Palais du Prince
Established in the 13th century, Monaco's
royal palace has been the residence of the ruling Grimaldi family
ever since. The most famous resident was Grace Kelly, who was
married to Prince Rainier III. Every generation has left their mark
on the place. As a result, this is not one of Europe's most elegant
castles from the outside. It is worth taking a look inside though.
15 rooms, including the Throne Room, are open to the public. In the
south wing of the palace is the Musée des Souvenirs Napoléoniens,
containing a collection of Napoleon's memorabilia. The changing of
the guard takes place in front of the palace every day, lasting
just two minutes. So take care to be on time.
Palais du Prince
Slawojar
Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium
Prince Albert I opened Monaco's
Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium in 1910. It houses his personal
collection of marine life, models of his laboratory's ships, and
other crafts made from marine products. The imposing building is
perched dramatically on a cliff and faces the sea, providing lovely
views. The basement houses an impressive aquarium with over 4,000
fish species and 200 invertebrates, as well as the Shark
Lagoon.
Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium
Berthold Werner
Monaco Cathedral
The Monaco Cathedral is a beautiful
structure, built in 1875 and resting on a site of a 13th-century
church dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The Cathedral houses the tomb
of the much-loved Princess Grace, as well as the former royalty of
Monaco. During religious festivals and religious holidays, the
sounds of the cathedral's splendid four-keyboard organ can be
enjoyed, as well as the Sunday mass, which is sung by the Cathedral
Choir.
Monaco Cathedral
Berthold Wernerld Werner
Monte Carlo Casino
Built in 1878 by Charles Garnier, the Monte
Carlo Casino is another feather in the cap of the man who designed
the Paris Opera House. The Salle Garnier hosts ballet, opera, and
concerts, while the Gaming Rooms fill with all the glitz and
glamour one would expect from a top-class casino. The rooms sport
stained glass windows and sculptures. A jacket and tie are required
for men.
Monte-Carlo Casino
Fruitpunchline
Monte-Carlo, like Monaco, has a spectacular Mediterranean
climate, boasting roughly 300 days of sunshine a year. July and
August are the hottest months, while spring and autumn are the best
times to visit, as temperatures are milder.
Going out for dinner in Monte-Carlo is as glamorous as it
sounds. With some of the finest restaurants, offering first-class
cuisine prepared by some of the world's most renowned chefs,
visitors can anticipate only the best. After a day of sightseeing,
yachting and sipping on cocktails, a dining experience of only the
very best quality is what can be expected.
Monte-Carlo being the expensive city that it is means that most
restaurants will cost substantially more than the average meal, but
that is not to say you won't find something a little more
budget-friendly if you look for it. There are an assortment of
cuisines offered in and around the city, each offering an
experience. Early booking is essential, as is a jacket and tie, at
most restaurants in the city.
For something typically French and sophisticated, Le Louis XV
promises a classy and elegant evening with top notch food using
only the best local produce. Restaurant Joel Robuchon Monte-Carlo
offers similar taste and flare, giving patrons a chance to
experience modern French cuisine, influenced by the Mediterranean.
For those wanting something a little more fusion in style, the
Pacific is the place to go. Here you will likely find the rich and
famous occupying tables. For something a little more down to earth,
Il Terrazzino is a great restaurant for typical Italian fare; great
quality for a little less Euro.
With lots on offer, Monte-Carlo is an exciting place to explore
in terms of its cuisine and is unlikely to leave visitors
disappointed.
Le Louis XV
Le Louis XV is classy, elegant, and stylish, steered by Chef
Alain Ducasse and a commitment to pure delicacy. Clean lines
combine perfectly with the fresh décor, while crystal chandeliers
light up the establishment's expertly prepared and executed fine
French cuisine. The dishes reflect local tastes, using only the
freshest produce. Open Thursday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Jacket required and tie recommended, and booking is essential.
Address: Place du Casino
Pacific
Located in Monte Carlo's famous Épingle de la Rascasse, Pacific
sees many of the city's rich and famous walk through its doors.
