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“Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” Gustave Flaubert

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The enchanting Principality of Monaco overlooking the pristine blue waters of the Mediterranean is a place famed for its glamour and wealth.

Squeezed into just 200 hectares it might be the world’s second-smallest country (only the Vatican is smaller), but what it lacks in size it makes up for in attitude.

Monaco is one of the wealthiest and most expensive countries in the world, soaked in the sun and expensive champagne. It’s home to the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, the European Poker Tour and the Monte Carlo Rally.

The tiny principality is the jewel of the Mediterranean, with its grand hotels, exquisite restaurants, elegant shops, glitzy casinos and yacht-filled harbor. Its city, Monte Carlo, has long been the playground of the rich and famous.

Thanks to its mild climate with nearly 300 days of sunshine per year, spectacular scenery, a wealth of entertainment, cultural and historical sites, Monaco is undeniably an attractive destination.

Pack your camera, sun lotion, a pair of sunglasses and leave the rest to Monaco filled with fantastic scenery, tropical vibes, and luxury everywhere you look.

Must see in Monaco

Breathtaking harbours

Hercule harbour 

Port Hercule is the larger (and infinitely more famous) of the two marinas in Monaco. It’s one of the very few deep-water ports of the French Riviera.

Located in the heart of the district of Condamine and nearby all of the shopping and leisure facilities, it’s the perfect venue for high-end events such as the annual Monaco Yacht Show (MYS).

The port is lined with restaurants and bars creating a vibrant atmosphere, while the boutiques, casinos, and Michelin–starred restaurants of Monte Carlo are only a short walk away. It was also used as a location in the James Bond film GoldenEye.

Port of Fontvieille

At the very heart of the residential area of Fontvieille, the marina offers full facilities for both amateur sailors who are simply passing through and longer-stay visitors.

The Port of Fontvieille is certainly one of the most sheltered in the region, being protected from the easterly winds by the rock and from the southerly and westerly swell by the large sea wall, which provides protection to the entire Fontvielle area.

Numerous restaurants on the waterfront and nearby shops make the Port of Fontvieille a place of vitality to be explored at a leisurely pace in any season.

The Casino de Monte Carlo

Built in the flamboyant Beaux Arts style designed by Charles Garnier (the famous architect of the Paris Opera House) it opened its doors in 1865. The interior is as lavish in style as the outside, with 28 onyx columns, huge chandeliers and stained glass. It has all the glitz and glamour that has made this principality famous.

The building houses the casino, several luxury stores, the Opéra and the Ballets de Monte-Carlo offices.

Monaco and its casino were the locations for a number of James Bond movies, including Never Say Never Again, Golden Eye, as well as for the “Casino Royale” episode of CBS’s Climax! television show.

The casino was also a filming location for the music video of Kylie Minogue’s 2000 single “On a Night Like This” and served as a filming location for the 2004 film Ocean’s Twelve.

Anyone can enter the Monte-Carlo Casino building without showing ID to have a look in the atrium. To enter the game rooms, remember to take your passport or identity card and a dress code applies (smart attire is required).

Opening times:

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: visit of the Casino de Monte-Carlo with or without an audiotour.

From noon onwards: The Salon Rose Restaurant and the Atrium’s artistic attractions.

From 2 PM until 4 AM: The gaming rooms (gaming tables and slot machines) and bars.

Pricing:

A single price of 17 euros.

Admission is free for My Monte-Carlo loyalty programme members.

The Prince’s Palace, the official residence of the Grimaldi family (Palais Princier de Monaco)

The Palace

The Palace has a long history and has been extended and renovated several times over the centuries. It’s located on the Monaco Rock, right next to Monaco’s Old Town overlooking the Port of Hercules on one side and the district of Fontvieille on the other.

From June to October the Palace is open to visitors including the Palace Chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the Hercule Gallery, the Mirror Gallery, the Red Room, the York Room, the Yellow Room or Louis XV Bedroom, and the Throne Room, as well as numerous frescoes, tapestries, and items of furniture.

The rooms are inlaid in marble with mosaic designs including the double R monogram of Prince Rainier III. The Florentine and Boulle furniture is from the reign of Francois I. The walls are draped in silk brocade and damask and hung with royal portraits executed by well-known artists. These portraits also document the prestigious marriages made with royal families such as Savoie-Lorraine, Matignon, and Aumont-Mazarin.

