What excites you most when you’re exploring a new city? Is it the differences in cuisine, or never-before-seen sights and landmarks that you look forward to the most? For visitors of the world’s second smallest country and sovereign city state, Monaco, many people become enthralled with the sheer architectural beauty that is contained within the principality’s borders.

If you’ve never been to the microstate and are planning a trip sometime soon, be sure to visit the buildings on this list that every local and tourist alike is talking about- they are undoubtedly pure works of art.

Saint Nicholas Cathedral
Constructed out of bright limestone from France’s La Turbie, the Saint Nicholas Cathedral is situated in Monaco’s old district, “Monaco Ville” and is the grave site of famous American actress and Princess, Grace Kelly. First built in 1875, this Roman Catholic Church still holds services for visitors and locals today. The structure, influenced by the Romanesque Revival, is an extremely important symbol of the country’s faith and identity.

Monte-Carlo Casino
One of the best examples of Belle Époque, the Monte-Carlo Casino building is arguably the most recognizable structure in all of Monaco. Designed by the same architect who sketched up the initial plans for the Paris Opera House, Charles Garnier, the casino first opened its doors back in 1856 and has showcased how art directly influences architecture ever since. The building’s façade is strikingly beautiful, with its interior featuring an entire host of emblematic paintings, gold-detailed ceilings, dozens of shiny chandeliers, and much more. The principality’s most symbolic building, many visitors come each year from all around the world just to have a look at it.



Dozens of luxury cars can be seen parked outside of the Monte-Carlo Casino at all times, along with luxury yachts that line the harbour

Hermitage Hotel
Also an example of the Belle Époque style, Monaco’s Hermitage Hotel located in Monte Carlo is one of the country’s most beloved and glamorous hotels. Designed by Jean Marquet at the start of the 20th century, the exterior features several dome shaped windows painted in light yellow, and an interior lobby to rival all others. Filled with historic paintings and luxurious décor, this is hands down Monaco’s most iconic accommodation. If you can’t afford a stay, its worth simply passing through to gaze upon its beauty.

Oceanographic Museum
One of the best museums for examining fascinating deep-sea life and phenomenon in marine biology also happens to be one of Monaco’s most beautiful structures. Situated on a cliff that looks out over the Mediterranean Sea, the Oceanographic Museum was inaugurated in 1910 by modernist reformer Prince Albert and contains aquariums full of live fish as well as sea life artifacts and skeletons. The building itself is inspired by the Baroque Revival and shares the same stones from La Turbie that were used to construct Saint Nicholas Cathedral.

Visiting this museum is a fun and educational ways to spend the day in Monaco. And If you’re looking to check out another museum while your at it, the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco features the best in modern art and artists, with different exhibitions displaying interesting pieces all year round.

Hexa Grace
The most colorful and eye-popping structure of them all, the Hexa Grace is situated on the roof of the Grimaldi Forum and also has a view of the Mediterranean, the sun shining on its tiles. Designed by French-Hungarian artist Victor Vasarely in 1979, this piece of art features a rainbow combination of colors from bright red and oranges to shades of blue and green. If you can make it to the top, you may be able to spot the roof of the Casino Monte-Carlo which is green as well. It’s a great site to take in over the water, and truly unique work of art.