Best 10 Luxury Things to Do in Monaco
Perched dramatically along the French Riviera, the Principality of Monaco is the world’s undisputed capital of high-octane luxury and Mediterranean glamour. Famed for its grand Belle Époque palaces, harbors packed with mega-yachts, and iconic Formula 1 circuit, this tiny sovereign state delivers an astonishing concentration of high-end experiences. Whether you are trying your luck at the historic Casino de Monte-Carlo, dining at three-Michelin-starred institutions, or soaring over the coastline in a private helicopter, Monaco crafts an unforgettable escape. This expert guide details the top ten luxury things to do in Monaco, paired with practical insider tips to elevate your visit.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
May to October
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
French
Time Zone
CEST (UTC+2)
THE TEN, AT A GLANCE
Where to stay in Monaco, Riviera
Not sure where to book? We’ve rounded up the best hotels in Monaco for every budget, with live prices and availability.
Casino de Monte-Carlo
The Experience
Stepping into the atrium of the Casino de Monte-Carlo brings you into a world of gold leaf, marble columns, and Belle Époque grandeur. What I love most is gaining access to the exclusive Salons Privés, where the high-stakes table games take place under crystal chandeliers amidst total discretion.
Why it’s worth your time
Designed by Charles Garnier in 1863, this landmark is the world's most legendary casino and an architectural marvel.
Make the most of it
I strongly recommend booking a private high-limit table experience through your hotel concierge or visiting in the morning for a quiet architectural tour before gaming begins.
When to go
Evening after 8:00 PM when the main gaming rooms and private salons reach peak sophisticated energy.
Before you visit
Strict dress code applies after 7:00 PM (jackets required for men in private rooms, no sneakers or sports attire); passport or ID is strictly required for entry.
Plan your visit
Located on Place du Casino in Monte-Carlo. Open daily for tours from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and for gaming from 2:00 PM until late.
Book your visit:
Monacair Helicopter & Yacht Charter
The Experience
Taking off from the Monaco Heliport provides panoramic aerial views over the Prince's Palace, the sheer sea cliffs, and the superyacht-filled Port Hercule. What I find exhilarating is combining a helicopter transfer from Nice with a private yacht charter along Cap Ferrat.
Why it’s worth your time
It offers the ultimate VIP entrance to the Principality and an unmatched perspective on the dramatic topography of the Côte d'Azur.
Make the most of it
I advise booking a sunset charter with a private skipper that includes champagne and stops for swimming in secluded coves near Mala Beach.
When to go
Mid-afternoon flight connecting to a sunset sail around 5:00 PM.
Before you visit
Passport details must be provided in advance for all aviation passengers and marine manifest checks.
Plan your visit
Heliport located at Avenue des Ligures in Fontvieille; yacht departures out of Port Hercule. Allow 3 to 6 hours for a combined experience.
Book your visit:
Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse
The Experience
Entering the dining room of Le Louis XV inside the Hôtel de Paris feels like walking into Versailles. What I enjoy most is the seamless choreography of the service and tasting Executive Chef Emmanuel Pilon's Riviera-inspired menu paired with rare vintages from the subterranean cellars.
Why it’s worth your time
Holding three Michelin stars, it is universally recognized as one of the world's finest culinary temples.
Make the most of it
My favorite insider tip is to select the multi-course Riviera tasting menu and rely on the head sommelier for custom wine pairings.
When to go
Dinner seating at 8:00 PM for the full grand gastronomic experience.
Before you visit
Jacket and formal evening wear required for gentlemen; book tables several months in advance.
Plan your visit
Situated on Place du Casino within the Hôtel de Paris. Valet service available at the palace entrance. Budget 3 to 4 hours for dinner.
Book your visit:
Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo
The Experience
Stepping onto the terrace of this 6,600 m² wellness sanctuary reveals sweeping ocean views framed by state-of-the-art spa facilities. What I love most is swimming in the heated seawater pool before indulging in a high-tech anti-aging facial or cryotherapy treatment.
