Monaco

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Old town and Prince Palace in Monaco.

©Xantana/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Overview

Squeezed into just 200 hectares, Monaco might be the world’s second-smallest country (only the Vatican is smaller), but what it lacks in size it makes up for in attitude. A magnet for high-rollers and hedonists since the early 20th century, it's also home to the annual Formula One Grand Prix.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • The Monte Carlo Casino, gambling and entertainment complex in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Cote de Azul, Europe. It includes a casino, Grand Theatre de Monte Carlo, and office of Les Ballets de Monte Carlo.; Shutterstock ID 113483572; Your name (First / Last): Daniel Fahey; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Best in Europe POIs

    Casino de Monte Carlo

    Monaco

    Peeping inside Monte Carlo’s legendary marble-and-gold casino is a Monaco essential. The building, open to visitors every morning, including the exclusive…

  • The aquarium of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. (Photo by: Godong/UIG via Getty Images)

    Musée Océanographique de Monaco

    Monaco

    Stuck dramatically to the edge of a cliff since 1910, the world-renowned Musée Océanographique de Monaco, founded by Prince Albert I (1848–1922), is a…

  • Cacti and other succulents on the cliff side of the Jardin Exotique overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Monaco.

    Jardin Exotique

    Monaco

    Home to the world’s largest succulent and cactus collection, from small echinocereus to 10m-tall African candelabras, the gardens tumble down the slopes…

  • Monaco-Ville or Le Rocher, Monaco.

    Le Rocher

    Monaco

    Monaco Ville, also called Le Rocher, is the only part of Monaco to have retained its original old town, complete with small, windy medieval lanes. The old…

  • Palais Princier de Monaco

    Palais Princier de Monaco

    Monaco

    Built as a fortress atop Le Rocher in the 13th century, this palace is the private residence of the Grimaldi family. It is protected by the blue-helmeted,…

  • Collection de Voitures Anciennes

    Collection de Voitures Anciennes

    Monaco

    Starting in the early 1950s, car-mad Prince Rainier amassed an impressive array of over 100 classic automobiles, which he opened to the public in 1993…

  • Crique Ciappaira

    Crique Ciappaira

    Monaco

    This minuscule, hidden cove at the foot of Le Rocher is reached by a steep staircase near the Parking des Pêcheurs. Tucked up against steep cliffs and a…

View more attractions

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

With a lavish royal palace, a famous casino and a harbor gleaming with luxury yachts, Monaco is the embodiment of glamor. Here are the top things to do.

Read article

Articles

Latest stories from Monaco

Filter by interest:

Aerial View of Monaco, Europe, License Type: media, Download Time: 2025-03-03T17:10:46.000Z, User: katelyn.perry_lonelyplanet, Editorial: false, purchase_order: 65050 - Digital Destinations and Articles, job: wip, client: wip, other: Katelyn Perry

Destination Practicalities

A first-time guide to Monaco

May 9, 2025 • 11 min read

Read more articles

Build a memorable collection

Get to the heart of Monaco with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Monaco