Jimmy’z Place du Casino is one of the most iconic clubs in Monaco, offering fabulous cocktails, light bites and stunning views over the city and ocean. Head to Fontvieille just outside the city centre to relax at Jardin Exotique, which overlooks the ocean, offers stunning vistas, and provides a home to over 7,000 species of plants. The Palais du Prince is the official residence of Prince Albert II, Monaco’s current head of state. Given Monaco’s status as a playground for the rich and famous, it’s no surprise that the principality offers an abundance of high-end shopping opportunities. It also houses the remains of Monaco’s princes and princesses. Located opposite the Casino Gardens, the Métropole Shopping Center houses around 80 designer boutique stores, but its opulent interior makes it worth a visit even if you don’t intend to stock up on expensive clothes and goods. Musée Oceanographique houses over 6,000 marine life and reconstructed coral reefs, and around 100 pools designed to replicate the natural environment of the animals that live in them. However, other museums worth visiting include the Musée de la Chapelle de la Visitation on Le Rocher and the Monaco Naval Museum, which overlooks the marina.
Located along the French Riviera, Monaco enjoys a warm climate during most of the year, though we recommend visiting in April or early autumn if you want to avoid hoards of crowds and get discounted hotel rates. Whether you want to soak up the sun or enjoy waters sports, there’s really no better place to go than Larvotto Beach, which happens to be the only Monaco beach that’s open to the public. Spanning just 200 hectares, this historic principality features grand casinos, designer shopping centres, opulent bars and clubs, and a human-made beach, attracting celebrities and holidaymakers year-round. If you fancy placing wagers amid celebrities and business magnates, Monte Carlo is the place to go. Casino de Monte Carlo is arguably the most popular gambling hotspot, though the Casino Le Café de Paris is the largest venue in the principality, with over 400 gaming and video poker machines. These fine-dining establishments are dotted all over the principality, and offer just about any dish you can imagine. Inside the palace, you can view the ornate Throne Room, Italianate-style gallery, the famous Blue Room and a Palatine Chapel. It has a wine cellar containing over 400,000 bottles, while its food menu consists of local favourites like ravioli (served with wood mushrooms, avocado and cabbage) and blue lobster (with cime di rapa, baby turnips and pink peppers).
The beach itself is surrounded by plenty of restaurants and offers facilities like free toilets, changing rooms and showers. Many claim that Monaco has more Michelin-starred restaurants per sq m than any other country. Some hotels require you to cancel more than 24 hours before check-in. We recommend allocating a couple of hours to tour this iconic religious site, and remember to be respectful by wearing appropriate clothes and exploring this historical building in silence. In total, there are over 250 model ships and maritime artefacts in this impressive building , taking you on a journey through Monaco’s history. The building dates back to the 13th century and thanks to its hilltop location, this elegant building can be seen from almost anywhere in Monaco. Nearby, there’s an Observatory Cave where you can check out stalactites and stalagmites. Check out some of the best things to see and do during your stay in Monaco. What are the best things to do in Monaco?
Twin tickets are available if you also want to combine a visit to Palais du Prince with the Oceanographic Museum or the prince’s car collection. Whether you want to dance until dawn or enjoy a jazz-and-swing night, you’ll find something that matches your night-time desires in Monaco. You’ll be welcomed into a luxurious setting with marble floors and stylish period chandeliers. Inside this Neo-Romanesque structure, you’ll find a grand organ, a white marble altar, and ornaments dating back to the 16th century. Some of the brands you’ll find inside the Métropole Shopping Center include Gucci, Giovanni Raspini, Chantelle and Crème de la Mer – make sure you’re equipped with plenty of cash if you intend to replenish your collections of clothes, perfumes and jewellery. You won’t struggle to find a place to drink and party after the sun goes down in Monaco, thanks to its dozens of late-night bars and nightclubs – you might even bump into a celebrity or two while you’re there. As a place of worship, there is no entrance fee to Monaco Cathedral. Monaco is perhaps most famous for being a playground for the rich and famous, which is reflected by its numerous casinos in the Monte Carlo ward.
