There’s more to Monaco than exclusive hotels and the Grand Prix, and there’s plenty to do for families with kids. The most obvious attraction is the city state’s beaches and although most belong to hotels, there is a decent public beach. Sailing and the Grand Prix are naturally very popular, while a golf course and the Oceanographic Museum further the scope for fun.

Children’s Mini-Club
The Mini-Club de la Plage du Larvotto on avenue Princesse Grace is perfect for parents who need a break from their young kids. This fine children's club is ideal for active kids, with its organised activities held throughout the summer holidays. Children from 3 to 10 years of age can attend although it’s worth calling ahead, as the club is not open year-round. Phone: +377 93 306 682.

Golf
If you really must have a game of golf while in Monaco there aren’t many options, with prices at the Monte Carlo Golf Club being astronomical. It is an 18-hole course and the fairways and greens are perfectly manicured, while the views of the Côte d’Azur are superb. Proof of handicap and membership of another club are requirements for non-members. Phone: +377 93 410 911.

Larvotto Beach
This beautiful manmade beach is perfect for kids and is the only free stretch of shore in Monaco. Apart from the public status, the other good thing is that it is spotless and safe to swim. There is also some good snorkelling to be had here, while a kid’s playground and a crèche are also available. Restaurants, ice-cream stands and bars back the beach.

Motor Sports
The F1 Monaco Grand Prix in May is by far the biggest motor racing event in the Monaco sporting calendar and when the entire town is given over to a racing circuit for these lightning-fast machines. Another popular event on the theme is Le Rallye in January, while the biennial Historic Grand Prix is also well supported.

Musée Océanographique
Kids will love the Oceanographic Museum on St Martin avenue which resides on the edge of a cliff and has been a big Monaco attraction since the late 1800s. The 25ft coral reef is the main centrepiece, while dozens of tanks feature all sorts of slimy creatures from the deep. Don’t miss the Whale Room. Phone: +377 93 153 600; website: www.oceano.mc/eng.

Sailing
Although many people who visit Monaco via a boat are multimillionaires and their vessels are out of reach of the masses, sailing for the humble tourist is a possibility, and the Monaco Yacht Club rents out boats. The club also gives lessons and organises fishing trips. Phone: +377 93 106 300; website: www.yacht-club-monaco.mc/eng.

Water Sports
Apart from sailing, Monaco’s fine beaches also offer water sports. The scuba diving and snorkelling here is good, and several companies offer trips and charters out to quality dive sites within the region. Most beaches here are private, however, and if you aren’t a resident of the associated hotel then you’ll invariably need to pay a fee to visit them.

Monaco has loads of cultural highlights and places to check out, including an exotic garden, a dazzling port and several posh museums. There is also a zoo in town, while people can check out the theatre productions at several class venues, including the Monte Carlo Casino. The Carte Musée Côte d'Azur museum pass allows for entry to dozens of museums and attractions along the French Riviera.

Exotic Garden
The Exotic Garden is an ideal day out for those who enjoy walking, owing to its location on a cliff and associated footbridges. The garden is famed the world over for its huge collection of plants that stem from the early 1930s, when the garden was established. Its main theme is its subtropical flora species, and the views of the Mediterranean from the garden are amazing.

Monaco Port and Coast
A cultured walk of Monaco’s world famous Yacht Club de Monaco and Digue de l'Avant Port is a must. This 1,100-ft long floating dike weighs in at 163,000 tons and has drastically increased Monaco port's mooring capacity. From here, stroll the coast and through the fine St-Martin Gardens to Monaco Ville.

Monaco Theatre
Visitors will find everything from traditional theatre, opera and classical music to ballet and even live music in Monaco. Check out the cabaret shows at Les Folies Russes or the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra at Monte Carlo Casino. Also worth seeing are the Monte Carlo Ballet and the Opera of Monte Carlo.

Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs
Located in the Prince’s Palace, this fine museum displays numerous objects from the First Empire. Chief among these are those from the King of Rome, Napoleon I, and Saint Helen, which can be found on the ground floor, while on the first floor houses the original Charter of Independence. Phone: +377 93 251 831; website: www.palais.mc/eng.

Wax Museum of the Princes of Monaco
Located in the picturesque old town is this popular and intriguing waxworks museum which features life-size models of characters from the Grimaldi dynasty. Figures from the late 13^th century to the present day are features, many of which are finely dressed in period garb. You will find the museum on Basse street. Phone: +377 93 303 905.

Zoological Terraces
Hundreds of animals across dozens of species are represented at Monaco’s small zoo, which sits on the southern face of the Rock of Monaco. Opened by the prince in 1954, the zoo’s most impressive inhabitants are the white tigers and black panthers, while lemurs and other exotic creatures can also be seen. Phone: +377 93 251 831.

The range of eateries in Monaco is impressive and prices aren’t extravagant if you stick to mid-range restaurants and cafés, and keep off the champagne. Food is naturally very French and Italian, while Spanish, Mexican and Japanese cuisines are also popular.

Monaco Ville (the old town) and Monte Carlo have the pick of the eateries, while nearby Beausoleil, in France, also has a great, cheaper selection. Louis XV at the Hotel de Paris is one of the premier eateries in town, while Café de Paris is another firm favourite for those with deep pockets. Try the local bouillabaisse, a thick fish soup and a local favourite.

The Golden Circle has the most chic shops in Monaco and is a perfect locale to boot, being hemmed in by avenue Monte Carlo and avenue des Beaux-Arts. Christian Dior and Gucci have resident shops here, while nearby place du Casino is one for the jewellers, with Cartier in high demand. Rue Princess Caroline, a fine pedestrian mall, is another shopping area to window shop and people watch.

For some more normal shopping and prices check out the Fontvieille Shopping Centre, with everything from furniture and electronics to clothes and food at Carrefour. Another shopping option is the Condamine Market on place d'Armes in Monte Carlo, which is somewhat of a Monte Carlo institution featuring lots of souvenirs and boutiques.