Monaco, the tiny yet glamorous principality nestled on the French Riviera, is synonymous with luxury, sophistication, and opulence. With its breathtaking Mediterranean views, lavish yachts, iconic casinos, and stunning architecture, it’s no wonder that Monaco has become a top destination for influencers, photographers, and travelers looking for the perfect Instagram shot. Despite its small size—less than 2 square kilometers—Monaco is packed with picturesque locations, each more photogenic than the last.
Monaco might be one of the smallest countries in the world, but when it comes to Instagram-worthy locations, it punches well above its weight. From the glamorous Casino Square to the serene Japanese Garden, the principality offers a diverse range of backdrops that will elevate your Instagram feed to new heights.
Visual journey through the most Instagrammable spots in Monaco.
From the sparkling harbor and luxury hotels to the exotic gardens and historic landmarks, these locations are sure to fill your feed with envy-inducing images.
Table of Contents
1. Monte Carlo Casino and Casino Square
Perhaps the most iconic spot in Monaco, Monte Carlo Casino is a must-visit for any Instagram lover. With its Belle Époque architecture, the casino exudes an air of timeless elegance. The grand entrance, flanked by palm trees and vintage cars, offers the perfect backdrop for a glamorous shot.
The Casino Square, located just outside, is another top spot for photos. Surrounded by some of Monaco’s most luxurious hotels like the Hôtel de Paris and Café de Paris, the square is bustling with Ferraris, Bentleys, and tourists taking selfies against the backdrop of the stunning architecture. The reflective globe art installation in the center of the square adds a contemporary twist to your photos, perfectly capturing the fusion of modernity and tradition that defines Monaco.
2. Prince’s Palace of Monaco
The Prince’s Palace (Palais Princier) sits atop the Rock of Monaco and is a stunning example of historic grandeur. The palace serves as the official residence of the ruling Grimaldi family and offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean and Monaco’s skyline. The changing of the guard, which happens daily at 11:55 a.m., is another Instagram-worthy spectacle that provides a taste of Monaco’s regal traditions.
The palace itself, with its Renaissance-inspired architecture, looks especially striking when photographed from the nearby Palace Square (Place du Palais). From here, you can capture panoramic shots of Monaco and the endless blue of the Mediterranean Sea. The cobblestone streets and pastel-colored buildings surrounding the palace add even more charm to this royal hotspot.
3. Port Hercules
Monaco is synonymous with superyachts, and nowhere is this more evident than at Port Hercules. This bustling harbor is home to some of the most luxurious yachts in the world, with vessels owned by billionaires and celebrities alike. The marina’s sparkling waters, set against the backdrop of Monaco’s towering skyline, make for an exquisite shot any time of day.
For the best angles, head to the elevated viewpoints surrounding the harbor, such as the terrace at La Condamine or the rooftop bar at Fairmont Monte Carlo. You’ll get a fantastic panoramic shot of the entire port, lined with yachts and surrounded by Monaco’s towering buildings. Sunset is especially magical at Port Hercules, with the golden hour casting a warm glow over the water and luxury vessels.
4. Le Rocher (The Rock of Monaco)
Le Rocher, also known as The Rock of Monaco, is the historic heart of the principality. This ancient promontory rises dramatically above the sea and is home to many of Monaco’s most famous landmarks, including the Prince’s Palace and the Monaco Cathedral. The narrow, winding streets, lined with pastel-hued houses and traditional lampposts, offer a taste of old-world charm that is perfect for Instagram.
As you explore the winding alleyways of Monaco-Ville, you’ll find plenty of photogenic nooks and crannies, from charming cafés to hidden courtyards. Be sure to stop at one of the many viewpoints along the rock, where you can capture sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean and Monaco’s skyline. These panoramic shots are some of the most impressive in Monaco.
5. Monaco Cathedral (Saint Nicholas Cathedral)
A short walk from the Prince’s Palace brings you to the Monaco Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate. This Romanesque-Byzantine style cathedral is not only an important religious site but also a highly photogenic one. The stark white stone façade stands out beautifully against the blue Mediterranean sky.
Inside, the cathedral is equally stunning, with intricate mosaics and marble details. This is the final resting place of Monaco’s beloved Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III, so a visit here carries not just visual but historical significance. Make sure to photograph the cathedral from different angles to capture its grandeur against the backdrop of Le Rocher and the sea.
6. Jardin Exotique de Monaco
For nature lovers and those looking for a pop of color in their Instagram feed, the Jardin Exotique is the perfect spot. Perched on a cliffside, this stunning garden is filled with exotic plants and cacti from all over the world. The garden’s terraces offer jaw-dropping views over Monaco and the Mediterranean, making it a perfect spot for landscape photography.
The combination of lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and towering cacti against the backdrop of the sea creates a truly unique visual experience. Don’t forget to explore the Observatory Cave, a natural grotto with impressive stalactites and stalagmites that adds an otherworldly element to your photos.
