48 hours in Monaco in winter

Day 1

Welcome to the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo ! In the heart of Monaco, this connoisseur's hotel with its Belle Époque architecture cultivates elegance, calm and discretion.

9h00

What better way to start your stay than with breakfast at the hotel? In the morning, it's a question of whether to enjoy it in the winter garden bathed in the soft light of the Eiffel dome, on the terrace to take in the view, or at Limùn, a restaurant that regularly changes its decor and offers a brand new "healthy breakfast" formula.

10h00

Monaco-Ville, Le Rocher, the old town... there are many ways to name this district and as many ways to marvel at it! Let yourself be swept away by the unique atmosphere of the Saint-Martin and Sainte-Barbe gardens overlooking the sea, with their picturesque alleys and breathtaking panoramas.

In the middle of these two havens of peace stands the Oceanographic Museum, inaugurated in 1910 by Prince Albert I, where you can discover thousands of species of tropical and Mediterranean fish. With turtle rehabilitation tanks facing the sea, instructive temporary exhibitions and fun activities, it's as fascinating as it is educational.

Not to be missed: the Changing of the Guard on the Place du Palais. Every day at 11.55am, the Prince's Carabinieri perform this solemn ritual, a privileged rendezvous with the history of the Principality of Monaco.

12h30

A well-deserved lunch break! You can "descend" from the Rock via the Fort-Antoine staircase to the Esplanade des Pêcheurs: a short but pleasant crossing by electric bus boat will take you to the other side of the harbour. On the roof of the Hôtel Port Palace, the La Môme Monte-Carlo restaurant boasts a breathtaking view over the Port Hercule and offers sunny Mediterranean cuisine decorated in a style inspired by the iconic Grace Kelly, who played an undeniable role in the development of culture in the Principality.

14h00

Along the harbour on Quai Albert I, Collection of cars owned by H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco, a fantastic journey through motoring culture, from a 1903 de Dion-Bouton model to the 2013 Lotus F1! This priceless collection was started in the late 1950s by Prince Rainier III, a car enthusiast.

15h30

The Principality is also known for the eclecticism of its museums and monuments. By offering several exhibitions per year and per venue, the New National Museum of Monaco promotes a little-known heritage and collection while encouraging the discovery of the contemporary scene. The NMNM comprises two venues located on opposite sides of Monaco. In the Larvotto district, the Villa Sauber is one of the country's last Belle Epoque villas. It has passed through the hands of several owners, and since 2009 has been hosting temporary exhibitions based on the general theme of "art and spectacle", as well as a number of exciting contemporary exhibitions.

16h30

Tea time! Relax at Cova, the iconic Italian patisserie whose first café opened in Milan in 1817! On the menu for this traditional tea time on the elegant boulevard des Moulins, with its distinguished shops, is a selection of teas accompanied by home-made pastries and scones. To make your afternoon tea last longer in an elegant, timeless setting, opt for the option that includes a glass of champagne...

At the end of this Italian-style tea time and before returning to your Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, take time to appreciate the architecture of Boulevard des Moulins in contrast to that of One Monte-Carlo adjoining Place du Casino and its gardens. Take advantage of an exclusive pedestrian-only environment, where the world's leading luxury brands can be found in a green setting.

19h30

After enjoying your hotel and a welcome rest, an aperitif in a legendary bar is a must... With its unique decor and cosy atmosphere, the Bar Américain at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo welcomes its guests in the heart of a 1920s atmosphere. Before an evening at the Opera, why not opt for a drink in reference to the ballets, such as a fresh mandarin cocktail from Pulcinella or a hazelnut syrup from The Nutcracker...?

20h30

The Principality plays host to the most prestigious events, in the heart of exceptional venues... including the famous Opéra Garnier, jewel of the Casino de Monte-Carlo. It's a not-to-be-missed experience to get the full measure of this red-and-gold Italian-style theatre, where some of the world's biggest names have performed, from Sarah Bernhardt and Prince to theMonte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra and Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo.

