12 BEST Things to Do in Monaco (2026 Guide + Map)

Things to do
Facts & Figures
History
National Food
Transportation

National Food

Traditional food of Monaco

Monaco’s cuisine is shaped by its Mediterranean location, French Riviera traditions, and strong Italian influence. Local food is usually simple, fresh, and full of flavor, with vegetables, olive oil, seafood, and herbs playing an important role. Here are some of the most traditional Monegasque dishes every visitor should try.

Barbajuan — Monaco’s National Specialty

Barbajuan is one of the most famous traditional foods in Monaco and is often considered the country’s national dish. It is a small fried pastry filled with Swiss chard, ricotta, Parmesan, leeks, garlic, and herbs. The outside is crispy, while the inside is soft and flavorful. Barbajuan is often eaten as a snack or starter and is especially popular during Monaco’s National Day.

Stocafi — A Traditional Cod Dish

Stocafi is a traditional Monegasque dish made with dried cod cooked in a rich tomato sauce. It is usually combined with black olives, garlic, onions, and other vegetables. The long cooking gives the fish a strong and savory flavor. Stocafi is one of the dishes that best shows Monaco’s connection to Mediterranean and Italian-style cooking.

Fougasse Monégasque — Monaco’s Traditional Sweet Bread

Fougasse Monégasque, Traditional food of Monaco

Fougasse Monégasque is a traditional sweet bread and one of Monaco’s most distinctive baked specialties. It is flavored with orange and decorated with ingredients such as almonds, raisins, and anise. The bread is soft and lightly sweet, making it different from the savory fougasse found in other parts of southern France. You can often find it in local bakeries.

Tourte de Blette — A Traditional Swiss Chard Pie

Tourte de Blette, Traditional food of Monaco

Tourte de blette is a pastry pie made with Swiss chard and other simple ingredients such as eggs, cheese, onions, and rice. There are also sweet versions that combine Swiss chard with ingredients such as raisins and pine nuts. It may sound unusual, but the mixture creates a mild and interesting flavor. It is a good choice for visitors who want to try something less familiar.

Pissaladière — A Mediterranean Onion Tart

Pissaladière, Traditional food of Monaco

Pissaladière is a popular dish across the French Riviera and is also found in Monaco. It is a flat pastry topped with slowly cooked onions, olives, and often anchovies. The onions give it a naturally sweet taste, while the olives and anchovies add a salty Mediterranean flavor. It is usually served as a snack, starter, or light meal.

Socca — A Simple Chickpea Favorite

Socca is a thin pancake made from chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt. It is cooked until the edges become crisp while the middle stays soft. Socca is especially associated with nearby Nice, but it is also enjoyed in Monaco and is part of the wider food culture of the French Riviera. It is best eaten warm, with a little pepper.

History

Monaco History

Monaco is a very small country on the Mediterranean coast, but its history is much larger than its size suggests. For centuries, its position between France and Italy made it an important place for trade, travel, and military control. The famous Grimaldi family has ruled Monaco for more than 700 years, apart from periods of foreign control. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Monaco changed from a small Mediterranean principality into a wealthy international destination known for Monte-Carlo, luxury tourism, and the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Ancient people, Romans, and the Middle Ages

People lived in the area of Monaco thousands of years ago, and the first known inhabitants were probably Ligurian peoples. The ancient Greeks and later the Romans also knew the area because of its position on the Mediterranean coast. The Romans included Monaco in the Province of the Maritime Alps, and its location made it useful as a stopping point along the coast.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region became less stable. Different groups passed through the area, including the Saracens, who attacked parts of the Mediterranean coast. By the Middle Ages, Monaco had become connected to the powerful Republic of Genoa. In 1215, the Genoese began building a fortress on the Rock of Monaco, using its high position to protect their interests and control the coast.

The Grimaldis arrive

The history of Monaco changed in 1297 when Francesco Grimaldi, known as *Il Malizia*, or “the Cunning,” captured the fortress. According to the famous story, he entered Monaco disguised as a Franciscan monk before opening the gates to his followers. The Grimaldis lost control of Monaco a few years later, but they returned in the fourteenth century and gradually established themselves as the ruling family.

