The Principality of Monaco is one of the iconic places on the French Riviera. Globally known for its Formula 1 Grand Prix and tennis tournaments, Monaco is also a city of history and charm that the Grimaldi family has dominated for hundreds of years.
From the true open-air museum of the Old Town to Monte-Carlo’s Casino Square, Monaco is full of treasures. It’s also a modern city that has managed its space wisely by extending over the sea of the Maritime Alps.
Want to discover the principality in the coming days? To help you make the most of your stay in the Principality, here are the 10 must-do activities in Monaco! A bit of history before we start
Monaco was a trading post founded in the 6th century BC by the Greeks under the name Monoikos, which would be associated with Heracles Monoikos (the port often being associated with Hercules), or its name could come from the ancient Ligurian tribes who populated the region before the Greeks and Romans.
But Monaco’s most famous story is that of François Grimaldi, today the city’s most important family as they are the princely family.
François Grimaldi and one of his associates entered the fortress on January 8, 1297, disguising themselves as Franciscan monks, causing the soldiers to lower their guard.
François opened the gates to his troops who easily took the fortress. Since then, he has been nicknamed “François the Cunning.”
The Principality’s coat of arms, which shows two monks with swords, commemorates this capture.
The Oceanographic Museum
The museum was founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I, a great explorer who is the father of modern oceanography and environmental awareness. This magnificent building has 90 tanks containing 6,000 specimens of marine life from 350 species.
The Shark Lagoon is a must-see in the museum; it houses many tropical fish, mimics coral reefs, and the museum houses a complete skeleton of a whale and other marine mammals. The building is very impressive. From its height of 85 meters, it embraces the cliffs of the Rock of Monaco. From afar, many tourists confuse it with the Prince’s Palace.
The Prince’s Palace
This nearly 1000-year-old building, dating from 1215, is undoubtedly one of Monaco’s most visited attractions. The princely palace, with dozens of luxurious marble-floored rooms, allows you to admire precious works of art and learn all about the fascinating history of the Prince’s Palace during the included audio tour.
If you’re visiting in summer, stroll through the castle courtyard, where outdoor concerts by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra are frequent. There’s also the changing of the guard not to be missed at 12 pm every day.
Tip: Consider buying a combined ticket for the palace, the naval museum, and the Prince’s car collection, which are also worth doing in Monaco.
Monte Carlo Casino
Come try your luck in the Belle Époque atmosphere emanating from the gaming rooms. Its architecture, decoration by Charles Garnier, and sophisticated clientele have made it a highly appreciated destination for high-level casino enthusiasts. But it doesn’t only attract gamblers. Art lovers of all kinds gather to attend ballets, classical concerts, and other shows at the adjoining opera.
Saint Nicholas Cathedral of Monaco
Every Catholic country has a national cathedral. Saint Nicholas Cathedral of Monaco is named after the country’s first Catholic church, built in the 13th century and destroyed in the 19th century. Today, the church is known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. In addition to Catholic worship, it’s also a resting place for the Grimaldi family, including Grace Kelly and Rainier III. Visitors describe this marble Romanesque temple as a peaceful and sumptuous place.
Monaco’s Exotic Garden
If you’re a lover of beautiful plants, Monaco’s exotic gardens are a must-do. In this almost magical universe, you can admire about 900 plant species. Some of these plants that grow in semi-arid climates are exotic and unusual. For example, you can see cacti, fig trees, and even aloe vera.
Note that Monaco’s Exotic Garden is the work of engineer Louis Notari. It was opened to the public in 1933. If you visit this privileged place, you can also enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the principality. If you love green spaces with a thousand colors, the exotic gardens are essential!
The Observatory Cave
If you go to Monaco’s Exotic Garden, know that tickets for the exotic gardens also include a visit to the observatory cave. The entrance is at the foot of the cliff in the garden. From 10 am, hourly guided tours (mandatory) allow you to discover caves full of stalactites and stalagmites.
Animal bone fragments found nearby attest to the presence of prehistoric humans in the region.
Princess Grace’s Japanese Garden
If you want a change of scenery, head to the Japanese garden. This peaceful garden in the heart of the Principality was designed by Japanese landscape architect Yasuo Beppu. The concept of this garden is particular since it’s located on the roof plateau of the bus parking lot! The buildings, gates, barriers, tiles, and lanterns are all made in Japan.
The vegetation consists of many species of diverse origins. Designed in the zen spirit of more than 7,000 square meters at the foot of the city, this structure is truly bordered by azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, waterfalls, pebble beaches, and varnished wooden walkways—it’s a paradise of tranquility. When crossing the bridge, you should also visit the traditional tea house.
H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco’s Private Car Collection
Located on the Fontvieille terrace, this 5,000 square meter car collection comes from the largest factories in the United States and Europe. This car collection of Prince Rainier III of Monaco will surprise you!
More than 100 cars of different colors and origins are displayed, from carriages to Formula 1 racing cars. Rediscover the most beautiful mechanics. All eras are represented. For all vintage car enthusiasts, it’s a must-see in the Principality.
Monaco’s Animal Garden
The zoo won’t be able to compete with its famous colleagues in the world’s largest cities. As we said, the Principality’s territory itself doesn’t exceed 2 km². However, the walk through Monaco’s zoo is very appreciated by residents and visitors.
About 250 animals of approximately 50 species live there, including exotic birds, turtles, caimans, hippos, reptiles, primates, and livestock. None of the animals raised here were purchased! Indeed, Monaco’s zoo has the particularity of collecting transferred, abandoned, or customs-confiscated animals.
If you want more information, I’ve written an entire article about this zoo.
The Trophy of Augustus
The Trophy of the Alps was built in 7-6 BC. A large monument surrounded by pillars and resting on a very high stone base, it’s a giant statue of Emperor Augustus in a circular building.
At that time, the city was located on the other side of the border between the Roman Empire and Gaul. The monument was intended to be an impressive sign of the Roman Empire’s power, celebrating Augustus’s victory over indigenous tribes in the region between 25 BC and 30 BC to 14 BC.
The statue no longer existed, and the structure was severely damaged over the centuries because many villages in La Turbie were built with stones from the pillaged monuments.
Renovations were implemented in the 20th century to restore the monument to its full splendor, and the plaque indicating Augustus’s victory over the Celto-Ligurian tribes where the original monument was built in honor of their defeats was also restored.
The monument is now surrounded by a charming little park overlooking the sea. There’s also a small museum on site, well known for its model reproducing the Trophy as it was in Antiquity.
The view from La Turbie’s monument is very impressive and is one of the best views of the French Riviera and Monaco.
You now know the principality’s must-sees, but you can also swim at Larvotto beach, soak up Provençal culture at the Condamine market, and of course, the Monaco Grand Prix. The principality is a thriving city where visitors can marvel at the ultra-luxurious environment and dolce vita. Monaco is a modern city that has managed to preserve its charm and ancestral traditions. The Principality offers magnificent coastal landscapes in warm tones and countless activities to do.
