That picturesque European summer vacation is on the mind of all New Yorkers, and we may have just found the most mind-blowing one yet.
One that’s so compact that it’s actually smaller than our beloved Central Park—making it the second smallest country in the world.
And no, we’re not talking about some forgotten island—this place has royalty, Formula 1 races, and more yachts than you’ll ever see parked on the Hudson.
We’re talking about Monaco, a glittering gem on the French Riviera that’s so tiny, you can walk from one side to the other in under 45 minutes.
And yes, it’s a real country. With its own flag. Its own royal family. And definitely its own vibe.
Monaco vs Central Park by the numbers
So you may be wondering, actually how much smaller is Monaco than Central Park? We crunched the numbers.
To put it in perspective, Central Park covers about 3.4 square kilometers (1.3 square miles) of Upper Manhattan’s land.
Meanwhile Monaco spans just shy of that at 2.1 square kilometers (.8 square miles), officially making it smaller than NYC’s most famous green space.
And yet, it’s packed with more than 38,000 residents, a royal palace, a world-famous casino, luxury high-rises, superyachts, Formula 1 racetracks, and some of the most expensive real estate on Earth.
Compared to Manhattan’s Central Park which sees an average of 115,000 people per day (3x the population) and 42 million per year, you might actually see more people in the park than the entire population of Monaco.
Wrap your head around that.
What you’ll see on the best 45 minute walk of your life
Ready to embark on the most beautiful stroll you’ve ever seen? (And definitely bookmark this for your trip)
Start your walk in Monaco-Ville, the old town perched dramatically on a rocky cliff known as “The Rock.”
It’s one of the few places in Monaco that actually feels quiet — winding cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and lookout points that give you unreal views of the Mediterranean. This is also where you’ll find the Prince’s Palace, home to the country’s royal family. (Yes, Monaco has a prince. And yes, he lives in a literal palace.)
From there, head down toward Port Hercule, where mega-yachts line the harbor like parked Lamborghinis on water.
The vibe here is pure James Bond — waterfront cafes, flashy boats, and sleek modern architecture.
Then it’s on to Monte Carlo, Monaco’s most famous district. This is where things start to feel surreal.
The Monte Carlo Casino sticks out and is a full-blown architectural flex, complete with gold trim, chandeliers, and that iconic fountain you’ve probably seen in movies. Just outside? Rows of Bentleys and Ferraris casually parked like it’s no big deal.
As you keep walking east, you’ll pass five-star hotels, designer boutiques (think Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior), and pristine gardens carved into the hillsides. Eventually, you’ll hit Larvotto Beach, where locals and jet-setters sunbathe on smooth pebbles just steps from luxury towers.
Oh — and don’t be surprised if you pass an F1 racetrack. Monaco’s city streets double as the course for the legendary Monaco Grand Prix, and you can literally walk the turns where drivers hit insane speeds every spring.
The tiny, yet powerhouse of European beauty
Monaco might be tiny on the map, but it punches way above its weight in global status.
It’s one of the wealthiest places on Earth, with more millionaires per square mile than anywhere else. About one in three residents is a millionaire, and many of them live in glassy towers with infinity pools overlooking the sea.
And while it looks like a luxury resort, Monaco is actually a fully independent country with its own government, royal family, and even a national orchestra.
It’s been a sovereign nation since the 13th century, ruled today by Prince Albert II, whose palace sits on a cliff like something out of a fairy tale.
There’s no income tax, no capital gains tax, and crime is nearly nonexistent — mostly because Monaco has more police officers per capita than any other country meaning it’s spotless, safe, and kind of surreal.
It hosts everything from the Monaco Grand Prix (one of the most famous races in the world) to the Monte Carlo Ballet, and even has its own national language.
Oh, and fun fact: Monaco has zero national debt. In a world where most countries owe billions, this tiny slice of the Riviera is basically thriving on its own luxurious terms.
So yes, it’s smaller than Central Park. But with royal drama, world-class events, and sky-high real estate deals happening daily, Monaco proves that size has nothing to do with relevance.
How to visit Monaco from NYC
Ready to visit, yet? Have we convinced you?
Well, Monaco doesn’t have its own airport (too small, obviously), but getting there from NYC is easier than you might think:
- Fly into Nice (France): Take a direct flight from JFK to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport — it’s the closest international airport, just 30 minutes from Monaco.
- Hop in a car, train, or helicopter:
- Train: A 25-minute scenic ride along the coast from Nice to Monaco (cheap and stunning).
- Car: Rent one or grab a taxi/Uber — expect winding coastal roads with insane views.
- Helicopter: Feeling fancy? You can take a 7-minute chopper ride straight from the airport to Monaco. Yep, it’s a thing.