Monaco is a tiny country where people are used to living luxuriously. Only wealthy tourists go there, because even a cup of coffee costs $50 there. The sights of Monaco are scattered all over the country, each deserves attention. It is important to know that significant cultural monuments are located far enough from each other. Knowing in advance what to see in Monaco will make it easier for you to organize your trip.
What is the first thing to see in Monaco?
First of all, I would like to present you a rating of the sights of Monaco that you need to see first of all. A trip to this country cannot but be remembered, because it is literally overflowing with historical and cultural monuments.
1. The Museum of Old Monaco
The facade of a historic building on the Palais Square in the Old Town of Monaco
As the name implies, this is a place where the attention of tourists and locals are presented with entire collections of antique objects, ceramics, paintings. The furniture is made of preserved furniture from past centuries. Tourists are also interested in national costumes, because they seem to carry them back to the old days. The museum is free to visit and is open on certain days of the week from June to September. By visiting it, you will be able to get an idea of who the Monegasques are in general.
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2. The Botanical Garden of Monaco
Flora of the Botanical Garden of Monaco
It has several names, but one thing is for sure that this attraction should be one of the first to see. There are unique collections of cacti, succulents, and what is the view from above, which opens from the slide! You will have the whole principality in the palm of your hand. In the description of the garden, I would like to note that it specializes mainly in plants with special tissues where water is stored. They came from different parts of the world. The garden area reaches 1 hectare, and specimens grow on it, which have managed to take root in the local climate.
Official website: http://www.visitmonaco .
3. Larvotto Beach
Snow-white artificial sand on Larvotto beach
This landmark of Monaco is simply necessary for those who want a glamorous beach holiday, because the beach is one of the most expensive in the world. You can sunbathe topless on it, but keep in mind that the lack of jewelry on the body can be regarded as bad form. As for the prices of drinks and beach equipment, they are simply off the scale, but the staff service in restaurants and on the seashore is worth it. Especially moms with children like the jellyfish net, which stretches along the entire coast.
4. Monaco Ville
Panorama of Monaco Ville
For those who are not aware, the described state does not have a capital, it has only districts, one of which is Monaco-Ville. It is riddled with picturesque footpaths that lead to the Palace Square, where the official residence of the princely family is located. Many tourists seek to get here to see how the guard, consisting of 12 perfectly matched soldiers, is changing. The area is located on a cliff 60 m above water level, the sea is just around the corner from it.
5. Japanese Garden
A corner of the Japanese Garden
This landmark of Monaco is considered a real miracle, and it is located on Princess Grace Avenue, in maximum proximity to the beach. Looking at the photo of the garden, you realize that it deservedly belongs to the best in the world. It is known that its creation was commissioned by the architect and landscape painter Yass Beppu. For 17 months, an entire design team has been painstakingly working on solving complex technical problems, and it was worth it. It turned out to be a real masterpiece, which to this day belongs to the best attractions not only of the country, but also of the world. The plants were selected and arranged in accordance with such concepts as 4 seasons (a symbol of the cyclicity of human life) and 5 cardinal directions.
Official website: http://www.visitmonaco.com/
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Monaco!
6. Museum of Vintage cars
Victor Grigas Vintage Car Museum Collection
When traveling around Monaco, it does not hurt to visit the exhibition of collections of cars belonging to the prince. The collection contains only rarities, everything is located on the Fonvieille Terrace. The number of vehicles reaches hundreds, among them European and American models, and of the most diverse eras. The carriages belonging to Prince Rainier III at the time are of interest.
Official website: http://www.palais.mc/en/
7. St. Nicholas Cathedral
The majestic building of St. Nicholas Cathedral
Excursions to Monaco are almost never complete without visiting the main church, which is a Romanesque-style building. It was built in the period 1875-1903, the interior is represented by paintings by Louis Brea. Don’t know what to see in Monaco in 1 day? Visit the church with the official name Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. It also serves as the family tomb of the rulers of the state. Divine services are held only on the days of major church holidays.
