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6 Things to see and do in the principality

Monaco has a well-earned reputation for being one of the planet’s most glamorous and exciting destinations.

Try Your Luck

To get up close and personal with the James Bond-esque vibe, you must head the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Decked out in your finest designer attire, dice in one hand, champagne in the other – ask Lady Luck to roll in your favor. Monaco remains the finest and most luxurious destination for high rollers since its casinos are constantly reinventing themselves. The slot-machine paradise of the Casino Café de Paris, renowned for its innovation, is merely steps away. The nearby Sun Casino is Monaco's “Little Vegas,” while the Monte-Carlo Bay Casino sits inside an exclusive resort. Then there are the casinos of the Société des Bains de Mer – each one offering much more than casino games or slot machines. With their lounge areas, gourmet restaurants and pop-up art installations, casinos are places to see and be seen in Monaco.

Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

This museum was founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I who was also a sea captain. The museum and aquarium are must-sees. The skeleton of a whale is featured in the museum’s zoology room. And the aquarium – widely considered one of the best in Europe – contains more than 90 tanks, one of which is a shark lagoon. There is an immersive part of the museum that is unlike anything you’ll find in other museums. You will actually feel like you’re diving the Great Barrier Reef.

About the Immersive Experience:

• A fully reconstructed living environment reacting to your movements;
• Species are modeled from real images, movements and interactions are recreated from behaviors observed in the wild giving you a realistic diving experience;
• Day and night scenarios have been freely imagined offering you a “single dive” to meet the most emblematic species of the Great Barrier Reef.

Saint Nicholas Cathedral

The Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate – often called Saint Nicholas Cathedral, or Monaco Cathedral – is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Monaco in Monaco-Ville, Monaco, where many of the Grimaldis are entombed. This exalted cathedral is where Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly were married and where they are also now both entombed. This Roman-Byzantine style church was constructed in 1875 using white stone from La Turbie. It houses the tombs of Monaco’s former princes. Inside, alongside the magnificent high altar and the Episcopal throne made from white Carrara marble, stands a retable by the Niçois painter Louis Bréa, dating back from the year 1500.

The Lavish Villa O

A magical oasis with commanding bay panoramas of the ethereal Cobalt blue hues of the Mediterranean, marks Villa O in St. Jean Cap Ferrat. This lovely area makes a mesmerizing getaway from Monaco after you’ve attended the Monaco Yacht Show. Floor-to-ceiling walls flood the spacious interiors with natural light. No wonder this home is one of the most luxurious villas in St. Jean Cap Ferrat. This private vacation home has room for up to 10 guests who will enjoy amenities like an infinity pool, an indoor hot tub, library, cinema room, bar and a luscious outdoor terrace and patio for first-class al fresco dining.

Le Bar Américain

Class comes at a price and you’re sure to get it in spades at Le Bar Américain. This iconic cocktail bar has the charisma of Sean Connery and the glamor of Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra’s boudoir. Regularly listed among the best bars in the world, the restaurant has three Michelin stars and the views from the terrace are stunning. James Bond has enjoyed a few beverages here in two different films.

Allée des Boulingrins

The Allée des Boulingrins is one of the most exceptional places in Monaco and one you should see. Exactly opposite the Casino de Monte-Carlo, this large alleyway is in fact a garden laid out in terraces adorned with various sculptures by major 20th century artists such as Folon, Cesar, Botéro, although these works are regularly changed. On either side of the alley is a vast garden filled with an abundance of rare and beautiful plants such as giant magnolias. Around this green and pleasant pathway with its artistic sculptures attractive boutiques are found.

Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo

The Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo defines itself as “a haven of luxury dedicated to wellness, beauty and performance.” The bird’s eye view of the sea from the heated pool is absolute heaven. Here, everything is dedicated to wellness: the outdoor Jacuzzi facing the port and the Rock, solarium, hammam, sauna and panoramic fitness room. After all the shopping, fine food, sightseeing and parties, you might need this respite more than you realize. A team of experts will fashion a personalized treatment regime for you in this lavish facility or you can choose from the treatments menu. Whatever else you choose, be sure to include the customized Monte-Carlo 90-minute massage!

There is never a reason to be without something to do in Monaco when you’re not attending the Monaco Yacht Show. We invite you to contact one of our client relations team members so planning can begin to get you to the yacht show in September. After all, once plans are in place, all you need to do is imagine seeing all those yachts and experiencing everything we have planned for you on your tailor-made itinerary. Late September is one of the nicest times to visit Monaco and we are ready and waiting to plan an extraordinary trip for you!