It's a favourite place for socialites and gourmet enthusiasts
alike. Pacific has a distinctive design ethos, with both the bar
and restaurant stylishly and elegantly laid out, incorporating
clean lines and intricate lighting. The atmosphere is perfect for
when the bar converts into a nightclub later on. Specialising in
fusion cuisine, diners will not be disappointed. Try the signature
Pacific black cod with miso sauce. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Reservations recommended.
Address: 17 av des Spélugues
L'Horizon
The views and cuisine at L'Horizon are simply stunning, leaving
diners returning time and time again. There's nothing more
clientele could ask for when dining out in Monte Carlo, boasting
360 degree views over the Opera House and the Prince's Palace.
Enjoy the tastes of the region, like Mediterranean fish soup,
croutons and saffron sauce, and pan-fried sea bass and vegetables.
Open March to November daily, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Bookings essential.
Address: 12 av des Spélugues, Fairmont Monte Carlo
Il Terrazzino
Specialising in the culinary delights of Naples and southern
Italian fare, Il Terrazzino is a must for anyone who loves Italian
food. Reminiscent of a country deli, the home-cooked food and cosy
dining room will make you feel right at home. Try the Linguine
Marinara with capers, olives, marjoram, tomato sauce, and anchovy,
or the veal with mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil. Open Monday
to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Bookings recommended.
Address: 2 rue des Iris
Mozza
A friendly and unpretentious restaurant, Mozza consistently
serves excellent Italian food consistently rated among the best in
Monte Carlo. The separate lunch and dinner menus are short, yet
memorable and very reasonably priced. Mozza takes full advantage of
its terrace on the Larvotto end of Monte Carlo to enjoy spectacular
view of the Thursday and Friday fireworks displays held in June and
July.
Address: 11 rue du Portier
Restaurant Joël Robuchon Monte-Carlo
Restaurant Joël Robuchon Monte Carlo is an elegant restaurant
housed in the Hotel Metropole. Serving modern French cuisine
influenced by the Mediterranean setting, the menu changes
seasonally. For a cheaper option, the restaurant offers a fixed
price lunch. Restaurant Joël Robuchon Monte Carlo is small and
seats only 60 people at a time, so reservations are essential.
Address: Hotel Metropole, 4 Avenue de la Madone
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport
Location: The Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport is located
13.7 miles (22km) from Monaco in Nice, France.
Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and
last Sunday in October).
Transfer Between Terminals:
A free shuttle bus connects the two terminals, which are also
within walking distance.
Getting to the city:
Taxis, helicopters, car services, and buses link Nice Airport
and Monaco. Helicopter rides take roughly seven minutes. Bus serves
run every 35 minutes from 8.10am to 8.20pm.
Car Rental:
All major car rental companies are represented opposite Terminal
2. Companies include Avis, Firefly, Europcar, Hertz, InterRent,
Sixt, and Goldcar.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside of Arrivals. The recommended company
is Central Taxi Riviera Nice (Tel: +33 4 93 13 78 78). Taxis are
metered, and charge around EUR 90 for a trip into Monaco.
Additional surcharges apply for luggage and nights. Only cash is
accepted.
Facilities:
There are a number of restaurants, bars and shops, banks,
lounges, and foreign exchange offices in both terminals. Other
facilities include a post office and business centre with meeting
rooms, fax, photocopier, and wifi access. Disabled facilities are
good. Passengers with special needs should contact their airline in
advance.
Parking
Plenty of short- and long-term parking is available at both
terminals.
Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix
Long considered the crown jewel of the Grand Prix circuit, the
Monaco Grand Prix is the oldest and most prestigious of the lot.
All the glitz and glamour of Monaco itself adds to the excitement
of the demanding race that takes place on a narrow course through
the streets of Monte Carlo, with tight corners and elevation
changes presenting a serious challenge to drivers.
Venue:
Streets of Monte Carlo
Monte-Carlo Formula 1 Grand Prix
Mathieu Felten
Monte Carlo Spring Arts Festival
The Spring Arts Festival is an annual showcasing of artistic
talent from around the world. A range of art, dance, music, and
theatre is on offer at various venues around the capital. The
festival includes performances by the Monte Carlo Philharmonic
Orchestra and Les Ballets de Monte Carlo.