8. Princess Grace’s Rose Garden
Princess Grace’s Rose Garden is a magnificent rose garden
What to visit in Monaco? Of course, the exhibition, opened in June 1984, in honor of the princess. This is an area of 3300 m2, completely planted with rose bushes, of which there are about 4 thousand. The total number of plants in the garden is almost 14 thousand pieces. The rose garden is still being replenished with new varieties, and they are named after the inhabitants of the princely house. Grace Kelly is remembered for her love of flowers, and the hotels where she temporarily stayed always had luxurious bouquets. On the day of Grace’s wedding to the Prince of Monaco, she received a personalized rose, bred by the Meiyang flower house. It was a pink terry flower with a captivating scent.
Official website: http://www.visitmonaco.com/ru/
9. The Princely Palace
The Prince’s Palace at night
While exploring the main sights of the country, do not neglect the official residence of its rulers. This place with an interesting history cannot fail to amaze with the grandeur of its appearance, it is located in the already mentioned area of Monaco-Ville. It is interesting to know if a flag is flying over the roof of a large public building, it means that the prince is within his chambers. A special feature of the palace is the presence inside it of the Italian gallery, the hall in which the throne stands, the Salon of Louis XV and Mazarin. Concerts are often held in the courtyard in summer. The palace is not fully open to tourists, and Grimaldi’s chambers are located in the south-western wing.
Official website: http://palais.mc/en/index.html
10. Monte Carlo Casino
Monte Carlo Casino is the oldest gambling establishment in Europe
The interesting places of Monaco are not limited to gardens and cathedrals. Casinos are the hallmark of the country, and Monte Carlo is one of the most respectable gambling houses in the world. It appeared after Prince Charles the third sold 2 cities to Napoleon III. He decided to spend the money he earned on creating an aristocratic resort. A French financier was invited to open a casino in Monaco, and as a result, a very beautiful building turned out. Before lunch, you can visit it as an ordinary museum, it is enough to buy a ticket to enter, compliance with the dress code is not required. By the way, only guests of Monaco have the right to play at the casino, citizens are prohibited from doing so.
Official website: http://www.casinomontecarlo.com/
11. Monte Carlo Opera House
Entrance to the Monte Carlo Opera House
Guides in Monaco often offer tourists to visit the theater, which is part of the casino described above. The fact is that in the early 1870s there was no cultural life in the country as such, so it was decided to include a concert hall in the project. Its grand opening took place in 1879, and the name was given in honor of the architect Charles Garnier. The total duration of construction was 8.5 months, the theater was designed for 524 people. The Parisian influence is noted in its style, decorations, and complex facade. Many artists had to work hard on the decoration.
12. Port Hercule
Top view of Port Hercule
Continuing the topic of what to see in Monaco, I would like to focus on one of the two seaports of the country. This place is deservedly considered luxurious and modern. The work of the enterprise is organized so competently that it literally “attracts” a huge number of wealthy people. They entrust their luxury yachts. Today, the port of Hercule is the parking place for about 700 immaculate vessels. The free space on the water is very well equipped, the flora and fauna do not suffer. Plus, the port offers a magnificent view of the city of Monte Carlo.
13. Park and Casino Square (Casino Square)
Beautiful French park and fountains in front of the Casino (Casino Square)
Where to go in Monaco? The site, located opposite the world-famous gambling house, deserves attention. In general, this part of the city is considered a thoroughfare, but due to the large concentrations of pedestrians, it gives the impression of a mixed mode of transportation. There is a park not far from the casino, which is probably the most horizontal section in the whole city, but with a strong slope. There is a cascade of fountains on its territory, all of them are clean and well maintained. Of the trees, palm trees are mainly observed. The reviews about this place are only positive, because it really deserves attention.
14. Fort Antoine
The ancient walls of Fort Antoine
Where else to go in Monaco? A great place is a separate fortification in the system of fortifications, which is now used as a theater. The fort was built in the XVIII century, decorated in a military style. Of particular interest is the corner tower, because it gives this place an atmosphere. A pyramid of cannonballs rises in the center of the fort. In 1944, it was destroyed, but the historical monument was quickly restored.
