Monaco holidays

Monaco’s royal history literally dominates the landscape — the Prince’s Palace sits on the monolithic Rock of Monaco. Visit the Renaissance-style state apartments, or watch the daily Changing of the Guard in the square outside. You’ll find Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace’s graves in the nearby Roman-Byzantine cathedral. And you can visit the Princess Grace Irish Library to see her personal book collection.

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Visiting its lavish marble-and-gold rooms is one of the best things to do in Monaco. They’re open every morning before the blackjack, poker and roulette games begin. Or catch a performance in its miniature opera house, the Salle Garnier. Respectful attire is encouraged, and smart attire is required for gaming.

In Monaco’s oldest neighbourhood, the Prince’s Palace is a stunning medieval fortress that looms over the city like a castle in the sky. The Casino de Monte-Carlo is just as iconic — it inspired a James Bond novel, after all. And the starting grid of Monaco’s world-famous Grand Prix is clearly marked at Port Hercules, a yacht-watcher’s paradise.

Most beaches in Monaco are private, but Larvotto, a 15-minute walk from Monte Carlo, is free. The man-made beach has fine gravel rather than sand, so be sure to take a towel and sandals. There’s also an open-air, heated seawater pool at Stade Nautique Rainier III. For more beach options, cross the French border to Cap d'Ail.

Among Monaco’s elegant public gardens, the two dedicated to Princess Grace are spectacular. They include the peaceful Jardin Japonais and a rose garden with over 300 varieties. The Jardin Exotique is home to over 1,000 species of cacti and other succulents. And you can see sharks and tropical fish at the Musée Océanographique. Its aquarium cares for 450 species, including injured turtles.

The performing arts are woven into Monaco’s social life, especially at eye-catching venues like the Salle Garnier. You’ll also find fascinating art museums in Monaco. The Nouveau Musée National de Monaco hosts contemporary exhibitions in one of the country’s last Belle Époque villas. And the Musée de la Chapelle de la Visitation houses its collection of Old Masters in a 17th-century chapel.

The high-end restaurants in Monaco are places to see and be seen. For cheaper eats and local dishes, try Marché de La Condamine, where the fresh produce is as brightly coloured as the flowers. Among its stalls and arcades, you’ll find Monégasque treats like ‘socca’, a crispy chickpea crepe and tasty ‘barbajuans’ (ricotta fritters).