Monaco is a city-state that rises on a rocky promontory above the Mediterranean Sea and is divided into several city districts, the boundaries of which are not visible on a typical city tour. Monaco-Ville is the capital, and the other neighborhoods include the famous Monte Carlo with its favorite casino, La Condamine, and Fontvieille. Almost the entire territory of Monaco has already been developed. France, which surrounds it, is its only neighbor. Monaco is a trendy country, particularly among the wealthy. It is one of the Mediterranean's major economic powers. Millionaires made up 30% of the local population in 2014. Year-round tourism is the principality's most important financial sector, as Monaco is a popular tourist destination. Let's explore Monte Carlo a little bit more with us.
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What not to miss?
Casino of Monte Carlo
Casinos abound in Monaco, but the most famous is the Casino de Monte Carlo, with its iconic exterior and interior. In 1860, a spa complex with a casino was built in Monte Carlo, later replaced by the luxurious Hotel de Paris and a new casino. The last casino in the German Empire was closed by Otto von Bismark's office in 1877, which meant a massive influx of players for Monte Carlo and enormous profits for the entire location. By the way, the Casino de Monte Carlo is also well-known for hosting two James Bond films. It is possibly the most visited landmark in the country and the most famous casino in the world, and you can enter and admire its beauty for €10. You can explore the grounds, which include several game halls, tea rooms, restaurants, and luxury lounges. Only Monaco residents are permitted to work as croupiers in the casino; however, they are not permitted to play.
Palais Du Prince
The princely palace stands high on the rock of Le Rocher, and the surrounding area provides a stunning view that should not be missed. The palace was built in the 17th century after a massive reconstruction of a 12th-century Genoese fortress. The palace was not conquered for a long time until it was occupied by French troops at the end of the 18th century, when it housed, among other things, a military hospital and a workhouse. The palace was expanded further in the 1820s. The changing of the guard in front of the palace gates, which takes place every day at 11:55 a.m. and lasts less than 10 minutes, is a popular tourist attraction.
Larvotto Beach
You can spend the day on hot days at Larvotto, Monaco's most famous beach. It has a lovely sandy beach with small pebbles and a clear sea. Because the beach is open to the public, expect many tourists. Many activities are encouraged by the crystal-clear sea. Windsurfing, water skiing, banana boat rides, pedal boats, water polo, and snorkeling are among the most popular. You can also try sailing on a yacht at a local sailing school under the supervision of experienced instructors.
Oceanographic Museum
The museum is the best of its kind, and you can even touch a shark! The entrance fee is €14, which is well worth it for such an experience. The variety of marine animals and fish is incredible. Even if you have no interest in oceanography and prefer to spend your time outside rather than in museums, you should visit the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco. It will awe you with its structure, which is inextricably linked to this city-state.
St.Nicolas Cathedral
The magnificent Cathedral of St. Nicholas was built in 1884 of white stone, lending it majesty and beauty. Inside are buried members of the Monaco royal family, including Grace Kelly, the American actress who married Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Monaco's two-euro coin features Princess Grace.
What else to visit?
Monte Carlo Harbour
Take a stroll through Monaco's main harbor and admire the luxurious yachts and sailboats, as well as the stunning views of the Bay. The Port of Monaco had existed since the time of the Phoenicians, a thousand years before the birth of Christ, and was later used for shelter and trading by the Greeks and Romans. The yachts are genuinely magnificent and well-kept. It's fascinating to see which countries and cities they're registered in. Over 600 vessels anchored in this port belong to some of Monaco's wealthiest residents. The Prince's leading yacht can even be seen.
Japanese Gardens
Beautiful Japanese gardens will enchant you in the city's hustle and bustle, surrounded by tall buildings and skyscrapers. During the day, you can unwind and recharge your batteries for free. This garden, designed by landscape architect Yasuo Beppu (Grand Prix at the Osaka Flower Exhibition in 1990) at the request of Prince Rainier III in 1994, transports visitors to the Land of the Rising Sun while they remain in the Principality.
Formula One Monaco Grand Prix
Racetrack and casino Monaco is where it's at. We've already discussed casinos, so let's not forget about the racing circuit. Every year, the 3.34-kilometer circuit hosts a Formula 1 and Grand Prix race, and drivers drive it 78 times. In 1929, the first race was held in these winding streets. It has undoubtedly been one of the most difficult since then.
Sainte-Dévote chapel
It was built in the hollow of the "Vallon des Gaumates," where a frail boat carrying Sainte Dévote's remains ran aground at its entrance in the 4th century. Every year on January 26th, a boat is burned at nightfall as part of a still heartfelt traditional ceremony. Admission is free.
