Monaco Travel Guide
Weather, best time to visit, and the best food, culture, nature and activities.
Guide updated:
Typical prices
- Budget meal€20.00≈ $22.84
- Mid-range meal€60.00≈ $68.51
- Cappuccino€5.00≈ $5.71
- Domestic beer€9.00≈ $10.28
- Taxi (per km)€3.00≈ $3.43
- Public transport ticket€2.00≈ $2.28
- Museum entry€18.00≈ $20.55
- Mid-range hotel (night)€350.00≈ $399.64
Food & Drink
- Le Louis XV - Alain DucasseFrench haute cuisine · $$$$
Three-Michelin-starred restaurant inside the Hôtel de Paris, one of the most celebrated fine dining rooms in the world, run under Alain Ducasse's name.
- Café de Paris Monte-CarloFrench brasserie · $$$
Historic Belle Époque brasserie on the Casino Square, famous as the birthplace of the crêpe Suzette.
- ElsaMediterranean/organic · $$$$
The world's first organic Michelin-starred restaurant, at the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, focused on sustainably sourced Mediterranean ingredients.
- U CavagnetuMonegasque traditional · $$
Casual restaurant in the medieval old town (Monaco-Ville) serving Monegasque specialties like barbagiuan (fried ravioli) and socca.
- Quai des ArtistesFrench bistro · $$$
Brasserie in Fontvieille popular with locals for classic French bistro fare in a relaxed setting away from the casino crowds.
- Jimmy'z
Legendary nightclub at the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club, a Riviera institution for celebrity-spotting and late-night dancing since the 1970s.
- Casino de Monte-Carlo
Iconic Belle Époque casino building overlooking the harbor, with gaming rooms and an ornate atrium that has featured in James Bond films.
- Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo
Stylish lounge bar and restaurant known for its Asian-fusion ambiance and DJ sets.
Culture & History
- Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
Historic aquarium and marine research museum founded by Prince Albert I, perched dramatically on a cliff above the sea, once directed by Jacques Cousteau.
- Prince's Palace of Monaco
Official residence of the ruling Grimaldi family, with state apartments open to visitors and the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony.
- Nouveau Musée National de Monaco - Villa Paloma
Contemporary art museum in a restored villa with gardens, part of Monaco's national modern art collection.
- Monaco Top Cars Collection
Prince Rainier III's private collection of vintage and racing cars, including Formula 1 cars, on display in Fontvieille.
- Cinéma Le Sporting
Open-air summer cinema on the terrace of the Sporting Monte-Carlo, screening films under the stars overlooking the sea.
- Monaco Grand Prix
Formula 1's most prestigious race, run through the streets of Monte Carlo (held in May, but the circuit and viewing terraces remain a summer talking point).
- Fête Nationale Monégasque
Monaco's national day celebrating the reigning Prince, with fireworks over the harbor and public festivities.
Nature & Outdoors
- Plage du Larvotto
Monaco's main public beach, a sand-covered stretch with calm, protected swimming areas and beach clubs along the eastern coast.
Active & Fun
- Monte-Carlo Bay Fitness Centre
Hotel-affiliated fitness center with sea-view gym equipment and wellness facilities open to guests and members.
- Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel Pool
Iconic Olympic-size seafront swimming pool at the Monte-Carlo Beach Club, a Riviera glamour landmark since the 1930s.