Best things to do & places to stay:
Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France
This tiny principality, complete with a royal family, is the second smallest (and most densely populated) country in the world. Crammed into this 2sq km tax haven are skyscrapers, mega yachts, Porches, celebrities, a royal palace, a famous Oceanographic Museum, a plethora of top-end clothing boutiques and three marinas filled with giant yachts, making it the ideal choice for an afternoon of wandering (and gawking).
End the day in style by trying your luck (and losing your holiday money) in one of Monaco’s famous casinos.
Although it all merges together into a giant conurbation, Monaco is divided into distinct quarters.
Monte Carlo is on its headland with the Casino, the surrounding Cercle d’Or, with the most fancy-pants jewellers, antiques dealers and haute couture shops.
The Royal Palace, Cathedral and Oceanography Museum are on the rock of the old town, or Monaco-Ville.
In between these is the port quarter, La Condamine, filled with the skyscraper apartment blocks; brash Fontvieille to the southwest is similar.
The bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination
Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France
The world’s most prestigious automobile races, with a track winding through the winding streets of this billionaires’ playground. Monaco is the height of Formula One glamour.
Best for ages: 13+ | £50 | 4 days
Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France
The world’s most famous and prestigious casino – in one of the world’s casino capitals – oozes glamour, history, and class.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Eze, Cote d'Azur, France
Take one of Europe’s most scenic, exhilarating drives, with eagle-eye views of the sparkling French coastline.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 2-4 hours
Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France
Founded in 1906 by Prince Albert I, Monaco’s Musee Oceanographique is one of the oldest scientific marine institutes anywhere. Spectacular aquariums and treasures from ocean voyages, located in a remarkable wedding-cake building cascading over cliffs.
Best for ages: 4+ | £12
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest
Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France
The famous Belle Epoque café, with its lovely outdoor terrace, is the place for a rendez-vous (and people watching) in Monaco. In a prime central location, go for lunch, dinner or a well-deserved cocktail. After some ‘Dutch courage’, try your luck at one of Monaco’s famous casinos nearby.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France
If it all gets too much, head to the stunning 75-year-old Jardin Exotique, with its surreal collection of cacti, a stalactite Observatory Cave inhabited 250,000 years ago, and an anthropology museum. Open Tuesday to Saturday. Guided tours on Saturdya by appointment.
Best for ages: 8+ | £6
Monaco , Cote d'Azur, France
A stunning white sand and pebble beach under pale golden cliffs just west of Monaco. Accessed by steep steps, this shallow cove is both glamorous and exclusive. Mala has two public areas and two chic beach clubs: Eden Plage and the Reserve de Mala – both romantic at sunset, serving cocktails by candlelight and playing music after dark.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Monaco , Cote d'Azur, France
Set scenically on a cliff, the palace home of the Monaco monarchy has opulent state apartments, family portraits and unrivalled views over the yacht-packed marina.
Best for ages: 13+ | £7
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers
Nice
€40 | Rating 4.15 / 5 [217 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Nice
€720 | Rating 4.71 / 5 [14 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Nice
€110 | Rating 4.43 / 5 [30 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Nice
€97 | Rating 4.58 / 5 [725 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay in this destination
Monaco, Cote d'Azur
A luxury seaside resort in a dreamy coastal Monaco setting that has the works: heavenly lagoon pool and spa, Michelin-starred restaurant and world-class service.
Official star rating:
The most beautiful times to visit are April to June and mid-September to October, when the weather is warm and breezy but not uncomfortably hot.
July and August are crowded, hot and expensive, but the most popular time to go for the casinos, beaches and nightclubs. November is the dullest month, when many things close down; December and January have many bright, shirtsleeve days.
May sees Monaco host of the Riviera’s main events – the Monaco Grand Prix – with an accompanying surge in hotel and flight prices.
If money is no object, Monacair helicopters link Nice Airport to Monaco in seven minutes connecting with every arriving flight. Alternatively the Nice Airport Express Bus No 110 leaves Terminal 2 roughly once an hour, stopping in Monte Carlo. There are also plenty of taxis, which like the bus take around 50 minutes depending on traffic.
As the world’s second smallest country, getting around on foot would be easy if it weren’t so steep, but there are eight street lifts and five bus lines, as well as a solar-powered Bateau Bus across the harbour. If you’ve got a car, there are convenient car parks by the Casino, and the Chemin des Pecheurs near the Oceanographic Museum.
Our writer’s recommended itineraries for this destination
France
Where to go and what to see in the Cote d’Azur to get the most from your trip – a 9-day itinerary including Cannes, Monaco, Nice & Saint-Tropez from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
France
Where to go and what to see in Nice to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
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Chic yacht-filled resort, where the jet set parade the beach and party till dawn. Glitz, glamour and superb people-watching.
