Ever since its glittering Belle Epoque casino opened in 1863, Monaco has been known as little more than an opulent gambling den; the epitome of the "sunny place for shady people" epithet English writer W. Somerset Maugham bestowed upon the Côte d'Azur as a whole.

While roulette tables continue to spin underneath heavy Bohemian crystal chandeliers inside the Casino de Monte-Carlo, a fresh breeze of change can today be felt in the Mediterranean air. A new side of Monaco is coming to the fore. Visitors now sip on original liqueurs pressed from ingredients grown on its streets, dine on local produce at the world's first organic Michelin-starred restaurant, and walk through a new neighborhood that is an eco-blueprint for the rest of the world to follow.

Much of this change is being driven by sovereign Prince Albert II, who has committed to making Monaco carbon neutral by 2050. His pledge to show that "Green is the new Glam" ensures that sustainability comes with a glamorous twist in a destination home to so many millionaires. 

In December 2024, his showcase project was unveiled, Mareterra, an entirely new district that has risen from the sea and increased Monaco's territory by six hectares (15 acres). Along with adding much-needed housing, including a Renzo Piano residential block styled like an ocean liner and a handful of sea-facing villas designed by the likes of Sir Norman Foster, the pedestrianized neighborhood has pioneered innovations such as the use of low-carbon concrete to reduce CO2 emissions and investment in new techniques to carefully transplant posidonia (Mediterranean seagrass) meadows.

"The great thing about Monaco is that, because of its size, it can be a test pilot and can implement and scale new technology in a way to see if it's workable," Nancy Heslin, host of the Monaco Info podcast, tells Smart Luxury.

Thanks to these shifting values, a younger generation is becoming increasingly drawn to Monaco, too — although the "Drive to Survive" effect can't be discounted either. New converts to the sport of Formula One via the Netflix series have quickly recognized that the principality is the holy grail of street circuits.

Monaco is courting millennials and Gen Z, too. As the world prepares for the impending transfer of wealth, "Monaco has been trying to make the country look more attractive and more cool than, say, Dubai, as a place of residence for the younger generation to live and park their money," says Heslin. The result is also a win-win for today's batch of travelers in search of luxury experiences with meaning.

What to Do

Given its compact size, Monaco is an easy destination to explore on foot, starting in Monte-Carlo, Monaco's legendary neighborhood. The gilded Casino de Monte-Carlo can be toured before the gaming rooms open at 2 p.m., and it's a wonderful opportunity to admire the building for the architectural jewel it is. Conjured up from the imagination of Charles Garnier, who also designed Paris' Palais Garnier opera house, every inch of space is treated as a canvas for swirling onyx columns, dazzling chandeliers, and delicate mosaic work. 

Monaco's other leading art experience is found atop Monaco-Ville, the principality's warren-like old town. Centuries of paintwork have been freshly peeled back inside the Palais Princier de Monaco, Prince Albert II's official residence, to reveal yards of delicate frescoes dating from the Renaissance.

On Port Hercules, just beneath the starting grid for the Monaco Grand Prix, the Car Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco has a gleaming new home. Inside, you will find vintage F1 cars and rally racers in mint condition among the prized collection of Prince Albert's father, Prince Rainier III.

Nearby, in La Condamine, Irishman Philip Culazzo is transforming bitter oranges grown on Monaco's streets and citrus fruit sourced from neighborhood gardens just outside the principality's edges into a zesty orange liqueur and Made-in-Monaco gin at La Distillerie de Monaco, Monaco's only distillery. Caruba, its velvety coffee-chocolate liquor, is made from Carob, Monaco's national tree — look out for it on menus in an Espresso Monte-Carlo, the local take on an Espresso Martini. If beer is more your thing, the Brasserie de Monaco on the port brews pale ales and wheat beers on-site and buzzes on Friday evenings with an after-work crowd.

For a day of pure indulgence, book into the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, a 6,600 square meter (or 71,000 square foot) temple of wellness overlooking the harbor. Packages include day passes with a massage, lunch, and access to the wellness space.

