Monaco is one of the most luxurious cities in the world, inviting more than 360,000 visitors every year. Despite its staggeringly small size, this Cote d’Azur hotspot is filled with world-class hotels, restaurants, yachts and perfect hangouts for a variety of occasions. With so much to indulge in, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Read on to discover the complete guide to the best of Monaco, ensuring you make the most out of the principality’s refined offerings.
The Best of Monaco
Best of Monaco: Restaurants
There is no shortage of world-class restaurants in Monaco to while away the evenings in. If you are seeking an award-winning or Michelin star establishment, be sure to try Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse at the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo for a unique culinary experience inspired by the French Riviera. Indulge in beautifully fresh seafood, delectable red meats, tasty fruit-filled pastries for dessert and of course a bottle of French wine.
Best of Monaco: Banks
Regarded as one of the most reputable investment banks in the world, UBS has helped residents and foreign investors take advantage of the favourable investment conditions since 1956. HSBC is also a superb banking option as it was praised in the Euromoney report for having the ‘best range of investment products’ and the ‘best services for ultra-high net worth clients. Click the link to see how to open a bank account in Monaco.
Best of Monaco: Clubs
Delighting partygoers since 1971, Jimmy’z is without a doubt Monaco’s iconic nightclub. The space never fails to enchant its guests, with suspended roof terraces, a private lagoon, a summer bar and mesmerising party lights. Guests will be captivated all night by the mystical atmosphere, complete with vibrant music and creative cocktails, making it the ideal place to enjoy the best of Monaco.
Best of Monaco: Views of Monaco Grand Prix
For those that do not have tickets to the famed Monaco Grand Prix, serious motorsport fans will enjoy watching the race from the bar at La Rascasse. With its famous terrace located on the famous hairpin bend, this restaurant is the best spot to admire cars and get up close and personal with them.
Best of Monaco: Grand Prix seats
One of the most popular seats at Circuit de Monaco is Grandstand K, offering views from the tight Tabac corner through to the first swimming pool chicane. With seats in the upper section of Grandstand K, ticket holders are treated to panoramic views of the marina. For VIP experiences, enjoy some of the best panoramic views in all of Monaco harbour with access to the Champions Club in the Ermanno Penthouse.
Best of Monaco: Monaco real estate agency
One of the best Monaco real estate agency’s is La Costa Properties Monaco. With more than 30 years of experience handling Monaco’s competitive market, the agency has curated an impeccable portfolio of qualified buyers and contacts. La Costa Properties Monaco also utilises traditional marketing methods on public platforms, as well as off-market sales methods ensuring high levels of privacy and discretion.
Best of Monaco: Views
With the hilly terrain sloping into the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco boasts unparalleled views of the Cote d’Azur. Of course, Larvotto beach is the ideal spot to enjoy the magnificent sunsets and sunrise, with the sky’s pink hue reflecting onto the sand and calm seas. Monaco’s Jardin Exotique also provides the best views in Monaco with the vibrant greens of the flora and fauna and pale blues of the sea and sky.
Best of Monaco: beaches
Larvotto is the beach of choice for those wishing to enjoy the best of Monaco. Reclaimed from the Mediterranean Sea, Larvotto Beach is a sandy, man made beach that was carefully planned as a place to seek tranquillity and relaxation under the sun. Alternatively, La Plage d’Eze Beach is a pebbly beach a little further out from Monaco and is a great beach for watersports and sea swimming.
Best of Monaco: Beach clubs
Located in the ultra-luxurious Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, this beach club has all the five-star facilities you could desire to enjoy the best of Monaco. There is not only an impressive stretch of white sandy beach, but the beach club boasts a large saltwater pool overlooking the turquoise sea, chic cabanas, three restaurants and a variety of excellent water sports to try out.
Best of Monaco: Resorts
Situated at the end of the Larvotto district, the neo-classical Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort is the best resort in Monaco. This five-star resort offers its guests everything they need and more from private landscaped gardens, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, fitness centre, fine dining and private beach access.
Best of Monaco: Hotels
The world-renowned Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo is one of the best hotels in Monaco. The exceptional service and Belle Epoque architecture make it the ideal place to stay. Not forgetting to mention, its superb location enables guests to experience the Monegasque lifestyle, as well as unforgettable sunsets over the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.
Best of Monaco: bars
Monaco’s stylish neighbourhoods boast an impressive and thriving bar scene for those wishing to enjoy the best of Monaco. Situated within the glamorous Fairmont Hotel, Saphir 24 is a chic, ocean-inspired bar overlooking the port. Open 24-hours, guests can have an afternoon high tea with a Champagne cocktail or a gin and tonic and denjoy dance music in the evening. If you want to dance until dawn, head to La Rascasse for an all-night dance floor and an eclectic mix of RnB and electronic music.
Best of Monaco: Days to visit
With a calendar filled with world-renowned events, be sure to visit Monaco over the famed Monaco Grand Prix, where the streets come alive with race enthusiasts and A-list celebrities. Another must-visit date is the Monaco Yacht Show, where you can walk the sun-lapped boardwalks under the shadow of some of the world’s largest superyachts.
