Welcome to Monaco
Monaco is a small principality that exudes luxury and exclusivity, commonly known as the playground of the rich and famous. Monaco's history is intertwined with famous names, glamorous living and, sometimes, the scandal that comes when royals mingle with politicians, artists, icons of the fashion world, sports and movie stars.
A melting pot of cultures and nationalities taking up an area just over 2km squared, Monaco is nestled between the French and Italian Rivieras. The most densely populated country in the world, it offers up an array of luxury hotels, international sporting events, multi-million euro yachts and, of course, the chance to visit the legendary Monte-Carlo Casino.
There are three main areas within Monaco: La Condamine, Monte-Carlo and Monaco Ville. La Condamine includes Port Hercule and the business district. Monte-Carlo is a bustling hive of activity, shopping and fast cars. Finally, Monaco Ville refers to the old town of Monaco which sits on a peninsula high above the Mediterranean.
Latest news, reviews & events in Monaco
Find out all about what is happening in Monaco and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this charming Principality.
Monaco is well-known for hosting some of the world's biggest and best events, such as the Monaco Grand Prix, the Monte-Carlo Tennis Masters and the Monaco Yacht Show. Fashion, art and music are also popular – you will find that there are events taking place throughout the year attracting some of the biggest names in these fields.
What to see & do in Monaco
Head out onto the beach and venture into the sparkling blue waters to enjoy a whole range of watersports or, to experience more of the coast along Monaco, hire a yacht or book a boat trip. Shopping, gambling and people watching are also extremely popular options – the local designer boutiques, glitzy cafes and superyacht marinas are too good to resist.
Monaco-Ville is the oldest area in the principality, with narrow medieval streets and vaulted passageways dominated by the Prince's palace. Monte-Carlo's most famous sight is the Place de Casino with its glittering Casino de Monte Carlo, Hotel de Paris and grand gardens with fountains. La Condamine, with its port, is seriously good for people watching.
History & Culture in Monaco
Monaco's legendary history dates back to the 6th century BC. Ruled by the House of Grimaldi since 1297, the Principality started to attract the rich and famous in the 1850s thanks to the opening of the casino.
Sights & Attractions in Monaco
There is no shortage of museums and historical sites to be enjoyed in Monaco, for both adults and children. Despite the relatively small land mass of this principality, you will also find a surprising amount of green spaces.
Sights in Monaco
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Musee du Vieux Monaco
Located in Monaco
A surprisingly diverse museum exhibiting a range of artefacts from sculpture and paintings, to military uniforms and musical instruments.
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Collection des Voitures Anciennes (Vintage Cars Collection)
Located in Monaco
Prince Rainier III was a huge car enthusiast and amassed a vast collection of vintage cars.
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Oceanographic Museum
Located in Monaco
Sovereign Prince, scholar and explorer, Albert I of Monaco, devoted his life to the Principality forces as well as scientific investigation. This museum showcases his passion.
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Le Fort Antoine dans La Ville
Located in Monaco
This fort was built in the 18th century with a beautiful promontory position overlooking the bay.
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Saint Nicholas Cathedral of Monaco
Located in Monaco
The cathedral of Monaco is dedicated to the Virgin, although popularly known as Saint Nicholas because of the church that previously stood on its site. The current building was built in the 19th century.
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Trophee d'Auguste (Trophy of Augustus), La Turbie
Located in Monaco
Built in the year 6 BC, the trophy of Augustus honoured Octavius, Caesar's nephew and future emperor under the name of Augustus, who had conquered the Alpine tribes.
Beaches in Monaco
Monte Carlo is the home of the Monaco beaches. This is where the glamorous private beaches stand, backed by luxury beach clubs and restaurants, as well as the only public beach in the Principality, Larvotto Beach.
Beaches in Monaco
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Plage du Larvotto Beach
Located <1 km away
Larvotto is the principality of Monaco's most popular sandy beach and the main one with free public access. Covered in smooth imported fine gravel this man-made beach is made up of both private and public areas of beach.
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Plage Marquet Beach, Cap d'Ail
Located 2.1 km away
Plage Marquet is the most easterly of the Cap d’Ail beaches and is right on the border with Monaco.
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Plage du Golfe Bleu Beach, Roquebrune
Located 3.1 km away
This family-friendly beach is easy to get to but not so easy to find, which is perhaps why it always stays fairly quiet even in peak season.
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Plage Gramaglia Beach, Cap d'Ail
Located 3.4 km away
Located just beneath Restaurant La Pinede along the Sentier Littoral, Plage Gramaglia is more a series of rocky coves than a traditional beach.
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Plage du Buse Beach, Roquebrune
Located 3.5 km away
Plage Buse is a pretty and undulating stretch of pebbly coastline tucked away to the west of the Roquebrune Cap Martin peninsula.
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Plage Mala Beach, Cap d'Ail
Located 3.5 km away
This is a small and secluded beach with two excellent restaurants and safe swimming. Plage Mala is a little haven.
Dining in Monaco
Not lacking in top quality restaurants and well-known chefs, your only problem in Monaco will be deciding where to go. And, contrary to what most people think, there are some very reasonably priced options.
Restaurants in Monaco
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Le Grill Restaurant
Located in Monaco
Situated in the luxury Hotel de Paris, this restaurant serves modern Mediterranean cuisine qith great panoramic views of the sea.
