The smallest country on earth seems to be made for tourists. Mountains, azure sea, rich thousand-year history, parks, gardens, famous entertainment venues are so attractive that visiting Monaco becomes a dream of any traveler. The principality has long been chosen by the rich and famous. Nowhere else in the world can you see so many expensive cars and yachts as in Monaco.
This country is a real little living fairy tale with the king and queen, beloved by all the people Princess Grace, who got into a car accident and died. Her husband, Prince Rainier, lived alone until his death and was buried next to Grace. Streets were named in honor of the princess, a rose garden was planted, and commemorative coins were issued. During her lifetime, she loved to organize holidays and festivals.
The best hotels and hotels at affordable prices.
from 500 rubles / day
What to see in Monaco?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a short description.
Monaco Ville
Monaco Ville is an amazing city. It is home to about a thousand people, and the whole of it is only 700m long and 300 wide. Old narrow streets and sidewalks closely huddle together on a 60m high cliff. The city was founded on a flat top in 1215. Today it is the historical center and capital of the Principality of Monaco. It is here that the residence of the princely family, Palace Square, the Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum, headed by Cousteau, and many others are located.
Museum of Old Monaco
The unique collection of Monegasque household items and art can be visited for free on Wednesdays and Fridays. More than a thousand-year history of the Rock is presented through exhibitions of costumes, books, old coins, photographs, musical instruments, ceramics collections, etc. The Museum of Old Monaco has become a national repository of history, traditions and language of the ancient principality.
Botanical Garden of Monaco
The Botanical Garden of Monaco is famous for the richest collection of succulents from all over the world. In addition, the creators managed to ensure that a huge number of exotic plants have taken root here, thanks to which the garden smells fragrant and is buried in flowers all year round. The total number of fauna representatives reaches 6000. One of the attractions of the garden is a natural grotto with stalactites and stalagmites.
Larvotto beach
The most beautiful beach in the city center surprises with the purest water and white artificial sand. Larvotto is a holiday destination for romantic couples and wealthy tourists. The glamorous audience loves to soak up the sun here, sparkling with diamonds. There are also free well-equipped recreation areas, excellent cuisine and many hotels.
Vintage car museum
The idea of creating the museum belonged to Prince Renaud III. For 30 years, he has amassed an impressive retro collection. The oldest exhibit is the 1903 De Dion Bouton. For connoisseurs, meetings with the first brands of such automotive giants as Lincoln, Citroen, Peugeot, Packard and others will be especially expensive. There are ancient military vehicles in the museum, wheeled carriages of the princely family, a London taxi on which the princess rode Grace.
Japanese garden
The metaphorical garden is 7000 sq. m. It is amazingly filled with the philosophy of the unity and harmony of man with nature. All its elements are deeply symbolic and have a deep understanding of oneself and the world around us. A rock garden, bridges and fish ponds, islets, a tea house create a unique atmosphere. Many items were brought to Monaco from Japan.
Cathedral of Saint Nicholas
The cathedral was built in 1875. It is the main cathedral church of Monaco and is known as the burial vault of princes. Festive services are still held here on church holidays, as well as on November 19, the national day of the Prince. The imposing white stone building is open to devotees of religious and organ music. Its walls are decorated with paintings by Louis Brea.
Princess Grace's Rosary
Princess Grace, beloved by Monaca, has always remained a beautiful rose in their hearts. Her passion and love for flowers was well-known, and a delightful rose garden was opened in 1984 to commemorate her. On a small plot of land, about 14,000 plants were collected, of which only 150 species of roses were collected. The rosary is planned in the form of one huge rose with 9 unopened petals.
Casino Monte Carlo
The casino itself is interesting not only as a gambling establishment - it is a masterpiece of architecture, the interior design of which is distinguished by originality, luxury and excellent taste. In addition, an opera house is located in the same building. Ordinary tourists have free admission to the casino lobby and the theater wardrobe. Interestingly, the citizens of Monaco are prohibited from gambling by law. Tourists wishing to play or see all the halls will have to pay 10 euros for entry. Marble floors, columns, elaborate statues, paintings, bronze lamps - there is no doubt a lot to see.
