Monaco is one of Europe’s underrated and hidden gems. The country itself is only 0.78 square miles (2.2 square km) big, the second smallest country in Europe (after the Vatican). But in this tiny little country lies a wealth of treasure, both literally and figuratively.
Sights of Monaco
There are a few attractions that might draw tourists to Monaco, although one of the major one doesn’t even allow tourists inside. While Monaco isn’t as famous as Paris or London, there is enough to see and do to keep you occupied, no matter what you fancy.
Monte Carlo Casino
The most obvious reason to visit Monaco is to see the Monte Carlo Casino, made famous by the James Bond movies. Walking into the Monte Carlo Casino is like taking a step back in time, full of mystery and enchantment. Monte Carlo has served as the primary source of wealth for Monaco’s economy up until recent years.
Cameras are strictly forbidden inside the casino, which I found out after I took a bunch of pictures and videos. Monte Carlo doesn’t encourage tourists to come inside; in fact, there is a 17€ fee to enter the casino past the main foyer. However, 10 of those 17 euros becomes casino chips to gamble with, so you can hope to win back your entry fee.
There is no official dress code for Monte Carlo, however “proper attire” is required. That means casual is fine, but no shorts, tank tops, bathing suits, flip flops, or sports shoes at any time. At night, men must wear a suit jacket or blazer at the very least. I wore maroon leggings, a gray top, a scarf, and a hat around 4:00 pm. They let me in without any unapproving glances!
Monte Carlo Casino has one room of table games and one room of slots. There are two restaurants in the casino: Le Salon Rose, decorated in a boudoir style with discreet alcoves; and Le Train Bleu, where you can take a culinary voyage into the sun-kissed flavors of Italy. There are three bars: the Lounge Bar Salle Europe, with a gorgeous diamond bar inside the gaming area; Cafe de la Rotonde, in the atrium of Monte Carlo, available to everyone; and Le Bar Salle Blanche, only accessible by My Monte-Carlo Gold, Platinum, and Private card holders.
Monte Carlo has four hotels: Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, a five-star hotel starting at 702€ per night; Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, a five-star hotel starting at 450€ per night; Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, a four-star hotel starting at 340€ per night; and Monte-Carlo Beach, a five-star hotel starting at 568€ per night.
Finally, entertainment is what Monte Carlo does best. Besides gambling, the casino theater hosts concerts, operas, ballet shows, and festivals. The Promenade Monte-Carlo has the best shopping around (which says a lot for being a country inside fashion capital France). The spas and pools offer yoga, fitness, and preventive health activities.
Other Monaco Casinos
Of course the most famous casino in Monaco is Monte Carlo, but did you know there are three other casinos in the small city-state? In addition to Monte Carlo, there are Casino Le Cafe de Paris, Monte Carlo Bay Casino, and Sun Casino – Monte Carlo. The Monte Carlo Bay Casino and Sun Casino both provide a more modern feel, while the Casino Le Cafe de Paris has an exciting nightlife. In total, there are over 985 slots and 86 table games in Monaco.
Prince’s Palace of Monaco
Monaco is a constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II as head of state. Prince Albert holds immense political power, as he holds legislative, executive, and judicial power – but he is not King. Instead of being a Kingdom, Monaco is a Principality. That means that instead of being ruled but a King, Monaco is ruled by a Prince.
The Prince’s Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the sovereign prince. It was built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress, and has often been bombarded and besieged by many foreign powers.
You can tour the Prince’s Palace for 8€ (4€ for children and students). Remember to buy tickets in the gift shop in the Palace’s front yard before you get in line – you can’t buy them at the door!
Monaco’s Harbors
Monaco has two harbors: Fontvieille Harbor, a sheltered yacht marina, and Port Hercule, the only deep-water port with luxury boats.
Fontvieille Harbor is sheltered by rock and overlooked by the Prince’s Palace, restaurants, and shops. It holds 275 boats, most of which are impressive yachts.
Port Hercule is the more famous harbor, overlooked by the Monte Carlo Casino. In 1995, the harbor was used as a location for the James Bond movie Golden Eye.
Monaco Grand Prix
If you’ve ever played any of the old school racing video games, I’m sure you’ve virtually raced on the Grand Prix de Monaco Circuit!
The circuit de Monaco is a street circuit laid out on the streets of Monaco around the Port Hercule harbor. It runs 2.074 mi (3.337 km), and the cars run 78 laps around the circuit. During the Grand Prix weekend in late May, spectators crowd around the track. There are temporary grand stands set up, and balconies around Monaco become very profitable as Grand Prix viewing areas. The wealthiest and most famous of the spectators arrive via yacht through the harbor.
