Sightseeing in Monaco is primarily divided between Monaco-Ville or Monaco's Old Town and Monte Carlo. Other districts in Monaco are Fontvieille, La Condamine and Larvotto. The newest neighborhood is Mareterra, reclaimed from the sea. Most of the things to see are in Monaco-Ville and Monte Carlo.
Is there another place on earth more glamorous than Monte Carlo? I don't think so. Its luster is undimmed by a constant stream of tourists from every corner of the world. A procession of legendary cars, designer-clad women and sun-burnished tycoons swirl around a central square that has served as a backdrop for countless movies, fashion shoots and commercials.
The square was developed all at once in the mid-19th century which gives it a remarkable architectural unity.
The two crown jewels are the Monte Carlo Casino and the Hotel de Paris, both constructed in ornate Belle-Epoque style. It's free to walk into the atrium of the Monte Carlo Casino (above) and well worth it. Amidst the marble and gold, 28 onyx columns hold up the glass-topped ceiling. It's open from 10am daily.
Entrance to the gaming rooms requires an €18 fee and a passport. Why? Monagasques (Monaco citizens) are not allowed inside.
To best appreciate the majestic Belle Epoque architecture, take a walk around the Casino to admire it from the rear.
The Casino was inaugurated in 1865 on a nearly empty site called Les Spelugues. The entire district was erected and landscaped as a luxurious playground for wealthy foreigners. The Casino was an immediate hit and Prince Charles II who supervised the construction lost no time in naming Les Spelugues after himself, Monte (Mount) Carlo. Later, Charles Garnier who designed the Paris Opera added the Monte Carlo Opera in 1878.
A drink on the terrace of the Cafe de Paris is a must for world-class people-watching. In wet weather, the stylish, Art-Deco interior is stunning . And, you can try your luck at the free Casino du Cafe de Paris which include American roulette, Blackjack, Craps and slot machines.
The five-star Hotel de Paris was built in the mid-19th century to accommodate the high-rollers about to descend upon the Casino. It also hosts the Louis XV-Alain Ducasse three-starred Michelin restaurant that is the finest dining experience on the Riviera, if not all of France. Book well ahead and plan on "elegant dress" and a jacket at least for dinner. The fixed-price lunch menu starts at €230 without drinks.
The gardens leading up to the Casino provide a calm refuge from the tourist madness.
Monte Carlo's Carré d'Or (golden square) is an outdoor pedestrian mall of high-end luxury shops on the west side of Casino square. If you're burdened by excess money, here's where to lighten your load. Hermès, Céline, Christian Dior, Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Prada--are all present and accounted for. Window-shopping here will give you an overview of the latest fashion trends.
Fashionistas with a less stratospheric budget should pop in for a look at the 80 upscale boutiques in the Metropole Shopping Center. The entrance to this extraordinarily beautiful shopping center is from the Monte Carlo gardens. Crystal chandeliers, wide curving staircases and subtle lighting create an atmosphere of calm and luxury.
One of the highlights of Monte Carlo's Formula I is watching the drivers navigate the famous "hairpin turn". To see the spot, go downhill on the road running next to the Casino. Follow signs to the Fairmont Hotel which is where the famous turn happens.
Located across from the Grimaldi Forum, Villa Sauber is one of the last Belle Epoque villas in Monaco. Probably dating from the end of the 19th century, the villa once belonged to painter Robert Sauber and now houses art exhibits from the National Museum of Monaco.
Stay in Monaco!
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The heart of Old Monaco is Monaco-Ville, also known as Le Rocher, a neatly laid-out village of impeccably groomed pastel houses high over the sea.
Trolling the three streets for souvenirs is a popular activity but the main highlight is the Prince's Palace.
The Palace was constructed in the 14th-century but has been overhauled many times since. The oldest portion is the stone tower on the right. When Princess Grace assumed her role in 1956 she set about renovating the fusty, old palace apartments. If the Prince and his family are home you'll see the Palace flag flying.
The massive exterior courtyard is impressive and you can tour the public rooms from June to October. There is a changing of the guard daily at 11.55am. From the Palace courtyard, there's an excellent view over Monaco's Port Hercule.
Another highlight is the Saint Nicholas Cathedral.
This gleaming Cathedral was built on the site of an older church, demolished in 1868. This new church was built from stone quarried in La Turbie and opened in 1878. Princess Grace and Prince Ranier were married here in 1956 in a ceremony attended by dozens of Presidents, kings, princes, princesses and movie stars. After Princess Grace perished in a car accident in 1982, she was interred here along with all other Monegasque princes and princesses.
The church is open daily but closes between 10am and noon on Sunday when the Royal family comes to worhip. Don't miss the paintings by Nice painter Louis Brea on the way to visit the tombs.
Founded in 1910 by the sea-loving Prince Albert I, the Monaco oceanographic museum is an important marine research center with a stunning Aquarium. The 90 pools transport the visitor directly into oceanic splendor with a vast array of fish. Don't miss the Shark Lagoon of 450 cubic meters which recreates the life of a coral reef. The Museum also hosts special artistic or scientific exhibitions.
Tucked away on a little side street is this hidden jewel. The Princess Grace Irish Library, founded in 1984 by her late husband Prince Ranier is a wondeful tribute to the much-beloved Princess.
Located in a stunning 19th-century residence, this tiny space displays the personal collection of Princess Grace’s books, many by Irish authors, as well as sheet music, rare first editions and various memorabilia from the Princess.
The library is open weekdays and is free to enter.
Hi! I'm Jeanne and I've been living on the Riviera for years. With my local insights your trip will be easy and fun. And, do check out my book Nice Uncovered: Walks Through the Secret Heart of a Historic City. More about me here.
