Monte Carlo Things To Do

Monaco Ville
The Old Town enjoys a splendid position on a rocky outcrop above the Mediterranean, and is the focus for the main Monaco sights. Superb views of the city and the marinas. Explore the narrow medieval streets and passageways, and the charming Saint Martin Gardens. A visit to the famous Grimaldi family palace is a must. The Palais du Prince is a weird amalgam of architectural styles added to the original 13th century Genoese fortress. Tours include the Throne Room, Palatine Chapel and the Saint Marie Tower. The highlight is the main courtyard, which hosts summer concerts, and the bizarre changing of the guard at 11.55. Monaco Cathedral contains the tomb of Princess Grace. Below the Old Town is La Condamine, Monaco’s harbour area.

Monte Carlo Casino & Nightlife
The famous casino was built in 1878. As well as gaming rooms, the casino houses an opera house, and features atmospheric gardens. The casino is worth visiting for its extraordinary atrium, the opulent Salle Garnier and the glamorous gaming rooms. The beautiful terraced garden has romantic sea views. Smart dress is obviously required. The Sun Casino in the Monte Carlo Grand Hotel is a little more downmarket! Monaco has a selection of elegant, chic bars and clubs.

Parks & Gardens
Monte Carlo and Monaco has a number of enchanting small gardens that constitute the principality’s most relaxing (and cheapest) attractions. The beautiful Japanese Garden was designed by Yasuo Beppu. The Jardin Exotique dates back to 1933. The enchanting paths and bridges across the dramatic steep rocky location offer magnificent views. The garden features subtropical vegetation, a great collection of cacti, a small archaeological museum and the Observatory Caves. The Monte Carlo Casino gardens and terraces are unforgettably atmospheric. Fontvieille Park features a collection of world flora, a duck pond and the Princess Grace Rose Garden. The small rock face Monaco Zoo also offers excellent harbour views.

Museums
Monaco has a typically eclectic and sometimes bizarre collection of museums. The Private Collection of Antique Cars of Prince Rainier III features over 100 immaculately preserved vintage cars. The Musée Océanographique, opened in 1910, has an aquarium with 4000 species and a tribute to Jacques Cousteau. The Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs in the royal palace also focuses on Monaco history. Fans of unusual museums might also enjoy the National Museum of Automatons and Dolls of Yesteryear, the Museum of the Chapel of Visitation, and the rather weird Wax Museum of the Princes of Monaco.

Excursions
Monte Carlo excursions should ideally continue in a glamorous mode. The obvious Riviera destinations are Cannes and Nice. Both are easily reached by public transport from Monte Carlo. Menton to the east of Monaco is a more relaxed resort with appealing pavement cafes and promenade.

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