Monaco Travel Guide

The world’s most famous micro-nation, Monaco, is a strikingly beautiful pocket of immense wealth squeezed between France, Italy and the alluring Mediterranean Ocean. The tiny tax haven is less than 2 square kilometres and its inhabitants earn around $150,000 per year each! Top models strut their stuff on seaside promenades flanked by palatial mega-yachts, French champagne is guzzled like soda as the sounds of the world’s top DJs fill the night air: Monaco is a place of money, a place to see and be seen.  

Monaco may sound claustrophobic, being the second smallest and most densely populated nation on earth.  Yet the immaculate cleanliness, stunning scenery and friendly Monegasque people have long established the principality as a European paradise.

Things to see and do

Monaco Ville, a myriad of medieval pedestrian alleyways, is well worth a wander. Around every corner, a new wonder awaits you. At the heart of the “Old Town” lies the Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Constructed in 1875, Monaco’s primary place of worship, houses the remains of Grace Kelly, Hollywood star-cum-Monegasque princess. At the foot of the cathedral is a very pleasant square, a perfect place to enjoy a coffee or meal in one of the excellent restaurants lining the perimeter of the square.

Monaco’s Grand Casino is to casinos what St Peter’s is to cathedrals. The ornate structure occupies the nation’s most scenic perch and has been immortalised in countless films, most prominently in the James Bond series. Since 1863, it has been a preferred gambling house of the rich and famous. Mere mortals, dressed to the nines and equipped with a deep pocketful of cash, can visit the casino.  But be prepared for an extortionate door fee. If you didn’t happen to pack your dinner suit, the glamorous arc of supercars which grace the entrance hints at the sums at stake inside.

Another building of note is the Monte Carlo Opera House, designed by the architectural master Charles Garnier. The glittering red and gold interior has witnessed landmark ballet and operatic performances by the world’s foremost performers and remains an important venue in the international circuit. The intricately painted ceiling will leave you with a sore neck.

The world renowned Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium is an unforgettable attraction. The center has up to date exhibitions, entertaining films and informative staff. The aquarium, home to thousands of different species of sea creatures, focuses on tropical and Mediterranean ecosystems. The vividly colourful tanks are bound to leave you gazing in awe.

The Jardin Exotique is a similarly excellent display of the natural world in Monaco’s urban environment, housing a vast multitude of the world’s rarest plants. The gardens climb steeply up the hillside, transforming from a fascinating flowering jungle to an eerie desert landscape, characterised by striking cacti formations. 

Shopping is a major drawcard for many visitors. Monaco’s “Golden Circle” is a true luxury retail experience, a concentration of designer labels comparable to New York’s Fifth Avenue or Paris’ Champs Elysees. Here, the likes of Jimmy Choo, Chanel, Cartier and Baccarat can be found on a single 100 metre strip. If you are after more than a spot of window shopping, the lanes of the Old Town conceal brilliant boutiques, with much work by local designers.

Relaxing is a major pastime. The swanky beach clubs bring a whole new level of luxury to tanning, which unsurprisingly, comes at a hefty premium.

Monaco’s Grand Prix is widely regarded as The Holy Grail of the motor sports world, the crown jewel of the Formula One calendar. Ferraris fly past, screaming their way through 77 laps of Monaco’s maze of narrow, winding streets often only inches from spectators. The high octane affair fuels a wild nightlife scene during the event however prices are vastly inflated as a result.

If you are not in town for the main event, hiring a car and hitting the hair raising bends is tremendous fun. Maps of the course are readily available and at least you can attempt your best Michael Schumacher impression at a third of the speed. For a full riviera experience, splash out on a fancy convertible for the day and explore the region’s roads. [include a link to car rentals here].  Artistic brushstrokes of bitumen perilously hug the cliffside, passing picture perfect medieval villages. It’s all very exciting. Alternatively, there are superb walking paths.

Local Flavours

Given the seaside location, seafood is the focus of Monegasque cuisine. The bouillabaisse in particular, is a highlight. The standard of food and service across the nation is of a superb standard yet prices will almost certainly astronomically exceed what you are accustomed to.

Getting in and around

Flights to Monaco are via the international airport at Nice. The airport is around 40 kilometers to the west, in France and offers daily services to all of Europe’s major air hubs. The Cote d’Azur Rapide bus departs frequently for Monaco from the airport in addition to plentiful taxis. Agree on a price before departure or the use the meter in order to ensure that you’re getting a fair deal.

Numerous trains run per hour to neighbouring France and Italy. On the French side, the high speed TGV to Paris departs from Nice and in Italy, Trenitalia connections to all major Italian cities are possible through Ventimiglia.

Once in Monaco, thanks to its miniscule size and pleasant pathways, the nation is best explored on foot.

Weather

Monaco is blessed with the sublime Mediterranean climate which has drawn holidaymakers for centuries. For most of the year, the region is bathed in warm sunshine.  In summer its usually around 24°C (75°F), and the sun shines for more than 300 hours each month. Winter temperatures are reliably above 10°C (50°F). 

Good to Know

Monaco straddles the equally beautiful French and Italian Rivieras, a stunning stretch of coastline studded with attractions.

Monaco is a member of the European Union. As a result, the currency is the euro and travel between countries in the area is hassle free.

Monaco is astoundingly expensive, yet worthwhile, so be prepared for a pricey, luxurious holiday.

The principality is blanketed in security cameras and friendly policemen who are always happy to help with directions. Consequently, crime is virtually non-existent.

Staying here

As one of the original playgrounds of the rich and famous, Hotels in Monaco are priced accordingly.  This reputation brings lavish luxury, such as at the world famous Hotel de Paris, yet in turn weighs down even the most basic options with a heavy price tag. More affordable options can be found with Hotels in Nice, France or Accommodation in Ventimiglia, Italy, both only a short distance away.