From glamorous beach clubs and rooftop dining to princely culture and family adventures, Monaco is set to shine this European summer with vibrant experiences across the Principality. Here are 6 standout experiences for Australian and New Zealand travellers to add to their Monaco summer itinerary in 2026.

Monaco’s hottest dining and nightlife scene

• Summer in Monaco means the return of the Principality’s most iconic venues and seasonal pop-ups. Highlights include the reopening of Amù Monte Carlo, the rooftop Riviera-inspired restaurant overlooking Monaco, France and Italy, with sunset aperitivo sessions, live music and fireworks dinners throughout summer.
• Also returning is Em Sherif Monte-Carlo continues its Lebanese culinary journey at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, with new dishes by Executive Chef Yasmina Hayek, live music and DJ sets overlooking the Mediterranean.
• At Sporting Monte-Carlo, COYA Monte-Carlo returns with its signature blend of South American cuisine, immersive nightlife and Mediterranean glamour, including a new cocktail menu, “Madre Tierra”, and an international DJ line-up.
• Meanwhile, Monaco’s nightlife enters a new era in 2026. Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo celebrates the season with electro, rap and disco nights featuring international artists such as Quavo and Bob Sinclar.
• La Rascasse has also reopened following a major renovation, transforming the iconic Grand Prix corner venue into a chic motorsport-inspired sports bar with live music, DJ sets and terrace cocktails overlooking Port Hercule.

Culture beneath the stars

• The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra once again performs in the spectacular Cour d’Honneur of the Prince’s Palace for 6 evenings in July and August, continuing a treasured summer tradition dating back to 1959.
• Visitors can also explore The Wedding of the Century exhibition at the Prince’s Palace from 8 June to 15 October 2026, celebrating the iconic union of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly through photographs, films and royal memorabilia.

Families rediscover the Exotic Garden

• After nearly 6 years of renovation, Monaco’s iconic Exotic Garden has reopened with new family-friendly additions including a children’s playground, picnic areas, a Garden Bar and dedicated event spaces. Perched dramatically above the Mediterranean, the site features more than 30,000 succulent plants, panoramic sea views, and the remarkable Observatory Cave beneath the cliffside gardens.

Romance & Riviera elegance

• For couples, Monaco offers unforgettable experiences including the Métropole Monte-Carlo’s exclusive “Night at the Museum” experience at the Oceanographic Museum, where guests explore the iconic institution after dark.
• Monte-Carlo Beach also returns for summer with new seaside concepts including La Vigie Monte-Carlo by chef Simone Zanoni, sunset dining at Elsa Marcel Ravin* and the return of Maona Monte-Carlo’s Mykonos-inspired afternoons.

A summer of sport and automotive passion

• Monaco’s sporting spirit takes centre stage this summer with the Grand Départ of the Vuelta cycling race from 20 to 23 August 2026.
• Running from 1 July to 6 September 2026, the major exhibition Monaco and the Automobile, from 1893 to the Present Day at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco explores more than 130 years of Monaco’s enduring love affair with the automobile through around 50 iconic vehicles, from Grand Prix champions to Rally Monte-Carlo legends.

Riviera beach living at Le Méridien Beach Plaza

• Monaco’s only hotel with a private beach has launched La Plage & More!, a new signature daycation experience open to non-residents guests. Visitors can enjoy private beach access, seawater pools, wellness experiences, water sports and dining concepts including Alang Bar, Café Lacoste, and Muse Monte-Carlo. Family-friendly additions include a reimagined Kids Club and themed “Saturdays under the stars” evenings for children.

With world-class gastronomy, iconic nightlife, strong heritage and Mediterranean glamour, Monaco continues to redefine the ultimate European summer escape for 2026.

Free-to-use destination imagery – copyright © BVergely

Monaco Tourism and Convention Authority: www.visitmonaco.com  

----------------

Contacts:

Claire Kaletka-Neil, Regional Manager Australia & New Zealand
Monaco Government Tourist Bureau
Email: claire@tourismgarden.com.au
Phone: +61 (0)2 8206 9311

Alison Roberts-Brown, Regional Director, Australia & New Zealand
Monaco Government Tourist Bureau
Email: alison@tourismgarden.com.au
Phone: +61 (0)2- 8206-9311
Mobile: +61 (0)401 250 165