Monaco – 10 reasons why should be on your bucket list

What to see and do in Monaco in one day? How to visit Monaco in 2 to 3 days? Is Monaco the country? The Principality of Monaco is the second smallest independent state in the world after the Vatican.  Albert II, Prince of Monaco, governs the small country. Where is Monaco? This city-state occupies only 2,02 km2, its territory being enclosed in the French department of Alpes-Maritimes.

But unlike the Vatican or San Marino, Monaco has territorial waters and access to international waters and is not an enclave in the political sense.

What is Monaco’s population? With 37,000 inhabitants, it is the most densely populated country in the world! The lack of space has pushed the authorities, since the 1960s, to multiply the towers in the district of Monte Carlo.

Furthermore, the flag of Monaco is composed of two horizontal stripes: the one above is red, and the other is white. Except for the proportions, it is identical to the flag of Indonesia. The current design dates from 1881. The Grimaldi family established the colors of the flag in the 14th century. But the Rock of Monaco, the historic heart of the principality, has kept its traditional architecture.

Do you have questions about tourism in Monaco? How to get there; where to park; what to visit in Monaco in one day; where are the beaches; the luxury stores in Monaco? Finally, you can find all the attractions on the attached map of Monaco.

The Princely Family of Monaco

The Princely Family of Monaco is made up of members of the Grimaldi family. The dynasty began in 1297. In 2005, Prince Albert II of Monaco succeeded his father, Rainier III. Grace Kelly, the famous Hollywood actress, became an icon in her own right. She was the driving force behind the Monegasque principality’s rise to prominence in the 1950s.

Monaco, located in the heart of the French Riviera, is synonymous with luxury and glamor due to the captivating beauty of its princesses. Charlene of Monaco, Caroline of Monaco, Stéphanie of Monaco, and Charlotte Casiraghi are international ambassadors for this 2 km2 territory, which is the world’s second smallest independent state.

Why should you visit Monaco?

Monaco constitutes, by its location on the very touristic French Riviera, its particularities or the memory of the Princess Grace, an original place which attracts tourism. The Principality is home to several museums, the most famous of which is the Oceanographic Museum, which attracts more than 600,000 visitors every year.

The Principality is home to several museums, the most famous of which is the Oceanographic Museum, which attracts more than 600,000 visitors every year.

In short, Monaco has many assets on a very limited surface:

• An old city
• Two ports
• A palace
• An oceanographic museum
• A casino
• A luxury hotels
• Museums
• Gardens
• An animal park
• Shopping centers

So many reasons to visit the principality!

One comes here to discover a city-state “enclosed” in France with a particular history.

Le Rocher

Indeed, the beating heart of the city, the Rocher, is located on the heights of Monaco. With its beautiful houses dating from the 16th to the 18th century, its alleys, and its ramparts, this district will dazzle you with its beauty.

Moreover, a visit out of time will allow you to discover, among others, the chapel of the Visitation, the cathedral, and the Palace. You can also admire the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Le Casino de Monte-Carlo

Without a doubt, visiting Monaco also means visiting the casino! Designed by Charles Garnier in 1879, the Monte-Carlo casino is as magnificent as it is prestigious.

An Eldorado of gambling in the Belle Epoque architectural style, this place has made the fortunes of many gamblers in the principality, but it is also renowned for the beauty of its salons. Don’t miss its opera theater, which is well worth a visit.

Le Jardin Exotique

Designed by the engineer Louis Notari and opened to the public in 1931, this garden gathers more than 900 species of flora from the semi-arid climate. You will be able to admire many cacti but also aloes and fig trees, among the oldest and rarest on our planet.

A beautiful walk that you must punctuate with the visit of the Cave of the Observatory, a natural underground cavity that will surprise you.

The Oceanographic Museum

With its huge aquarium containing 6,000 varieties of the marine world, the oceanographic museum is a treasure trove for any lover of the fauna and flora of the seas. Founded by Prince Albert the First in 1910, it takes you on a breathtaking dive under the oceans to discover all its mysteries.