7. Larvotto Beach
Monaco’s premier beach, Larvotto, offers a picturesque coastal setting that’s perfect for both relaxation and Instagram. This public beach, with its clear turquoise waters and soft white sands, is the ideal place to capture a quintessential Mediterranean beach scene. Whether you’re lounging on the sand or snapping a shot of the shimmering sea, Larvotto Beach offers endless photo opportunities.
The beach is also lined with chic beach clubs and restaurants, where you can get shots of stylish interiors and people enjoying the sun. If you visit at sunrise or sunset, the soft, natural lighting enhances the beauty of the scene, making it ideal for capturing dreamy, golden-hour moments.
8. The Oceanographic Museum
The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is a visually striking building, perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. The museum, founded by Prince Albert I, is dedicated to marine science and features an impressive collection of sea life exhibits. But it’s not just the inside that’s worth photographing—the exterior of the building itself is incredibly photogenic, with its grand, neoclassical design.
For the best Instagram shots, head to the museum’s rooftop terrace. From here, you’ll get panoramic views of the Mediterranean, the surrounding cliffs, and the rooftops of Monaco. It’s one of the best vantage points in the city for capturing both the natural beauty and architectural elegance of Monaco.
9. Japanese Garden (Jardin Japonais)
Tucked away near the Monte Carlo district is the serene Japanese Garden. This peaceful oasis, designed by landscape architect Yasuo Beppu, is a stark contrast to the high-energy glitz of Monaco. The garden features traditional Japanese elements like koi ponds, wooden bridges, stone lanterns, and vibrant cherry blossoms, all of which make for a stunning Instagram backdrop.
The garden’s tranquil atmosphere and attention to detail create a Zen-like environment that is perfect for taking calm, reflective shots. Whether you’re photographing the delicate blossoms or the intricate rock gardens, the Japanese Garden provides a refreshing, natural setting in the midst of Monaco’s urban environment.
10. Monaco Grand Prix Circuit
If you’re visiting Monaco during the world-famous Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, the streets themselves become one of the most Instagrammable spots. The circuit winds through Monaco’s city streets, passing by iconic landmarks like Casino Square, Port Hercules, and the Fairmont Hairpin Turn.
Even outside of race season, you can walk or drive along the circuit to experience the thrill of the Grand Prix. Capture a photo of yourself standing on the legendary track, with Monaco’s dramatic cliffs and sparkling harbor in the background. It’s a unique opportunity to blend sport, luxury, and scenery all in one shot.
11. Fontvieille Park and Princess Grace Rose Garden
In the Fontvieille district, you’ll find the charming Fontvieille Park and the Princess Grace Rose Garden, both of which are perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. The rose garden, created in memory of Princess Grace, features over 4,000 rose bushes of various colors and species, providing a beautiful and fragrant setting for photos.
The surrounding park is equally picturesque, with its peaceful walking paths, manicured lawns, and tranquil ponds. It’s an ideal spot for a romantic, nature-inspired photoshoot, especially when the roses are in full bloom.
12. Saint-Martin Gardens
Located on the Rock of Monaco, near the Oceanographic Museum, the Saint-Martin Gardens offer a lush, green escape with stunning views of the Mediterranean. These gardens are filled with winding paths, exotic plants, and dramatic cliffs, all of which make for a perfect Instagram setting.
The gardens’ strategically placed benches and viewpoints allow you to capture the beauty of Monaco from different angles. Whether you’re snapping a close-up of the vibrant flowers or a wide shot of the sweeping sea views, the Saint-Martin Gardens are a photographer’s paradise.
13. Tête de Chien
For the ultimate panoramic view of Monaco and the surrounding French Riviera, head to the summit of Tête de Chien. This rocky promontory, located just outside of Monaco in La Turbie, offers an unbeatable vantage point from which to capture the entire principality in one frame.
The hike to the top is well worth it, as the view from Tête de Chien provides a sweeping, birds-eye perspective of Monaco’s skyscrapers, the Mediterranean coastline, and the yachts dotting Port Hercules. It’s one of the best places to capture the sheer beauty and scale of Monaco’s dramatic landscape.
14. Fairmont Monte Carlo Rooftop Pool
If you’re looking for a touch of luxury, head to the rooftop pool of the Fairmont Monte Carlo. This exclusive spot offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, and the infinity pool itself is a stunning sight. Whether you’re snapping a shot of the pool against the backdrop of the sea or enjoying a cocktail at sunset, the Fairmont’s rooftop is one of the chicest spots in Monaco for Instagrammable moments.
The Fairmont also offers views of the iconic Fairmont Hairpin, one of the most famous turns in Formula 1 racing. During the Grand Prix, this spot becomes a prime location for capturing the high-speed action with Monaco’s dazzling cityscape as a backdrop.
