Monaco Travel Guide

Monaco is the world’s second-smallest country, only behind Vatican City. It has plenty to offer visitors and is known for its classic casino (Casino de Monte-Carlo), its royal family and the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix. Monaco’s most well-known area Monte Carlo, is luxury, from mega-yachts to designer stores, its all over-the-top glamour here. The city sits on the coast of southern France overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and is one of the premier destinations in Europe with its legendary luxury hotels, fine dining and rich history.

Monaco Weather – When to Visit

Situated between Italy and France on the Côte d’Azur, the Principality of Monaco enjoys more than 300 sunny days a year. Great climate, a variety of flora and fauna, and friendly smiling people are among its major attractions. From the deep blue of the Mediterranean to the beautiful white canyons, Monaco never fails to amaze.

The best time to visit Monaco is in the spring or fall. April and October are both ideal months for a vacation: the weather is balmy and the room rates are reduced. This lavish getaway loses some of its luster between November and March, but you will save money on accommodations if you visit in this cooler winter offseason. Visit in the summer, and yes, the beaches will be packed, the weather will be hot, and the restaurants will have long waits, but you’ll also experience Monaco at its liveliest.

Monaco’s Best Beaches

Larvotto Beach

This is one of the most famous beaches of Monaco. It is rare that a local won’t know the way to Larvotto Beach. Popular among locals and tourists, this is one of the most beautiful beaches. Larvotto Beach is an artificial beach carefully designed by professionals who know all about relaxing in the sun. Even the most demanding holidaymaker won’t find anything to complain about on Larvotto. Soft sand, stunning summer sunshine, and beautiful sea views are a real pleasure to your senses. 

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La Note Bleue

This beach and restaurant are popular among tourists and locals alike. A most diverse clientele comes here not just to sunbathe or take a nap on pristine white sand, but also to enjoy amazing jazz music, a speciality of la Note Bleue.

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Marquet Beach

Here you can relax on a comfortable sunbed, under a parasol. Marquet was originally a pebble beach, but sand is specially brought here for the season. Rent a kayak or a canoe, a surfboard or a paddle board. Since this beach is very popular among the local French people, the prices are not as high as in Monaco, although the same goes for the level of service.
Let us now move further along the French coast.

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Eze Beach

Eze Beach is a pebbly beach. This is a very exclusive beach for water sports and swimmers. Eze-Sur-Mer has a solo beach but it’s an exquisite one. It has facilities like toilets and showers and there are two eateries and plenty of water sports. It is a public beach and showers are provided on the sand.

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Garavan Beach

There is a host of sandy beaches situated to the east of the Port in Menton. They act as the backdrops of Menton’s bright and old town. Undoubtedly, these are one of the best beaches in Menton and get maximum tourists in the summer. There are chains of private beach eating joints before the next public beach, Rondelli.

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Monaco Tours & Activities

Monaco Hop-on Hop-off Tour

See the main attractions in Monaco at your leisure with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. It’s an ideal way to get an overview of the city, giving you the opportunity to disembark and explore more on your own at any of the 12 stops along the bus route. Visit the Prince’s Palace, the Monaco Cathedral, the Monte Carlo Casino and more. Choose from a 1-day or 2-day ticket. Buses depart regularly from each stop, making this a great way to get around as well as sight see. Read more about the Monaco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour.

Eze, Monaco Private Half-Day Tour

Discover the Chic of Monaco, the medieval history of Eze and the Trophy of the Alps of the Village de la Turbie during this half-day excursion. In Eze, you will discover the perched village with its exotic garden and its panoramic view, then you will have a private tour of the Fragonard perfumery. Then, Monaco direction to discover the Prince’s Palace and the Relève de la Garde, the Cathedral of Monaco, the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix Circuit and the Casino Square in Monte Carlo. All through the Grande Corniche to have a spectacular and unique view of the Côte d’Azur. Read more about the Eze, Monaco Private Half-Day Tour.

