Monaco Travel Guide:

Best Places to Visit in Monaco

This section of our Monaco Destination Guide describes the best places to visit in Monaco.  The tourist information in this section will help you find the destinations in Monaco that are worthy of your time and eliminate those not as rewarding.

Monaco (Monte-Carlo) follows the Mediterranean formula by creating a delightful town on a limited shoreline and imbuing it with an interesting history, beauty and an attractive cachet.  There are many colorful, but small public gardens throughout the city and strolling the Old Town (near the Palace) can be a delight.

When you see the map symbol, click for a detailed street map identify the location of interest.  In addition, the map includes as "satellite" button that will let you explore Monaco using a highly detailed satellite image.

Monte-Carlo

• The Casino (Le Casino de Monte Carlo)

  The Casino (and Opera House) is a beautiful building architected by Charles Garnier, whose creations include the Paris Opera House.  Of course, the attractions are the high-stakes gambling and "beautiful" people who sometimes make an appearance in the evening, but the building adds its own special touch of class.  The Casino is open to those 18 and older. Suitable attire is required.  The Casino is connected to the Salle Garnier, the beautiful auditorium of the Opera House. See this site for more information about visiting the Casino.

 

The Place du Casino is the "place to be" in Monte Carlo.  In addition to the Casino, you will enjoy visiting the elegant and internationally renowned  Hôtel de Paris, which, like the Casino, dates from the mid-19th century.  If you are looking for exceptional dining, this is the place - but is it quite pricey.  Another famous "eatery" is the Cafe de Paris, just across the street, which offers indoor and outdoor dining, as well as featuring fabulous seafood and incredible desserts.  Next, you will find the Sun Casino, a Las Vegas type of gambling hall that provides a more relaxed environment than "the Casino".  Finally, if you are looking for upscale shopping, just follow the crowd and you will soon be in designer row.

By the way, the Casino is located in an administrative areas of Monaco that is called Monte Carlo.  This area is, also, where the famous Grand Prix De Monaco, the Formula One grand prix, takes place. The proposed dates for the race are as follows:

2011,  May 26 - 29
2012,  May 24 - 27

Some uncertainty surrounds the future of Formula One racing, so be sure to check with the official website of the Automobile Club of Monaco for details on the dates for the event in 2011.

 

• Monaco-Ville

  The Prince's Palace and Palace Square

  • Originally built in the Thirteenth century, the Palace was  updated in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth centuries.  Parts of the Palace are open for tours and you can find more information here. The Palace Square (at the front of the Palace) hosts the changing of the guard for the Prince's Palace at 11:55am, seven days a week.
  • The Old Town
    • Though small in size, the Old Town is a pleasant place to walk and see the sights.  You will discover numerous shops and pleasant places to eat or gather food for a picnic.  You might want to spend some time at the Condamine Market  and the Rue Princess Caroline pedestrian mall.
  • The Monaco Cathedral is worth a quick visit.  It houses the remains of most of the former Princes of Monaco (including those of Prince Rainier), as well as those of his wife, Princess Grace (the former actress Grace Kelly - with whom the Prince had a famous and fairytale-like romance).  The Cathedral is approximately 100 years old and its interior is quite striking.
  • The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium
    • Made famous by its past curators, including Jacques Cousteau, the building houses a museum, an exceptional aquarium, and an internationally famous research institute.
    Consider stopping at the  restaurant "La Terrasse" on the top floor of the building  for lunch and a fantastic view of Monaco and the coast neighboring Italy.
  • Monaco has numerous restaurants and discos, which are frequently crowded  and fun places to party. Action usually starts later in the evening as the crowd filters in from the Casino.
    
    
• A great way to get an overview of Monaco and its attractions is to take a ride on the Azur Express: a small tourist train (tram), running every thirty minutes.  The route starts at the Oceanographic  Museum, passes the leading attractions, then returns to the Oceanographic Museum.  The Azur Express features multi-language electronic consoles that describe the sights of interest, all for a modest price.

If you are interested in visiting Monaco, click on the links at the bottom of the page for more information

If you need information about another travel destination, try our Destination Guide Index or Googling the web.

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