The Cars Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco
H.S.H., the Prince of Monaco's car collection, will astound you! An exhibition of over 100 cars, ranging from the callèche to the Formula 1, of various colors and origins. Discover the most beautiful mechanics once again. Every era is represented. A must-see visit to the Principality for all classic car enthusiasts!
How to travel there?
The nearest airport is in Nice, and wealthy visitors take helicopters from there to Monaco. Other tourists can use train and bus connections; bus number 110 runs every half hour from Nice airport to Monaco and costs €22. Another option is to drive by car. The most frequently tested route is to Milan via Munich, Nice, and Monaco.
In this tiny country, we recommend going for a walk. You can easily walk through it all in one day, pausing to admire the city's beauty whenever you want. If you need to rent a car, keep in mind that traffic is highly congested. The bus service, divided into six routes, works flawlessly throughout the city. A single-trip ticket from the machine costs 1.50€, and an all-day ticket costs 5.50€.
When to travel there?
Monaco has a warm Mediterranean climate with oceanic humid subtropical influences. As a result, summers are warm and dry, and winters are mild and rainy. Temperatures can reach over 30 degrees Celsius in the summer and rarely fall below 8 degrees Celsius in the winter. If you want to gamble, you can come almost any time of year; if you want sun and sea, June to September is ideal.
Average costs
A low-cost traveler will depart from Nice, where he will pay 50€ for his room and 3€ for the bus ride. A snack prepared at home can cost him 4€. For 0€, they spend the day at the destination on the beach, in the park, or walking around the city. The lowest possible daily cost is 57€/person/day.
The standard traveler will stay in a cheap hotel in Monaco for 140€, eat at local fast food restaurants or shops for around 15€, take the bus around the city for 6€, and not miss the Oceanographic Museum for 14€. A day like this will set us back 175€/person/day.
The luxury traveler will stay at a top hotel in the city center for 555€, a meal for 130€, and a drive around the city in a rented sports car for 150€. We can't possibly end the evening any other way than at the casino, where we'll save 1,111€. We arrive at a figure of 1,946€, which does not have to be final.
Where to eat?
The local cuisine reflects the gastronomic wealth of neighboring France. The food preparation method is very healthy, low-fat, and only uses high-quality ingredients. The main courses are usually prepared with seafood or fish and fresh vegetables. The traditional and most well-known dish is barbagiuan bagels, pastries filled with cheese, rice, leeks, pumpkin, or spinach. Champagne or fine wine from French vineyards is usually served with good food.
Mada'One is one of the city's newest restaurants, located in the newly constructed One Monte Carlo building in the heart of the city. The interior is modern and lounge-like, and the eclectic cuisine from Michelin-starred chef Marcel Ravin, who is from Martinique, is excellent. Breakfast, lunch—you'll see locals on their lunch breaks—or pre-dinner snacks and drinks.
Monte-Carlo is a truly international city, so it's only fitting that the new casino-adjacent restaurant (where the site's Cabaret used to be) serves some of the best sushi and fusion cuisines in the city and it is called Buddha Bar. A popular hangout for both locals and tourists, visit the lounge/bar before your meal and order a hookah if you so desire.
Events
Monte-Carlo Fashion Week
Monte-Carlo Fashion Week is a fashion and style event held in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Designers from all over the world present their collections for the coming seasons. The Fashion Council of Monaco, in collaboration with the government, is organizing the event. The Fashion Week attracts all of the fashion industry's prominent figures as well as stylish icons, including the royals.
Monaco Grand Prix
The Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix is a major event in Monaco. When the race arrives in town, everything comes to a halt. People can watch the race from a variety of locations, including the circuit's grandstands and hotel rooftops, and balconies. Guests can purchase a ticket for a single day, two days, and so on. People come from all over the world to watch the race and enjoy Monaco's nightlife.
Top Marques Monaco
Top Marques is a car show in Monaco that features supercars and luxury vehicles. Yachts and super boats, among other fast toys, are displayed and paraded for all to see. Personal fashion luxury items such as watches and jewelry are also displayed. Tickets can be purchased through their website.
National Rosé Day
Every year in June, on National Rosé Day, many bottles of rose wine are opened. This event promotes the production of Rose Wine in this part of the world. Visitors come to enjoy Rose Wine and have a good time and buy bottles to take home with them.
We believe you wish to visit Monte Carlo as soon as possible, and we are not surprised! A land of luxury, wealth, fashion, wine, cars, and casinos. Let us know how you liked our article and if you decide to go to Monaco, share your experiences and photos with us! We also have other places for you to visit, such as Paphos, Lanzarote, or Sevilla. Do not forget to follow us @thewalkingparrot to be always updated on the new releases.
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