Things To Do In Monaco

Monaco is the smallest state in Europe, next to Vatican City, and is made up of four distinct sections. The Old Town, called Monaco-Ville, sits atop a promontory 60 metres high. This is where the Royal Palace, the government building and the Oceanographic Museum are located. At the foot of the Old Town is La Condamine, which forms the harbour and port district. Uphill from the port is Monte Carlo, with its infamous casino and the grandest of the grand old hotels. The fourth area is the tidy industrial suburb of Fontvieille. Despite being only a little bigger than a small city, Monaco has a decent amount of attractions. There are several museums, some lovely gardens and amazing shopping areas. Just being in Monaco is an attraction in itself. You never know who you’ll see sitting at the bar next to you or strolling along the marina.

Monte Carlo Casino

This grand icon of Monaco was designed and built in 1878 by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera House. The casino is more than just a place to gamble. It is also a world-class opera house and has wonderful gardens out back. In front of the opera is the ‘atrium’, which is paved in marble and surrounded by 28 towering onyx columns. The auditorium of the opera is called the ‘Salle Garnier’ and is lushly decorated in red and gold, with walls covered in frescoes, bas-reliefs and sculptures. The gaming rooms of the casino are equally resplendent, with the romantic atmosphere you’d expect from a James Bond film. Outside the casino are the famous terraces and gardens, which slope upwards toward the town’s main shopping street and offer stunning views of the sea.

Fontvieille Park

A pleasant little oasis filled with shrubs and plants from all over the world that covers nearly four hectares. At the centre of the park is a small fresh water pond with ducks and swans. Accompanying the park is the Princess Grace Rose Garden, which is always a quiet and wonderfully fragrant spot. More than 4,000 rose bushes are made up of 150 varieties.

Japanese Garden

This truly enchanting garden is a work of art, which unites stone, water and vegetation in a perfect balance, as only the Japanese can manage. Designed by the legendary landscape architect Yasuo Beppu, the large gardens blend the natural world with the urban structures of man, which border around it. Everything about this garden oozes a quiet Japanese Zen feeling.

Exotic Garden

Also known as the ‘Magic Garden’, this massive collection of thousands of succulent plants was started in 1933. Dramatically perched among the rocks of the cliff, these types of plants thrive in Monaco’s microclimate. With hundreds of different styles of subtropical plants, the mosaic of colour and shape against the backdrop of the blue sea is breathtaking. Visitors can walk along footbridges high above the cliff and admire both the gardens and the city.

Zoological Terraces

Over 250 animals from 50 different species live here in Monaco’s tiny but exemplary zoo. Opened in 1954 by Prince Rainier III, this compound is built on the south face of the Rock of Monaco, which overlooks the port and harbour. Exotic birds, black panthers, white tigers and lemurs are just a few of the interesting animals on display. The zoo houses all of the creatures in high quality, environmentally accurate enclosures to provide the most humane conditions.

Old Town Monaco

The ancient heart of this country has been lovingly preserved in the narrow streets of the Old Town. Connected by a maze of vaulted passageways, these streets are lined with medieval houses which are centuries old. Many fantastic attractions lie within the Old Town including the Place Bosio and Place Saint Nicolas, the Chapelle de la Paix and the façade of the Law Courts. The Saint Martin Gardens, which face the sea, are the perfect place to stop and rest during your wanderings. This little park has fountains, pine trees, a pergola and bronze statues to complete the ambiance.

The Prince of Monacos Private Collection of Cars

If you are a fan of cars, then you must visit this amazing museum. One can only imagine the extent of the prince’s personal collection of rare and exotic automobiles, and you will not be disappointed. There are over 100 rare and vintage motorcars on display, all of which are in immaculent condition. A 1929 Bugatti, 1903 De Dion Bouton and 1952 Rolls Royce are just a few of the beauties on hand.

Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs

In the south wing of the Prince’s Palace is an interesting little museum dedicated to the First Empire of France and the Principality of Monaco. As you’d expect from such a wealthy state, the collection is quite impressive. The ground floor has more than 1,000 objects and documents relating to the First Empire, with relics from Emperor Napoleon I, Saint Helena and the King of Rome among others. The first floor is devoted entirely to Monaco’s history. Exhibits include the original Charter of Independence of Monaco, signed by King Louis XII, and other rare documents as well as medals, uniforms and other memorabilia.

Princes Palace

No trip to Monaco would be complete without a visit to the Royal Palace. Located in a dramatic setting overlooking the principality and the sea, the palace began life as a fortress built by the Genoese in 1215. This stunning structure has many outstanding features which can be toured including the Italian-style gallery along the south façade and the throne room, which has been hosting important ceremonies since the 16th century. You can also admire the beautiful salons, the Palatine Chapel and the Saint Marie Tower. It’s the main courtyard, paved with three million coloured pebbles forming massive geometrical patterns, that draws the most attention. Monaco’s famous summer concerts are held outdoors in this impressive area. Every day at 11:55 sharp, visitors can enjoy the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard, performed by the Carabiniers in full uniform at the palace’s main entrance. The palace is open daily from 09:30 to 18:00, June to September, and from 10:00 to 17:00 in October. It’s closed to the public from November to May.

Monaco Cathedral
Standing on the site of a 13th century church dedicated to Saint Nicolas, the present cathedral was built in 1875 from white stone quarried in La Turbie. It houses the tombs of former princes of Monaco as well as the tomb of Princess Grace.

Wax Museum of the Princes of Monaco
This strange but interesting museum is on the rue Basse, one of the most picturesque streets in the old part of town. Historical events from the Grimaldi dynasty and the people who were involved in them are presented in life-size wax wearing authentic period costumes.