During my recent French Riviera road trip, I squeezed in a day in Monaco – and wow, what a place!
Monaco may be tiny, but it packs a punch. Nestled along the Mediterranean, it’s known for its luxurious lifestyle, historic charm, and a surprising mix of modern glitz and laid-back vibes. Sure, it’s famous for its casinos and glamorous events, but there’s also a pretty old town, charming gardens, and narrow streets just waiting to be explored.
We only had a few hours, so we were zipping around and barely scratching the surface. At one point, a sudden rainstorm had us ducking into Cafe Milano for a quick lunch and a glass of vino (naturally!). I left with a strong urge to come back and dive deeper.
In the meantime, here are my top 22 things to do in Monaco, including a mix of spots we managed to check out and some that I’ll have to revisit next time.
The Best Things to Do in Monaco in One Day
1. Visit the Monte Carlo Casino
The Monte Carlo Casino is one of Monaco’s must-see landmarks and a real work of art. Although our time was tight and we only managed to admire the exterior, you can already tell there’s a whole world of luxury inside.
Designed by Charles Garnier, its classic facade hints at the stunning decor, sparkling chandeliers, and ornate furnishings waiting beyond the doors. I snapped a few great shots of flashy sports cars parked outside, and with Cafe Du Paris right behind me—complete with a huge image of Grace Kelly & Prince Rainier III—the whole scene exudes glamour.
I can’t wait to explore the interior next time and truly soak up the high-life vibe. For now, the exterior alone gives you a taste of what makes this place so iconic.
2. Explore the Prince’s Palace of Monaco
I really enjoyed heading up to the Prince’s Palace – the walk up to the Rock of Monaco is worth it for the grandeur and the incredible views alone!
Perched high above the city, the palace is the official residence of the Prince of Monaco and a fascinating glimpse into the country’s royal heritage. From up here, you get breathtaking panoramas of the Mediterranean and the surrounding coastline, making it a great spot to just pause and take it all in.
If you have time, you can take a guided tour to explore the beautifully furnished rooms, including the Throne Room and the Palatine Chapel, and learn more about Monaco’s history. And if you’re there at noon, don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony – it’s a nice little tradition that draws a bit of a crowd.
Whether you’re into royal history or just love a good viewpoint, this one’s definitely worth the climb!
3. Stroll Through the Exotic Garden of Monaco
On our way up to the Prince’s Palace, we passed by the Exotic Garden of Monaco – and what a spot!
Perched on a cliff, this garden is home to a massive collection of succulents and cacti, making it feel like a little desert oasis with a Mediterranean backdrop. The views over Monaco and the coastline are incredible, and I can see why it’s a favourite for nature lovers.
There’s also a small cave and some lovely viewpoints where you can stop and soak it all in. If you’re after a bit of peace and quiet away from the glitz, this is definitely one of the more serene spots in Monaco. We didn’t have time to properly explore, but it’s on my list for next time!
4. Experience the Oceanographic Museum
We didn’t have time to go inside the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, but even from the outside, this place is seriously impressive!
Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the sea, the building itself is a masterpiece – a grand, stately structure that looks like it was carved straight out of the rock. You can instantly tell it’s a place with history, and considering it was founded by Prince Albert I over a century ago, that makes sense!
Inside, it’s all about marine science and oceanography, with aquariums, marine artifacts, and even a shark lagoon where you can get up close to these incredible creatures.
It’s one of those places I’d love to come back to and properly explore. If you’re into ocean life or just appreciate jaw-dropping architecture, this one should definitely be on your Monaco list!
5. Visit the Monaco Cathedral
We managed to pop inside the Monaco Cathedral for a quick look, and it’s absolutely beautiful. Also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, this Romanesque-Byzantine gem is not only an architectural stunner but also the final resting place of several Grimaldi princes, including Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III.
Inside, the soft light filtering through the stained glass windows gives it a peaceful, almost ethereal feel. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause for a moment, whether you’re religious or not.
The cathedral still hosts ceremonies and weddings, which adds to its sense of history and significance. If you’re in Monaco, it’s definitely worth stepping inside for a quiet moment of reflection (and to admire the stunning craftsmanship!).
6. Discover the Japanese Garden
We actually started our day at the Japanese Garden, and it was the perfect little oasis in the middle of Monaco. Designed by Japanese landscaper Yasuo Beppu, it’s a beautifully serene space that blends traditional Japanese elements with the Mediterranean setting.
Think koi ponds, waterfalls, stone bridges, and perfectly manicured gardens—all coming together to create a peaceful retreat from the city’s glitz and energy.
It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, find a quiet bench, and just soak it all in. Whether you’re looking for a moment of calm or just love beautifully designed spaces, this spot is a lovely contrast to the fast pace of Monaco. Definitely worth a wander!
7. Explore the Historic Old Town (Monaco-Ville)
Monaco-Ville, the old town of Monaco, is an absolute gem—full of narrow, winding streets, charming little shops, and gorgeous historic buildings. As you wander through, you’ll stumble upon hidden squares, stunning viewpoints, and some seriously breathtaking views over the Mediterranean.
One of my favourite spots was the St. Martin Gardens, a peaceful retreat with lush greenery, colourful flowers, and sweeping views of the cliffs below. And right there, standing proudly among it all, was this guy—a striking statue of Prince Albert I, known as the “Navigator Prince” for his deep love of the sea and oceanographic exploration.
The statue, with him gripping the ship’s wheel, is a fitting tribute considering Monaco’s strong maritime heritage. If you love a mix of history, scenery, and quiet corners to soak it all in, Monaco-Ville is a must!
8. Discover the Automobile Museum of Monaco
We didn’t go inside the Automobile Museum of Monaco as I’m not hugely into cars. But we did take a peek through the entrance, and it looked pretty impressive!
This place is a dream for car enthusiasts, housing an incredible collection of vintage, luxury, and historic race cars, many with ties to the Monaco Grand Prix.
Originally the private collection of Prince Rainier III, it features everything from classic Rolls-Royces to sleek Ferraris and legendary Formula 1 cars. If you love automobiles and racing history, this is definitely one to add to your Monaco itinerary!
9. Stroll Along Champions Promenade
We also took a stroll along the Champions Promenade, located near the Grimaldi Forum on Avenue Princesse Grace. This seaside walkway features the footprints of over 120 of the world’s greatest footballers, including legends like Pelé, Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zlatan Ibrahimović.
It’s a must-see for football fans and a unique way to celebrate the sport’s history while enjoying beautiful coastal views.
10. Enjoy a Meal Overlooking Monaco’s Millionaire Playground
For lunch, we stopped at Caffè Milano, a stylish Italian spot right on Port Hercule, and honestly, what a setting! Sitting out on the terrace, we had front-row seats to Monaco’s ultimate display of wealth – superyachts as far as the eye could see.
It definitely added a bit of glamour to our meal!
The restaurant itself has a laid-back yet upscale vibe, and the menu is packed with classic Italian dishes, from homemade pasta and crispy pizzas to fresh seafood. We soaked it all in over a glass of vino, feeling just a little bit fancy as we dined with that incredible view.
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