2 Best Sights in Monaco

This museum, in a splendid Edwardian structure perched dramatically atop a cliff, was built under Prince Albert I to house specimens collected on amateur explorations, including those led by Jacques Cousteau from 1957 to 1988. The main-floor Whale Room has skeletons and taxidermy of enormous sea creatures, as well as early submarines, diving gear dating from the Middle Ages, and a few interactive science displays. The main draw, however, is the aquarium, a blockbuster complex of backlighted tanks containing more than 600 species of marine life. Be sure to try one of the two escape games—the 30-minute Discovery Escape or the 60-minute Escape Experience—that you can play in teams. Round off your visit with a meal in the museum's La Terrasse restaurant, set at 85 meters above the sea.

Most of Monaco's sights are concentrated—with tidy, self-conscious charm—on the broad plateau known as Le Rocher, or the Rock. Here, in the medieval heart of Monaco, you'll find the cathedral, palace, Musée Océanographique, and the delightful St- Martin Gardens, the country’s first public garden (open since 1816). Only vehicles with Monaco license plates can drive through the gate, but the No. 1 or 2 buses will get you to the top. If you're feeling energetic, climb the 42 steps of the Rampe Majeur from Place d'Armes, behind the right corner of the port. You can also approach the Rock by elevator from the seafront at the port's farthest end, though this, too, requires some walking.

Although area businesses are predominately souvenir stores that cater to cruise visitors, there are a few unique establishments, including Chocolaterie de Monaco, which has been open since 1920; the award-winning La Montgolfière restaurant; and Les 5 Saveurs ( 6 bis, rue Basse), a shop that sells Panier des Sens natural, made-in-Marseilles cosmetics and soaps that are favored by Monaco residents.