Why it’s worth your time
It is Europe's premier preventative health, beauty, and thalassotherapy complex, offering unmatched privacy for high-profile guests.
Make the most of it
I strongly recommend booking a day package that includes a personalized spa treatment, full pool and sauna access, and lunch at the healthy Michelin-recommended restaurant L’Hirondelle.
When to go
Morning arrival around 9:30 AM to enjoy quiet waters before your treatment.
Before you visit
Prior booking for all treatments and day passes is mandatory.
Plan your visit
Located on Avenue de Monte-Carlo, directly connected to Hôtel de Paris and Hôtel Hermitage. Plan for a 4 to 6 hour wellness day.
Book your visit:
More guides for Monaco, Europe :
Monaco Grand Prix Circuit & Terrace Access
The Experience
Standing on a private balcony above Sainte-Dévote or the Fairmont Hairpin while Formula 1 cars roar beneath you is an unforgettable thrill. What I find amazing is walking the track during non-race periods or sipping cocktails on a terrace overlooking Port Hercule.
Why it’s worth your time
The Circuit de Monaco is the world's most famous and glamorous street track, synonymous with motorsport royalty.
Make the most of it
If visiting outside race weekend in May, hire a high-performance supercar via a luxury concierge to drive the iconic track route yourself.
When to go
Late afternoon during the May Grand Prix weekend, or year-round for supercar drives.
Before you visit
VIP terrace passes during Grand Prix weekend must be secured up to a year in advance.
Plan your visit
Encompasses the streets of Monte-Carlo and La Condamine. Supercar drives start near Port Hercule. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
Book your visit:
Haute Couture Shopping Carré d'Or
The Experience
Walking through the curved futuristic pavilions of One Monte-Carlo and the surrounding Carré d'Or feels like strolling through an open-air haute couture museum. What I enjoy most is the attentive, private VIP shopping services offered in flagships like Dior, Chanel, and Cartier.
Why it’s worth your time
Monaco has one of the highest concentrations of luxury fashion flagships in the world, often carrying rare runway pieces unavailable elsewhere.
Make the most of it
I advise arranging private personal shopping appointments through your hotel concierge to ensure private viewing salons and champagne receptions.
When to go
Weekday afternoons around 3:00 PM for a relaxed, quiet shopping environment.
Before you visit
Boutiques typically open at 10:00 AM; dress smart-casual to enter high-end jewelry houses.
Plan your visit
Surrounding Place du Casino and Promenade Monte-Carlo. Fully walkable area. Budget 2 to 3 hours.
Book your visit:
Monte-Carlo Beach Club
The Experience
Lounging inside a private canvas cabana under the pine trees at the edge of the Mediterranean brings back 1930s Riviera glamour. What I love most is swimming in the Olympic-sized seawater pool followed by an organic seafood lunch at the Michelin-starred Elsa.
Why it’s worth your time
It is the Principality's most exclusive seaside retreat, favored by international high society since the roaring twenties.
Make the most of it
My favorite tip is to rent a private bungalow on the water's edge and reserve a table at Elsa well in advance.
When to go
Open seasonally from April to October; ideal for a full summer day trip.
Before you visit
Non-hotel guests must reserve day passes or cabanas in advance during peak July and August.
Plan your visit
Located at Avenue Princesse Grace at the border of Monaco. Valet parking provided. Plan for a 5 to 7 hour beach day.
Book your visit:
Le Bar Américain
The Experience
Sinking into plush leather armchairs surrounded by dark wood paneling while a live jazz trio plays creates an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. What I find enchanting is sipping signature cocktails like the 'Pulcinella' on the terrace overlooking Place du Casino.
Why it’s worth your time
This legendary lounge has entertained royalty, Hollywood icons, and world leaders for over a century.