The lagoon, a real coral reef reconstituted in the middle of the museum, is the icing on the cake of this visit that you will not regret for anything in the world.

Le Palais Princier

Visiting Monaco means making a stop at the Prince’s Palace. The official residence of the prince since 1927, the Palace of Monaco overlooks the Mediterranean and perfectly expresses the grandeur of the Grimaldi family. This building has a fascinating history and was notably besieged and bombed by many foreign armies.

It is also a symbol of the influence of the principality on the French Riviera. Enjoy the changing of the prince’s carabinieri, a ceremony regulated like music paper.

The Monte-Carlo 

Located east of the Gaumates valley, Monte-Carlo is the most famous place in Monaco. and therefore a must-see when visiting Monaco. Monte-Carlo is synonymous with luxury and abundance, and is often considered a territory in its own right.

It is in fact a district integrated into the city of Monaco, which has about fifteen thousand inhabitants. Discover its sumptuous villas and gigantic buildings, as well as its many buildings of interest: its casino, its opera, and the Hotel de l’Hermitage, which is simply fabulous.

Located east of the Gaumates valley, Monte-Carlo is the most famous place in Monaco. It is the most famous place in Monaco and therefore a must-see when visiting Monaco. Monte-Carlo is synonymous with luxury and abundance, and is often considered a territory in its own right.

The Saint-Nicolas cathedral

I recommend that you continue your visit to Monaco by visiting the cathedral of Saint-Nicolas, which is always located in the old city district.

Built in 1875, it is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Its facade, in the Romanesque-Byzantine style, was entirely made of white stones from La Turbie.

It was in this cathedral that Prince Rainier married the famous American actress Grace Kelly in 1956. The tomb of Princess Grace of Monaco, as well as those of the deceased princes, is visible inside.

You can also admire the two great organs, the high altar, the episcopal throne, and an altarpiece dating from the year 1500.

The visit to the cathedral of Saint-Nicolas of Monaco is free.

Saint-Martin Gardens

Continue your walk in Monaco with the Saint-Martin gardens, directly accessible by an entrance in front of the cathedral.

The first public garden of the Principality of Monaco, opened in 1816, offers several steep paths on the side of rocks where you can contemplate the panorama of the sea.

An ideal place to go in Monaco to enjoy the freshness and discover many sculptures.

A boat trip

As you stroll around the principality, and in particular the marina, you will not fail to notice the many boats that invite you to take a cruise!

You can choose to rent one to make your own little trip and stop wherever you want! This way, you will have the opportunity to discover the Monegasque landscape in another way, from the sea.

With or without a license, with the help of a skipper or not, you will undoubtedly spend one of the best afternoons of your stay!

The districts of Monaco

The principality of Monaco is divided into several districts, each with its own “identity”, shall we say:

Monaco-city, also called the Rock, where the historical center, the palace, the cathedral are located

Fontvieille: below the rock, on the west side, with the animal garden, several museums, a port, a shopping center and a large garden

La Condamine: at the foot of the rock, this district was the first extension of Monaco outside the center, and has a lower building height, mostly inherited from the 19th and early 20th century. It is the main shopping area of Monaco, at standard French prices. There is also the port Hercule

Monte-Carlo, with its beautiful hotels and especially its famous casino!

Larvotto, a very modern district with its huge towers, stores, restaurants, beaches, and Japanese garden.

Moneghetti, on the heights, residential area with still some old houses.

Exotic garden, where you can find… the garden of the same name!

Japanese Garden of Monaco

The Japanese garden is a real curiosity in the heart of Larvotto (a dense and unattractive neighborhood, although flowery). It was designed by Yasuo Beppu, winner of the Osaka Flower Show in 1990.

You can find there the classics of Japanese gardens on a surface of 700 m2 (not very big, but it’s not the size that counts!): a miniature mountain, stream, small waterfall, traditional bridge, and a Zen garden dedicated to meditation.