15. St. Devota’s Church
The facade of the Church of St. Devota
What to see in Monaco? The chapel built in its time in the small valley of Gomat is considered a sacred place for any Monegasque. It was dedicated to the princely family and the Holy Defender of the entire Principality of Monaco. According to legend, it was in this place that the body of the patroness was thrown out by the sea waters. At the beginning of the 20th century, a tradition was created to burn a fishing boat at the entrance every year on January 26, which is done symbolically. To this landmark of Monaco, each new princess brings her bouquet at the end of the wedding ceremony.
Monaco Attractions: what else to visit in Monaco?
Your trip to this small state will definitely be remembered. Knowing what to see in Monaco, you will definitely not ignore all the most interesting things. Recommendations to tourists say that there are still places worth spending time getting to know.
16. Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
Spectacular views of the sea and the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
It is the most famous in the country, which is not surprising, and its founder was Prince Albert I. The review says that in a building standing on the seashore, on a sheer cliff, the institute and the museum are safely “getting along”. A special feature of this place is the presence of a huge aquarium, which occupies most of the ground floor. If it seems to you that there is nothing left to see in Monaco, take a look at the oceanographic museum. Its expositions are represented by a wide variety of marine-themed items.
Official website: https://www.oceano.mc/ru
17. Monte Carlo Country Club
Professional tennis tournament at the Monte Carlo Ghaly Country Club
What to visit in Monaco for entertainment? This is a unique place, entirely dedicated to achieving high results. Here, tourists are offered tennis courts with magnificent sea views, they are open all year round. To describe the Country Club more precisely, I would like to say that it accommodates 21 dirt courts with a beautiful view of the seashore, 2 with a hard surface and the same number for squash. From entertainment, individual/collective courses are offered to tourists, various competitions among juniors and adults, as well as tournaments are organized.
Official website: http://www.mccc.mc/en/
18. Cafe de Paris
View from Casino Square to cafe de Paris tiger rus
Another attraction of Monaco is located in the busiest place of Monte Carlo, namely the famous Casino Square. The cafe is very popular among tourists, because in it you can see live wax figures of autochthonous subjects of the Principality. What to visit in Monaco, namely Cafe de Paris? In addition to the main hall, there is a brasserie (an elongated hall decorated with stained glass windows in the belle Epoque style) and several terraces. The cuisine in this establishment is not only high-quality, but also diverse, the chef manages to create the most original dishes with unforgettable taste. There was also a seafood shop in the cafe.
19. Chapel of the Mercy of God
Chapel of Mercy (left) in the Baroque style M.StrīķIs
Do you think what to see in Monaco from the antique? Pay attention to the Chapelle de la Misericord, a small building with icons built in 1639, it is decorated in the Baroque style. During the French Revolution, it suffered serious damage, but after a while the chapel was restored. The facade was complemented with pilasters, capitals, and mosaic paintings. The main value of this Monaco landmark is the sculpture of Christ made of wood, made by the personal sculptor of Emperor Napoleon I. Of particular value are donations from parishioners, gifts from those who repent.
20. La Mayenne Corniche
The highway runs along the sea, climbing serpentine into the mountains of Valdiney Pimenta
Another attraction of Monaco is the motorway connecting the small state with the unofficial capital of the French Riviera, Nice. The uniqueness of the highway is that it runs along the sea coast, attention, at an altitude of 200 m above sea level. Just imagine what it feels like to be in these parts. Indeed, what is worth seeing in Monaco is the village of Eze, located on a cliff near the medieval castle. This place attracts with the panorama that opens from the mountain to the famous resort of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
The sights in Monaco cannot but delight with their splendor. The country, although small, is capable of surprising. There are hotels in Monaco for every taste and budget, there will be no problems with the choice, the main thing is to plan everything in advance. There are many special services that you can use to book a room.
Read also about the best sights of Luxembourg and get inspired for your further journey through Europe!
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