Are you planning on visiting Monaco? These are the best things to do and see in the Principality of Monaco, a small enclave of regal tradition in a stunning setting
Monaco the grandiose is always in fashion. Located in the heart of the French Riviera, to the East of Nice, the Principality is one of the Jet-Set’s most popular holiday destinations. Super Yacht, palaces and large engines are legion there. Known for its Formula 1 Grand Prix or tennis tournament, Monaco is also a city full of history and charm, where the Grimaldi family has ruled for hundreds of years. But then what is to be discovered in the principality? We offer you an overview of what you should absolutely visit in Monaco.
1. The Rock
Photo credit: Flickr – LeBenLeBen
The beating heart of the city, the Rock is located on the heights of Monaco. With its pretty houses dating from the 16th to the 18th century, its alleys and ramparts, this district will dazzle you with its beauty. A timeless visit, which will allow you to discover, among other things, the Chapel of the Visitation, the Cathedral and the Palace. You can also admire the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea.
2. The Casino of Monte-Carlo
Photo credit: Flickr – Jonathan Khee
Visiting Monaco also means going to the Casino! Designed by Charles Garnier in 1879, the Monte-Carlo Casino is as beautiful as it is prestigious. Eldorado of the game in the Belle Epoque architectural style, this place has made the fortune of many players in the principality, but it is also famous for the beauty of its salons. Don’t miss his opera theatre, which is really worth a look.
3. The Exotic Garden
Photo credit: Flickr – Etienne Valois
Designed by engineer Louis Notari and opened to the public in 1931, this garden gathers more than 900 species of flora from the semi-arid climate. You can admire many cacti, but also aloe and fig trees, among the oldest and rarest on our planet. A beautiful stroll, which you must punctuate with a visit to the Grotto of the Observatory, a natural underground cavity that will only surprise you.
4. The Oceanographic Museum
Photo credit: Flickr – fr.zil
With its huge aquarium containing 6000 varieties of the marine world, the Oceanographic Museum is a treasure for any lover of the fauna and flora of the seas. Founded by Prince Albert I in 1910, it takes you on a breathtaking dive under the oceans to discover all its mysteries. The Lagoon, a real coral reef recreated in the middle of the museum, is the icing on the cake of this visit that you will not regret for anything in the world.
5. The Prince’s Palace
Photo credit: Flickr – João André O. Dias
Visiting Monaco is a must visit the Prince’s Palace. Official residence of the Prince since 1927, the Palace of Monaco overlooks the Mediterranean and perfectly expresses the grandeur of the Grimaldi family. This building has an exciting history, including being besieged and bombed by many foreign armies. It is also the symbol of the Principality’s influence on the French Riviera. In particular, take advantage of the prince’s carabinieri’s relief, a ceremony regulated like music paper.
6. The Monte-Carlo district
Photo credit: Flickr – Trick 68
Located east of the Gaumates valley, Monte-Carlo is the most famous place in Monaco. And so an essential step in your journey to the principality. Monte-Carlo is synonymous with luxury and abundance, and is often considered a territory in its own right. It is in fact a district integrated into the city of Monaco, which has about fifteen thousand inhabitants. Discover its sumptuous villas and gigantic buildings, as well as its many buildings of interest: its Casino, its Opera House and the Hôtel de l’Hermitage, simply fabulous.
7. Other ideas of things to visit in Monaco
- Go for a walk at the Condamine Market, where you can have a bite to eat
- Admire Monaco Cathedral
- Visit the Monaco Automobile Museum
- Swim at Larvotto Beach
- Stroll through the Princess Grace Rose Garden
How to get to Monaco?
Monaco is only a few kilometers away from Nice, and you can get there in the same way as you can get to the City of Angels. There are many ways to reach Nice and the airport is only 2 miles away from downtown. You will find many direct flights from London , either Stansted or Gatwick, as well as from Liverpool or Manchester. You can easily find a low-cost flight to these destinations on Skyscanner. From the US, only a few airports offer direct flights to Nice, among which JFK. Once you’ve landed in Nice you can directly rent a car at the airport and drive the short trip to Monaco.
It should be noted that to get around on site, six bus lines criss-cross the city and make it possible to reach the various districts in about ten minutes.
Where to stay in Monaco?
The Rock is not just for billionaires. There are indeed some good plans to stay in Monaco. Villa Elsa is surely the best of them: the only guest room at Le Rocher is €65 per night for two, breakfast included and served on the terrace with a bird’s eye view of Monaco. It is also possible to stay in Beausoleil, a town bordering Monaco. Finally, there are still offers available on the internet, and you can find a cheap hotel in Monaco by searching this hotel comparator.
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