Charles Grimaldi, later known as Charles I, played an important role in rebuilding Grimaldi power and expanding the territory. The Grimaldis acquired Menton and Roquebrune, which later became part of Monaco. Over the following centuries, the family used both military strength and diplomacy to protect the small principality from its larger neighbors.

A small state between powerful neighbors

During the late Middle Ages and early modern period, Monaco had to survive between France, Savoy, Spain, and Genoa. Its small size made alliances especially important. In 1489, the Duke of Savoy recognized Monaco's independence, while France also recognized its position in the region. Monaco later received further recognition of its rights and princely status.

In 1524, Monaco came under Spanish protection. This helped protect the principality from its enemies, but supporting Spanish forces placed a heavy financial burden on Monaco. In the seventeenth century, Prince Honoré II moved Monaco closer to France. In 1641, the Treaty of Péronne placed Monaco under French protection while recognizing its independence and the rights of the Grimaldi family.

Revolution and the French period

The French Revolution brought major changes to Monaco. In 1793, revolutionary France annexed the principality, and the Grimaldi family lost its rule. Monaco was incorporated into French territory and remained under French control during the Napoleonic period.

After Napoleon's defeat, the political situation in Europe changed again. The Grimaldi family returned, and in 1815 Monaco became a protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia. The principality was once again independent in practice, but its future remained closely connected to the politics of the surrounding region.

The loss of Menton and Roquebrune

The nineteenth century was a major turning point for Monaco. In 1848, the towns of Menton and Roquebrune rebelled against the Grimaldi ruler. They separated from Monaco and were eventually transferred to France.

This left Monaco much smaller, but it also created the conditions for a new future. In 1861, Monaco and France signed a treaty that recognized Monaco's sovereignty and independence. In return, Monaco gave up its claims to Menton and Roquebrune. The agreement created a more stable relationship with France and confirmed the borders of the modern principality.

Monte-Carlo and the birth of modern Monaco

After 1861, Monaco began a remarkable economic transformation. Prince Charles III decided to develop tourism and entertainment as a new source of income. In 1863, the famous casino opened, helping create the Monte-Carlo district. The Hôtel de Paris followed in 1864, and restaurants, cafés, hotels, and other businesses soon developed around the casino.

The arrival of the railway also made Monaco much easier to reach from France and Italy. Wealthy visitors began arriving from across Europe, especially during the winter. What had once been a small and relatively poor principality was becoming a fashionable destination for wealthy travelers. The casino and tourism industry became the foundation of Monaco's modern economy.

The Grimaldi family and a modern state

The success of Monte-Carlo changed Monaco's international image, but the country also developed its political institutions. In 1911, Prince Albert I introduced Monaco's first constitution. It created a more modern political system and gave the National Council an important role in legislation.

Prince Albert I was also interested in science, especially the sea. He founded the Oceanographic Museum and the Oceanographic Institute, helping make Monaco known not only for tourism but also for marine research and education.

During the first half of the twentieth century, Monaco remained a small independent state while becoming increasingly connected to international tourism, finance, and diplomacy. Its close relationship with France continued to be an important part of its political history.

Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly

One of the most famous periods in Monaco's modern history began when Prince Rainier III became ruler in 1949. He worked to modernize the country and strengthen its economy. Monaco developed further as an international center for tourism, business, finance, and luxury living.

In 1956, Prince Rainier married the American actress Grace Kelly. Their wedding attracted enormous international attention and made Monaco even more famous around the world. Grace Kelly became Princess Grace and became an important part of Monaco's public image and cultural life.

During Rainier III's long reign, Monaco also expanded its limited territory by creating new land along the coast. New buildings, roads, and districts were constructed, allowing the principality to grow despite having very little available land.

Monaco today

Today, Monaco is a constitutional monarchy ruled by the Grimaldi family. Prince Albert II became Monaco's sovereign in 2005. The country remains one of the smallest states in the world, but it has a strong international reputation for tourism, finance, luxury living, and major events.

Monte-Carlo, the casino, luxury hotels, the Prince's Palace, and the Monaco Grand Prix attract visitors from around the world. Monaco has also developed an important role in international business and continues to have a close political and economic relationship with France.

Monaco's history is a story of survival and adaptation. From an ancient Mediterranean settlement and a medieval fortress to the home of the Grimaldi dynasty and a world-famous luxury destination, Monaco has remained independent by using its location, diplomacy, and ability to change with the times. Its transformation after 1861, especially the rise of Monte-Carlo, explains much of the Monaco that visitors see today.

