Planning a trip to the continent, but you’ve already ticked off La Sagrada Familia, scaled La Tour Eiffel and looked down on il Colosseo? Well, for something a little more unique, have you considered the world’s second-smallest country, Monaco?
Located on the French Riviera and with France bordering the country on three sides, it is the most densely populated sovereign state in the world, with a population of over 38,000 according to a 2016 estimate.
Yep, we said it was small; Monaco has a total area of only 2.2 square kilometres, making it roughly the same size as New York’s Central Park. This means that travellers can easily explore every nook and cranny of the tiny country in no time. Despite its size, there’s plenty to keep you occupied; here are 8 of the best things to do in Monaco, whatever your budget.
Live The Life Of Luxury
Situated right at the heart of Monaco, Monte Carlo is the unashamedly exclusive and ostentatious playground of the rich and famous. Private helicopter services are available from countless nearby cities such as Nice, which can fly you to your resort or onto the deck of an awaiting superyacht. Luxury road transfers from nearby airports are an option, but they don’t compare to the truly spectacular view over Monaco you’ll enjoy with a bird’s eye view of things.
For a mere £12,000 or so per night, you can experience one of the most famous and luxurious dwellings on the continent. Guests at the Hotel Hermitage, for instance, are treated to their own private elevator, a private terrace with magnificent views over the bay, three bedrooms, three living rooms and a 24/7 butler service.
And in the evening, to see and be seen, an unforgettable night on the town is guaranteed at Jimmy’z, which attracts A-listers from all over the world. There’s no specific dress code or pricing policy, as this luxury venue has a habit of making things up as it goes along. Indeed, getting through the door in the first place is an achievement. You can worry about your wallet once you’re inside.
Play Blackjack At Monte Carlo Casino
This is arguably the most luxurious casino experience on the planet and one which puts the sass in spectacle. Housed in (surprise, surprise) exclusive Monte Carlo, the stunning landscape that surrounds it seems to set the tone for decadence and a little debauchery, too. A huge gambling and entertainment complex, and so much more than just a place for bets, this one.
It’s so iconic, in fact, that the Royale-Les-Eaux Casino in famous Bond flick ‘Casino Royale’ is based on Monte Carlo’s grandest structure. What’s more, it has been used as a location in GoldenEye and Never Say Never Again. Unlike many casinos desperate to lure you in with offers of freebies and entertainment, MCC retains a more exclusive air; there’s an entry fee and further charges to gain access to private rooms. As befits a casino of such overstated elegance, a dinner jacket must be worn after 8pm.
Before you head for Monaco, brush up on the best blackjack strategies (the most popular game here) if you’re going to stand a chance against the world’s best. One way to hone your knowledge is by playing online. Many of the best online casino sites even have free play options, allowing you to learn the ropes of the 21 without financial commitment.
Admire The Prince’s Palace
Unlike many other palaces around the world, this one is unique in that it is still a private residence. Home to what’s said to be the world’s oldest monarchy, the Prince’s Palace was built way back in 1215. One of the biggest tourist hotspots in Monaco, there is much to soak in here.
Go there to admire the beauty of its massive rooms, with marble floors and majestic artwork. Learn about how the palace was originally a fortress and came to become a Renaissance structure. There are also open-air concerts held here.
Visit The Oceanographic Museum
If gawping at either celebs or princes sounds a little tiresome, then why not instead enjoy the spectacle of marine life in full flow at the Oceanographic Museum. True to the form of a place which knows no limits, here, if it fits in the tank, they’ve got it.
So, that’s sharks, sea urchin, sea turtle, stingray, stonefish…basically, if it begins with S, you’ll find it. Only kidding, there’s also piranhas, moray eel and so many more besides (over 6000 species, in fact). But it’s not just animals of the deep that’s impressive here; there’s also a museum devoted to sea exploration with exhibitions housing some truly unique pieces.
Visit The Cathedral Of Monaco
An imposing structure with a striking white stone facade, the Cathedral of Monaco has been around since 1884. If the architectural facade is not enough to draw you in, there are plenty of other reasons to visit the cathedral.
Besides holding the tombs of Monaco’s royalty, it has an altarpiece that dates back to 1500. An Episcopal throne made of Carrara marble is also worth seeing. Last, but not least, there is the religious service, at which time the grand organ comes into play.
Stroll Through The Jardin Exotique
For such a beautiful part of the world, we seem to have been spending a lot of time indoors. Let’s change all that. The Jardin Exotique overlooks the Med and offers stunning views, with the garden itself clinging to a cliff edge (in the safest possible way, of course). Most proudly displayed are over 1000 different types of cacti and succulent, some dating back over three centuries. With entry at just €7.20 for adults and €3.80 for children, this is somewhere you’ll actually find good value in the principality.
Do be aware that the Jardin is closed for the remainder of 2023 in order for some much needed to be carried out.
Take A City Bus Tour
Whilst it may not quite match cruising round the city in a Ferrari, if you want a great introduction to Monaco then the Hop On-Hop Off Bus Tour is the one for you. The budget friendly double-decker bus tour ticks off almost all the sightseeing you want to do. It stops at 20 places through the city’s centre, marking off sights like the aforementioned Oceanographic Museum and the Prince’s Palace.
What’s more, visitors can literally hop on or hop off at any stop on this bus ride. This gives you a chance to explore the sights you really want to see and skip the ones you do not.
Indulge In Ice Cream At Pierre Geronomi
If you’ve worked up a sweat traversing the 0.8 square miles of Monaco, then you might want to stop off (or seek out) Pierre Geronomi, one of the world’s finest purveyors of ice cream and sorbet, for a little refreshment.
The famous Corsican whips up some of the best cold stuff we’ve ever set our teeth on edge to, with flavours ranging from the conventional but delicious to the hugely inventive and still, you guessed it, delicious.
We love the green tea sorbet here, but equally, the pine nut ice cream is an intriguing, textural delight. Cakes and pastries are also sold, meaning you certainly won’t leave here hungry or hurriedly.
Discover Monaco By Boat
It would be a pity to visit the seaside city without a boat tour of the beautiful surrounding locales. You have choices from ferries and speed boats to luxury catamarans for this trip. Well known landmarks like the Port Hercule, La Condamine and Monte Carlo can all be seen on this boat ride. You can also go further to the unmissable French Riviera, which is, incidentally where we’re heading next. Care to join us?