Monaco holidays

From sports cars to towering hotels and glamorous megayachts, this Côte d'Azur gem has long been a touchstone for luxury. Experience a slice of the high life in Monte Carlo.

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.

Monaco’s wealth is on display everywhere. You don’t need to stand in the Place du Casino long to get an eyeful of Ferraris and Maseratis. Head to Port Hercule to marvel at the Car Collection of HSH the Prince of Monaco — or count the super yachts from one of the waterfront bars. The grandest arrive in September for the annual Monaco Yacht Show.

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 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).

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.

For car racing fans, the best time to visit Monaco is May, when the Grand Prix comes to town. Between June and August, when the weather is hottest, locals tend to flee the summer crowds. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, book in spring or autumn. Winter is Monaco’s off-season, though the weather is mild and sunny, and most attractions remain open.

For a cheap holiday in Monaco, hunt down affordable eats in unexpected places, like the sports club overlooking the harbour, where you can get an inexpensive meal for around 25 euros (€). Time your visit to the waterfront bars for happy hour, and ride the public bus for €2.