Monaco Shore Excursion: Private Half-Day Trip to Monte Carlo and Eze

Make the most of your time in Monaco port with a private half-day shore excursion to Monte Carlo and Eze, and enjoy a taste of the unforgettable French Riviera. Drive around the famous Formula One Grand Prix route in Monte Carlo, see the legendary Monte Carlo Casino and browse the glamorous shops of Casino Square. Next, cross the border into France and journey along the Mediterranean coast to the medieval village of Eze, where you can tour a traditional perfumery and admire the magnificent panoramic views. Read more about the Monaco Shore Excursion.

Lamborghini Sports Car Experience from Monaco

Wind through the streets of glitzy Monaco in style, behind the wheel of a Lamborghini. Cruise along gorgeous coastal roads in a V10 Lamborghini Gallardo convertible, basking in the Mediterranean sun and the raw power of the car’s engine. Choose either a half-hour or 1-hour drive – the longer tour offers the opportunity to drive the spectacular Grand Corniche road to Eze – and know an experienced driving instructor will be sitting beside you the whole time. Experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Monaco. Read more about the Lamborghini Sports Car Experience.

French Riviera Scenic Helicopter Tour from Monaco

Take a thrilling 7-minute helicopter tour over the French Riviera from Monaco for unparalleled views of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a unique view of Monaco’s main attractions, including the Monte Carlo Casino, Formula One Grand Prix circuit, the Rock of Monaco and the stately Prince’s Palace. Gaze out over the glittering Mediterranean Sea as you soar over the water. Read more about the French Riviera Scenic Helicopter Tour.

Best Monaco Restaurants

Le Louis XV Alain Ducasse $31 – 60

Here you will find Mediterranean cuisine that astonishes, charms and beguiles you. The service is meticulous, the table décor is immaculate and the wine list is legendary. 600,000 bottles, 950 different references and rare vintages line the walls of the hotel’s cellars. Finally, there is the Versailles grandeur of the restaurant: gilding, chandeliers and precious fabrics adorn the dining room and the summer terrace offers a priceless view. Telephone: 377 98 06 88 64 Web: Le Louis XV Alain Ducasse

Elsa $31 – 60

Dishes such as warm anchoiade, sea bream carpaccio, asparagus and fennel served tartar-style are delicately made using the finest and freshest fish. Dessert menus are devoted to macaroons, but also include delights such as Provençal apricots in puff pastry and chilled quenelle with honey and fromage blanc. Despite its sumptuous menu, Elsa is slightly more casual than most gourmet restaurants in Monaco, its simple elegance and discreet service.  Telephone: 377 9806 5005 Web: Elsa

Le Grill De L’Hotel De Paris $31 – 60

On the top floor of the Hôtel de Paris, Le Grill has a sliding roof that reveals not only the Rivera’s skies but also panoramic views of the principality. Though the menu retains Le Grill’s classics such as the legendary soufflé, it is adapted to what is available at local markets. Lunch and dinner are never the same at Le Grill, the menu aside; cool romantic candlelit dinners replace the lively ambiance of business lunches. Telephone: 377 98 06 88 88 Web: Le Grill De L’Hotel De Paris

Le Vistamar Executive $31 – 60

Diners can explore this fresh approach to seafood with à la carte, set or taster menus which culminate in beautiful hot dessert soufflés. There is also the Salon Privé, a secluded dining room that boasts a separate entrance and seating for 12 guests. Telephone: 377 98 06 98 98 Web: Le Vistamar Executive

Joel Robucon Monte Carlo $31 – 60

Enjoy Mediterranean dishes such as the langoustine ravioli with truffles and quail caramelized with apple purée and truffles. This dining experience is enhanced by the open kitchen and its elaborate counter around which guests dine while watching their next course being cooked by executive chef Christophe Cussac. Telephone: 377 93 15 15 10 Web: Joel Robucon Monte Carlo

