When I lived in Nice for over two years, Monaco (being so close) always felt like an extension of my everyday life rather than a destination and now, as a travel planner and concierge, I have the joy of helping clients plan their trips all year round.
One of the most elegant places in the world, Monte-Carlo naturally attracts beautiful people, big money, and a certain lifestyle, but it’s also a place where knowing where to go really matters.
In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite hidden spots and the best things to do in Monaco, along with practical information to help you plan your trip. Enjoy!
Oh, and if you are visiting the South of France soon and need help planning your itinerary or making reservations, make sure to check out my travel and concierge services. Also, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more beautiful and elegant places to visit over there.
You might also enjoy these guides: Nice | Paris | Monaco | Cannes | Antibes | Saint-Tropez | New York | London
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Where to stay in Monaco: My Favorite Hotels
Surprisingly, Monaco doesn’t really have that many options when it comes to hotels (so booking in advance is super imporant!).
Here are my favorites:
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
The ultimate Monaco icon.
Sitting directly on Place du Casino, Hôtel de Paris is pure old-school glamour. Think grand suites, impeccable service, legendary dining, and a client list that reads like a who’s who of global elite.
You can book your stay here.
Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo
Timeless, elegant, and effortlessly refined.
Hôtel Hermitage is a Belle Époque masterpiece overlooking the sea and the Casino gardens, perfect for those who appreciate classic luxury with a softer, more intimate feel.
You can book your stay here.
Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo
Chic, discreet, and impeccably curated.
Just steps from the Casino, Hôtel Métropole attracts a stylish crowd who appreciate understated luxury, excellent service, and a refined atmosphere.
You can book your stay here.
Fairmont Monte Carlo
Overlooking the sea, the hairpin turn of the Formula 1 circuit, and the marina, Fairmont Monte Carlo offers a more contemporary take on Monaco luxury.
It’s social, vibrant, and ideal for travelers who want comfort, views, and easy access to everything — especially during the Monaco Grand Prix.
You can book your stay here.
Restaurants to book in advance
Iconic and trendy spots
La Môme
Amazonico
Cipriani
Beefbar
Coya
Maya Bay
Rampoldi
Fine dining and Michelin-starred
Le Louis XV‑Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris
Pavyllon Monte‑Carlo
Blue Bay
Le Grill
La Table d’Antonio Salvatore
Yoshi
These restaurants are in high demand, so reservations are essential. If you’d like assistance securing a table, as a travel concierge, I offer a personalized booking service – simply email me at hello@camiexplores.com and I’ll handle the arrangements for you.
The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Monaco
Monaco is so much more than a glamorous stop on the Riviera, and there’s many beautiful experience to be had here.
Here is my list of my favorite things to do in Monaco:
No time for planning? No worries, I can design your custom itinerary according to your preferences.
1. Enjoy Breakfast at Café de Paris Monte-Carlo
Start your day seated on one of the most iconic terraces in the world.
Overlooking Place du Casino, Café de Paris is perfect for coffee, pastries, and people-watching in the heart of Monte-Carlo.
Arrive early to enjoy the calm before the square fills.
2. Experience the Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix is the principality’s most iconic event.
Each year, the streets transform into a Formula 1 circuit, the harbor fills with superyachts, and Monaco becomes the center of the global spotlight.
Even if you’re not a motorsport fan, the atmosphere is unmatched: glamorous, electric, and unforgettable. I personally go every year and the experience is always wonderful.
For tickets and reservations, e-mail hello@camiexplores.com and I’ll handle the arrangements for you.
3- Tour Monaco in a Ferrari
Seeing Monaco from behind the wheel of a Ferrari is as iconic as it gets.
This guided drive takes you through Monte-Carlo, along the coast, and up to nearby viewpoints, combining speed, scenery, and serious Monaco energy.
I personally think its a very fun, memorable way to experience the city.
BOOK: Guided Ferrari Tour of Monaco & Èze (from Villefranche-sur-Mer)
4. Explore Monaco’s Old Town
Monaco’s Old Town reveals the principality’s historic side.
Wander through narrow streets, pastel façades, and quiet squares, then stop at viewpoints overlooking Port Hercule and the Mediterranean.
5. Enjoy a Sunny Lunch at La Môme Monte-Carlo
La Môme is ideal for a long, sun-filled lunch with a stylish crowd.
Mediterranean dishes, a lively atmosphere, and a central location make it a favorite.
6.Visit Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée
This beautiful white stone cathedral is where Princess Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier, and where she is now laid to rest.
Peaceful and understated, it offers a meaningful contrast to Monte-Carlo’s glamour.
7. Go on a boat day
One of the best ways to experience Monaco is from the water.
Renting a boat allows you to see the principality from a completely different perspective, cruising past the port, the cliffs, and the nearby coastline.
Send an e-mail hello@camiexplores.com with your travel dates, budget and number of people to arrange.
8. Go Luxury Shopping Around Place du Casino
Around Place du Casino and Avenue de Monte-Carlo, you’ll find flagship boutiques from Chanel, Hermès, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and more, all within a beautifully walkable area.
9. Experience Three-Michelin-Star Dining at Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse
Le Louis XV is one of the most prestigious restaurants in the world.
With three Michelin stars, it delivers an exceptional dining experience rooted in Mediterranean flavors and flawless technique.
10. Visit During the Monaco Yacht Show
Held every September, the Monaco Yacht Show brings an unmatched level of glamour to the port, with some of the world’s most impressive superyachts on display.
11. Arrive by Helicopter from the Airport
Taking a helicopter from Nice Airport to Monaco is one of the most comfortable and iconic ways to arrive. The short flight offers stunning aerial views of the coastline and drops you directly into the heart of the principality.
To arrange this, send an e-mail to hello@camiexplores.com.
13. Watch Tennis at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters
Set above the sea, this springtime tournament is one of the most scenic on the tennis calendar and a refined way to experience Monaco outside peak summer.
14. See an Exhibition at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco
The Grimaldi Forum hosts major exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events year-round, from art and fashion to design and photography.
You can check the schedule in advance here.
15. Go on a Formula One Circuit Guided Walking Tour
Monaco’s streets double as one of the most legendary Formula 1 tracks in the world.
On a guided walking tour of the Monaco Formula 1 Circuit, you’ll follow the exact route of the race, learning insider stories about famous corners, dramatic moments, and how the city transforms during Grand Prix weekend.
BOOK: Formula One Circuit Guided Walking Tour
16. Have a Drink at Le Bar Américain
For a timeless Monaco moment, enjoy a cocktail at Le Bar Américain inside Hôtel de Paris.
Live jazz and a refined atmosphere make it perfect for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap.
17. Enjoy a Beach Club Day at Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel
For a more relaxed, Riviera-style experience, spend the day under the sun at Monte-Carlo Beach. You can come for lunch by the water, or a full sunbed day.
That’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best things to do in Monaco. For more places to visit in the French Riviera, make sure to follow me on Instagram. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out for a custom itinerary or restaurant reservation