Published on March 13, 2020Updated on April 25, 2023
Are you planning a vacation in the South of France? Get away to the Principality of Monaco for a dream break. Over seven days, marvel at the Princely wonders of the Monegasque Riviera and bask in the sunshine. If you are looking for what to do in Monaco for a week, we have itineraries fit for Prince Albert himself. Follow our travel guide to the second-smallest country in the world.
Monday: It’s All About Sports in the Principality
Famous for sports like yachting and the Grand Prix, there is no better way to kick off a week in Monaco than by warming up with some exercise. Combine physical activity and a walk in the great outdoors on the highly acclaimed 18-hole course at the Monte-Carlo Golf Club. Perched high on the hillside in the French municipality of La Turbie, it boasts an exceptional panoramic sea and mountain view of the Riviera and the Mediterranean coast between France and Italy. For tennis enthusiasts looking for what to do in Monaco for a week, the Monte-Carlo Country Club is the most exclusive place to improve your forehand, on courts set along the coast. Each year in April, the best tennis players in the world go head to head here during the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer guests enjoy discounted rates on tickets for this event. If you are a clay-court fan, then you can also reserve one of the courts at the Tennis Club de Monaco at the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat end of the Principality. Finally, motorsports are the perfect end to this active day, visit Prince Rainier III’s car collection in the Terrasses de Fontvieille near Stade Louis II. This unique collection brings together around 100 vintage cars: Ferrari, Cadillac, Rolls Royce, and Maserati, as well as the race cars from the Formula One Grand Prix de Monaco and the Rallye de Monte-Carlo.
Tuesday: A Zen Day in Monaco
After working up a sweat, it is now time to recover with a day devoted to relaxation. The Principality’s wellness centers offer a relaxing break in dream settings. The Spa Cinq Mondes at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, for example, provides discovery days, which include treatments inspired by rituals from around the world, access to its facilities (swimming pool, sauna, hammam, and fitness room), and lunch. Exquisite pleasure and luxury are also on the agenda at Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo. Boasting an exceptional setting, the heated pool with sea view, outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the old Port de Monaco and its luxury yachts and superyachts, and expert treatments add up to an exclusive day worthy of the Monarchy. During summer, the spa offers outdoor yoga sessions and treatments, between the pines and the sea, at the Monte-Carlo Beach. What more do you need to reconnect with the elements in the sun and enjoy the Mediterranean climate?
Wednesday: Luxury Shopping in Monaco
If you are still wondering what to do in Monaco for a week, dedicate one day to luxury shopping. Known as the luxury capital of the world, the independent state concentrates its most prestigious boutiques in the One Monte-Carlo district, right by the legendary Place du Casino. The Shopping Promenade is worth the detour if only to admire the ethereal buildings and enchanting window displays. This modern and stylish area brings together around 20 fashion and jewelry stores dedicated to the world’s top designers. Walk along Promenade Princesse Charlène, Avenue Princesse Alice, and Avenue des Beaux-Arts to see major luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, Fendi, Dior, and Bulgari. Nearby attractions include the jewelers’ courtyard in the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Bringing together top international high-end jewelry brands, this unique location offers glitz and glamour thanks to its diamonds and precious stones. Adorned in marble and mosaic, it is the ideal place for a stroll or to indulge in a flute of champagne or an ice cream.
Thursday: Fun in the Sun on the Côte d’Azur
When you are on vacation on the coast, the call of the Mediterranean sun is irresistible. Start today outdoors with breakfast on one of Monaco’s terraces. If cafes are your thing, then Café de Paris Monte-Carlo offers a front-row seat to watch the Principality come to life! Alternatively, be tempted by one of our hotel’s magnificent breakfasts, such as the lavish buffet at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. As for the rest of the day, combine luxury and tranquility with exquisite pleasure: Head to Monaco’s private beaches to indulge in some sunbathing! The very chic, seafront Monte-Carlo Beach Club boasts striped canvas beach huts surrounded by palm trees. The Sea Bay and Cocoon Bay at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort offer exclusive services and a sandy bottom lagoon that is just as good as the sandy beaches! Need to cool down? Head back to Place du Casino for an adventure – and maybe a picture of the day – in the Boulingrins Gardens and the Little Africa Gardens.
Friday: A Star-Studded Gourmet Feast
Celebrate the start of the weekend in Monaco in a big way with a tasting at one of the Principality’s Michelin-starred restaurants, such as the Louis XV Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris which boasts three stars in the Michelin Guide. Or climb up to the 9th floor of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo to enjoy the magnificent view of the Mediterranean sea from Le Grill. For other Michelin-starred flavors, head to the Blue Bay, the restaurant at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, where a culinary journey through the Mediterranean and the Caribbean awaits.
Saturday: A Day of Culture in Monaco
When planning what to do in Monaco for a week, set aside a day to visit its cultural attractions. If you don’t want to watch the changing of the guard at the palace of the Prince of Monaco and the royal family, in the Old Town of Le Rocher, we have other ideas for what to see. Each summer, the Grimaldi Forum in Monte-Carlo hosts a major art exhibition focusing on one artist or theme. Recent exhibitions included Dali, Francis Bacon, and Chagall. You can’t miss out on this prestigious event. Then dedicate the afternoon to the wonders of the oceans with a visit to the Musée Océanographique de Monaco. Its shark lagoon and aquariums of exotic and Mediterranean fish are always fun for the whole family. Finally, an evening at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo ends this day of culture on a high note. Renowned artists play classical and contemporary masterpieces in the Belle Époque decor of the Salle Garnier at the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Sunday: Thrills and Chills
Get a thrill out of your last day in the Principality of Monaco! To start, get your adrenaline pumping with fun watersports activities at the Monte-Carlo Beach. From its dream coastline, launch yourself into the air on a flyboard like James Bond, take off parasailing for a panoramic view of the Côte d’Azur, or set off on a jet ski. Adrenaline-pumping thrills guaranteed! A cryotherapy session at Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo will be the ideal way to recover afterward. This high-tech treatment, which immerses you in a -110 °C chamber for 3 minutes, boosts cell regeneration and has many other beneficial effects, including providing full-body relaxation. The evening is all about the high-stakes thrills of the Principality’s casinos. With slot machines, roulette, blackjack and more, place your bets at the Casino de Monte-Carlo and Casino Café de Paris!
You should have a host of options for what to do in Monaco for a week but if you don’t have that much time to spare, check out the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s travel tips to make the most of the best of the Principality during a day trip, an evening or a weekend.
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