There aren’t many countries you can explore on foot in a day. But then, there aren’t many countries quite like Monaco.
It may be best known for superyachts, casinos and the Grand Prix, but there are many more sides to the principality than its glamorous reputation suggests. And the remarkable thing is just how much is packed in here. At just over two square kilometres, Monaco brings together neighbourhood markets, Mediterranean gardens, local flavours, centuries of history and the sea within an extraordinarily small footprint. And now, a new self-guided Visit Monaco City Walk is making it easier to discover them all.
On the right path
Beginning at the Wurtemberg car park in the west of the principality, the route winds towards the historic streets of Monaco-Ville, taking in some of the destination’s lesser-known corners along the way.
One of the first reasons to linger is Fontvieille, the second port of Monaco. Here you will find a host of local restaurants to tempt you, including Beefbar, which was founded here in 2005 by Riccardo Giraudi. This acclaimed steakhouse offers a stylish take on street food. Not in the mood for meat? Les Perles de Monte-Carlo is a unique oyster farm and seafood eatery right on the waterfront, offering visitors a taste of Monaco’s culinary scene with a commitment to sustainability.
Continue downhill and Monaco begins to feel more like a neighbourhood than a playground for the rich and famous. La Condamine is one of its oldest districts, centred around a market that has been part of local life since 1880. The indoor market reopens in February 2027 following a major renovation, bringing back its food stalls and local flavours — the perfect place to seek out barbajuan, Monaco’s traditional fried pastry, usually filled with Swiss chard and ricotta. Crisp, savoury and best eaten warm, it’s a taste of the principality that predates the Michelin stars and glamorous dining rooms for which Monaco is renowned.
Discover historical gems
From here, the walk leads towards the Rock and Monaco-Ville, the historic heart of the principality. Among its narrow streets and pastel-coloured buildings are the Prince’s Palace and Saint Nicholas Cathedral and it’s worth taking your time here before the route reaches another of Monaco’s great landmarks, the Oceanographic Museum. After exploring its aquariums and exhibitions, head to the rooftop and La Terrasse. Sitting 85 metres above the Mediterranean, the restaurant has panoramic views over the sea and Monaco, making it an appropriately spectacular place to stop after crossing one of the world’s smallest countries.
The walk neatly illustrates the idea behind Monaco’s new “Monaco, Everything at Once” campaign. In just a few hours, you’ve encountered gardens, local food, centuries of history and the Mediterranean.
Stay a while
But here’s the twist: there’s no need to rush away. The principality has a surprisingly broad choice of hotels across categories. From the glamorous Belle epoque-style landmark that is the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo on the Casino Square to more budget-friendly accommodation at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo situated right on the hairpin curve of the Grand Prix circuit, staying overnight leaves time to explore its evolving dining scene at a slower pace, while Monaco’s location also makes it an easy base for venturing farther along the French and Italian Riviera.
For one of the world’s smallest countries, Monaco packs in an awful lot.
Plan your next stay in Monaco: visitmonaco.com
Make Monaco part of your European journey, from exceptional gastronomy and iconic hotels to rich culture and Mediterranean experiences, discover the Principality at your own pace. Plan your stay at visitmonaco.com.
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