15 Best things to do in Monaco: must-see sights in the microstate

Looking for the best things to do in Monaco? Discover must-see sights like the Prince’s Palace, the famous casino, and the luxury marina on the Côte d’Azur.

This is what makes Monaco such an awesome place to visit

To celebrate my 30th birthday in a big way, I spent a week in Nice with my little brother and best friend. We took several day trips from this beautiful city on the Côte d’Azur, but one place stood out immediately: Monaco. We were so fascinated by this principality that we even took the train back for a second visit later that week.

Monaco is unlike any other place in Europe. It feels like a “sanctuary” for the rich and famous; a place where the yachts are larger than most townhouses and luxury cars are around every corner.

A “postage stamp” with steep climbs

Although Monaco is often described as a “postage stamp” (it is the second smallest country in the world after Vatican City), don’t underestimate its scale. It may look tiny on a map, but its location against steep cliffs means you’ll get quite a workout from all the walking. The elevation changes are enormous, the slopes are steep, and the views of the azure Mediterranean Sea are fantastic. It’s a very special place to see!

The magic of the Grand Prix

My visit was extra special because the Historic Grand Prix was taking place at the time. The entire city was at a standstill, cordoned off with grandstands and fences everywhere. Although we didn’t watch an official race, there was a very special atmosphere. We saw the track and some practice laps, which was already quite an experience!

Useful to know about Monaco

Before I tell you more about the best Monaco sights, here is some practical info about this microstate:

• Monaco is a principality: This means the country is headed by a prince or princess rather than a king or queen. The Grimaldi family has ruled Monaco since 1297.
• Monaco vs. Monte Carlo: Monaco is the name of the whole country. Monte Carlo is the most famous district, where you will find the casino.
• Location: It is surrounded by France, just 20 minutes by train from Nice.
• Size: The land is only 2 km² in size. By comparison, that’s smaller than Central Park in New York!

The best things to do in Monaco

Now that you know a little more about Monaco, you’re likely wondering what there is to see and do. Here are some of the best activities and sights in this microstate.

Monaco-Ville

Monaco-Ville, also known as Le Rocher (The Rock), is the old town. It is perched on a 60-meter-high cliff rising above the Mediterranean. This is one of the places where you’ll immediately notice those significant elevation changes. To get there, you’ll need to make a steep climb via the Rampe de la Major, but once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with spectacular views of the harbors.

In the narrow, medieval streets, the atmosphere is much more charming and relaxed than in the rest of the city. You’ll find cozy squares and small boutique stores to explore.

The Prince’s Palace (Palais Princier)

Atop the rock in Monaco-Ville is the official residence of the Prince of Monaco. It is an impressive building that reflects the rich history of the country. If the flag is flying, it means the prince is currently at home. Be sure to arrive around 11:55 a.m. to witness the Changing of the Guard. It is a traditional spectacle that always draws a crowd.

Place du Casino & the Casino de Monte-Carlo

You can’t visit Monaco without stopping at the world-famous casino. Even if you aren’t a gambler, the square in front of the building is a sight in itself. This is where you can truly experience the glitz and glamour. The most expensive cars in the world are often parked here side by side right in front of the entrance.

Port Hercule

Walk (or take the elevator!) down toward the Port Hercule marina. Here, you’ll find the most incredible superyachts you will ever see. It is almost unfathomable how large these vessels really are. We spent over an hour wandering around here; it is truly an extraordinary world to witness.

Stade Nautique Rainier III

Something you’ll immediately notice when admiring Port Hercule from above is the large swimming pool situated between the marina and the race track. This is the Stade nautique Rainier III, a heated saltwater pool. The best part is that, as a visitor, you can head inside for a relatively small fee to enjoy a swim with a million-dollar view.

Musée Océanographique de Monaco

The building of the Musée océanographique de Monaco is spectacular to see, as the museum is built directly against the steep cliff on the coast. It seems to rise up from the sea. Inside you will find various aquariums and information about marine life.

Buy your ticket for Musée Océanographique de Monaco here.

The Fairmont Hairpin

For any sports fan, the Fairmont hairpin is an iconic spot. This is the slowest and most famous corner on the Formula One circuit. It is very special to walk along the sidewalk past a point where normally the best drivers in the world race by. Because the city was still set up for the race, the red and white curbs were very visible.

Cathedral of Monaco

Many members of the Grimaldi family are buried in the Cathedral of Monaco, also called the Saint Nicholas Cathedral. The most famous graves are those of Prince Rainier III and his wife, Grace Kelly. The building is a sight to behold and is made of white stone.

What I personally found particularly special is the great contrast when you enter the cathedral. It is so different from the hustle, bustle, and showiness in the rest of the city.

Palais de Justice

Right by the cathedral, you will find the Palais de Justice (Palace of Justice). This may not be the first place you think of when listing sights, but I found the building truly a sight to behold! The facade is full of extraordinary details. It is one of the most beautiful buildings on the Rock.

Jardin Exotique de Monaco

One place I unfortunately missed during my visit is the Jardin exotique de Monaco. But after seeing the pictures, I definitely want to go here next time! It is a botanical garden located high up against the rocks and is filled with thousands of cacti and succulents. Again, it’s quite a climb to get there, but the view is phenomenal. Below the garden, there is even a prehistoric cave with stalactites and stalagmites that you can visit.

Larvotto Beach

Monaco has one official beach: Larvotto Beach. Do not expect vast expanses of sand here; it is a landscaped pebble beach with a modern promenade. The skyline of skyscrapers behind the beach creates a very unique sight. It’s a great place to rest and look out over the sea after all the miles you’ve covered through the steep streets.

Walking the Formula One circuit

Monaco and Formula One are inseparable. I wasn’t able to walk the entire loop myself, but what makes it unique is that outside of the race weekends, you can just walk on the asphalt. Many of the spots in this list are right on the track, but it is also highly recommended to walk the entire circuit of over three kilometers. You will immediately recognize the familiar turns and the places where the grandstands are normally located.

Want to hear all the ins and outs about legendary races and overtaking? Then book a guided walk around the track.

Sainte-Dévote Chapel

This small chapel stands in a unique spot, right at the first corner of the race track. The chapel is dedicated to the patron saint of Monaco. For racing fans, this is a sacred place, as this is often where the most spectacular action takes place on the first lap. I found the contrast between the centuries-old chapel and the atmosphere of the race (with all the structures built around it when I was there) to be very typical of Monaco.

Jardins de la Petite Afrique

Directly opposite the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo, you will find these beautiful tropical gardens. The name (“Little Africa”) says it all: you can walk here among huge palm trees, exotic plants, and unique flowers. It is a wonderful place to seek shade and escape the crowds. Good to know: you will also find the tourism office here.

Take a combination trip to Ventimiglia

While Monaco is impressive enough on its own, it is very easy (and fun!) to extend your day trip. We took the train from Nice to Ventimiglia, Italy, just across the border. We walked through the old streets in the morning and, of course, had a delicious Italian pizza for lunch!

We then caught the train back and got off halfway for our afternoon stroll in Monaco. It’s a funny contrast: one moment you are experiencing the Italian charm, and half an hour later, you are in the middle of the immense luxury of the principality.