The Guards

The guards stand watch over the Prince’s Palace. The creation of the Carabinieri Corps dates back to 8 December 1817. Since its creation, the duties of the Prince’s Carabinieri have been to guard the Palace, with the ceremonial changing of the guard every day at 11.55 a.m.

The Grimaldi Princes were well known for their patronage of the arts and especially for music. Prince Rainier III decided to renew the tradition of the Palace Concerts in August 1959. The first four concerts occurred August 19, 22, 25, and 29, 1959. The concerts, recordings and broadcasts brought recognition and notoriety of the orchestra beyond the borders of Monaco that continues until today.

You can look up upcoming summer concerts and purchase tickets HERE

Prices

Adults: 10 euros

Children (6-17 years old), Students: 5 euros

Groups (from 20 people): price on request: visits@palais.mc

Monaco’s Old Town, nicknamed The Rock (or Le Rocher in French)

Monaco’s Old Town is in the district of Monaco-Ville, one of four districts in the principality.

The old town itself has some picturesque cobbled streets lined with restaurants and gift shops.

It’s located on a hill that is surrounded on three sides by the Mediterranean and this is where the Grimaldi family’s palace stands.

Attractions of Monaco’s Old Town

• The Prince’s Palace – don’t miss the changing of the guard, every day at 11.55 am.
• Chapel of Mercy (Chapelle de la Miséricorde),
• Museum of Old Monaco (Musée du Vieux Monaco),
• Princess Grace Irish Library containing the Princess’ personal collection,
• St. Nicholas Square,
• Chapel of Visitation (Chapelle de la Visitation) with a painting by Rubens,
• Palais du Gouvernement (government building),
• Chapel of Peace (La Chapelle de la Paix)
• St. Nicholas Cathedral

St. Nicholas Cathedral

The Cathedral is the place where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married. Built in 1875 on the site of a 13th century church, it’s located in the old town.

In this same cathedral many of the Grimaldis were buried including Princess Grace Kelly along with Prince Rainier III. Their tombs can be found just behind the altar, and are open to visitors.

Monaco Grand Prix

Monaco is home to the Formula One Grand Prix circuit, located in the heart of the city which has been called “an exceptional location of glamour and prestige”.

The Automobile Club de Monaco, who organise the Grand Prix and the Monte-Carlo Rallye, has a popular racing memorabilia store (La Boutique de l’Automobile Club de Monaco) at 46 rue Grimaldi.

HSH The Prince of Monaco’s Vintage Car Collection

At the end of the 1950s, Prince Rainier III, a car enthusiast, began his collection of vintage cars which was unveiled to the public in 1993.

It has nearly a hundred cars; from the DE DION BOUTON of 1903 to the LOTUS F1 of 2013 passing by the HISPANO SUIZA, ROLLS ROYCE, LINCOLN, FACEL VEGA, DELAGE, DELAHAYE, PACKARD, HUMBER, NAPIER, FERRARI, MASERATI, LAMBORGHINI, ALFA ROMEO, LEXUS of marriage Princely of 2011 as well as the racing cars that marked the Monte-Carlo Rally and the F1 Monaco Grand-Prix.

Monte Carlo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour or the Petit Train (Le Petit Train de Monaco)

The Hop-On Hop-Off buses and mini trains are quite a common sight in most European tourist destinations and are a great way to get a quick impression of cities.

Each train tour (meeting point: parking area opposite the Oceanographic museum) lasts for around 30 minutes and the bus (meeting point: Bateau Bus, 1 Boulevard Louis II, 98000) around an hour.

Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

The Oceanographic Museum was founded by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco’s great-great-grandfather Prince Albert. Built on the side of Monaco’s legendary Roche and it was inaugurated in 1910.

The Museum is renowned throughout the world for its expertise and has more than 6,000 specimens on display. It also holds a great variety of sea related objects, including model ships, sea animal skeletons, tools, weapons etc., as well as a collection of material culture and ritual objects made from, or integrating materials such as pearls, molluscs and nacre.

