Monaco. One day in the Principality of Monaco Monaco travel guide
“What to see besides the casino?” This question sometimes arises before tourists who decide to visit Monaco, but for some reason limit themselves to the Monte Carlo quarter with its luxurious sports cars and cozy tables of the Cafe de Paris. However, so many attractions are concentrated in a small territory of the principality that it is quite difficult to get around everything in one day. However, if you plan your visit correctly, you can discover the real Principality of Monaco with its rich history and legends.
So, how can you see everything in one day and still enjoy your visit? We tell you in our material.
Princely Palace and Palace Square
The Palace Square, located on a cliff, is the real heart of Monaco. Here begins the history of the principality and your visit. The square offers stunning views of Monaco: on one side you can see Port Hercule and the legendary casino, on the other - Fontvieille, the youngest quarter of the principality, built under Prince Rainier III.
Here you will get acquainted with Francesco Grimaldi, from which the history of the ruling family began. According to legend, in 1297 he captured a fortress on a rock, disguised as a monk. He is considered the founder of the Monaco dynasty, and Francesco received the nickname “cunning” for his ingenuity. On Palace Square - where it all began - there is a statue of him.
Princely Palace For seven centuries it has been the residence of the ruler of Monaco. Every day at 11:55 there is a changing of the guard at its walls. After the ceremony with the participation of the prince's carabinieri, you can go for a walk through the narrow streets of Monaco-Ville, the old city of the principality.
Monaco-Ville
Monaco-Ville can be considered an open-air museum in itself. Not only do the oldest buildings here date back to the Renaissance, but the old town is also home to important state institutions. Walking along the picturesque streets, you will see the Monaco City Hall, the Palace of Justice, and St. Nicholas Cathedral, where the most important religious processions and princely weddings take place. It was here that Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III in 1956. The wedding ceremony was broadcast live in nine European countries. Princess Grace and her husband are buried here, as the cathedral is the tomb of the rulers of Monaco.
Walking along the sea and the gardens of Saint-Martin, you will see a majestic building Oceanographic Museum, created more than a century ago by Prince Albert I, great-grandfather of the current ruler of Monaco. The museum has become a real temple of the underwater world; its collections number about 6,000 exhibits. Having visited the halls of the museum, it is not difficult to imagine what contribution Prince Albert I made to the development of oceanography.
In winter, the Oceanographic Museum is open from 10:00 to 18:00. Ticket prices vary depending on the season: 11-14 euros for adults, 5-7 euros for children.
Port and Formula 1 track
The path from the Oceanographic Museum to the main port of Monaco is not complete without historical attractions. Going down to the port along avenue de la Quarantaine, you will pass by Fort Antoine. The fort was built at the beginning of the 18th century, and then, on the initiative of Prince Rainier III, it was turned into an open-air theater.
When construction work began in the port of Hercule at the beginning of the 20th century, no one could have thought that in the middle of the century they would begin to carry out Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious Formula 1 races. A walk in the port can become even more interesting if you remember that every May the road along the embankment turns into a race track. Hundreds of Formula 1 fans come to Monaco for one weekend and the roar of powerful engines can be heard everywhere.
In addition, at the beginning of December, a Christmas village opens annually in the port with attractions for children and delicious mulled wine for adults.
Exotic garden
From the port, lovers of picturesque places, beautiful gardens and vegetation can go to the Exotic Garden of Monaco. To do this, at the Princesse Antoinette stop located in the port, you need to take bus number 2, which will take you to the garden. During the trip you can also see Villa Paloma, one of the buildings of the New National Museum of Monaco.
In the 15,000 sq.m garden you will find more than a thousand plants originating from all over the world. The winter months are the perfect time for South African succulents to bloom. In addition to the vegetation, the garden, opened in 1933 on the mountainside, is famous for its grotto, which is about 60 meters deep.
In winter, the garden is open from 9:00 to 17:00, and the grotto offers guided visits every hour starting at 10:00. Cost: 7.20 euros for adults, 3.80 euros for children under 18 years old.
Monte Carlo
The Monte Carlo area is an attraction in itself, because over the course of several centuries, the most prominent personalities of different eras have walked through its main square: from Winston Churchill, who loved to stay at the Hotel de Paris, to Liza Minnelli and Grace Kelly, who became the Princess of Monaco.
To get to the Casino Square from the Exotic Garden, you need to get off at the Monte-Carlo (Tourisme) stop and go through the boutiques of the Monte-Carlo pavilions, located opposite the famous casino.