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Horizon Rooftop Restaurant & Champagne Bar
Located in Monaco
Views over the Principality's legendary Opera House, Prince's Palace, and Casino - against a backdrop the azure splendour of the Mediterranean.
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Metropole Monte-Carlo Restaurant
Located in Monaco
Located in Hotel Metropole, this restaurant is lead by Executive Chef Christophe Cussac. It holds two Michelin stars.
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Hostellerie Jerome Restaurant, La Turbie
Located in Monaco
Chef Bruno Cirino prepares Mediterranean dishes that carefully showcase the flavours of local produce. A light and creative cuisine that you can enjoy in their elegant dining room with vaulted ceilings and frescoes or their shaded terrace overlooking the sea.
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Le Vistamar Restaurant
Located in Monaco
Orchestrated by Chef Joël Garault, this chic restaurant offers delightful gourmet seafood.
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La Maree Restaurant
Located in Monaco
'Fish chic' restaurant in Port Hercule that is located on the sixth floor of the Port Palace Hotel, overlooking the marina.
Things to do in Monaco
Monaco is the place to splash the cash on the most exclusive jewels, clothes, yachts and works of art. Otherwise, you will certainly enjoy people watching and soaking up the surroundings in this fascinating city.
Things To Do in Monaco
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
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Cote d'Azur Luxury Motor Boat Trip
Located in Monaco
This boat trip departs from Monaco and can run for 2, 3 or 4 hours - so you can choose whether you want a quick spin along the coast or a more extended trip.
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Cannes & St Tropez Luxury Motor Boat Trip
Located in Monaco
Departing from Monaco, on this trip you'll enjoy a full day of cruising along the French Riviera, visiting Monaco to Cannes to Saint Tropez and the beautiful bays and coves.
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Sunset Luxury Motor Boat Trip
Located in Monaco
This two hour cruise departs from Monaco to take you on a stunning sunset cruise on the Cote d'Azur.
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Monaco & Monte Carlo by Night, from Monaco
Located in Monaco
Witness the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo after dark.
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Cannes & Islands Luxury Motor Boat Trip
Located in Monaco
This is a coastal trip departing from Monaco to explore the gems of the Cote d'Azur with opportunities to swim and snorkel in the glistening Mediterranean.
Nightlife in Monaco
Nightlife in Monaco is incredibly varied – from superyacht parties to beach club DJs and nightclubs where the VIPs mingle. Gambling is another favourite pastime, centered around the Monte-Carlo Casino, the best in Europe.
Bars & Clubs in Monaco
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Saphir 24 Bistro Lounge, Restaurant & Bar
Located in Monaco
The relaxed atmosphere and sublime vista make it the perfect spot to enjoy, 24 hours a day, according to your rhythm and fancy...
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Crystal Bar & Terrace
Located in Monaco
Sit back in this lounge and take in the magnificent views across the Mediterranean, Port Hercule and the Rock of Monaco, while luxuriating in the atmosphere of exclusivity.
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Brasserie du Cafe de Paris
Located in Monaco
With Belle Epoque style windows, recalling the old Parisian bistros, the building creates a bright and friendly atmosphere.
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Horizon Rooftop Restaurant & Champagne Bar
Located in Monaco
Views over the Principality's legendary Opera House, Prince's Palace, and Casino - against a backdrop the azure splendour of the Mediterranean.
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Bar Americain
Located in Monaco
The Hôtel de Paris' fantastic cocktail bar and lounge oozes old world class. It has a cosy, elegant low-key ambiance, with big leather armchairs, sea views and live music from Doctor Gabs' piano.
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Casino Cafe de Paris, Monte Carlo
Located in Monaco
This casino is a real buzz for the senses with its funky lighting and starship enterprise style decor.
Where to stay in Monaco
Monaco has a small selection of hotels, many of them in the uber-luxurious category with five-star facilities, Michelin-starred restaurants and sumptuous spas. There are also a couple of budget options.
Hotels in Monaco
Hotels in Monaco
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Jerome Boutique Hostellerie Hotel, La Turbie
Located in Monaco
Former 13th-century Cistercian monastery tastefully renovated offering 5 beautifully decorated en-suite rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.
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Hermitage Hotel
Located in Monaco
Overlooking the Mediterranean, the Hôtel Hermitage cultivates elegance at its highest level.
Price: €12,121
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Monte-Carlo Bay Resort & Hotel
In a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, this hotel offers you a whole new experience of a legendary destination.
Price: €7,280
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Eza Chateau Hotel, Eze
Located in Eze
Exquisite and intimate, the rooms and suites of Château Eze cling to the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze, a thousand-year-old Medieval village more than 400 metres above the Mediterranean Sea.
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Columbus Monte-Carlo Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel
Located in Monaco
The Columbus hotel's style is Riviera chic, where beautifully glamorous and barefoot elegance sit easily side by side. The service is graceful, genuinely friendly and always attentive. The feeling is cool, exclusive and laid back. An excellent choice.
Price: €2,901
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Cap Estel Hotel, Eze
Located in Eze
Situated on its own two-hectare peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel has wonderful panoramic views. With only 28 rooms spread over four separate locations, it is a very private and luxurious place to stay.
Price: €20,615
How to get to Monaco
Monaco lies on the southeast coast of France, close to the border with Italy. Nice International Airport is 30km from the centre of Monaco while taxis, buses and trains connect the Principality with the neighbouring towns.
Transfers for Monaco
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Private airport transfers
From Nice airport to Monaco, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.