HISTORIC BUILDING

Casino de Monte-Carlo

Casino de Monte-Carlo and Place du Casino form the best-known scene in Monaco. The grand casino stands opposite Hôtel de Paris and Café de Paris, with palm trees, luxury cars and Anish Kapoor’s Sky Mirror in the centre. Many people come mainly to take photographs, but you can also enter the public...

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PALACE

Prince’s Palace of Monaco

The Prince’s Palace of Monaco and Place du Palais stand at the centre of Monaco-Ville, the historic district on Le Rocher. The pale residence, ceremonial square, old cannons, and wide harbour views create one of the most recognisable scenes in Monaco. For many first-time visitors, the main experience is simple: see the...

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HISTORIC QUARTER

Monaco-Ville

Monaco-Ville, often called Monaco Old Town or Le Rocher, is the historic heart of Monaco and the oldest part of the Principality. It sits high above the Mediterranean between Port Hercule and Fontvieille. This is where visitors find narrow old streets, pastel-coloured houses, quiet squares, gardens, the Prince’s Palace, Monaco Cathedral, and...

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HARBOR

Port Hercule

Port Hercule is Monaco main harbor and one of the best places to see the Principality’s famous mix of luxury, sea views, and dramatic city scenery. The marina lies between Monaco-Ville and Monte-Carlo, with rows of yachts below the steep slopes of the city. For first-time visitors, the appeal is simple: walk...

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MUSEUM

Oceanographic Museum

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is one of the principality’s most famous attractions and much more than a traditional aquarium. Built into the cliffs of Monaco-Ville above the Mediterranean, it combines marine life, ocean science, historic collections and marine science inside one of Monaco most impressive buildings. For first-time visitors, the aquarium is...

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CHURCH

Monaco Cathedral

Monaco Cathedral is one of the most important historic buildings in Monaco-Ville, the old district on Le Rocher. Officially called the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, or Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée, it is closely connected with Monaco’s ruling Grimaldi family. Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, better known before her marriage as Grace Kelly,...

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STREET CIRCUIT

Monaco Grand Prix Circuit

The Monaco Grand Prix Circuit is one of the most famous street circuits in motorsport. Instead of using a permanent racetrack, the Circuit de Monaco follows normal roads through Monte Carlo and La Condamine. The route climbs from Port Hercule towards Casino Square, drops past the Fairmont Hairpin, passes through the tunnel...

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GARDEN

Jardin Exotique

Jardin Exotique de Monaco is one of the most unusual green spaces in the Principality. Built high on a rocky cliff, the garden combines a large collection of cacti and other succulent plants with panoramic views over Monaco and the Mediterranean. Its paths and terraces cross the steep hillside, with changing views...

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BEACH

Larvotto Beach

Larvotto Beach is the main public beach in Monaco and the easiest place in the Principality to swim in the Mediterranean. It sits below Avenue Princesse Grace, east of Monte-Carlo, with clear water, pale pebbles and Monaco’s modern skyline behind it. Most of the beach is free to use, making it a...

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GARDEN

Princess Grace Japanese Garden

Princess Grace Japanese Garden is a Japanese garden in Monaco’s Larvotto district, close to the Grimaldi Forum and the Mediterranean. Covering about 7,000 m², it is easy to explore but feels surprisingly peaceful for such a central location. Ponds, koi carp, bridges, a waterfall, stone lanterns and carefully shaped plants create a...

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MUSEUM

Prince’s Car Collection

Prince’s Car Collection in Monaco brings together around 100 historic, luxury, sports and racing vehicles in a modern exhibition space beside Port Hercule. The collection covers more than a century of motoring, from a 1903 De Dion-Bouton to Formula 1 cars. Visitors can also see famous names such as Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Maserati,...

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SHOPPING

Métropole Shopping Monte-Carlo

Métropole Shopping Monte-Carlo is an elegant indoor shopping centre in the Carré d’Or, only a few minutes from Casino Square. It is known for its polished marble interior, large crystal chandeliers and mix of fashion, jewellery, beauty, technology and food. The atmosphere is refined, but the centre is not only for high-end...

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