A pleasant end to your walk around Monte Carlo will be a cup of coffee on the terrace Cafe de Paris, overlooking the square, the Casino of Monte Carlo and the Hotel de Paris. Here is also the Monte Carlo Opera, which is also called the Salle Garnier in honor of the architect, according to whose design the opera hall was built.
Japanese garden
After a walk around Monte Carlo, we head to another attraction that will take us to the Land of the Rising Sun. We are talking about the Japanese garden, located in the Larvotto quarter and created on the initiative of Prince Rainier III. Here you can see all the obligatory attributes of a Japanese garden: a tea house, bridges, a waterfall, a swimming pool and much more. It is worth noting that when creating the garden, the architect Yasuo Beppu took into account the principles of Zen teachings.
Fontvieille Quarter and Princess Grace Rose Garden
If after this trip you still have some strength left, then it is worth visiting the youngest quarter of the principality - Fontvieille. It was created on the territory of the sea with the help of reclamation works begun in the mid-60s to solve the problem of lack of territory that still exists in the principality.
Fontvieille is located Louis II stadium, where all home matches of the AS Monaco football club are held, as well as Princess Grace Rose Garden, opened two years after her tragic death on the initiative of her husband, Prince Rainier III. The official opening of the garden took place in 1984. Today, the collection of roses has expanded significantly and the rose garden has more than 300 varieties and 6,000 rose bushes. There is also a bronze statue of the princess created by Kes Verkade.
The perfect end to your visit will be dinner at one of the restaurants located on the promenade at the port of Fontvieille.
Photo: HelloMonaco/institut-ocean.org/europeangardens.eu/10best.com
The territory of Monaco is so small that in one day you can see all the main attractions and even have time to fall in love with this strange piece of land sandwiched between French villages.
People have settled in a sheltered bay on the sunny coast since time immemorial. However, the history of the Principality of Monaco is connected with the reign of the Grimaldi dynasty. It all started in the 13th century, when the resourceful ancestor of the current prince, disguised as a monk, tricked his way into a Genoese fortress that was considered impregnable.
Since then, the power in the country has not changed - only members of this family remain on the throne. If one day the branch of the Grimaldi family is interrupted, the territory of the principality will go to France. Therefore, it is not surprising that many world celebrities who have settled in this tax paradise are looking forward to Prince Albert’s young wife, former swimming champion Charlene Wittstock, giving birth to an heir.
But let’s not waste any more time on gossip about the princely family, but let’s begin our mini-trip. A train departing from Nice, passing a small village on the Mediterranean coast, dives into a tunnel and finds itself at a giant station flooded with golden light.
Having left the station building, you realize that in a couple of minutes you have been transported from the rural outback to the center of a city built up with skyscrapers.
First of all, you should go to the royal palace standing on a high hill. The reigning dynasty kindly allows guests into part of their chambers and even provides audio guides in different languages. But you can’t take pictures inside, so you’ll have to go and look at the luxurious suite of rooms, which remembers several generations of the Grimaldi family.
Try to finish the tour before 11.55 am - at this time, every day, year after year, the changing of the guard ceremony takes place in front of the palace.
The next item on the program is the Oceanographic Museum. From the palace you can walk to it along a small street with probably a hundred souvenir shops. At the entrance we are greeted by a strange sculpture.
On several floors of the museum there is a gigantic collection of stuffed animals and skeletons of sea creatures. For several decades, since 1951, the meeting was headed by Jacques-Yves Cousteau. After his expeditions, new exhibits always appeared in the halls. Most people are usually interested in an aquarium located in the basement with living inhabitants of the depths.
Don't forget to go up to the roof: there you will find an inexpensive restaurant, a children's playground and, most importantly, a unique view of most of the principality.
We go down to the foot of the hill and find ourselves at the port. The most luxurious yachts in the world stop in this spacious bay. Taking a closer look, you can see huge swimming pools and Jacuzzis on their decks, and in the holds opened by the vain owners there is a whole fleet of a dozen luxury cars.
The port is a sacred place for any Formula 1 fan: the race track in Monaco runs through the streets of the city, and therefore, during free time from competitions, the most ordinary cars cross the starting line.
Bypassing the port you will arrive in Monte Carlo. Yes, this is not the name of a country, and not the name of a city, as some people think, but just the name of one area, known primarily for the oldest casino in Europe. Even if you are not interested in gambling, be sure to go inside and admire the luxurious interiors.
By the way, if you cross this wonderful green park located opposite the casino, you will find yourself at the Monaco tourism office (if you don’t know, it’s a little difficult to find it the first time). There you can buy tickets for a sightseeing bus, and generally get a lot of useful information.
