Unexpected Monaco

Monaco-Ville ©BVergely

In Monaco, everything is about customising the itinerary according to visitors’ needs, interests, and expectations. Whether you or your clients are visiting Monaco for the first time or whether you are revisiting the destination, alone, as a couple, with friends or with kids, the Principality’s array of iconic and unexpected experiences ensure that any type of visitor can get the most out of their stay. Make sure to stay in Monaco for at least a few days to be able to explore an unexpected destination.

Here are some of our favourite, most special, and hidden spots:

Condamine Market © Bvergely

Specialties at the Condamine Market

To experience traditional Monaco, visit the local market at la Condamine, a quintessential part of Monaco’s heritage. It represents the authentic heart of the Principality, where Monaco’s population likes to gather. Every morning, this large esplanade wakes up to the colours and smells of the fruit and vegetable stalls, surrounded by shaded arcades where you can enjoy an aperitif and a bite to eat while reading the paper. It is at the Condamine Market that you will find most of the Monegasque specialities such as socca, barbagiuan, pissaladière and fougasse. What about putting them all in a basket for a picnic?

Monaco-Ville streets © Direction de la Communication

Streets of the Old Town

Discover the charms of the old town through its colourful narrow alleyways dating back to the middle ages, leading to the picturesque ‘Place Saint Nicolas’ and ‘Placette Bosio’, the Chapel of Mercy, the Palace of Justice, and the Cathedral. Take the time to walk around and feel the atmosphere of old Monaco. There are hidden handcrafted souvenirs and ice cream shops, local cafes, as well as a flower market set up every day at the ‘Place d’Armes’.

There are also some great ways to unveil the Principality’s secrets and most authentic flavours with some of the following local companies “Made in Monaco”:

Organic Craft Beers ©Brasserie de Monaco

Brasserie de Monaco

Monaco has its own organic craft beer. The Brasserie de Monaco, located on Monaco’s harbour, is a 999 litre boutique brewery with an entirely automated brewing system that takes the brew master’s hand-selected organic malts to produce an authentic local beer.

Monaco L’Orangerie Liqueur & Gin © La Distillerie de Monaco

L’Orangerie and La Distillerie de Monaco

Before famous casinos, yachts, luxurious hotels, and racing cars, Monaco was famous for its fine Mediterranean fruits. The history of the Principality of Monaco is immersed in citrus production, which was once a mainstay of the local economy. Long before tourism, Monaco was an agricultural land, farming citrus fruits to be sold to markets near and far, transported by merchant ships docking in the shelter of Port Hercule. There is a local producer connecting the tradition of citrus trading with the present day, offering an authentic and original taste of Monaco with the first premium orange liqueur, L’Orangerie, and citrus gin, Gin aux Agrumes, both made in Monaco.