Unique culture

True Monégasques are a minority in their own country, but the microstate, which has the most diverse population in the world, has a distinctive culture that combines linguistic, cultural, and gastronomic influences from its French and Italian neighbors. This is reflected in the celebrations (particularly the parade-filled National Day on November 19), cuisine, and architecture, the latter of which navigates Monaco's short coastline and steep, rocky hills using local stone and terracotta in addition to more contemporary high-rise structures.

Like a local, take a morning stroll through the tranquil Japanese Garden, complete with bridges spanning ponds, lanterns, and a traditional tea house; shop for handcrafted trinkets in the city's old town (don't miss La Chocolaterie de Monaco's chocolate truffles and loose tea); and, after watching the thrilling Monte-Carlo Ballet performance in the Salle Garnier, head to the Casino's Bar Salle Blanche where you can sip Negronis amidst Europe's As the proud Monégasques will be the first to tell you, Monaco also boasts an unrivaled tradition of safety, built out of a century spent guarding Europe's high flyers, which has recently been expanded to cover the health and welfare of locals and guests in its exclusive bubble.