Venue:
Various
Philharmonic Orchestra
Derek Gleeson.
Monaco Yacht Show
Each year, nearly 100 of the world's most spectacular yachts put
on displays for boat-lovers and professionals alike and there are
also various related exhibits to explore. The focus is on luxury
and elegance and the who's who of Monaco is usually in
attendance.
Venue:
Port Hercules
Monaco Yacht Show
Berthold Werner
Monte Carlo Rally
The Monte Carlo Rally takes place annually along the winding,
scenic roads and passes of the French Riviera, culminating at the
finish line in Monte Carlo. Since its inception in 1911, the rally
has grown to become one of the most famous and prestigious races on
the circuit.
Each event attracts the top racers and the finest cars. Hordes
of spectators line the road in often alarming proximity to the
vehicles racing by at speeds of up to 160 mph (240km). Many of the
cars can be viewed prior to the event at a special exhibition in
the town hall.
Monte Carlo Rally
Christopher Batt
Monaco International Musical Fireworks Competition
Monaco is home to many international competitions. But one of
the most enjoyable for tourists is the annual International
Fireworks Competition, held each summer in Port Hercule. Leading
pyrotechnic experts from all over the world go head to head to
create the most spectacular displays to delight both locals and
visitors in Monte Carlo.
Venue:
Port Hercule
Fireworks
Frank Vincentz
A good place to get into the swing of things is Le Bar Américain
where the upper-crust mingle and socialise with their Champagne and
cocktails in hand, while a jazz trio belts out some upbeat tunes to
get you in the mood. But on a perfect warm summer's evening there's
no better place to watch the sun go down that at the hip and trendy
Sea Lounge where party people meet over a cocktail or two by the
water's edge in Monte Carlo Beach. The Living Room and the Black
Legend are popular nightclubs where anyone wanting to get their
groove on can dance the night away, while lively bars like the Ship
and Castle or Black Diamond are more upmarket and many come here to
pose and be seen. Jimmy'z on avenue Princesse Grace is
place to go where you can don your favourite
party outfit, slip into those killer heels and dance the night away
with Monte-Carlo's beautiful people.
If live music is what you're after, visit Moods on place du
Casino, which has already attracted some big international acts
while Sass Café is another hot spot for live music, lots of dancing
and a rip roaring good time. Or if jazz is more your thing, head to
the Blue Note to get your groove on! For a quieter and more
sophisticated night out, the Grand Théâtre de Monte Carlo is the
place to go to see international ballets and other productions as
well as the Ballets de Monte Carlo. Mention the resident opera
company, and the symphony, while the Monte Carlo Opera also draws
hundreds of visitors to its world-class performances.
Monte-Carlo has an efficient public transport system, with five
bus lines. An excellent way to save money is to buy the Daily
Tourist Pass, which at a flat rate, allows unlimited travel all
day. A series of elevators also operate to transport visitors and
residents up and down the steep streets of the city. Perhaps the
best way to explore the city, however, is on foot.
Monte-Carlo offers a lot more than just striking natural beauty,
it also features some historical and modern attractions sure to
keep visitors of all persuasions happy. With a Mediterranean
climate, Monte-Carlo is pleasant all year round, though winters can
sometimes be a little chilly, and summers very crowded. The city is
fairly easy to navigate your way around, once you know the short
cuts.
There is plenty to see and do here. Head to the Oceanographic
Museum and Aquarium to see Prince Albert's personal collection of
marine life or just visit the 4,000 fish in the aquarium, as well
as the Shark Lagoon. Visit the Prince's Palace, which was
established in the 13th century and has been the residence of the
Grimaldi family ever since, where 15 rooms are open to the public,
including the throne room, or check out the magnificent Monaco
Cathedral which houses the tombs of the late Princess Grace and
former princes of Monaco.
Big spenders should spend some time making or blowing their
fortune at the Monte-Carlo casino, or if that's too much for you,
enjoy relaxing in the Jardin Exotique where the thousands of plants
will amaze green-fingered travellers, or spend an afternoon
marvelling at the fabulous yachts in La Condamine, one of Monaco's
oldest districts, where you can even spend some time browsing
through the Condamine Market.