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Monaco has long been on my bucket list. Known for glitz, ritz, and exuding luxury, it’s no challenge to see why it has become so attractive for tourists, especially as a day trip from nearby towns in the French Riviera. But what are the actual best things to do in Monaco? Here’s my list of the 15 best things to do in Monaco, and whether you’re on a budget or looking to splash out, you’re sure to find good ideas here.
1. Take a gamble at the Monte Carlo Casino
This is pretty much the number one thing you have to do in Monaco! If you didn’t already know, Monaco is known for gambling, among other things. So while you’re here, why not try your hand at the casino! If you just want to go in to explore, you can peek inside the lobby, but to get into the actual casino, you have to pay a 10 euro fee, and that’s before you gamble away any money!
2. Pay a visit to Saint Nicholas Cathedral
As the location where Rainier III and Grace Kelly got married in 1956, and where most of the royal family has been buried, Saint Nicholas Cathedral is clearly a significant monument of Monaco. It’s also absolutely stunning, the architecture being done in a Roman-Byzantine style.
3. Admire the boats at Monaco Yacht Club
If you’ve ever seen How I Met Your Mother, the advertisement BOATS! BOATS! BOATS! is all I was thinking about when I walked around the marina. There are boats like you’ve never seen here. Small motorboats, sailboats, and of course, yachts. Honestly, just looking at the luxurious yachts parked in the harbor was an activity in itself, but you can also take a boat ride here if you’d like!
4. Roam through the Japanese Garden
Take a journey to the east by visiting the Japanese Garden in Monaco! Designed by architect Yasuo Beppu, it has all the features a classic Japanese garden would, including a pond, islands, a waterfall, lanterns, bridges, a tea house and a Zen garden.
5. Explore Monaco-Ville, Monaco’s Old Town
I think it’s a rule that every city in Europe has to have an old town, and Monaco is no exception. Like every other old town in Europe, Monaco’s old town is full of winding alleyways, colorful houses, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and gelato. Even if it’s not terribly unique, it still is worth the visit.
6. Shop ’til you drop in Le Metropole shopping center
This shopping center is more of an experience than it is a place to actually shop, which is probably just as well if you don’t have thousands of dollars to casually drop. Decorated luxuriously, walking through this shopping center will make you feel like a million bucks.
7. Visit the Oceanographic Museum
Genuinely, this was one of my favorite parts of Monaco. Located inside a giant stately mansion, the Oceanographic Museum is perched on the side of the rock of Monaco, overlooking the glittering Mediterranean Sea. Filled with aquariums of all kinds and over 6000 species, the Oceanographic Museum is a delight for the senses. Tickets for adults range from 11-16 euros, and for students 7-12 euros.
8. Wander down Sculpture Path
One of the best free things to do in Monaco, you can see multitudes of sculptures by internationally recognized artists all in one area near the sea. Located in the the Fontvieille district, it’s an outdoor museum of sorts that is easy to walk through and enjoy.
9. Dine at the famous Cafe de Paris
This is another must do in Monaco! Make no mistake, Cafe de Paris serves much more than just coffee, it’s a full restaurant! Located right next to the Monte-Carlo Casino, the best way to experience a meal here is to sit outside on the Parisian style terrace and enjoy the Mediterranean weather.
10. Ride in a luxury vehicle
As Monaco is known for the Monaco Grand Prix, there is no shortage of luxury cars in the tiny country. However, what if I told you that instead of watching forlornly as billionaires rev their engines, you too, could experience a luxury vehicle car ride? With a professional instructor, you can either be a passenger or driver in a Lamborghini Gallardo around the scenic streets of Monte Carlo in the world’s coolest car tour.
11. Marvel at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco
As Prince Albert of Monaco’s official residence, the Prince’s Palace is definitely worth a visit. Although you can’t actually tour the prince’s residence, there are state apartments inside that you can see. At only 8 euros per adult (4 euros per student or child!) it’s totally a must-see! Afterwards, you can watch the changing of the guard at 11:55AM, or explore the gardens behind the palace, called Jardin Saint Martin.
12. Experience Michelin-star dining at Le Grill
Let’s face it; if you’re already in Monaco, you might as well do it right and ball out. Located on the 8th floor of the famous Hôtel de Paris, Le Grill is Michelin star dining at its finest. It’s got delicious French food inspired by the Provence region, an excellent and extensive wine selection, and an amazing view.
Or, if you’re like me and a college student, you can just eat at the nearby McDonalds too.
13. Relax on Larvotto beach
There’s no better way to take advantage of Monaco’s climate and Southern location by visiting the beach! This is the best beach in the country, with imported gravel and totally free to use! However, in peak months it does get quite crowded, so if you’re looking for a nicer experience, I’d rent a chair and umbrella at one of the private sections of the beach.
14. See the country from the sky in a helicopter ride
When in Monaco, am I right? If you’re really looking for a truly unforgettable experience, try this helicopter flight over Monaco. You get to see the entire country from the sky, including sights such as the Prince’s Palace, the Oceanographic Museum and the Monaco Cathedral.
15. Take a day trip
The French Riviera is full of amazing destinations, you can’t only see one of them! Just under an hour away from Monaco you can see amazing French towns such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, Menton, Èze, and Nice!
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Have you ever been to Monaco? What did you do there? Let me know in the comment below!