Address: Av. Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco

Food for thought

Monte Carlo is full of some of the finest restaurants in the world. There is no shortage of top dining experiences in the Principality so, to help you find the right ones for you, I have made my selection of the best restaurants in Monaco.

Elsa

Nestled in the Monte Carlo Roquebrune Beach Hotel, Ecocert level 3 certified, Elsa,  has a stunning waterfront terrace with a breathtaking view of the sea and the Riviera.

Mélanie Serre, the chef at the helm of Elsa’s kitchen is dedicated to 100% organic food and wild-caught fish menu. Guests can choose from raw, cooked menus or tasting menu.

During the summer you can choose to have lunch in the air-conditioned dining room or on this magnificent sunny terrace.

Address: Av. Princesse Grace, 98000 Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Monaco

Le Grill – 1 Michelin Star Restaurant

Situated on the top floor of the Hôtel de Paris, the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Grill offers an exceptional panorama over the Principality to the Italian coast. On sunny days, the roof opens fully for a lunch in the sun or a dinner under the stars.

The food is as pleasurable as the surroundings. Though classics like the restaurant’s legendary soufflés weather the test of time, most offerings change with the seasons. As the name suggests, anything from the charcoal grill is sure to satisfy. The traditional restaurant has built its reputation on its succulent grills that earned it a star in the Michelin Guide.

Elegant dress is required and jackets should be worn throughout the year at dinner.

Address: Pl. du Casino, 98000 Monaco

Le Blue Bay – 2 Michelin Stars Restaurant

Hosted inside the Monte Carlo Bay resort, the restaurant serves the freshest, most inventive cuisine that brilliantly blends Caribbean and Mediterranean flavours and all presented on bespoke tableware.

Chef Marcel Ravin has teamed up with a potter from his native island to create tailor-made plates that bring back an essential point of the Chef’s itinerary and tell a story of the remarkable Caribbean seabed.

For a truly exclusive experience, you can even eat at chef Marcel Ravin’s own table facing the open kitchen and watch his team at work.

Blue Bay is an excellent spot for adventurous diners with extensive tasting menus on offer and an extensive wine and champagne cellar.

Address: 40 Av. Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco

Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris – Three Michelin Stars

The triple Michelin-starred Louis XV–Alain Ducasse in the Hotel de Paris (one of the best hotels in Monaco) is a sparkling example of what the best restaurants in Monaco have to offer.

The overall ambiance is truly exceptional, every dish is composed with precision and a sense of excellence and there is also a legendary wine list to choose from. This is the kind of unforgettable culinary experience you have to try at least once in your life!

It was the first hotel restaurant ever to receive three Michelin stars, a rating it has never lost, and some of the world’s finest chefs have trained in its kitchen.

Hotel de Paris is also home to Le Bar Américain which is perfect for an evening aperitif.

Address: Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Pl. du Casino, 98000

COYA

Offering sea-side views from the terrace, high-end Peruvian restaurant COYA boasts flamboyant décor and a lively atmosphere that embrace its South American theme.

Located in prime position on Princess Grace Avenue, near to the Monte-Carlo Sporting complex, COYA is the modern, lively and colourful address in Monaco definitely worth a visit.

Address: Coya Monte-Carlo, 26 Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco

NOBU

Nested in Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel, elegant and cosy restaurant featuring a magnificent bar, 2 exclusive private lounges and a unique terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. A dinner at Nobu Fairmont Monte Carlo is an everlasting memory.

Address: Fairmont Monte Carlo, 12 Avenue des Spélugues, Monaco 98000

Practical Information

Climate

Climate in Monaco: thanks to its Mediterranean climate, the Principality of Monaco enjoys over 300 days of sunshine every year. The average weather in Monaco is around 26-29ºC or 80-84ºF in summer and 8-14ºC or 48-58ºF in winter.

Currency

The euro is the official currency in Monaco. Most major credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques are not frequently accepted.

Driving

For those travelling to Monaco from the European Union, your local driver’s license is sufficient. Those travelling to Monaco from outside the European Union will need an international driving permit as well as their own driver’s license. Driving in Monaco is on the left and only children over 10 years old may sit in the front passenger seat.

Language

The official language in Monaco is French. Many people speak English and some also speak a dialect, known as Monégasque which is taught in schools and is similar to Italian.

Voltage

The standard voltage is 230 V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz.

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