Arriving at the Principality of Monaco for my first-ever visit, I couldn’t help but laugh as my driver pointed out the country’s border — places where one side of a street was France and the other was Monaco, and underground tunnels took us back and forth over unmarked country lines.
In the grand scheme of the French Riviera, Monaco is a mere 500 acres, less than a single square mile in size. But its compact footprint comes with a formidable reputation for luxury offerings, from its mega-yacht-filled marinas and opulent hotels to the iconic Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix.
Whether travelers want to indulge in these upscale offerings or see a more local side of the destination, there are plenty of enticing ways to fill a multi-day itinerary.
The Hit List
No visit to Monaco would be complete without a stop at the famed Casino de Monte-Carlo, where travelers can channel their inner James Bond (two of the movies filmed scenes there). Even clients who aren’t gamblers will want to check out the impressive structure — whether admiring its grand facade and watching the stream of luxury cars that pull up in front of it (perhaps while sipping a cocktail on the patio of the Cafe de Paris Monte-Carlo) or stepping inside the lobby to see the elaborate interior. With an entrance fee, visitors can also hit the tables and see more of the highly decorated interior spaces.
Outside of the Monte-Carlo quarter’s glitz and glamor, clients will want to explore Monaco-Ville, a neighborhood perched on top of a hill with a high density of worthwhile attractions and prime panoramic viewpoints. Here, clients can see the Prince’s Palace, which dates to the 13th century and was remodeled during the Renaissance. Outside, the changing of the guard takes place at 11:55 a.m. each day; inside, visitors can see the palace’s grand apartments (open seasonally).
The walkable area is also home to the Monaco Cathedral, where actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III famously said, “I do.” Not too far are the peaceful Jardins Saint-Martin, a free-to-wander green space created in the 1800s that is now a verdant respite. Other gardens of note include the Jardin Animalier Rainier III, which was closed during my off-season visit, and the Exotic Garden, which reopens to the public on March 30, 2026, after a six-year closure for extensive renovations. The garden, which features a cliffside setting, has undergone work including stabilization of the rock faces, redesigned pathways and improved accessibility; a new visitor area and refreshed spaces will also debut.
The Oceanographic Museum is a must-visit for its collection of natural objects and oceanographic instruments, high-tech exhibits and an aquarium full of marine life.
Credit: 2025 Kelly RosenfeldMake sure clients set aside a few hours for the Oceanographic Museum, an architectural stunner from 1910 known as the “Temple of the Sea.” Overseen by iconic underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau from 1957-1988, the museum now houses works of photography and art, a collection of oceanographic instruments and models, rotating high-tech exhibits, natural objects such as skeletons and fossils, and even an aquarium with all manner of sea life.
And, as the home of the Grand Prix, it’s only natural that car culture is huge in Monaco. Recommend a visit to the Collection of Cars of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco, in the La Condamine district. Auto aficionados will be wowed by its wide array of historical vehicles, ultra-unique models and high-speed racing cars; it’s a special enough exhibit to even capture the attention of a non-enthusiast like me.
A full spectrum of cars — from the historical to the cutting edge — can be seen at the Collection of Cars of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco.
Credit: 2025 Kelly RosenfeldOff the Beaten Path
Also in La Condamine is a local treasure: La Condamine market, where residents sip coffee at sidewalk tables and browse fresh produce at pop-up stands outside, and permanent stalls sell a variety of culinary treats inside. One can’t-miss bite is socca, a kind of savory crepe made with chickpea flour, cooked on a hot griddle until the edges crisp deliciously.
Gardens and parks are abundant around Monaco, including the peaceful Jardins Saint-Martin.
Credit: 2025 Kelly RosenfeldIn the more residential Fontvielle neighborhood, travelers can continue to rub shoulders with locals. For a quiet moment among the flowers, suggest a stop at Princess Grace Rose Garden, created by Prince Rainier III to honor the memory of his beloved wife. The garden houses some 315 varieties of roses alongside fountains and sculptures, including one of the famed film star herself.
Editor's Note: This story was updated on March 23, 2026.
The New Larvotto
There's plenty of activity in the seaside Larvotto district, an area that was refurbished in 2021 with extended beach space, a renovated promenade and more shopping and dining options. By night, the area bustles with people eating and socializing along the waterfront. My recommendation for a memorable meal? The unique, upscale and absolutely delicious MayaBay, which serves an extensive mix of Thai and Japanese fare from sushi to dumplings, curries, robata and much more. Don't miss the sauteed lobster with prick prao sauce — it's a dish my husband and I are still talking about months after our meal.
