What to see in Monaco?

If you are looking for a city break, Monaco is an attractive option. The micro-state is a glamorous destination on the French Riviera, enticing travellers with its luxurious atmosphere, stunning Mediterranean sights, rich cultural heritage, prestigious events, and convenient accessibility, making it an ideal choice for an exquisite and unforgettable experience.

Monaco is divided in ten wards, each with its own distinct characteristics: Monte Carlo, La Rousse, Larvotto, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Fontvieille, La Colle, Les Révoires, Moneghetti and Saint Michel.

To make it easier, I wrote a summary of the main attractions of the city. Some of these places, I was unable to visit, even though I stayed in Monaco for two days.

Our intention was not to go into museums and such, because we really wanted to walk through the alleys and enjoy the last days of sun and heat that we would have here in Europe (those who live here in England knows what I mean!).

First of all, before arriving in Monaco, you can stop at the Tete de Chien, which is a viewpoint in France that overlooks the principality and part of Côte d’Azur.

To reach the viewpoint, there is a small road leading to the parking lot, then a short walk towards it. To get there, follow the sign from the Cap d’Ail to La Turbie road.
Address: route de la Tete Chien – A la Turbie Prendre la route de Monaco et tourner a gauche, 06320 La Turbie.

Sadly, I forgot that I had read about this viewpoint and we ended up not going, but from the photos I saw, it seems to have an incredible view.

MONTE CARLO

In my prior post, I’ve written about the Monte Carlo Casino (read more here).

In Monte Carlo, you will also find the remarkable Hôtel de Paris located at Place du Casino, the Café de Paris and Salle Garnier which is home of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo.

If you would like to have a nice view from a different angle instead the one from The Rock, go to Un Jardin d’acclimatation.

It has a panoramic view of the Yacht Club and Port Hercules. There are also some sculptures around the gardens. Address: 15 Boulevard du Larvotto.

You can climb the stairs on the side of the Yacht Club and walk through the garden up to the Opéra Monte Carlo.

LARVOTTO

Larvotto Beach this beautiful place has clear and clean waters and golden sand, and it is the only public beach in the principality. It is located on Avenue Princesse Grace.

Japanese Garden is a calming and tranquil garden, where you can escape from a city full of tourists. It was created in 1994, and it brings visitors to the rich Japanese culture.

LA CONDAMINE

Port de la Condamine, or Port Hercule, is where you will find the most luxurious yachts in the world – even the Prince himself docks it there.

The Yacht Club de Monaco in front of the marine has more than 1000 members from all over the world. You can also take catamaran ride around Monaco to see the fantastic coastline.

The Condamine market occupies the Place d’Armes.

Jardin Exotique is a lovely garden that sits on a hill with stunning seaside panoramic views. The garden first opened in 1933 and has a remarkable mix of plants including African and Latin American varieties that grow here because of the warm weather. More info here.

I didn’t visit this garden because the previous day I was in Èze Village and I went to the Jardin Exotique there, which was built by the same person (read more here).

Sainte-Dévote Chapel is a Catholic church devoted to Saint Devota, the patron saint of Monaco.

FONTVIEILLE

Port de Fontvieille was my favourite part of Monaco. I loved strolling around the beautiful marina and the cliffs and hillside that rise above it.

The Private Collection of Antique Cars of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III is an exhibition of the private cars of the Prince of Monaco. There are over 100 cars with a diverse selection of automobiles from classics to formula 1.

Fontvieille Park eventually heads to the Princess Grace Memorial Rose garden. The park features Mediterranean plants, and it is also home to various works of arts. Prince Rainier III conceived Princess Grace Rose Garden in memory of his wife.

Quay Jean Charles Rey, the pathway sits on the water and is known for being a scenic place to have a drink as there is a series of cafes and restaurants overlooking the quay.

In Fontvieille, you will also find the Museum of Stamps and Coins, Musée naval de Monaco, the Stade Louis II station of the AS Monaco’s football club and the Jardin Animalier de Monaco.

Other things to see in Monaco:

Moneghetti District is found to the west of the principality and is known for its magnificent villas, mansions and gardens. Essentially it is where some of the wealthiest residents in Monaco live.
The drive to this area is an adventure in itself as it goes around roads cut into the cliffside.

Every year in May, the Formula One Race takes place, since April 14th, 1929.
What makes the race so unique is that it cuts through the streets of the city with the starting point in Boulevard Albert I and passing by the famous Monte-Carlo Fairmont Hotel where the Fairmont Hairpin Curve is located.

SHOPPING

The best places to spend some cash in Monaco is along the Avenue de Monte-Carlo.
If you are looking for famous designers, then you will find these on the Boulevard des Moulins.

Avenue Princess Grace, named in honour of Grace Kelly, is also another excellent choice if you want to find some elegant outfits and accessories.
There is also Fontvieille Shopping Centre, YCM Gallery, The Métropole Shopping Center and One Monte-Carlo.

And on this post here, I’ve written about the old part of Monaco, called Monaco Vielle.

I hope you have a pleasant time while in Monaco and don’t forget to share this post if you like it. Thank you!