Between the French Riviera and the Italian border lies the economic and cultural center of Monaco. Despite the fact that this is a tiny city-state, almost everyone knows it. It has to do with the Monaco Grand Prix in Formula 1, the Grimaldi family. Princely House and Historic Casino of Monaco. The Mediterranean city-state has gained an amazing reputation for its luxury yachts, hotels and casinos. As a result of its prestige, it has been a popular destination for the rich and famous for more than a century.
Features of Monaco
Monaco is a country of luxury. The city of the rich and famous is the result of an attractive tax policy. In a small city-state, people with high incomes do not have to pay taxes on their assets or income.
Monaco is a diverse and in many ways unique tourist destination. The world famous port of Monaco, full of the largest and most luxurious superyachts, is the perfect opportunity to truly experience the luxury lifestyle in this place.
This is a great place to travel not only for the rich. This unique city on the Côte d’Azur can also be explored on a budget and has city beaches. Therefore, there are many good reasons to travel to a small principality on the Côte d’Azur.
Note! The Principality of Monaco is also known as one of the safest places in the world. It has a 24-hour video surveillance system and the largest concentration of police officers per capita.
Attractions in Monaco
Although Monaco is very small, it is not without classic and modern sights. The state has an area of only two square kilometers, but the principality has a surprising number of attractions, from historical buildings to modern entertainment.
Old town of Monaco
The old town known as Monaco-Ville or Rocher is a great place for sightseeing. The city-state is famous for its typical narrow streets. Along them are picturesque buildings and small boutiques. On Fürstenfelsen, you can admire a beautiful view of the small state.
Formula 1 race track
Monaco is a densely populated state, but the principality becomes even more crowded when the annual Formula 1 race takes place – the most spectacular Grand Prix race. Racing cars drive right through the narrow streets of the city.
A street in the port of Monaco with a great view of the sea and the Fairmont Hotel is also a great place to visit. There is a tunnel under the hotel, which is crossed by Formula 1 racers.
Prince’s Palace of Monaco
The Prince’s Palace is a symbol of the city and one of the most popular attractions. This is the official residence of the Grimaldi rulers of Monaco. The Prince’s House is only partly open to the public. During the tour, you can get an idea of the magnificent palace, with its countless halls and rich decoration. Part of the princely palace were built in the 16th century. At that time it still looked like a fortress.
Now it is a representative building with numerous sights. White-robed palace guards conduct the ceremonial changing of the guard every day at noon. So it is better to visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco at this time.
Palace of Justice
This is an attractive building in the heart of Monaco, built in 1924. It depicts a 1568 bust of Sovereign Honoré II. The facade is made of tuff, typical for this state, extracted from the sea. The finishing building material has high decorative properties (with small stones and shells), and the Palace of Justice shines with unique splendor. It is also used for the city walls of Monaco.
Cathedral of Monaco
The Catholic Cathedral is a historical landmark of Monaco – the chair of the archbishop and the tomb of the princes of Monaco. Built in 1875 of white stone in the Roman-Byzantine style.
Monaco Cathedral
The main altar and the bishop’s throne are made of white Carrara marble. All the deceased princes of Monaco rest in the tombs of the cathedral. He is also known for his organ, made from the finest materials, with 7,000 pipes.
Opera House of Monaco
The Opera House of the Principality is one of the most striking buildings built by Charles Garrier and is therefore also called the “Salle Garnier”. The auditorium is adorned with sculptures and frescoes and shines in red and gold, which is why it’s so breathtaking. There are colorful paintings on the ceiling. All in all, the Monaco Opera House is extravagant. The performances put on some of the best international productions. In addition to opera, various concerts and ballet are included here.
Casino Monte Carlo
This is one of the most famous casinos in the world, located in the Monte Carlo district of the same name, and attracts many gamblers from all over the world to try their luck.
Casino in Monte Carlo
The casino outside and inside is a magnificent building with a bewitching atmosphere. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. it is open for visitors who want to look into the halls away from the game.
Nightlife Monaco
The nightlife here is very vibrant and unforgettable. Monaco offers the right choice for every budget: you can go to the casino, enjoy a romantic dinner, go to the cinema, have a drink with friends or dance the night away in one of the many clubs.
Parks in Monaco
The city has several beautiful gardens. One of the most beautiful in the world is the Exotic Garden of Monaco. The botanical garden is located in the Fontvieille district, in a hilly area at an altitude of 40 to 98 meters, offering breathtaking views of the city.
Exotic garden
Interesting ! It was opened in 1933 and specializes mainly in succulents and cacti, of which there are several thousand in its collection. The garden also has an underground stalactite cave.
The park was opened to the public in 1950 and can only be entered with a guide.
The Japanese Garden is a green oasis with typical Japanese elements in the noisy and crowded Monaco – the perfect choice for rest and relaxation. Hilly terrain, waterfalls and lakes with colorful fish on an area of 7000 m2. This is a truly charming place with a unique atmosphere.
Beaches in Monaco
You can relax in Monaco all year round. The beaches near Monaco are suitable for a classic beach holiday. The hotels also have private beaches where you can relax. In summer, the Principality comes alive, the best time to swim in the Mediterranean Sea is from June to September. October and November are less suitable, because then there are heavy showers. For those who love peace and quiet, the cold months are the best choice for a trip.
On the east coast, about half a kilometer away is a beach called Larvotto.
Larvotto Beach
It is a beautiful sandy beach with small pebbles and crystal clear sea. The disadvantage is the hustle and bustle and many tourists. The beautiful clear sea invites you to try yourself in water activities: windsurfing, water skiing, banana riding, pedaloes, water polo and snorkeling. At the local sailing school, under the supervision of experienced instructors, you can try your hand at sailing on a yacht.
Additional Information! The Plage du Solarium is an artificially created swimming area, which is even monitored. Swimming is prohibited in rough waves.
shopping
Perhaps nowhere on the planet is there such a luxurious shopping experience as in Monaco. There are countless luxury stores of world famous brands here. The main prestigious shopping street is Cercle d´Or in Monte-Carlo, where the latest models of designers such as Dior, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Prada and others are sold.
Kitchen
The rich and famous people of Monaco love to indulge in culinary delights. Many of the famous cuisines are located in upscale hotels. The menu includes wines from the surrounding regions. One can find French and Italian dishes in many places.
How to get to Monaco?
The nearest airport is in Nice, from where you can take a train or taxi to Monaco. There are also bus links to the Principality from nearby Nice.
Thanks to its small area, Monaco is easy to get around on foot. City buses are also available, or you can rent a scooter. Owning or renting a car is also a means of transportation, but finding a parking spot in the city is often difficult. Therefore, the best choice may be a bicycle or a taxi. However, the latter in Monaco is very expensive.