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
Most impressive from the water, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is impressive even from the outside. The museum is a collection of items belonging to marine science. There is a shark lagoon, a touch pool, a coral reef, a rescue center with sea turtles, and a school with workshops for class trips. It’s a great way to spend a chilly or cloudy day in Monaco, especially with kids!
St. Paul’s Cathedral, Resting Place of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier
St. Paul’s Cathedral in Monaco is just around the corner from the Prince’s Palace. It’s understated compared to some other European churches, but it is beautiful and elegant, overlooking the Fontvieille Harbor. Here, you can visit the crypts of Princess Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco. The church offers services every Sunday at 10:30 am.
Le Petit Train de Monaco and Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour
Take a guided tour of Monaco on a small tourist train! Monaco is small, but if you’re not up for walking or the weather is unpredictable, give the small train a tour. It lasts for about 30 minutes and covers the main attractions in the city. The commentary is available in 12 languages. The train runs daily from February until mid-November. You board the train across from the Oceanographic Museum.
Monaco also has a Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour. Visit all the main attractions and stay as long as you like at each. There’s audio commentary on the bus in multiple languages. This tour makes it easy to create your own itinerary! Choose from a one-day or two-day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour ticket.
Where to Eat and Drink
Obviously, you should consider a martini, shaken not stirred, inside Monte Carlo Casino. The Lounge Bar Salle Europe has a martini called (surprise) the “007,” although it is about 22€. If you don’t mind not being touristy, opt for a glass of wine for 7€.
Outside the casino, you can’t miss the Cafe de Paris, across the street from Monte Carlo Casino. Right on the Place de Casino in front of Monte Carlo Casino, it’s a staple in Monaco! Even if you just grab a cafe au lait, it’s a must when visiting the small city-state. You might even catch a celebrity roaming about!
Blue Bay is a One-Michelin Star restaurant with a Caribbean and Mediterranean fusion menu and excellent views. Opt for the six-course tasting menu for flawless food pairings.
Le Louis XV, on the Place du Casino, is a Three-Michelin Star French restaurant featured in lists of the world’s top restaurants. Chef Alain Ducasse is the second most decorated Michelin Star chef in the world, so you can be sure you’re getting a top quality meal.
Le Bar Américain, owned by the Hotel de Paris, looks like the setting for an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, evoking the air of a 1920’s speakeasy. Chic, stylish, and old-school glamor with live performances every night make this a top spot for sipping on your favorite, well-crafted drink.
Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo is an exotic bar set in a former 20th century concert hall. With a rich history and thriving party scene, there’s always an event to draw your attention at Buddha-Bar. Check out this spot especially on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, when their signature drinks are cheaper.
Where to Stay
There are options if you’re thinking about visiting in Monaco. It’s worth exploring all options to decide what is best for you!
Casino Hotels
If you’re cutting-edge, rich, or famous, the casino hotels are for you. Even if you’re not any of those things, if you’re looking for an exciting trip where you’re throwing caution (and money) to the wind, staying in one of the casino hotels would be a trip to remember. The casinos are four- and five-stars so you can expect royal treatment with all the amenities, but you will also pay for it. Casino hotels range from 340€ to 702€ per night (see above).
Other Hotels
You can also book other hotels, like Marriott, Le Meridien, or other local hotels. These hotels might require a walk to get to the attractions, but Monaco is small so it will never be far. You can even rent a luxury yacht on hotels.com!
AirBnB
Monaco ranks as the most expensive place to live. Monaco’s property for sale is the most expensive in the world, averaging 4.3 million euros. That equates to 41,400€/sqm!
At these prices, you can safely assume that 1) the people who live in Monaco have disposable income and don’t need their money, or 2) the people who live in Monaco need an additional source of income and would like to rent out their houses.
Even though Uber doesn’t exist in Monaco, AirBnB does. You can stay in an AirBnB in France and walk across the border, or rent a luxury AirBnB in Monaco itself! You can find AirBnB’s in Monaco ranging from 68€/night to 792€/night. For $40 off your first AirBnB booking, click through my link to book.
Stay on the French Riviera
The French Riviera is absolutely gorgeous, and there are plenty of nearby towns to stay in. Getting to Monaco is really easy – it’s a 1.50€ bus ride in and out. I stayed in Nice and took the hour-long bus ride into Monaco for a half-day trip. I loved Nice and the drive through the French Riviera, but it may have been nice to spend a night in Monaco and see the nightlife. It also would have given me a chance to change and dress the part when going to the Monte Carlo Casino. But this was a very good option that didn’t require changing hotels every night.
Have you been to Monaco? Is Monaco on your radar? Are you a gambler or James Bond fan who wants to see Monte Carlo? Do you have a yacht that you could sail into Port Hercule and hang with the rich and famous? Talk to me about your Monaco dreams in the comments below!
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P.S. You might also enjoy Atlantic City or 23 Places in the World From a Birds-Eye View