Condé Nast TravelerSep 17
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.
Offers access to Monte-Carlo Beach Club pool and plage.
25 things in this story
- Monaco Grand PrixAttractionOne of the most anticipated events in luxury sports.
- Casino de Monte-CarloSightBelle Époque-style casino that debuted more than 150 years ago.
- MareterraNeighborhoodRenzo Piano Building Workshop is an international architectural practice with offices in Paris, Genoa and New York.
- Rolex Monte-Carlo MastersFestivalPrestigious tennis tournament with panoramic Mediterranean Sea views.
- Monaco Yacht ShowFestivalUnofficial closer to high season, touting world's priciest super yacht.
- La CompagniePlaceBusiness-class-only airline offering direct flights from New York.
- BladePlaceOffers helicopter rides from Nice to the principality.
- LarvottoNeighborhoodCrescent-shaped sliver recently received a modern makeover.
- La Rose des VentsRestaurantSeasonal, Gucci-themed beach club with floral-patterned sunbeds.
- La Vigie ZanoniRestaurantCliffside al fresco Italian eatery with sweeping views.
- Nikki Beach Monte CarloRestaurantRooftop pool embracing party-heavy beach club vibes.
- Loulou PirateRestaurantSpruced-up fisherman's hut with a barefoot-chic vibe.
- One Monte-CarloNeighborhoodNewish fashion district with designer boutiques.
- Le Jardin Belle Epoque by Perrier JouëtPlacePop-up champagne bar under Art Nouveau-style pavilions.
- Hôtel Hermitage Monte-CarloHotelOffers access to Monte-Carlo Beach Club pool and plage.
- Monte-Carlo Summer FestivalFestivalFeatures performances by artists like Norah Jones and James Blunt.
- Oceanographic MuseumMuseumOpen-air cinema screens films beneath it.
- Mitron BakeryRestaurantFeatures sourdough loaves milled and baked daily.
- Opéra de Monte-CarloSight
- Elsewhere
- La Môme RivieraRestaurantRoquebrune-Cap-Martin, FranceRose-striped parasols and Italian restaurant hovering along rocks.
- Le DressingPlaceLa Condamine, MonacoTwo boutiques for vintage and second-hand luxury finds.
- Ventimiglia marketMarketVentimiglia, ItalyOpen-air weekly market, among the largest in Italy.
- Marco Polo 1960RestaurantVentimiglia, ItalyWaterfront stalwart for lunch.
- MirazurRestaurantMenton, FranceMauro Colagreco's three-star restaurant, revolutionary for French cuisine.
- Les Perles de Monte-CarloRestaurantFontvieille, MonacoOffers platters of freshly shucked oysters and sea bass.