The Principality of Monaco is a small city-state on the French Riviera full of opulence and glamor. It’s a place oozing with luxury travel ideas and destinations, making it one of the hottest areas of Europe. You’ll struggle to find a more fitting place for a week away in the sun with expensive champagne and a host of incredible things to do.
Everyone should add Monaco to their bucket lists if they’re serious about luxury travel - but what should you add to your Monaco bucket list?! We recommend setting aside at least three days for your visit (a whole week is optimal) and plan accordingly to ensure you do all of these incredible things:
It’s non-negotiable to visit the Casino de Monte-Carlo during a trip to Monaco. This is the most iconic structure in the country with incredible architecture and an interior that looks like it was taken straight from a movie. The gardens and fountains outside the casino are equally majestic and you’ll find plenty of things to do inside.
It’s home to a variety of delectable restaurants and bars, as well as countless roulette, poker, blackjack and baccarat tables. There’s no rule that you have to gamble, but it’s a good way to get a slice of Monaco and become one with the locals. You’ll even find a huge selection of slot machines that you may recognise from many non UK casinos online. Whatever you do while you’re there, a night at the casino is a must for anyone enjoying their stay in this iconic place.
Monaco isn’t just known for its grand casino. It’s home to plenty of iconic sporting events - including the Monte Carlo Masters. This is one of the biggest tennis events in the world, though it’s not on our Monaco bucket list. Instead, if you have to attend one sporting event in this country, it has to be the legendary Monaco Grand Prix.
This race has been held pretty much every year since 1929 and is known as one of the most iconic events on the sporting calendar. It’s a race everyone tries to go to - even if they’re not Formula 1 fans! There’s something special about seeing monstrous cars tear through the narrow Monegasque streets that’s so exhilarating. Loads of cities have tried to replicate this unique street track, and all have failed. Try to plan your trip around the Grand Prix weekend - tickets are expensive, but they’re worth it to tick an item off your bucket list.
The gorgeous Prince’s Palace of Monaco sits atop a hill and gazes down across Monaco and the French Riviera. The views are fit for, well, a king! You can see why this fantastic castle was built here and it’s so sumptuously designed. You’ll find elements of the Italian Renaissance dotted throughout and an architecture that makes it one of the most beautiful palaces or castles in the entire world.
It is technically still the Prince’s seat and residence, though you can visit the Prince’s Palace at different points in the year. You’re welcome to book organised tours from March 26th to October 13th - and you’ll find all the opening times and rules on the official website by clicking the link above. This is the biggest cultural landmark in Monaco, so you can’t afford to miss it or miss your opportunity to see how true royalty lives!
A trip to Monaco is incomplete without a spot of shopping. Dozens of incredible boutiques and luxury fashion brands are scattered across the city, though we suggest heading to the Metropole Shopping Centre in Monte-Carlo. It’s unlike any shopping centre you’ve ever been to and screams of the grandeur and lavishness of Monaco.
The inside could pass as a museum with intricately patterned tiles on the floors, incredible ironwork throughout and some truly extravagant chandeliers. Everything seems to shine and sparkle - and that’s before you step into any of the shops! There’s a very useful Metropole Shopping Map you can use to get around and see what’s on offer - some of the most interesting stores include:
The list is substantial and you’ll find a lot of great local designer brands too. It’s worth popping into those shops to get something uniquely Monegasque.
Nestled in the heart of the French Riviera, Monaco sits by the sea with stunning views across towards Sardina and Italy. This means it is perfectly placed for some masterful boat tours. You can book as many as you want - and they’re unlike traditional boat tours. Many can be booked privately so you’re out on a small leisure vessel with whoever you like and can be taken to anywhere nearby.
Many people choose to get the boat to Nice for a day or to explore some of the fantastic sights and scenes around the Bay of Monaco. The Mala Caves are nearby and present an excellent experience or you can simply view the whole city of Monte-Carlo from the sea. It provides a fresh perspective as you lounge on the boat, soaking up the sun and fresh air.
Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, Monaco is still home to 13 delicious Michelin-star restaurants. You must visit at least one of them during a short trip to sample the very best local cuisine. These restaurants tend to use fresh ingredients from local providers and transform them into delicate and devastatingly tasty dishes.
It’s high-end dining at its very best as some of the restaurants provide expansive views across the bay or the port. We fully recommend crossing all 13 of them off your list if you’re staying in Monaco for two weeks. It works out perfectly, meaning you can enjoy Michelin-star dining every evening!
Monaco goes hand in hand with luxury travel. It’s a place known for indulgence where you’ll craft many exciting experiences. Add all six of these to your bucket list and go through them all for a magnificent Monegasque adventure.
