It’s no surprise that there are so many things to do in Monaco in winter. Capped off by the high season from late December to early January with all the sparkle and dazzle of the holidays, winter in the principality is the perfect time to enjoy the best of Monaco without the throngs of summer tourists.
And, even under rare cloudy skies, Monaco when it rains has its own allure as artistic and engaging indoor venues await. No need to let the weather affect your adventures in this glamorous locale as there are a host of ways to enjoy Monaco throughout the season.
Here are some of the best things to do in Monaco in winter that are sure to brighten your day, regardless of what Mother Nature has in store.
Things to do in Monaco in winter
Get “lost” in a museum
Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of marine life at the iconic French neoclassical palace that houses the Oceanographic Museum. Enjoy the spectacular sensation of virtual diving to tag sea turtles or figuring your way out of the escape game room, without the crowds that are typically present in summer.
Another must-see is the private car collection of Prince Rainier III. The exhibition features 100 of the most spectacular automobiles under one roof, including the Bugatti driven in the first Monaco Grand Prix in 1929, a 1935 Packard, a 2013 Lotus F1, and vintage and modern models of Rolls-Royce, Maserati, Ferrari and Lamborghini. The Naval Museum is another perfect place to visit in Monaco when it rains. The museum features hundreds of model ships, paintings, and ancient navy artifacts from around the world.
Dine at a Michelin-star restaurant
Some of the top restaurants in the world are in Monaco, so head indoors to enjoy a truly remarkable culinary experience. Whether your choice is the elegant Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse in the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco’s only three- Michelin-star restaurant, or the stunning seaside venue of Yannick Alléno at the Hermitage Hotel Monte-Carlo, you’ll be treated to fine dining at its best. Rampoldi, a Michelin-star restaurant by chef Antonio Salvatore, brings more than a taste of Italy with its Murano-glass lights. For exceptional contemporary cuisine, reserve a table at Elsa, the first certified organic restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star. Another star choice if you are looking for the best things to do in Monaco in winter is to visit Yoshi, acclaimed chef Joël Robuchon’s first Japanese restaurant.
Shopping, of course!
Stroll the elegant Metropole Centre, with its Carrara marble floors and opulent crystal chandeliers while shopping at Yves Saint Laurent, Brunello Cucinelli, Isabel Marant, among many other shops, and then relax over coffee at the Metcafé. Or browse one of the many other charming designer boutiques, including Chanel at the Hotel de Paris, or Dior, with its graceful garden café.
Spa indulgence
After a busy day of shopping and sightseeing, treat yourself to a luxury spa experience. Choose from a pink Himalayan salt massage at the Carol Joy Spa at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo, or a seaweed body wrap at Les Thermes Marins at the Hermitage Hotel. Another option is a scrub amid the warmth of a traditional hammam at the Spa Metropole by Givenchy, which also features a caldarium and a chromatherapy tub.
Visit Monaco real estate
Ward off any chill in the weather while visiting Monaco in winter by touring some of the most elegant residences on the French Riviera. Whether you have your eye on a villa, a penthouse, or an apartment with a view, you’re sure to find your dream home when you visit Monaco real estate.
Whether visiting Monaco in winter or the summer, this elegant destination offers plenty of things to see and do year-round.