Best of Monaco: Brunch
Horizon Rooftop is the perfect brunch stop for when you need to indulge in a delicious brunch overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean sea. With chic umbrellas and large canopies, visitors can enjoy a fine selection of French, Mediterranean, European brunch cuisines. For a quintessential chic brunch, head to Hotel Hermitage Monte Carlo. Every Sunday until April 17th 2022, chef Jean-Phillipe Borro delivers a hearty buffet complete with live music and a glass of champagne on the Eiffel mezzanine.
Best of Monaco: Breakfast
Located towards Larvotto beach, Le Baobab is a simple beach-side bar, providing breakfast classics and the perfect spot to start your day. However, if you do not have the time to sit and enjoy a leisurely breakfast, Monaco is home to numerous boulangeries and patisseries for food on the go. Head to Mitron Bakery in La Condamine Market, an authentic bakery owned by award-winning chef Mauro Colagreco.
Best of Monaco: Cafes
Sit and watch the world go by outside Monaco’s iconic Café de Paris. Café de Paris is open all day and is the ideal spot to enjoy an afternoon espresso and a sweet pancake with friends. This cafe is also perfectly situated to explore the rest of the principality by foot after a leisurely morning.
Best of Monaco: Flowers
Some of the best flowers in Monaco come from Gastaldi Fleurs and Infinite Monte-Carlo. These companies are highly skilled and can create chic floral arrangements for a plethora of events. Not forgetting to mention, these florists have fast delivery services – perfect for last-minute soirée.
Best of Monaco: Italian restaurants
Monaco is home to some exceptional Italian restaurants, from award-winning establishments to authentic trattorias. For Italian food and fine dining, La Table d’Antonio Salvatore au Rampoldi is Monte Carlo’s Michelin Star art-deco restaurant showcasing artfully crafted dishes inspired by Italy. Alternatively, La Tavernetta is Monaco’s authentic Italian trattoria serving all your favourite dishes.
Best of Monaco: Best football players
Monaco’s football club is number 8 in the French Ligue 1, with 21-year-old Aurelien Tchouameni and 31-year-old Wissam Ben Yedder leading the team to great success.
Best of Monaco: Instagram spots
It is without question that Monaco is one of the most Instagramable destinations in Europe and Saint-Martin Gardens near the Palace of Justice might just be the best spot around. Overlooking the Port de Fontvieille and its star-studded superyachts, the turquoise water glistens and the principality’s skyline make for an excellent shot. For more natural beauty, head to the Princess Grace Rose Garden for the perfect Instagram surrounded by 300 types of rose. Click here to see the best Instagram Monaco shots.
Best of Monaco: Best Grand Prix
The 2019 Monaco Grand Prix was arguably the most exciting yet nail-biting Grand Prix to date. With Lewis Hamilton in the lead for 63 laps, Verstappen skilfully snuck up behind him, clipping his tyres on his way through. As Hamilton’s tyres gradually shed grip lap after lap through the principality’s ribbon thin roads, Hamilton deployed all of his hybrid boost engines along the final straight, crossing the line for an extraordinary victory.
Best of Monaco: Pools
With year-round sunshine and blissful climes, Monaco provides its visitors with a huge selection of refreshing swimming pools. For those seeking a morning workout or a dive on the diving boards, enjoy the impressive Stade Nautique’s Olympic seawater pool. For a luxury retreat, head to the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel, where you will have the choice of both a heated indoor and outdoor pool as well as chic sunbeds, a sauna and poolside bars.
Best of Monaco: Rooftops
With panoramic sea views of the port’s superyachts, incredible real estate and beautiful resorts, Monaco offers unmatched rooftop experiences. Located in the Fairmont Monte-Carlo hotel, visitors can enjoy a unique 360-degree view of the Monte Carlo Casino, the Opera House, the Prince’s Palace and the Mediterranean Sea from the comfort of a bright and modern rooftop sun deck. Open all day, guests can indulge in the rooftop’s French restaurant where they serve local products and fresh seafood.
Best of Monaco: Schools
The International School of Monaco is one of the best schools in Monaco, offering a bilingual education in English and French from ages 3-18 years. Located in the Port of Monaco, ISM offers world-class educational facilities from a performing arts centre and extensive sports amenities.
Best of Monaco: Sushi delivery
Port de Fontvieille’s Moshi Moshi is a unique sushi bar instilling its Mediterranean inspirations into Japanese culture. The menu features popular sushi classics, including steamed edamame, sashimi, maki, and nigiri. However, visitors can enjoy Moshi Moshi’s signature rolls in tribute to the sublime Mediterranean region.
Best of Monaco: Sunset views
Throughout Monaco, there are ample hotspots to sit and enjoy the sunset over the Mediterranean. Behind Monaco, after quite a climb, you will reach Tête de Chien where you will get panoramic views of the entire principality and its wonderful charms. For a spot a little closer to sea level, head to Le Rocher where you will get splendid views of the golden sunset illuminating Monaco’s Old Town and the Rock of Monaco.
With so much to see and do all year round, make sure to mark your calendar with only the best of Monaco’s incredible offerings.
