Monacothe world's smallest country with the highest concentration of billionaires per square kilometre

Built in 1863 to the design of Charles Garnier — the same architect who created the Paris Opera. Gilded halls, crystal chandeliers, ceiling frescoes — the interior alone is worth the 10 EUR entrance without gambling. Dress code required after 20:00: tuxedo or formal suit. Roulette starts at 5 EUR, blackjack from 10. James Bond gambled right here.

Home of the ruling Grimaldi dynasty since 1297 — one of Europe's oldest continuously occupied royal palaces. Changing of the guard precisely at 11:55 — free and uncrowded if you arrive 10 minutes early. In summer the State Apartments open, with paintings by Rubens, Brueghel and the Prince's private chambers. Nearby — Saint Nicholas Cathedral, where Grace Kelly is buried.

One of the world's finest oceanographic museums, literally built into Le Rocher cliff above the sea. Prince Albert I founded it in 1910 — he personally participated in 28 scientific expeditions. Inside: 6,000 marine species in living aquariums, 20-metre whale skeleton, Jacques Cousteau's laboratories and live-feed camera from 400 metres depth. The rooftop terrace view — Monaco's best panorama.

The only Formula 1 circuit where cars race 30 centimetres from barriers on ordinary city streets. The full lap on foot — 3.3 km in 40 minutes: tunnel under the Fairmont Hotel, steep climb to the Casino, chicane by the pool overlooking yachts. In May, during the Grand Prix, Rocher viewing spots sell out six months ahead.

Joël Robuchon Monte-Carlo restaurant at Hotel Metropole — two Michelin stars in the world's most glamorous city. Tasting menu of 8 courses — 280 EUR, à la carte from 120 EUR. Summer terrace overlooks gardens with Monte-Carlo views. Reserve your table strictly 3–4 weeks ahead. Dress code: smart casual or higher. For special occasions — Sales.Travel concierge books the best table.

Hanging garden on a sheer cliff since 1933 — 7,000 species of cacti and succulents from African and Mexican deserts. Some specimens reach 10 metres in height. Ticket includes: tour of the Grimaldi Caves beneath the garden with mammoth and Paleolithic human bones. The view from the highest point — Monaco and Riviera's best free (almost) panorama.

Cafés along Quai Albert I and Quai des États-Unis — Monaco's best golden-hour spot. On the right — yachts worth 100 million EUR, on the left — the Mediterranean Sea in a colour no photograph captures. Aperol Spritz here costs 14 EUR — expensive by Russian standards, pennies for the view. Arrive at 18:00 before sunset, while the best tables are still free.

From Monaco, reach Nice in 30 minutes, Menton with lemon gardens in 20, medieval Èze on the cliff in 15. Classic one-day route: Nice — Villefranche-sur-Mer — Èze — Menton — return. Best option — rent a car with driver through hotel concierge: costs 350–500 EUR per day, but Grande Corniche with no stops.

Collection des Voitures Anciennes — Prince Albert II's personal collection in the industrial Fontvieille quarter. Over 100 automobiles: Formula 1 cars that raced in the Monaco Grand Prix, rare early-20th-century Rolls-Royce and Bugatti, first electric vehicles. Entry — 6 EUR, virtually no queues. Essential for car enthusiasts and anyone wanting to understand why Monaco and F1 are forever linked.