreshing Mediterranean on one of the four private beaches that comprise this complex: La Rose des Vents, Le Neptune, La Note Bleue, or Le Miami.
• Monaco-Ville: Lose yourself in this colorful network of narrow streets that locals call “The Rock.” Be sure to take a private guided tour of St. Martin and St. Barbe gardens while you’re here, as well as a detour along the Ruelle Sainte-Barbe for a particularly relaxing cove within the Principality.
• Princess Grace Rose Garden: Conceived by Prince Rainier III in memory of his wife Princess Grace, the Rose Garden echoes the regality of an English garden while retaining its casual Mediterranean charm through the preservation of hundred-year-old olive trees. Since 1984, the rosarium has expanded from its initial 3000-square-meter plot, making this a must-see for any visit to the Principality.

• Port Hercule: Located in Monte Carlo, this harbor is renowned as one of the premiere yacht sites. Enjoy the sunset from the piers, or work with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to sail out of the port on your own private yacht.
• The Tête de Chien: Located 550 meters above the city, the Tête de Chien promontory – or, the “Dog’s Head” – offers unfettered views of the Principality. You’ll be able to see three different countries at once, with the French and Italian coastlines.

Exploring Day Trips Out of Monaco

You can connect your Monaco vacation with a day out in France or Italy – all accessible without needing a passport! The following locales are less than an hour away from Monaco via private ground transfer. And as always, your day trip can be easily arranged by your SmartFlyer travel advisor.

Cote D’Azur

• Antibes: There’s a particular sense of romance that comes with a walk through Antibes’s harbor and old town. The town also famous for its citadel and Picasso Museum. Time from Monaco: 60 minutes drive.
• Cannes: It’s easy to think Cannes is all about its revered cinema festival by the water. But the city also offers a combination of charming streets, historic ports, and colorful local markets all year round. Time from Monaco: 45 minutes drive.
• Eze: A hilltop village offering an exceptional view over the Mediterranean. The township is famous for its medieval charms, exotic cliffside gardens that plunge toward the sea, and Parfumerie Fragonard. Time from Monaco: 15 minutes drive.
• Menton: A seaside city with a colorful old town edging the Italian border. This destination is famous for its gardens, Cocteau museum, and its fresh lemon harvests. Time from Monaco: 20 minutes drive.
• Nice: As capital of the Côte d’Azur, Nice offers a deep look into the region’s history, culture, art, festivals, and fare. On top of their museums and historical architecture, we loved taking a stroll through Cours Saleya market, picking out local Mediterranean delicacies along the way. Time from Monaco: 30 minutes drive.
• Saint-Paul-de-Vence: One of the most preserved medieval villages still found in the Côte d’Azur. Art lovers will fall in love with this area’s galleries sheltered within its ramparts. Time from Monaco: 60 minutes drive.

Italy

• San Remo: Known as the city of flowers, this Mediterranean dreamscape is stocked with seaside markets and always-blooming flora. There’s also the Song Festival held every February where you too can be swept up in the excitement of Italy’s selection process for the annual Eurovision Song Contest.
• Ventimiglia: Located just past the Italian border, this town is frequented for its morning marketplaces, and rustic old-world charms. Time form Monaco: 30 minutes drive.

Ready to embark on your own Monaco vacation? Contact your SmartFlyer travel advisor today and get planning.