Making the most of Monaco.

Burgess experts bring you their guide to a perfect few days in the Principality.

It might be the second smallest country in the world, but there’s actually more to Monaco than meets the eye. Whether you are flying in to join Burgess at the Monaco Yacht Show or planning a long weekend, Monaco has glitz and glam in spades. Pastel-coloured buildings, supercars, and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea make this microstate a noteworthy stop on any itinerary.

WHAT TO SEE…

For those with an interest in the royal family, the most notable attraction is the Palais Princier de Monaco. The official residence of the ruling monarch, the Palace dates back to 1191. Watch the changing of the guards and take a tour around the stately home. Then there is Saint Nicholas Cathedral, where Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace married.

For those who crave a little green space while in the Principality there are some stunning gardens that are open to the public. The rose garden in Fontvieille Park was built in memory of Princess Grace and is home to thousands of Her Serene Highness’ favourite flower; there is also the cliffside exotic garden, Jardin Exotique de Monaco, which is a haven of peace away from the hustle and bustle of the show.

Escape the heat of the midday sun and immerse yourself in arts at the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco. Housed in two Belle-Époque buildings - Villa Sauber and Villa Paloma – the museum hosts bi-annual contemporary exhibitions. For those with a penchant for more culture then you might be lucky enough to catch a performance at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo (tickets required), but if not then the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo offers plenty to view with its many chandeliers and frescoes. If you don’t feel like wagering then simply admire the surroundings, martini to hand.

Where to eat

For Michelin-starred dining, Alain Ducasse’s Le Louis XV, Restaurant Joël Robuchon, Le Grill, Le Vistamar and Blue Bay are all fantastic options. If you are looking for something a little more low-key Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is a fun spot for people watching, while the family-run Castelroc serves up exceptional Monégasque cuisine, and the recently opened Omer offers landscaped-garden views. If you are visiting Monaco by yacht then the daily Marché de la Condamine is a great place to pick up some fresh produce, as are the numerous boulangeries and patisseries dotted around the Principality.

Where to shop

Head to the Métropole Shopping Center Monte-Carlo or the recently opened One Monte-Carlo mall for some air-conditioned respite and wander around the array of luxury boutiques. For those simply looking to stroll the gilded pavements and browse the latest fashions then every bona fide designer worth their salt has a boutique along the Avenue de Monte-Carlo or Avenue des Beaux-Arts.

Where to party

If you are attending the Monaco Yacht Show then the yacht parties are the most exclusive occasions in town, but the Principality is also known for its after parties at famed venues like the iconic Buddha Bar, Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo and Twiga, to name just a few.

Where to sleep

When in Monaco, a superyacht is the way to go – but if you are just visiting for a few days and looking for accommodation then there are plenty of lauded options, all of which are just a ten-minute stroll from Port Hercules. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is fresh from a major renovation which has given the iconic property a more modern aesthetic. Then there is the elegant Belle-Époque-style Hôtel Hermitage – the discreet sibling to neighbouring Hôtel de Paris and a favourite for the jet-setting cognoscenti looking to stay under the radar. For those looking to get away from it all then the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo combines privacy with a central location just off Place du Casino.

Where to chill

After a day exploring the Principality or pounding the docks on yacht viewings then there are two spas that head up the wellbeing scene in Monaco. The Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo specialises in thalassotherapy treatments, while The Givenchy Spa, which is located in the aforementioned Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo, is an oasis of calm with treatments to match.

For further information on the Monaco Yacht Show and the Burgess fleet on display, contact your expert broker.