Monte-Carlo is known for glamorous hotels, supercars, yachts, and the famous Casino Square. But beyond the headline attractions, Monaco has peaceful corners that reveal a softer, more personal side of the Principality.
Here are three hidden gems we like at SayPlease to add to your Monte-Carlo itinerary:
1. The Japanese Garden
Just a short walk from Monte-Carlo’s busy streets, the Japanese Garden is a calming escape beside the Mediterranean. Designed around a central lake, the garden features a waterfall, winding paths, stone details, and peaceful places to pause.
It is an ideal spot for a slower morning, a quiet conversation, or a break between sightseeing and shopping. The contrast between its Zen-inspired design and Monaco’s energetic cityscape is part of what makes it special.
Located on Avenue Princesse Grace, the garden is largely accessible and free to visit. Visit Monaco’s guide to the Japanese Garden describes it as a 7,000-square-metre landscaped space built around a lake, waterfall, and meandering path.
2. The Saint-Martin Gardens
For sea views with a sense of history, head to the Saint-Martin Gardens in Monaco-Ville. This leafy path wraps around the Rock near the Oceanographic Museum and offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean below.
It is one of the best places to wander without a strict plan. You will find shaded paths, sculptures, mature planting, and quiet benches with views that feel far away from the buzz of Casino Square.
The gardens were Monaco’s first public garden and are reached from near the Cathedral or the square in front of the Oceanographic Museum. Some paths are steep, so comfortable shoes are a good idea. Visit Monaco notes the garden’s historic origins and access points.
3. Princess Grace Rose Garden
In the quieter Fontvieille district, the Princess Grace Rose Garden is a graceful memorial and a lovely change of pace from central Monte-Carlo. Created in memory of Princess Grace, it combines an English-garden feel with Mediterranean character, including old olive trees and a central fountain.
The garden contains more than 315 rose varieties and around 6,000 rose bushes, arranged around themed areas. It is especially rewarding for visitors who enjoy photography, gardens, or simply taking an unhurried walk.
Entry is free, and the park is open all day. The official Visit Monaco page has current background and visitor details.
See Monte-Carlo beyond the postcard
The best hidden gems are not always completely unknown they are the places that let you experience a destination differently. In Monte-Carlo, these gardens offer calm, beauty, and room to breathe between the iconic sights.
Add one to your itinerary, slow down for an hour, and discover a quieter kind of Monaco.
Three under-the-radar places for a cocktail we love!
1. Bar Longitude 7°26′
For a relaxed sunset drink, Bar Longitude 7°26′ at Le Méridien Beach Plaza is a lovely alternative to the buzz of Casino Square. Its palm-lined setting and sea-facing atmosphere make it especially nice for an early-evening cocktail before dinner.
2. Salle Europe Lounge Bar
Inside the Casino de Monte-Carlo, Salle Europe Lounge Bar feels more intimate than the main gaming rooms and has a refined, old-world Monaco atmosphere. It is a strong choice for travellers who want a classic cocktail experience with a little theatre—without choosing the most obvious hotel bar.
Discover Salle Europe Lounge Bar
3. Blue Gin
Blue Gin sits by the sea at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, slightly away from the centre of Monte-Carlo. Go for creative cocktails, Mediterranean views, and a more laid-back evening feel. It can be livelier on DJ nights, so visit earlier if you are after a quieter drink.
Before you go, check each venue’s current opening hours and any booking requirements, these can change seasonally.
Make the most of your time in Monte Carlo. For additional recommendations, please feel free to contact us!
