Traveler's Guide to Monte Carlo, Monaco

Few cities ooze luxury to the extent that Monte Carlo, Monaco does. This is where the prosperous come to play, and there is much fun to be had.

Though small, Monte Carlo packs a lot of action-and we aren't talking just about when Formula One comes to town (though a visit to the city during this international event is high on our list).

The sun shines over 300 days a year in this stunning area nestled perfectly between Italy and France, but the sun is only one of many reasons the Cote d'Azur will quickly become one of your favorite vacation spots.

The city boasts a number of luxurious spots to enjoy your trip, but the iconic and highly-prestigious Fairmont Monte Carlo is a must in our book. As one of the largest resorts in Europe, you'll find everything you could want or need housed inside this beautiful resort. But two things in particular really steal the spotlight of Fairmont Monte Carlo.

First is Fitness Monte Carlo. Far from your typical hotel gym, this spot is a mecca for fitness lovers and home to some of the top workout gear, not to mention the most stunning view of the Riviera that provides the ultimate motivation to get through that workout.

Second is NOBU. No sushi restaurant provides an experience quite like that at a NOBU restaurant, and this one is no exception. You may even get lucky like we did and time your dinner out on the terrace during a firework show.

It's hard to believe that life gets more beautiful than watching the fireworks over the water while noshing on NOBU in Monte Carlo.

Thanks to its size, Monte Carlo makes for a very walkable city with plenty of spots to explore along the way.

At the top of the list of sights to see is the Monte Carlo Casino. Just one step inside of this casino and you will immediately understand why this was a favorite spot for James Bond in not one, not two, but three of his movies. You'll also recognize this casino as a hot spot for Ocean's crew in the fan-favorite Ocean's Twelve movie.

Monte Carlo Casino's Belle Epoque architecture brings travelers from all over to revel in its beauty, whether that's from the lobby area or from the seat of one of the casino's iconic tables.

The table action at Monte Carlo Casino brings in some of the world's hottest gamblers to play in one of the most sophisticated casinos in existence boasting world-class service. Even if gambling isn't your game of choice, you will undoubtedly appreciate the unrivaled beauty of this iconic entertainment hotspot.

Just make sure you show up dressed for the part -- the casino won't let you in if you're donning short and flip flops.

Swap out your heels for some comfortable shoes and take a walk along the city's beautiful coastal edge to the Oceanographic Museum.

Built on a stunning rock face that plunges down to the waters below, this is far from your typical museum. Home to a shark lagoon, an aquarium with over 4,000 species of fish, whale skeletons and much more, the Oceanographic Museum is one of the oldest aquariums in the world.

Though the museum is an unparalleled experience, our favorite part was the journey from the casino to the museum. Even in the height of the summer tourist season, there aren't too many people crowding this path, and it's the ideal way to really soak in the dramatic cliffs of this city. And when we say "dramatic," we mean it. Think waves crashing intensely against the rock walls and you've got yourself the perfect photo opp.

After making your way to the top, work your way back down to the marina to peruse the fleet of yachts that call this place home. Docked here in Monte Carlo are some of the most impressive yachts in the world, and a stroll on the marina will have you wondering what you need to do to join the Yacht Club de Monaco.

While we dined not once, but twice at the aforementioned NOBU, our favorite dining experience in Monte Carlo was at Quai des Artistes.

When traveling, we always make a point to ask locals their favorite spot to eat in an attempt to get off the tourist track and experience the true, authentic culinary scene of the city. And upon inquiring with a number of locals where we should eat like Monegasques do (a Monaco native), there was a resounding response: Quai des Artistes.

This art deco bistro brushing up against the waters of the marina brings to the table French classics done perfectly as well as more experimental foods that will have you stepping outside your culinary comfort zone. Dine inside for the ultimate experience amongst the restaurant's chic decor, or during the warm season, head outside for a terrace seat that serves as a great people-watching and yacht viewing spot.

Our fave dish: the classic steak tartare-the best one to-date.

Though not exclusive to Monte Carlo, whenever this shop is in sight, run run as fast as you can. What are we talking about? None other than the epic Laduree. This name in macarons dates back to 1862 and has reigned in these delightful little treats ever since then.

And Monte Carlo boasts a Laduree shop that is a must during your visit. Enjoy some while there, but be sure to take a few (or 10) to snack on later. These aren't just any macarons; they are the creme de la creme of macarons and once your taste buds have experienced Laduree, their refined taste will never look at another macaron the same.