Tourism Monaco, visit Monaco

Monaco

After scaling Monaco’s steep terraced steps, shiny escalators and gleaming marble corridors tunnelling through the rocks to a series of free public lifts running up and down the hillside (not to mention navigating the 3D road system encircling its towering high rises!), you could be forgiven for thinking you’re inside a life-size MC Escher illustration of an illusionary maze.

Squeezed into 1.95 sq km, making it the world’s second smallest country, after the Vatican, this pint-sized principality is a sovereign state, with its own red-and-white flag, national holiday (19 November), country telephone code and traditional Monégasque dialect. French is the official language, although many street signs, especially in the old Monaco Ville quarter, are in French and Monégasque, and children of all 107 nationalities that form Monaco’s population are required to study the language at school. Neither is Monaco part of the EU, but because of its close ties with France it participates in the EU customs territory, and there are no border formalities crossing to and from France.

Mapa de Mónaco

Casino de Montecarlo, Mónaco

Watch Formula One

Attend the world-famous Monaco Grand Prix Formula One race, which takes place every year in the principality's narrow winding streets, attracting thousands of spectators. Another favourite is the Historic Grand Prix, which is held every other year.

Gardens

Chill out at the serene and sea-facing Saint-Martin Gardens (also in the Old Town), which inspired the poet Guillaume Apollinaire between 1887 and 1889. Alternatively, visit the Japanese Gardens, right next to the sea.

Monaco Cathedral

Consecrated in 1875, Saint Nicholas Cathedral is a special place for Monegasques. It was where Princess Grace married Prince Rainier as well as where they have both been buried. The Grimaldi family have buried their family here for centuries and the tombs are beautiful. MuseumsThe Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, whose grandiose facade rises spectacularly out of the sea, houses a world-renowned collection of marine fauna and interactive exhibits.

Other museums include the Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs and Collection of the Palace's Historic Archives, which exhibits thousands of objects relating to the First Empire (Napoleon I); the Wax Museum of the Princes of Monaco; and the Monte Carlo Story, a multivision show about Monaco's history.

Formula 1 Mónaco Grand Prix

Place du Palais

At Monte Carlo's spiritual heart is Monaco-Ville (old town) where the Place du Palais houses the Prince's Palace and State Apartments. Built around 1215, the palace's focal points are the Throne Room and the Main Courtyard with its horse-shaped marble staircase, adorned with millions of geometric patterns. Attend the Changing of the Palace Guard (admission free), which takes place daily, just before noon (1155).

Port Hercule

Spend a morning having a look at the multi million dollar yachts moored at this first class harbour. There are several places where you can sit and have a drink while admiring the vast amount wealth floating before you.


Bask on Lavartto Beach

This free public access beach is a perfect escape for some sun and sea. Clean and safe, all you need to take is a towel, sun block and binoculars for yacht spotting. There are also handy cafés and kiosks nearby for refreshments and light lunches. If you're curious to see what 'real' people living in Monaco do for fun, this is it - the millionaires have their private beaches.

Vista de Montecarlo

Monte Carlo Travel Guide

It is easy to dismiss Monte Carlo as just a tax haven and an overpriced millionaire's posing ground, but there is far more to this compelling city than its wealthy reputation suggests.

For a start it enjoys a spectacular setting as part of Monaco, a tiny principality smaller than London's Hyde Park that clings spectacularly to the rocky shores of the Mediterranean.

At the city's spiritual heart is Monaco-Ville where the Place du Palais houses the grand palace that the legendary Grimaldi family still hold so dear. Their turbulent history, awash with glamour, tragedy and drama, colours Monte Carlo and only helps add to its mystique.

Below the palace the skyline is more Manhattan than Mediterranean as Europe's movers and shakers scramble to snatch a precious piece of real estate and ridiculously expensive yachts cram the marinas. The good news is that a taste of Monte Carlo living is not just reserved for those with seven digits in their euro accounts as there are public parks and jogging tracks that can be enjoyed for free and alongside some of Europe's most expensive hotels and restaurants there are some cheaper, almost good value, options.

The Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo Rally may be the city's two most famous events, glitzy extravaganzas that seem to sum up the spirit of flash and showy Monte Carlo, but beneath the hype there is real substance supporting the style with a lively cultural scene and layers of history well worth exploring.