The ultimate once-in-a-lifetime experience in Monaco? An intimate wine tasting beneath the ground inside the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo Wine Cellars, the largest hotel wine cellar in the world. Over 350,000 bottles rest in this underground cavern that has welcomed the likes of Winston Churchill and hosted the 20th wedding anniversary of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly. It's available for private bookings only, upon request.

Where to Stay

To sleep amid the buzz of Monte-Carlo, there's a trio of Belle Epoque marvels: the iconic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the neighboring Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, and the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo. The latter is Monaco's only privately owned five-star hotel and, this summer, is emerging from a refresh, including new rooms designed by French interior designer Jacques Garcia and a new spa by Guerlain (opening July 2025), alongside its two-star restaurant, Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac, and Odyssey, the pool area designed by Karl Lagerfeld and the setting for seasonal poolside restaurant, Zia.

Resort-style accommodation lines the Larvotto beachfront strip. Among them, Monte-Carlo Beach stands out for its 1930s charm, private beach, and more secluded location at the eastern tip of the principality (technically, it's actually in France).

Also in France, but seen from all angles in Monaco, is the Maybourne Riviera, a modernist masterpiece that hovers over a cliff-edge high above the principality. Rooms and suites are light and styled in marine hues. There's no better vantage point to take in the modern nation Monaco has become.

Both the Fairmont Monte-Carlo and the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort are four-star properties with sea-facing rooms, although during the Monaco Grand Prix, the Fairmont's rooms overlooking the famous hairpin bend (the slowest of any F1 circuit) are in the greatest demand. As for the Monte-Carlo Bay, its lagoon-style swimming pool area is considered one of the finest in Europe.

A three-star option that punches well above its weight is the Hôtel Columbus Monte-Carlo, a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel. It has a peaceful location opposite the serene Princess Grace Rose Garden in Fontvieille, well away from the bustle of busier neighborhoods like Monte-Carlo and Larvotto. Many of the bright, modern rooms come with sunny balconies.

Monaco's boutique hotel footprint is very small. On Port Hercules, the three-star Hôtel Miramar feels like you've stepped inside a cruise ship from the golden age of travel. Each of the 14 stylish rooms has sea views, and the property is known to adjust its rates according to occupancy, so some great value last-minute rates can be found.

Where to Eat

Monaco's national dish is the barbajuan, a tasty, bite-sized fried ravioli filled with cheese and Swiss chard. The classic street food snack can be picked up by the half-dozen alongside a side serving of local life at the Marché de la Condamine, the principality's bustling covered food hall behind Port Hercules. The dish is a mainstay on gastronomic tables, too: check it out at Le Grill at the Hôtel de Paris.

Monaco attracts some of the brightest talent in the culinary world, and there's no shortage of contenders when it comes to the meal of a lifetime title. Think Alain Ducasse at the three-star Le Louis XV inside the Hôtel de Paris. Yannick Alléno — the culinary name behind the Orient Express train and yacht — at Pavllyon Monte-Carlo at the Hôtel Hermitage. Or Marcel Ravin's Elsa, the world's first wholly organic restaurant to receive a Michelin star at the Monte-Carlo Beach. Ravin also heads up the two-star Blue Bay Marcel Ravin at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort, where the produce comes from the hotel garden.

On Mareterra, Marlow is Monaco's first British fine dining address and serves reinvented classics such as coronation chicken and beef Wellington by the water's edge. "The starting point of the project was to take a polo club to bring it to the sun," says Hugo Toro, the designer who also imagined the newly-opened Orient Express La Minerva in Rome, of the decor.

For global flavors, Venezuelan chef Victoria Vallenilla plates up Peruvian fusion cuisine at COYA Monte-Carlo, a seasonal restaurant (open April to October) with a colorful island feel just footsteps from legendary Monaco nightspot Jimmy'z, while executive chef Yasmina Hayek brings a taste of the Eastern Mediterranean to the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo at Lebanese restaurant, EM Sherif Monte-Carlo.

As a primarily residential neighborhood, Fontvieille, at the western edge of the principality, is often overlooked by visitors. Those who do venture to its marina are rewarded with an array of dining options far from the crowds, including the principality's favorite steakhouse, Beefbar. The most delightful dining experience in the whole principality is also here at Les Perles de Monte-Carlo, a seafood counter where the specialty is oysters reared on-site and enjoyed freshly shucked on a terrace at the edge of the breakwater.