23h00

To continue delighting your senses, head to Le Train Bleu for dinner in an exclusive setting inside the Casino de Monte-Carlo. In a restaurant carriage recreating the Belle Epoque atmosphere, enjoy a journey to the very heart of Monaco and savour Italian-inspired gourmet flavours with the Place du Casino as your backdrop. To round off the evening, gather around the gaming tables in the James Bond-style atmosphere of the Renaissance Room, the Europe Room or the Americas Room. Entertainment, surprises and excitement guaranteed!

Day 2

10h00

Numismatists and philatelists, your turn to play! A cultural institution par excellence, the Museum of Stamps and Coins exhibits the private collections of the Princes of Monaco. At the heart of this museum, located on the terraces of Fontvieille, history is retraced through the objects on display, such as the first Monegasque stamps created by Prince Charles III in 1885 or the first coins created by Prince Honoré II in 1640. The museum also offers exclusive temporary sales, such as the one in autumn 2021 when two-euro coins minted to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the marriage of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène were put on sale for €120. As a result, a long queue formed online to get hold of the 15,000 coins that were sold out during the day!

11h00

The discovery of the Fontvieille district continues with a pleasant walk along a footpath featuring sculptures. Created from a 23-hectare seafront development in the 1970s and 1980s, Fontvieille offers walkers the chance to discover artists in the heart of a large landscaped park and several green spaces. Stroll among works by Botero, Rodin and Fernand Léger, between the green of the gardens and the blue of the Côte d'Azur sky.

12h00

The culture of a town, region or country is also reflected in its local gastronomy, so why not head to Place d'Armes, also known as Place du Marché. In the late morning, when the locals are thinking about the dishes they are going to cook, the Condamine market reveals its typical colours and smells. It's impossible to leave without trying THE real Monegasque culinary star, the barbagiuàn. In the indoor market called La Halle gourmande, where you can enjoy local dishes, along the colourful outdoor stalls where you can smell the flowers, fruit and vegetables, or on the terraces of the cafés dotted around the square, this is the place to be if you want to soak up local life. Over a typical assortment - we recommend the socca, pissaladière or fougasse - take time to appreciate the square's aesthetic façades or look up to see the Prince's Palace nestling on the Rock.

14h30

Take a step back in time by heading to the Jardin Exotique district. The Jardin Exotique Botanical Centre is home to the world's largest collections of cacti and succulents - over 10,000 in all! Stroll through its three-storey glass and iron structure, a perfect haven of peace, with a panoramic view over the Principality. For those who like to get away from it all...

Just opposite is a neighbour with an interest in our long and beautiful shared history: the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. Founded in 1902 by Prince Albert I, it is the oldest museum in Monaco. Its collections take visitors back through the ages, tracing the major stages in the evolution of humankind. It's a journey through time that's well worth taking!

18h30

Head to the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo for an elegant aperitif. Glamorous, elegant and warm, the Lobby Bar is the place for all your gourmet desires. With its ephemeral atmosphere, floral touches and antique and collector's items, the Lobby Bar is the place to enjoy tasty cocktails. The decor, by Jacques Garcia, who has designed many architectural projects around the world, makes you feel at home in a cosy atmosphere. Take a look at the profiles on the walls and you'll recognise some of the personalities...

20h00

The evening continues with a cultural theme. From January to December, the Principality offers the chance to marvel at a host of eclectic shows. It's up to you to choose the programme that suits you best! Looking for jazz? The Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival welcomes music lovers and the curious to theOpéra Garnier for some exceptional concerts. Classical music? Discover the talent of the musicians of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, voted orchestra of the year 2021, and enjoy an evening out of time. And if you're staying in January, take the opportunity to enjoy the world-renowned performances of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival ! Before or after the visual enchantment - depending on the programme, as the case may be - it's time to indulge your taste buds at the Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, a restaurant run by three-starred chef Yannick Alléno at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. Light, tasty gastronomy and a resolutely local culinary identity await you!