Not everyone in Monaco drives a Lamborghini or a Maserati; there is also regular city transport in this city-state. But if you only have one day, you don’t want to waste time and figure out routes. For tourists, a hop-on hop-off excursion bus, making 12 stops in the most interesting places of the principality, is an ideal option.
For lovers of the East, it is better not to linger long in this park, but to walk a little forward so that in about 10 minutes you will find yourself in the Japanese Garden.
In the city center among the skyscrapers, the last thing you would expect is to see a small piece of Japan.
Just a few hours - and you already have a great sense of direction and seem to have seen everything in this country? This is not entirely true! Ahead of you is a “deep dive”: a scrupulous study of the best gastronomic restaurants, testing nightclubs, shopping, relaxing on the beach. Looks like it might be worth getting a room at one of the local hotels and staying for a week or two!
Monaco is a tiny state associated with France. The country is located on the shores of the Ligurian Sea, sharing a land border with France. The country of Monaco is popular due to its Formula 1 race, the Monaco Grand Prix, as well as the Monte Carlo casino and a number of other attractions that are worth checking out. In this article we will talk about what to see in Monaco, looking at the sights that are most interesting to visitors.
One of the most famous gambling houses in Europe, a majestic building with a special architecture, erected back in 1863, a unique place where large sums are won and lost - all this can be applied to the Monte Carlo casino. Excursion tours are offered here, and during the day you can take a photo against the backdrop of a casino with a historical trail.
The casino is a favorite place for tourists, visited by them every day. It is worth noting that in the evening there must be a certain dress code to enter the casino. Taking photographs of the casino building and its visitors after sunset is prohibited. So, don't get into an awkward situation.
Oceanographic Museum of the Principality of Monaco
The Oceanographic Museum is another place worth seeing in Monaco. This museum was founded by Prince Albert I, a memorable scientific figure who devoted part of his life to oceanographic research.
The museum building is a masterpiece of architectural thought, since it is made of solid rock. The architect Delefortry worked on the architecture of the building. The building crashes into a steep slope, rising 85 meters above sea level. The Oceanographic Museum is the scientific base of the Institute of Oceanography. It is interesting to know that since 1957 the director of the museum has been the world-famous navigator and traveler Jacques Yves Cousteau.
In the old town of Monaco-Ville, on a cliff, there is a palace building with a historical heritage. A remarkable fact: the palace has been the residence of the ruling dynasty of Monaco for seven centuries, which means that during this time a large number of traditions have been collected and preserved, which are interesting for tourists to know about.
If you are interested in what to see in Monaco and have some free time, then you can wait for the changing of the guard under the princely palace. The changing of the guard is an interesting event that takes place daily at the palace walls at 11:55.
Cathedral of St. Nicholas
The Cathedral of Saint Nicholas is located in Monaco and is a distinctive attraction for visiting tourists. Another name for the cathedral is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The building was erected in 1875. A little earlier, on the site of the erected Cathedral building, there stood the Church of St. Nicholas, which operated for thirteen centuries. The building is made of white stone in the Roman-Romanesque style popular at that time. Today the Cathedral is considered an architectural monument.
The port of the dwarf state in question is not only an exclusively commercial or tourist place, but also an interesting place for a memorable vacation. Fresh air, a beautiful landscape overlooking the sea, calm and tranquility, unusual for ports - all this is found by a tourist who comes to admire the view.
The port coast and cycling are the two most compatible concepts for lovers of a healthy lifestyle. Yacht driving lessons are also available, which, it is worth noting, will cost a pretty penny, but will bring an incredible amount of positive emotions and great memories.
Formula 1 track
The Monaco Grand Prix sports car race, which is famous all over the world, is justifiably considered one of the most prestigious in the Formula 1 championship. An interesting feature of the track is that it was not built as a separate track, but right on the street.
During the Monaco Grand Prix stage, the track and its surroundings turn into a grandiose theater, the actions of which are broadcast to the whole world.
The building of the famous opera house is a masterpiece of human architectural achievements. It’s incredibly pleasant just to look at the opera house building. The architect of the theater was Charles Garnier. The famous operetta theater of Monaco opened in 1879, on January 29.
The façade of the building is successfully decorated with towers and sculptures. The interior of the foyer is made of red marble. The theater's capacity is small - only 524 people, and therefore getting to listen to the opera is a great success.
Monaco is a tiny state where people are used to living luxuriously. Only wealthy tourists go there, because even a cup of coffee costs 50 US dollars. The sights of Monaco are scattered throughout the country, each deserves attention. It is important to know that significant cultural monuments are located quite far from each other. Knowing in advance what to see in Monaco will make it easier for you to organize your trip.
