Monaco
Monaco is the smallest and most densely glamorous corner of the Riviera: a cliff-hugging principality of about two square kilometres where a fairy-tale palace, a Belle Époque casino, a cathedral holding Grace Kelly's tomb, a rebuilt tropical garden and the most famous street circuit in motor racing all sit within a short walk of each other.
This guide books Monaco properly: the Oceanographic Museum clinging to its sea cliff, the Monte-Carlo Casino and its free atrium, the Exotic Garden newly reopened after six years of works, the old town on Le Rocher with the Palace Square and the daily Changing of the Guard, the Prince's Car Collection, Fontvieille's rose garden, a hop-on hop-off loop to cover the whole principality, a Formula 1 circuit walk and a small-group half-day to the hilltop village of Èze. It then matches you to a hotel, from the Hôtel de Paris on Casino Square to calmer, better-value bases in Fontvieille, the port and La Condamine, because in a country this small and this steep, where you sleep decides how many hills you climb before dinner.
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
A palace of the sea built into a sheer sea cliff above the Mediterranean: Prince Albert I's great aquarium and museum, once directed by Jacques Cousteau. Book a timed entry ticket, then finish on the rooftop terrace with its view over the whole coast.
Monte-Carlo Casino
The Belle Époque casino that made Monaco famous, with a free marble atrium, a morning heritage visit and gaming rooms from 2pm. You can see the building without gambling, but bring photo ID and mind the dress code.
Exotic Garden of Monaco
A cliff of cacti and succulents high above the sea, reopened on 30 March 2026 after six years of works. Open daily, with a guided cave visit and a botanical centre, and one of the best views in the principality.
Collection of Cars of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco
Prince Rainier III's private collection of historic cars, open to the public all year: Grand Prix machines, royal limousines and vintage classics in a single hall below the Rock.
A palace of the sea built into a sheer sea cliff above the Mediterranean: Prince Albert I's great aquarium and museum, once directed by Jacques Cousteau. Book a timed entry ticket, then finish on the rooftop terrace with its view over the whole coast.
The Grimaldi family's home for over seven centuries, standing on the Rock above the harbour. In November the State Apartments are closed for the season, but the Palace Square, the views and the daily Changing of the Guard at 11:55 are free and open.
The Belle Époque casino that made Monaco famous, with a free marble atrium, a morning heritage visit and gaming rooms from 2pm. You can see the building without gambling, but bring photo ID and mind the dress code.
A cliff of cacti and succulents high above the sea, reopened on 30 March 2026 after six years of works. Open daily, with a guided cave visit and a botanical centre, and one of the best views in the principality.
Monaco's original town on its limestone Rock: narrow lanes, the Cathedral with Grace Kelly's tomb, the Saint-Martin gardens and the Palace Square, all free and within a ten-minute walk of each other.
Walk the street circuit that hosts the Monaco Grand Prix: Sainte Dévote, the Casino hairpin, the tunnel and the harbour chicane. A highly rated guided walk of about two hours, or do it free on your own.
A small-group half-day from Monaco to the hilltop medieval village of Èze, a perfumery visit and a drive back along the corniche to the palace and Casino Square. Hotel pickup is included.
A one-day loop with twelve stops, from the Japanese Garden and the Casino to the Palace and the Oceanographic Museum. The easiest way to link Monaco's steep districts, with audio guides in eight languages.
Prince Rainier III's private collection of historic cars, open to the public all year: Grand Prix machines, royal limousines and vintage classics in a single hall below the Rock.
Four hectares of palms, ponds and sculpture below the Rock, with a rose garden created in 1984 in memory of Princess Grace. A flat, free, family-friendly green space with a playground.
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$$Monte-Carlo (Casino Square)
Monaco's grandest address, on Casino Square since 1864: 206 rooms, a rooftop pool, a seawater spa and a famous Ducasse restaurant, one minute from the Grand Prix hairpin. The splurge for a first or special trip.
Rates on Expedia →
$$$Fontvieille
A contemporary Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in Fontvieille, the flat, calm district below the Rock. Good for families and longer stays, close to the park, the Car Collection and the palace.
Rates on Expedia →
$$$Monte-Carlo
A dependable three-star in the Monte-Carlo district, a good mid-range way to sleep near the Casino, the Grand Prix circuit and the sea without paying palace-hotel prices.
Rates on Expedia →
$$La Condamine
A small three-star boutique hotel in La Condamine, by the port and a short walk from the Rock. A sensible mid-range base for walkers, with the harbour, the old town and Monte-Carlo all close.
Rates on Expedia →
$$Quartier du Port
A three-star hotel in the Quartier du Port, the nearest thing to a value base inside the principality. Close to the harbour and the station, with the Rock and the Casino both within reach.
Rates on Expedia →The practical primer for a first visit: the few things worth booking ahead, how to cope with the hills, how many days you need and where the headline sights fit.
Monaco's neighbourhoods compared, from the glamour of Casino Square to the calm of Fontvieille and the value of the port, with five hotels matched to each area.