The Grimaldi Forum

As you leave the Japanese garden, you will come across the Grimaldi Forum building: the Palais des Congrès et de la Culture de Monaco.

With its futuristic design, all in glass and steel, you won’t be able to miss it.

This cultural center organizes several exhibitions during the year and hosts many international events such as the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, ballets, or the draw for the Champions League.

Do not hesitate to consult the Grimaldi Forum website if you want to attend a concert or visit an exhibition during your stay in Monaco.

The Princess Grace Rose Garden

Still in the Fontvieille area, a stroll through the landscaped park is a must, especially to discover the Princess Grace rose garden.

Created by Prince Rainier III as a tribute to his late wife, the rose garden presents more than 300 varieties of roses, organized into 7 different themes and spread over more than 5000 m2.

It would be a pity to miss it because the entrance is free.

The Louis II Stadium

Fontvieille is also home to one of the most important sports complexes in Europe: the Louis II Stadium.

Soccer fans know that this is where AS Monaco trains and plays. But the stadium also includes an athletics track, a sports hall and an Olympic swimming pool.

Numerous international competitions take place there every year.

Tours of the stadium are organized every day (except Saturday and Sunday) between April and September. More information you can find right here.

Museums to visit in Monaco

The Oceanographic Museum is certainly the must-see museum in Monaco, but if you feel like doing a little more cultural tourism, I recommend you visit other museums:

• The Car Collection of H.S.H. The Prince of Monaco, where about a hundred cars of all ages are exhibited, ranging from carriages to Lamborghinis, or racing cars of the Monte Carlo Rally and F1 cars of the Monaco Grand Prix. official website.

• The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology on the Evolution of Humanity Do not miss the mammoth skeleton found in Siberia and reconstructed in the museum. Access is included in the ticket for the exotic garden and the cave.

• The Museum of Stamps and Coins and its collection of rare philatelic piece.

• The museum of Old Monaco, with its furniture, objects, and costumes to represent life on the Rock at the time.

• The Naval Museum of Monaco and its collection of model ships.

• The New National Museum of Monaco is located in 2 buildings: the Villa Sauber and the Villa Paloma. It hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.

The Grand Prix of Monaco

It is the annual event in Monaco: the Formula 1 Grand Prix!

This legendary race F1 Monaco is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world. Organized for the first time in 1929, it has seen such distinguished drivers as Fangio, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, and Michael Schumacher.

The circuit, which takes place entirely in the city, passes through Port Hercule, Monte Carlo and the Condamine.

In addition to, The Monaco Grand Prix takes place at the end of May every year.

A boat trip

As you stroll around the principality, and in particular the marina, you will not fail to notice the many boats that invite you to take a cruise!

Furthermore, you can choose to rent one to make your own little trip and stop wherever you want! This way, you will have the opportunity to discover the Monegasque landscape in another way, from the sea.

With or without a license, with the help of a skipper or not, you will undoubtedly spend one of the best afternoons of your stay!

A helicopter flight

If you want to admire Monaco from a panoramic view, you can do things in a big way! For this, there is nothing better than a helicopter tour over the principality.

For about ten minutes, you will fly over all the luxury of the Rock, its main places of interest and also its surroundings, like La Turbie or Roquebrune. A fantastic setting for a first flight.

Furthermore, it’s good to know that the activity is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Other tourist attractions in Monaco

Here’s a list of a few more places to continue visiting Monaco:

• Take a trip to the Condamine Market, where you can grab a bite to eat.
• Admire the Monaco Cathedral.
• Visit the Automobile Museum of Monaco.
• Take a swim at Larvotto Beach
• Stroll through the Princess Grace Rose Garden.

How to get to Monaco?

Besides, Monaco is only a few kilometers from Nice, and you can get there the same way you can get to the City of Angels. By plane, but also by car and by train, getting to Monaco is not difficult.

Note that to get around the city, six bus lines criss-cross the city and allow you to reach the various districts in about ten minutes. So, how to find flights to Monaco? To find a cheap flight to Nice, search on the website Skyscanner.

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