How To Spend A Weekend In Monaco

For contemporary Mediterranean dining (with a nostalgic nod), Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac at Hôtel Métropole is a must-visit. Taking inspiration from the glamorous 1920s, this elegant space is headed up by Robuchon protégé Christophe Cussac and was recently awarded two Michelin stars. Meanwhile, La Table d’Antonio Salvatore at Rampoldi serves bold southern Italian and French flavours in an intimate setting – a refreshing twist on traditional fine dining that earned it a star in 2021. Lastly, Elsa at Monte-Carlo Beach is perhaps the principality’s most ethically minded restaurant. Under the guidance of Marcel Ravin, this spot overlooking the Med focuses on sustainability and environmental responsibility, offering elegant dishes made with only the finest ingredients.

For a taste of Monaco’s culinary offering, time your visit around the Festival des Étoilés Monte-Carlo – a star-studded celebration that returns this year with a lineup of special dinners created by Michelin-starred chefs from around the world. On Friday 20th June, chefs Alain Ducasse and Albert Adrià will collaborate at Louis XV to showcase French and Spanish cuisine. Then, chefs Yannick Alleno and Davide Oldani will host a special evening at Pavyllon on Sunday 13th July, before Marcel Ravin and Anne-Sophie Pic take to Blue Bay on Friday 18th July. 

As you’d expect, Monaco is home to a string of designer shops, including some by the SL team’s favourite brands – you could easily spend whole day browsing its many boutiques. The iconic Métropole Shopping Monte-Carlo is the place to start. It’s home to high-end brands like Max Mara, Roberto Cavalli and APM Monaco, all set beneath sparkling chandeliers. You should also explore the newer One Monte-Carlo district, where you’ll find flagship stores from the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada and Cartier. 

Jewellery fans should make a stop at Place du Casino, where renowned maisons such as Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels and Chopard have stores. And for something completely bespoke, Monaco’s tailors and ateliers – such as Stefano Ricci and Bespoke by Luigi – craft impeccable made-to-measure suits and garments. 

Monaco may be small, but it’s full of cultural sites, lush gardens and plenty of places to relax by the water. Start your day in Le Rocher (the Rock), the city’s historic old town, where you can wander down its narrow streets, visit the Prince’s Palace and watch the changing of the guard. In the same district, the Monaco Cathedral is worth seeing for its striking Roman-Byzantine architecture. 

For something more interactive, the Oceanographic Museum, one of Monaco’s top attractions, features impressive marine-life displays and exhibits on ocean conservation. This spring it launches its latest immersive exhibition, 'Mediterranean 2050', inviting visitors to imagine a thriving, biodiverse future for the Mediterranean Sea. 

 From 8th July to 31st August 2025, the Grimaldi Forum will present 'Colours!', an immersive showcase of 20th-century masterpieces from the Centre Pompidou, on loan while the Paris museum undergoes renovation. Alongside this multisensory experience, a second exhibition, 'Monaco & the Napoleon(s)', will explore the rich historical connections between the Grimaldi and Bonaparte dynasties through rare artefacts and archival collections.

The Principality offers a wellness experience unlike any other. World-class spas, luxurious pools and a Mediterranean backdrop make Monaco the ultimate destination to unwind and recharge. It has historically been a sanctuary for wellness – a legacy that began in 1863 with the founding of the Société des Bains de Mer, which introduced the world to thalassotherapy and sea air therapy on the Riviera. Today, you can experience it in places like Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo – a cutting-edge, 6,600m² space for health and relaxation therapies. 

Plus, in July 2025, the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo will open The Spa Metropole by Guerlain. The result of a prestigious collaboration between the iconic Riviera hotel and the House of Guerlain, this wellness sanctuary will offer holistic wellbeing, guided by the expertise and vision of two exceptional houses.

Odyssey at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo has a striking outdoor space – the only pool in the world designed by Karl Lagerfeld – which sits within a secluded garden oasis city. Heated seawater, Mediterranean light bites, and lush surroundings create a peaceful setting for rest and rejuvenation. And for a chic coastal escape, the Monte-Carlo Beach Club offers a glamorous Riviera experience with an Olympic-sized seawater pool, elegant cabanas, water sports, and a host of ultra-luxe wellness amenities.

For more information and recommendations on what to do, see and visit in Monaco head to VISITMONACO.COM