What to see first in Monaco?
First of all, I would like to present you with a rating of the sights of Monaco that you need to see first of all. A trip to this country cannot but be memorable, because it is literally overflowing with historical and cultural monuments.
1. Museum of Old Monaco
Main entrance to the Museum of Old Monaco As the name implies, this is a place where entire collections of antique objects, ceramics, and paintings are presented to the attention of tourists and local residents. The furnishings are made from preserved furniture from past centuries. National costumes also arouse interest among tourists, because they seem to transport them back to the old days. The museum is free to visit and open on certain days of the week from June to September. By visiting it, you can get an idea of who the Monegasques are.
2. Botanical Garden of Monaco
Flora of the Botanical Garden of Monaco It has several names, but one thing is for sure: this attraction should be one of the first to see. There are unique collections of cacti, succulents, and what is the view from the top, which opens from the slide! You will have the entire principality at your fingertips. In describing the garden, I would like to note that it specializes mainly in plants that have special tissues where water is stored. They were brought from different parts of the planet. The garden area reaches 1 hectare, and there are specimens that have managed to take root in the local climate.
3. Larvotto Beach
Snow-white artificial sand on Larvotto beach This Monaco attraction is a must for those who want a glamorous beach holiday, because the beach is one of the most expensive in the world. It is possible to sunbathe topless, but keep in mind that the absence of jewelry on the body may be considered bad manners. As for the prices for drinks and beach equipment, they are simply off the charts, but the service of the staff in restaurants and on the seashore is worth it. Especially mothers with children like the jellyfish net, which stretches along the entire coast.
4. Monaco Ville
Panorama of Monaco Ville For those who are not in the know, the state described does not have a capital; it only has districts, one of which is Monaco-Ville. It is laced with picturesque pedestrian paths that lead to Palace Square, where the official residence of the princely family is located. Many tourists strive to get here to see how the guard, consisting of 12 perfectly selected soldiers, changes. The area is located on a cliff 60 m high above the water level, just a stone's throw from the sea.
5. Japanese garden
Corner of the Japanese Garden This landmark of Monaco is considered a real miracle, and it is located on Princess Grace Avenue, as close as possible to the beach. Looking at the photo of the garden, you understand that it deservedly ranks among the best in the world. It is known that its creation was commissioned from the architect and part-time landscape painter Jassy Beppyu. For 17 months, a whole team of designers worked painstakingly to solve complex technical problems, and it was worth it. The result was a real masterpiece, which to this day is one of the best attractions not only in the country, but also in the world. Plants were selected and arranged in accordance with such concepts as 4 seasons (a symbol of the cyclical nature of human life) and 5 cardinal directions.
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Monaco!
6. Antique Car Museum
Museum collection of vintage cars Victor Grigas When traveling around Monaco, it would not hurt to visit an exhibition of car collections belonging to the prince. The collection contains only rarities, everything is located on the Fontvieille Terrace. The number of vehicles reaches hundreds, among them European and American models, from various eras. Of interest are the carriages that once belonged to Prince Rainier III.
7. St. Nicholas Cathedral
The majestic building of St. Nicholas Cathedral 9. Prince's Palace
Prince's Palace at night While exploring the main attractions of the country, do not neglect the official residence of its rulers. This place with an interesting history cannot but amaze with the grandeur of its appearance; it is located in the already mentioned Monaco-Ville area. It is interesting to know that if a flag flutters over the roof of a large public building, it means that the prince is within his chambers. A special feature of the palace is the presence inside it of an Italian gallery, a hall in which there is a throne, the Salon of Louis XV and Mazarin. In summer, concerts are often held in the courtyard. The palace is not completely open to tourists; Grimaldi's chambers are located in the southwest wing.
10. Casino Monte Carlo
Casino Monte Carlo is the oldest gambling establishment in Europe Interesting places in Monaco are not limited to gardens and cathedrals. The country's calling card is its casinos, and Monte Carlo is one of the most respectable gambling houses in the world. It appeared after Prince Charles III sold 2 cities to Napoleon III. He decided to spend the proceeds on creating an aristocratic resort. The French financier was invited to open a casino in Monaco, and the result was a very beautiful building. Before lunch, you can visit it like a regular museum; you just need to buy a ticket to enter; no dress code is required. By the way, only guests of Monaco have the right to play in the casino; citizens are prohibited from doing so.
