Condé Nast TravelerSep 17, 2026
The Best Things to Do in Monaco—the Crown Jewel of the French Riviera
The city-state on the French Riviera is transforming thanks to reimagined restaurants, a starchitect-designed boardwalk, and a new sustainable seaside neighborhood of the world’s most expensive real estate.
25 things in this story
- Ventimiglia marketMarketOpen-air weekly market, among the largest in Italy.
- Marco Polo 1960RestaurantWaterfront stalwart for lunch.
- Elsewhere
- Monaco Grand PrixAttractionMonacoOne of the most anticipated events in luxury sports.
- Casino de Monte-CarloSightMonacoBelle Époque-style casino that debuted more than 150 years ago.
- MareterraNeighborhoodMonacoRenzo Piano Building Workshop is an international architectural practice with offices in Paris, Genoa and New York.
- Rolex Monte-Carlo MastersFestivalMonacoPrestigious tennis tournament with panoramic Mediterranean Sea views.
- Monaco Yacht ShowFestivalMonacoUnofficial closer to high season, touting world's priciest super yacht.
- La CompagniePlaceMonacoBusiness-class-only airline offering direct flights from New York.
- BladePlaceMonacoOffers helicopter rides from Nice to the principality.
- LarvottoNeighborhoodMonacoCrescent-shaped sliver recently received a modern makeover.
- La Rose des VentsRestaurantMonacoSeasonal, Gucci-themed beach club with floral-patterned sunbeds.
- La Vigie ZanoniRestaurantMonacoCliffside al fresco Italian eatery with sweeping views.
- Nikki Beach Monte CarloRestaurantMonacoRooftop pool embracing party-heavy beach club vibes.
- La Môme RivieraRestaurantRoquebrune-Cap-Martin, FranceRose-striped parasols and Italian restaurant hovering along rocks.
- Loulou PirateRestaurantMonacoSpruced-up fisherman's hut with a barefoot-chic vibe.
- One Monte-CarloNeighborhoodMonacoNewish fashion district with designer boutiques.
- Le Jardin Belle Epoque by Perrier JouëtPlaceMonacoPop-up champagne bar under Art Nouveau-style pavilions.
- Hôtel Hermitage Monte-CarloHotelMonacoOffers access to Monte-Carlo Beach Club pool and plage.
- Le DressingPlaceLa Condamine, MonacoTwo boutiques for vintage and second-hand luxury finds.
- Monte-Carlo Summer FestivalFestivalMonacoFeatures performances by artists like Norah Jones and James Blunt.
- Oceanographic MuseumMuseumMonacoOpen-air cinema screens films beneath it.
- MirazurRestaurantMenton, FranceMauro Colagreco's three-star restaurant, revolutionary for French cuisine.
- Mitron BakeryRestaurantMonacoFeatures sourdough loaves milled and baked daily.
- Les Perles de Monte-CarloRestaurantFontvieille, MonacoOffers platters of freshly shucked oysters and sea bass.
- Opéra de Monte-CarloSightMonaco