Make the most of it
I suggest arriving slightly before 7:00 PM to secure a terrace table just as the Casino facade lights up.
When to go
Early evening around 6:30 PM for aperitifs before dinner.
Before you visit
Elegant dress code enforced; no shorts or athletic wear allowed after 6:00 PM.
Plan your visit
Inside Hôtel de Paris, Place du Casino. No reservations required for drinks, but space fills quickly. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Book your visit:
Caves de l'Hôtel de Paris
The Experience
Descending ten meters underground beneath the casino gardens into a 1,500 m² wine cellar carved out of solid rock is surreal. What I find extraordinary is tasting legendary vintage wines surrounding dusty bottles that were hidden behind walls during World War II.
Why it’s worth your time
Opened in 1874, it is the world's largest hotel wine cellar, housing over 350,000 bottles of rare grand crus.
Make the most of it
I strongly advise booking a private sommelier-led tour paired with artisanal cheeses through Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer concierge services.
When to go
Late afternoon around 5:00 PM before dinner.
Before you visit
Strictly closed to the general public; accessible exclusively via private VIP booking or private events.
Plan your visit
Access via Hôtel de Paris. Tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
Book your visit:
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
The Experience
Perched dramatically on the cliff edge of Le Rocher, this palace dedicated to the ocean offers spectacular sea views. What I love most is arranging a private after-hours tour to explore the giant shark lagoon and historic marine collections in peaceful solitude.
Why it’s worth your time
Commissioned by Prince Albert I in 1910 and long directed by Jacques Cousteau, it is a global masterpiece of ocean conservation and architecture.
Make the most of it
I recommend booking an exclusive night tour with a private guide, followed by a glass of champagne on the rooftop terrace overlooking Monaco.
When to go
Sunset or after-hours evening tour for the ultimate private experience.
Before you visit
Evening private access must be organized directly through the museum's VIP events department.
Plan your visit
Located on Avenue Saint-Martin in Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher). Allow 2 hours.
Book your visit:
Find & Compare Flights
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Where to stay in Monaco, Riviera
Monaco offers some of the most legendary accommodations on Earth—from gilded Belle Époque palaces facing Place du Casino to modern oceanfront resorts with private marinas. Choosing where to stay depends on your travel style: choose Monte-Carlo for high-stakes glamour, fine dining, and designer boutiques, or Larvotto and Fontvieille for serene Mediterranean beaches and yacht views. Here are my personal recommendations:
Unique & Instagram-Worthy Stays:
Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo: A grand Belle Époque palace offering serene luxury, featuring a stunning glass dome winter garden designed by Gustave Eiffel and direct underground access to Thermes Marins. Check avalaibality
Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort: Situated on its own peninsula in Larvotto, this modern resort features a sandy-bottom lagoon, lush gardens, a Michelin-starred restaurant (Blue Bay), and a vibrant casino. Check availability
Maybourne Riviera: Perched on the cliffs of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin directly overlooking Monaco, offering dramatic infinity pools, modernist architecture, and ocean views. Check availability
Classic Monaco Stays:
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo: The ultimate icon of Riviera luxury, situated right on Place du Casino. Boasting three-Michelin-starred dining, opulent suites, and unmatched historic prestige. Check availability
Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo: A chic independent palace hotel steps from the Casino, featuring interiors designed by Jacques Garcia, an Odyssey pool deck designed by Karl Lagerfeld, and exceptional dining. Check availability
Budget-Friendly Favorites:
Novotel Monte-Carlo: Located in the center of Monaco near the main railway station, offering modern rooms, an outdoor pool, and comfortable amenities at an accessible price point for the Principality. Check availability
Hôtel de France: A simple, family-run boutique option situated in La Condamine near Port Hercule, providing clean rooms and friendly service within short walking distance of the palace and train station. Check availability
EDITORIAL NOTES
We visit or research every place on this list ourselves and no business pays to appear here. Some accommodation links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices shown are indicative and change with your dates.