Best Monaco Nightlife

Le Bar Americain

Le Bar Américain, in the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, is a Monaco institution. There is always live jazz or swing floating around the plush tables, and new cocktails to sample from a menu that constantly reinvents itself. This is the bar to go to if you’re seeking an intimate evening or for a special occasion. Enjoy a beautiful terrace with a view of the Mediterranean Sea, or enjoy the evening at the interior bar, which is draped in rich furnishings and lighting. Telephone: 377 98 06 38 38 Web: Le Bar Americain

Twiga Monte Carlo

Twiga Monte Carlo moved its location to Monaco in May 2018 and now occupies the second floor of the Grimaldi Forum. With uninterrupted views over the Mediterranean thanks to its privileged position in the principality, Twiga Monte Carlo is a restaurant, lounge and shisha bar by day (well, until 1am) and an exclusive club by night and into the next dawn. Telephone: 377 99 99 25 50 Web: Twiga Monte Carlo

Jimmy’z

Jimmy’z is the iconic club of Monaco. It’s been around since 1971 and is very popular. The outside space is what makes it so enchanting; circular canopies of glass are suspended over open air seating and the floating Summer Bar sits outside on its own lagoon. As the sun goes down, the sound system cranks up and the whole club is bathed in a reddish-pink glow. Telephone: 377 98 06 70 68 Web: Jimmy’z

La Rascasse

La Rascasse is a bar and club that comes alive as the sun goes down. There are DJ sets each night as well as DJ battles once a month on either a Friday or Saturday. The atmosphere is a lot more laid-back than some other bars in Monaco, and night owls flock to this corner of town to enjoy after-work drinks, concerts and clubbing. Telephone: 377 98 06 16 16 Web: La Rascasse

Blue Gin

Blue Gin has one of the best views in the principality. Known as the ‘waterfront’ of Monaco, relax on their terrace and watch the sun set towards Italy with a cocktail in hand. It is located in the famous Monte Carlo Bay Hotel And Resort. Telephone: 377 98 06 03 60 Web: Blue Gin

Best Monaco Hotels

Monte-Carlo Bay & Resort

Cultivating a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort offers a new approach for a legendary destination where lightness, indulgence and good times reign. The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort is an authentic prestigious club nested on a dream-like island, renewing the spirit of the legend and splendor of the 30’s, chic and light, luxurious and relaxed.

Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

Relaxation, the art of true living, an unmistakable sophistication – such is the spirit of the Belle Epoque which brings the Hotel Hermitage to life. A century later, the same spirit is still intact in the Eiffel Hall, the salons, the guest rooms, each with an individual, intimate atmosphere where discreet luxury joins with classic pleasures from times pasts.Overlooking the Mediterranean, the Hôtel Hermitage cultivates elegance at its highest level.

Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo

Located in the heart of Monte-Carlo, this hotel offers elegant accommodation just steps away from the Casino. It features 125 refined rooms and suites, a heated swimming pool and two Michelin-starred restaurants. Guests can enjoy inventive Mediterranean cuisine at Joel Robuchon restaurant, or go to Yoshi for modern Japanese cuisine.

Fairmont Monte Carlo

The Fairmont Monte Carlo is a unique four–star luxury convention resort located in the heart of the Principality of Monaco in between the Mediterranean Sea and the legendary Casino of Monte-Carlo. It offers a unique view of the blue horizon, the famous Casino and one of the best views on the Formula 1 circuit, the Fairmont Hairpin. Spacious, comfortable with private terraces, its 602 rooms and suites decline perfectly the Riviera style.

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

Situated at the very heart of Monte-Carlo on the famous Place du Casino, the Hôtel de Paris is a real “Address” !A simple flight of stairs leads from the Place du Casino to the majestic lobby of the Hôtel de Paris. Low relief sculptures, marble colonnades and cristal chandeliers entice you to absorb the fascinating solemnity of this magical, memorable and sumptuous setting. The privileged quality of its location, just a few steps from the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo, means that guests have front-row seats to watch the sparkling life of Monaco and unforgettable sunsets over the sea.