11. Monte Carlo Opera House
Entrance to the Monte Carlo Opera House 17. Country Club Monte Carlo
Professional tennis tournament at the Monte Carlo Country Club Ghaly What to visit in Monaco for entertainment? This is a unique place, entirely dedicated to achieving high results. Here, tourists are offered tennis courts with magnificent views of the sea, they are open all year round. To describe the Country Club more precisely, I would like to say that it accommodates 21 clay courts with a beautiful view of the sea coast, 2 hard courts and the same number for squash. For entertainment, tourists are offered individual/collective courses, various competitions among juniors and adults, as well as tournaments are organized.
18. Cafe de Paris
View from Casino Square to the Café de Paris tiger rus Another attraction of Monaco is located in the busiest place in Monte Carlo, namely the famous Casino Square. The cafe is very popular among tourists because there you can see wax figures of the autochthonous subjects of the Principality. What to visit in Monaco, namely the Café de Paris? Here, in addition to the main hall, there is a brasserie (an elongated hall decorated with stained glass windows in the Belle Epoque style) and several terraces. The cuisine in this establishment is not only high-quality, but also varied; the chef manages to create the most original dishes with an unforgettable taste. The cafe would not be complete without a seafood stall.
19. Chapel of Divine Mercy
Chapel of Mercy (left) in Baroque style M.Strīķis Thinking about what to see in Monaco from the ancient times? Pay attention to the Chapelle de la Misericorde, a small building with icons built in 1639, it is decorated in the Baroque style. During the French Revolution it suffered serious damage, but after some time the chapel was restored. The façade was supplemented with pilasters, capitals, and mosaic paintings. The main value of this Monaco landmark is the wooden sculpture of Christ, made by the personal sculptor of Emperor Napoleon I. Of particular value are donations from parishioners and gifts from those who repent.
20. La Mayenne Corniche
The highway runs along the sea, rising serpentine to the Valdiney Pimenta mountains Another attraction of Monaco is the highway connecting the small state with the unofficial capital of the French Riviera, Nice. The uniqueness of the highway is that it runs along the sea coast, attention, at an altitude of 200 m above sea level. Just imagine what a person feels when he finds himself in these parts. Indeed, what is worth seeing in Monaco is the village of Eze, located on a cliff not far from the medieval castle. This place attracts with its panoramic view from the mountain to the famous resort of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
The sights in Monaco cannot but delight with their splendor. The country, although small, can surprise. There are hotels in Monaco to suit every taste and budget; you won’t have any problems choosing, the main thing is to plan everything in advance. There are many special services with which you can book a room.
“It’s better to go to Monaco not during the hot summer season, but a little earlier or a little later, for example in May or September,” says Valery Kukharchuk, a lover of European resorts. — At this time there is not a large influx of tourists, and prices are much lower. You don't have to live in Monte Carlo. There are many interesting places in the Principality where you will spend less money but have a great rest. Hotels in Monaco are very expensive, so it is better to live outside the country - in Italy, for example. We always stay in the Italian border port town of Ventimiglia and live at a campsite right in a tent. For two people the pleasure costs 26 euros per night. However, it is not at all necessary to spend the night in such camping conditions; there are hotels for every budget. We also take a daily packed lunch with us, and we get to the principality by train, which takes half an hour, and a ticket to Mona costs only 4 euros. By the way, trains to Monaco run very often, every 30 minutes.
Walking around Monaco
What to see in Monaco in one day? If you have already visited Monaco-Ville and went on an excursion to the casino, be sure to relax on the beach, take a swim and enjoy the beauty of the Cote d'Azur. The sea in Monaco is very salty, and if water accidentally gets into your mouth, your throat will become sore. They say it's not very pleasant. From the beach you can admire expensive yachts, ancient modernized sailboats and elegant sports boats. After all, Monaco is a romantic city!
Visit the Exotic Garden - it is located at the last stop of all buses. There are more than 1,000 species of cacti that bloom constantly here, many of which are over a hundred years old. The park has picturesque bridges, stairs, terraces and a beautiful cave 90 meters deep. From the observation deck of the garden you can see the modern district of Fontvieille, built on an artificial embankment. The area has a children's playground and a rose garden planted by Princess Grace. The museum of the history of princes with wax figures of all the rulers of the principality is interesting to visit.
It’s nice to just walk around Monaco, marveling at the narrow, well-kept streets, the variety of architectural styles, and the beauty of nature. Monaco seems to be permeated with light. It is light, cheerful and spacious. It is very clean and safe, there are no thieves or other lawbreakers, which is, of course, impressive.
Where to eat in Monaco