Monaco's leading restaurants, like Beefbar, often offer a great-value lunch menu to lure a business crowd. For €30, you can order two courses and a glass of wine. It's a great way to sample some of the principality's finest cuisine at smart prices. You'll notice everything on the menu costs a lot more at dinner.

Where to Drink

"The terrace of the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is the ideal spot for people watching and admiring the Casino," says Eleanor Bloodworth, a yacht charter specialist at Monaco-based yacht brokerage, Y.CO. Just across from it, the Le Bar Américan inside the Hôtel de Paris is the dimly lit drinking spot of choice for F1 drivers when they are in town.

Late-night venues include Amazonico, with its rainforest vibe, live music, and terrace overlooking Casino Square. Just behind it, Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo starts the night serving some of Monaco's best sushi and grooves until late to the beats of a DJ. The classic nightcap spot, however, is Sass Café on the Larvotto waterfront. For over 30 years, this moody piano lounge has been the place to stay up until sunrise.

How to Get There

Nice Côte d'Azur is France's second busiest airport and the gateway to Monaco. Taxi rates are set at a firm rate of €95, although to arrive in true style, hop on a helicopter transfer with Blade for €195 per person. The journey takes seven minutes. 

Know Before You Go

• Uber can drop off (if you’re coming from France), but not pick up, in Monaco. Instead, the local ride-share app is called Taxi Monaco.
  
  
• Many merchants in Monaco, including high-end boutiques and restaurants, offer a 5% cashback via the homegrown Carlo app. Download and sign up before you travel — just make sure to spend the cashback pot you have accumulated on the app at one of the participating retailers before you leave.
  
  
• "Monaco is all about elevated experiences, so plan to dress the part — upscale, chic, and polished," says travel blogger Amber Elizabeth of Amused Blog.

When to Go

Monaco's high season is linked to its event calendar, when this already densely populated territory swells with an influx of visitors. ­­April's Monte-Carlo Masters tennis tournament is the season opener. May's Formula One Grand Prix is the main event (as of 2026, the race is moving to early June on the F1 calendar), and the curtain falls as the yachts in Port Hercules sound their horns to mark the end of the Monaco Yacht Show in September. Prices, as you can imagine, jump sky-high to reflect demand.

July and August are hot and sunny but can be surprisingly calm, except for day-trippers around Casino Square and the Palais Princier de Monaco, as residents head on holiday during the long summer vacation. The principality gets into the festive mood in December: Hotel lobbies glitter with enormous Christmas trees, and the sweet smell of mulled wine fills the air at the cozy Christmas village along Port Hercules.

The sweet season, however, is late February and March when the first signs of spring start to appear. This is also when you can find value deals at some of Monaco's leading five-star hotels, such as the grand Hôtel Hermitage overlooking the port.

Combine With

If Nice Côte d'Azur airport is your gateway to Monaco, it's worth saving some time before your flight to spend in Nice. The largest city on the Côte d'Azur has been completely revitalized over the past decade or so, culminating in a flurry of high-end hotel openings and fine dining launches. A 17th-century convent painstakingly converted into a five-star hotel, Hötel du Couvent has emerged as a serene retreat amid the buzz of Vieux Nice, the old town, with Roman baths, an herbal shop, and a weekly produce market.

The place to linger over a long lunch is Le Bistrot de JAN in Nice's trendy Port neighborhood. The newly opened sibling (and next-door neighbor) of JAN, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen's one-Michelin-starred address, is just as beautifully styled as the South African chef's original address and serves a more casual menu including a gorgeous chicken pie — the ultimate comfort dish, with a gourmet twist.

Visitors to Monaco also have easy access to other destinations along the French and Italian rivieras, such as the coastal towns of Menton (known for its lemon festival and history), the medieval village of Èze, the port of Villefranche-sur-Mer (with its stunning natural harbor), Antibes (for its 16th-century Old Town and Picasso Museum), Cannes (of the famous film festival), and chic and glamorous St. Tropez. Notable inland towns include Saint-Paul-de-Vence (for artistic heritage and medieval architecture) and Grasse (the "perfume capital of the world").