Monaco is a beautiful and exotic European country. The country is a neighbor of France on one side, and on the other, it is surrounded by the Mediterranean sea and is located on the French Riviera. It is the world’s second-smallest country (following the Vatican) with an area of just above 2 square kilometers. But besides its small size, Monaco has a lot to offer, being among the top tourist destinations in Europe. It has outstanding architecture, a luxurious lifestyle, and some of the most beautiful natural landscapes. A gleaming deep blue sea surrounds Monaco, and beautiful exotic flora decorates this small county. Here are the most charming tourist attractions to visit in Monaco!
Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo is one of the most popular attractions in Monaco and is the first stop of most tourists when visiting Monaco. It comes to mind for most people when they think about Monaco. This district is most known for its abundance and luxury. It is located on a headland that leads directly to the Port of Monaco. It offers breathtaking seaside views, just like Palace du Casino. Even if you’re not necessarily intending on living the Monte Carlo lifestyle, a fascinating activity is people watching, even car watching, and also taking in the exotic nature of Monte Carlo. But, if you want to enjoy the luxurious experience of Monte Carlo, for dinner, you can choose one of three Michelin-starred restaurants. Another fun activity might be a walk or a shopping session down Princesse Charlotte Boulevard or Boulevard des Moulins.
Another gem to visit while in Monte Carlo is the Opera House and Monte Carlo Casino. Monte Carlo Casino was created in the 19th century to save the Grimaldi family from bankruptcy. At that time, Monaco had big financial problems, with little infrastructure to support tourism. The plan worked. Today, the Monte Carlo Casino brings gamblers to Monaco with games of chance, including roulette, Baccarat, and slot machines. Here, the fans of online slots can live out their craftsmanship in real life, surrounded by the most beautiful and classic influences. The casino charges admission and has a dress code; foreign visitors need to show passports or other IDs as Monaco residents are not allowed inside.
Monaco Ville or Le Rocher
Monaco-Ville, also known as The Rock or Le Rocher, is an attraction where visitors can stroll through the country’s oldest neighborhood. Monaco Ville is situated on rocky land that juts out into the Mediterranean Sea. The historians consider that it may date back to the 6th century BC when the ancient Greeks established a colony here. Later, in the 13th century, the Grimaldi’s – Monaco’s founders, made an ancient fortress their headquarters. This neighborhood still has its small medieval lane from when it was a stronghold of the Grimaldi family. Monaco Ville is located right at the top of a large rock cliff, so some climbing will be needed to get there. The way to the top of the ridge is through the Rampe Major – a red-brick alley built in the 16th century. Monaco Ville is made up almost entirely of pedestrian streets and passageways and retains its medieval character. There are many hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops for visitors. Also, it is home to several of the city’s famous landmarks, including the Prince’s Palace, the Oceanographic Museum, and St. Martin’s Gardens.
Prince’s Palace of Monaco
The Prince’s Palace of Monaco is the official home of the country’s rulers, the Grimaldi family. This Palace has stood tall with an incredible history and heritage. In the 12th century, the Palace began as a fortress, but it got into a terrible shape throughout the time. Prince Rainier is responsible for restoring the Palace to its former grandeur. The whole palace garden is alluring and beautiful. One of the best things to experience here is the breathtaking change of guard ceremony every day. Every day at 11:55 AM, in front of the Palace’s main entrance, tourists can watch the ceremony of the changing of the guards performed by the “Carabiniers.”
The Palace is open to the public annually from June to October.
Oceanographic Museum
The Oceanographic Museum is a perfect place for avid lovers of all things marine because it is devoted to marine science. This building is from the period of the Baroque Revival, and it has a great view of the Mediterranean. Jacques-Yves Cousteau founded the museum in 1910. He was a famous ocean scientist, and he served as the museum’s director for 30 years. There you can find collections of sea life, such as shellfish, sharks, turtles, sea animal skeletons, and model ships. The basement of the museum has an aquarium that features the Mediterranean and tropical water ecosystems. The aquarium is home to 4,000 species of fish
Jardin Exotique
The Jardin Exotique is situated in the Fontvieille area, just outside the city center. It is a must-see for travelers with a soft spot for flora. With rich vegetation and breathtaking views of the sea, this exotic garden is beautiful beyond words. This botanical garden is built on the side of a cliff, and it hosts more than 1,000 succulents. Tropical plants thrive and develop here due to the consistent warm weather. That is the reason why some of the plants are more than 100 years old. At the foot of the cliff, you can find an underground cave. The Jardin Exotique is a great place to take panoramic photos of Monaco since it overlooks the harbor.
