Monaco yacht charter: our guide to rent a yacht in Monaco

Discover the finest things in life with a Monaco yacht charter. Tucked between the French Riviera and Italy, Monaco is a very popular stopover among yacht charterers cruising the French Riviera. With its high-end shopping, fine dining, vibrant nightlife, shiny cars and luxury yachts, Monaco has all the glitz and glam. But one needs to look beyond to find that Monaco is full of history and that there is actually plenty to do in this micro country. Here is an overview of the best attractions, sights and tables for your next yacht rental in Monaco. Whether you’re planning a day boat rental in Monaco or a weekly yacht charter in the south of France, check out our recommendations.

Take your chance at the Casino

A visit to Monaco would be incomplete without going to the famous Casino built in the Belle Epoque architectural style. Designed by Charles Garnier, the Monte-Carlo Casino is as beautiful as it is prestigious. This eldorado of the game has made the fortune of many gamblers but it is also known for the beauty of its atrium, paintings and lavish lounges. Before heading back to your boat, don't miss the superb Hôtel de Paris on Casino square.

The superb Belle Epoque building of the Casino de Monaco on a beautiful sunny day

View on the Monaco Rocher with the Prince' s palace between Port Hercule and Port Fontvieille

Explore the royal hill

Walk up the hill called Le Rocher to discover the historic heart of Monaco. With its lovely houses, alleys and ramparts, the neighbourhood is truly charming. You can explore the Prince palace – official residence since 1927 - as well as the Chapel of the Visitation and the Cathedral. The changing of the guards takes place each day at 11:55am near the Palace entrance. On your walking tour, don't miss the Saint-Martin gardens which offer superb panoramic views over the Mediterranean. If you are planning to have lunch there, we strongly recommend the restaurant La Montgolfière.

Indulge in a spa treatment

Luxurious facilities, experienced and pleasant practitioners, Monaco has a number of spas where you can enjoy a moment of relaxation. Among our favourites, Les Thermes Marins overlooking the Port Hercule, a true haven dedicated to the wellbeing and pleasures of the senses with sea-water swimming pool, sauna, hammam, beauty centre, juice bar and state-of-the-art fitness. The Spa Metropole by Givenchy is also recommended.

Les Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo in Monaco with the terrace overlooking Port Hercule and the charter yachts

The dining room of the Louis XV restaurant of French chef Alain Ducasse located in the Hotel de Paris in Monaco

Dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant

If you are looking for a Michelin-starred experience, you’re in the right place. Louis XV, Le Vistamar, Blue Bay and Joël Robuchon are all great options to discover during your Monaco yacht charter. The 3-Michelin-star Louis XV restaurant is located in the spectacular Hôtel de Paris and is one of the most reputable French restaurants for fine dining. Le Vistamar in Hôtel Hermitage serves on a beautiful terrace with views over the port and specialises in locally caught seafood and fish.

Try a hot table

In addition to its Michelin-starred restaurants, Monaco has some glitzy spots for dining. Maya Jah is the place to taste all the Indian specialities in a trendy atmosphere. After dinner, head to the bar for a cocktail and a few dance moves. At Maya Bay, indulge in Japanese and Thai dishes amid a jungle setting. World famous Nobu and Buddha Bar are also on the list!

The dining room of the Maya Jah Indian restaurant in Monaco

The Whale Room of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco with its rorqual skeleton and its unique collections

Visit the Oceanographic Museum

If your Monaco yacht rental allows some time for a cultural discovery, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is really worth a visit, both for the neoclassical building built on the cliffside and for the fascinating exhibitions. With its huge aquarium gathering over 6000 varieties of the marine world, the museum is a treasure for any enthusiast of the fauna and flora of the seas. Top sights include the shark lagoon pool and the whale skeleton.

Go on a shopping spree

Monte-Carlo is peppered with luxury designer boutiques – you can shop the greatest names in fashion, perfumery and jewellery. For something a bit different, head to Le Metropole shopping center. Fitted with marble and chandelier, this underground shopping paradise is home to high-end shops and antique stores. If you rent a yacht in Monaco and like fashion, make sure you allow (a lot of) time for shopping!

A Riva Virtus 63 cruising during a Monaco yacht charter

Rent a yacht in Monaco

The Principality is ideally located on the Mediterranean coast and makes for the perfect yacht charter destination. From there you can easily cruise to several charming coastal towns where your superyacht can anchor in a picturesque bay such as Beaulieu-sur-mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat or Villefranche-sur-mer. If you've booked a hotel stay, we highly recommend day yacht rentals in Monaco if you wish to explore more of the French Riviera. Monte-Carlo is also a very nice stopover if you rent a yacht for a week in the south of France and from there you can even continue your sailing towards the Italian Riviera.

Attend a prestigious event

Depending on the dates of your luxury yacht charter in Monaco, you may well be able to attend one of the prestigious international events that the Principality is holding every year including the Monaco Yacht Show, the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters. Considered as the start of the yachting season, the Formula 1 race is a lifetime experience and you can take this to the next level by watching the cars from the deck of your luxury charter yacht during a Monaco Grand Prix yacht rental!! How exciting!

The Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix and its racetrack that winds its way through the streets of Monaco

Talamare offers a selection of the best motoryachts and sailing boats available for yacht rentals in Monaco. Looking for more information about renting a yacht in the south of France? Get in touch or head to our French Riviera yacht charter destination guide. We’re here to assist with your Monaco yacht charter and make your yachting holiday memorable!

Photo credit: Monte-Carlo SBM / Maya Jah / Riva Yachts