Princely palace
The Grimaldi family took a fancy to the Genoese fortress since 1191, gradually turning it into a luxurious palace. For more than 7 centuries, the castle has been the current residence of the princes of Monaco. During the absence of the monarch, as signaled by the flag at half-mast, the palace is opened to tourists. The salons and halls of the palace are filled with extraordinary treasures.
Opera House of Monte Carlo
A strange combination of roulette and opera in one building sounds piquant, but still does not bother the sophisticated audience. Verdi, Wagner, Rossini performed at the opera house of Monte Carlo, Caruso and Chaliapin sang here. The interior of the theater is designed in a red and gold tone, and bas-reliefs and sculptures emphasize its splendor and status.
Port Hercule
Up to 700 ships can be accommodated in the port of Hercule at the same time. The wise decision to build a port in this very place belongs to Prince Amber the first - from here it is a stone's throw to the most significant attractions and entertainment of the principality. The port is constantly being reconstructed. The authorities are striving to make the port modern and convenient for its distinguished guests.
Park and Casino Square
The area in front of the Casino is special. There is a dress code on it - it is forbidden to wear jeans and sneakers. There is even a sign warning about this. In front of the Casino there is a beautiful French park of palms, flowers, ponds with reeds and lilies, which smoothly turns into the mountains. At night, lanterns light up around the square in front of the casino, creating an indescribable atmosphere.
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
The Oceanography Museum seemed to have grown out of a rock. It offers impressive views of the sea, city, parks. For a long time, the museum was run by the honorary citizen of Monaco, Jacques-Yves Cousteau. On the basis of the museum, there is a library, laboratories, specialized scientific centers, and a sea farm. Here you can see rare inhabitants of the deep sea, the skeletons of huge whales.
Fort Antoine
You can get to a free concert or open-air performance at the Fort Antoine Theater. The stepped amphitheater seats 350 and is open almost all summer. The old building used to have quite military tasks - to protect Monaco-Ville. In the courtyard of the fort there are cannons and cannonballs are stacked in a hill, and on the walls, parapets, curbs and a watchtower have been preserved.
Church of Saint Devota
According to tradition, all the brides of the Princes of Monaco bring their wedding bouquet to the Church of Saint Devote as a sign of respect to the young girl who did not want to give up Jesus Christ even in the face of torture and death. The martyred Saint Devote was carried away by the sea off the coast of the principality. Since then, residents have held a commemorative procession and prayer services.
Chapel of God's Mercy
Since 1629 the chapel gathered a brotherhood of Black sinners, who preached repentance for sins and the mercy of God. They were famous for their good deeds and were respected by the people.Many who believed and felt the touch of the Grace left jewelry or other gifts to the church. The chapel still houses a statue of Christ, carved from wood by Napoleon's court sculptor.
Country Club Monte Carlo
At the opening of the Club in 1928. there were five crowned heads - this was a significant event in Europe. Country Club is a large sports complex. Various competitions are held on its basis. The most popular among the sophisticated public are tennis tournaments. One of the most famous is the April Rolex Masters tournament. In addition, the Country Club has an excellent swimming pool, where you can come with children, a squash court and a golf course.
Cafe de Paris
Sitting in a cafe overlooking the Monte Carlo casino is a special chic. It is convenient to watch the audience coming to the casino, expensive cars, and you can simply eat at any time. The rest of the cafes in the city are closed from lunch to 7 pm. In addition, there is free wi-fi and a cozy interior, quite reasonable prices: not the most expensive, but not the lowest either. Here you can order something from the Monegasque cuisine - for example, pancakes or lemon tartlets.
La Mayenne Corniche
Mayenne Corniche is the name of the highway that connects Nice and Monaco. The road goes along the sea, rising in a serpentine road to the mountains. When traveling by car, it is worth stopping in the small town of Eze. Here you can have a bite to eat at a local restaurant, stroll along the narrow old streets, and breathe plenty of clean mountain air. Fascinating landscapes of mountains and sea open from above.