Discover Tailor-Made Monaco Vacations

The Monaco Grand Prix, held each May, is the crown jewel of the Formula 1 circuit. Since 1929, its winding Monte Carlo streets have hosted the slowest yet most technical race of the F1 season, where precision matters more than speed. The event is as much about elegant parties and celebrity sightings as it is about the roar of engines.

Summer brings the Mediterranean to life. Larvotto Beach, Monaco’s only public stretch of sand, offers sunbathing, water sports, and a lively promenade of cafés and restaurants, best enjoyed from June to September. Meanwhile, July and August light up with the International Fireworks Competition, where countries compete with dazzling pyrotechnics choreographed to music.

September sees Port Hercules transform during the Monaco Yacht Show, drawing 30,000 visitors to admire cutting-edge yachts, marine innovations, and sustainable seafaring designs. For auto enthusiasts, January marks the Monte Carlo Rally, part of the World Rally Championship, famed for its alpine stages and unpredictable conditions before culminating in Monaco’s glamour.

Culture takes centre stage at the International Circus Festival, also in January, where acrobats, clowns, and daring stunts honour a tradition founded in 1974, still overseen by Princess Stéphanie. Equally iconic is the Rose Ball, held each March or April. Conceived in 1954, this charity gala dazzles with themed décor, live music, and the presence of royalty and celebrities, all in support of the Princess Grace Foundation.

In Monaco, every month offers an extraordinary spectacle, blending athleticism, artistry, and timeless elegance.

The roots of Monaco stretch far deeper than the Grimaldis. Its port, long valued for its strategic location, has been touched by Phoenicians, Greeks, and Italians, with legend holding that Hercules himself once passed through—hence the ancient port’s name. The rocky promontory that now holds the Prince’s Palace was originally a fortress granted to Genoa by Emperor Henry IV. In 1297, Francesco Grimaldi famously seized it by disguising himself as a monk, an act that began centuries of Grimaldi rule.

Since then, the family has defended Monaco against powerful neighbours including Spain, France, and England. Apart from a short French occupation during the Revolution, the Grimaldis have remained in power, forging alliances—most notably with France—and securing full independence in 1480. For centuries the princes ruled absolutely, until the Monegasque Revolution of 1910 demanded change, leading to the adoption of a constitution in 1911. Today, Monaco stands as a constitutional monarchy, with the prince retaining an active role in governance.

For visitors, Monaco’s history comes alive in its museums and monuments. The Prince’s Palace Museum showcases the Grimaldi legacy, while the Oceanographic Museum and New National Museum of Monaco highlight the principality’s cultural and scientific heritage. Though French is the official language, the Monegasque dialect—still spoken by some residents—adds another layer of cultural identity to this small but resilient nation.

Monaco’s past is a tale of strategy, resilience, and dynastic endurance, a history that continues to shape its present-day charm.

At the heart of this gastronomic paradise is the legendary Hôtel de Paris, opened in 1864. Its Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Louis XV, has become a benchmark for haute cuisine, while the hotel’s vast wine cellar—home to vintages dating back to the 19th century—adds unmatched depth to any meal. Nearby, the Hôtel Hermitage offers Belle Époque elegance, with its iconic Winter Garden and glittering 10,000-piece crystal chandelier setting the stage for refined dining.

Monaco’s cuisine celebrates the Mediterranean. Local dishes like barbagiuan, a pastry filled with ricotta and Swiss chard, and socca, a crispy chickpea pancake, reflect Monegasque tradition. Fresh fish and seafood dominate menus, often paired with olive oil, herbs, and seasonal vegetables, creating meals that are as light as they are luxurious.

The principality also embraces global gastronomy, with Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and African restaurants offering world-class dining experiences. For something more relaxed, the Brasserie de Monaco, a historic brewery dating to 1905, serves refined ales and lagers that pair beautifully with Mediterranean fare.

Wine culture thrives here too, with shops and cellars brimming with bottles from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Côte d’Azur, alongside selections from across the globe. In Monaco, every meal is an invitation to savour elegance, whether through traditional recipes, contemporary tasting menus, or the simple joy of the day’s freshest catch by the sea.

Use the affordable CAM bus system (€3 daily pass) for easy navigation, including the scenic boat shuttle; the elevated train station often requires buses or taxis. For authentic experiences, visit La Condamine Market for fresh produce and Monégasque treats like socca or barbagiuans at local prices.

Explore hidden gems like the cliffside Jardin Exotique for views and exotic plants, or secluded Crique des Pêcheurs beach. At Monte Carlo Casino, follow the dress code: smart casual for atriums, jackets in gaming rooms—no jeans or sportswear. Respect privacy by avoiding unsolicited photos. Rely on cash, use ATMs, and expect 20% VAT. Dine at spots like Supernature for wines or La Montgolfière for fusion cuisine. Tips like these can help reveal Monaco's true elegance beyond the glitz.