For full disclosure, I have not been to Monaco.  But Kati has and this entry is mostly from her point of view.  

Monaco is  a small State that  sits on the breathtaking French Riviera and is headed by a crown Prince – the Prince of Monaco.  It severely lacks  in size but  certainly makes up for it in style and elegance –famously recognized as the world’s  most affluent country in the world endowed with a lavishness of nature.

Stretching along the French coastline, Monaco is flanked by France on one side and brushes the magnificent Mediterranean Sea on the other. This gorgeous and dazzling country is considered the most glamourous stretch of land in Europe. 

Home to hundreds of the wealthiest personalities in Europe, Monaco is one of the affluent destinations preferred by casino lovers and gamblers. Renowned for its lavish and sumptuous lifestyle, this spectacular country also plays host to some fantastic natural scenery, brilliant old-school architectural landmarks, and unbelievably captivating tourist attractions.

One exciting attraction you will notice when you visit is the steep, rugged promontory overlooking the Mediterranean sea, nicknamed “Le Rocher.” (the Rock). On the same note, Monaco is not all about nature; it is also known for its extravagance, gambling, fine things, car racing, and romantic fairy tales.

Even though words are not enough to describe the alluring beauty of Monaco, let’s have a look at a few cities that you should consider while planning your trip to this trendy country.

Beautiful places to visit in Monaco

Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher)

With a name that is similar to its country, Monaco-Ville city-state lies on a coastal peninsula stretching jutting towards the Mediterranean Sea, filling itself with a spectacular, endless nostalgia.

Also known as “The Rock.” Monaco- Ville is a town where you can get to feel the various medieval remnants that uphold Monacos’s fascinating and majestic history.

This historic town gives you a chance to stroll through the ancient pedestrian streets and alleyways giving you a perfect aura of the Old Town. As you awe-inspire yourself with the beautiful architecture, be sure to pass by the Prince’s Palaces, also know as “The Palais Princier.”. This magnificent fortress was used as the official residence by the Grimaldis family. Make sure you check out Place du Palais, a ceremonial site with palace guards, and be mesmerized with spectacular guard changing shift performance.

Besides that, you can explore the St Nicholas Cathedral – a Roman church where you will find Monaco’s ruling family’s remains. Other notable attractions  comprise; “Princess Grace Botanical Garden|,” “The Museum of the Chapel of Visitation,” and “François Grimaldi Statue.”

You can check out these hotels  Le Meridien Beach Plaza, Columbus Hotel Monaco, and  Hotel de France for accommodation.

Monte Carlo

Renowned for its fantastic climate, Monte Carlo is one of Monaco’s must-visit destinations. This city-state is dotted with numerous casinos and prides itself on having the only public beach in Monaco.

For the best experience, start by visiting the Napoleon Museum, which showcases antiques that belong to Napoleon I, a French Emperor. As you hop from museum to museum, you will be treated to some fascinating views of authentic ancient and modern architecture covered with some beautiful sculptures and mural paintings.

Visit the popular  Opera de Monte Carlo (“Salle Garnier”) for a taste of French musical performances. Sports lovers must visit the famous F1 Grand Prix circuit for some perfect –picture moment. Be sure not to forget your camera.

The Casino de Monte Carlo is another great  attraction that you shouldn’t  miss. Thanks to its heritage, iconic décor, and a vast array of table games and slot machines, the Casino de Monte Carlo tends to entice global clients. This renowned Casino has been renovated over the centuries to get to where it is right now. Even though we do not encourage gambling, you have to visit this iconic Casino for a perfect Monte Carlo experience.

Head to the Casino de Monte Carlo and feel like James Bond.

Café de Paris

Café de Paris is adjacent the Casino de Monte Carlo, sitting on an open terrace with a beautiful ambience, where you can see and be seen quite openly while in Monte Carlo. It’s a reveting place to be any time of the day, with the sun kissing on your chics at dawn, and  warm rays caressing your back at dusk. 

The urbane café has slot machines on the outdoor terraces, for the smokers. Smoking is not allowed  inside Monaco casinos. The machine to aim for on this terrace is ‘Aliens .v. Predators’. 

Emerse yourself in elegance and fine dining at this classic café , you’ll be spoilt for choice with their fantastic cuisines, fine wine and  a breathtaking view from the terrace facing the only casino in town.

Jardin Exotique

Occupying such a small space of earth land, Monaco crams in wonderful magical  gardens. Floating high up at the entrance Jardin Exotique drops almost vertical down the rock face, making it quite cumbersome to clamber over. But  if you must, its well worth the effort, since the view from up there  is absolutely ravishing!

Immerse yourself in a topnotch collection of prickly pear cactus and moist delicate flowers. The flora dates back hundreds of years back and have grown massively, you’l feel like you’re  wandering through a dense forest in New Mexico with the exeption of  the stunning  New Mexico sea views. 

Beach lovers can explore the Monte Carlo Harbor, visit the Oceanographic Museum or opt to relax by the beach. You can also opt for a sightseeing adventure by boarding a yacht Cruise or taking a Bateau Bus (water taxi).

You can check out these hotels  Port Palace, Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, and  Novotel Monte Carlo for accommodation.

For a break from the city, head up to the Jardin Exotique. Some wonderful views from there as well.

La Condamine

Sitting at the southwest corner of Monaco, La Condamine is known as Monaco’s business city-state and spans across the Port Hercule region that’s usually full of luxury yachts. This district is distinctively upmarket but has a calm relaxing feel, and is a fantastic place to explore for a few hours. Experience the Intriguing mix of colorful history and modern culture that makes Monaco so unique.

While sauntering through the beautiful walkway in Princess Caroline District, you can visit some the local cafes offering fresh food and drinks, go shopping, or better yet, visit the open-air swimming pool and have fun gliding down the twisty water slide.

Other must-see attractions include the Condamine Market, the Monaco harbor, and Princess Antoinette Park.

You can check out these places for accommodation: Chateau Eza, Hotel La Perouse Nice Baie des Anges, and Hotel Juana.

Les Révoires

Positioned in the north-west part of the country, Les Revoires is considered the smallest city-state in Monaco. Les Revoires is known for its steep Inclines that offer picturesque views. Don’t forget to take photos of the beautiful “Rock of Monaco” (Monolith) and the Mediterranean waters’ stunning view.

When visiting Mount Agel, you can pass through Chemin des Revoires for some breathtaking views of the city and Mediterranean sea. Don’t miss out on  the “Exotic Garden of Monaco. ” (Jardin Exotique de Monaco), which is full of different plants and animal species.

While still in Les Revoires, you can visit the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology for some history lessons. You can check out these hotels, Le saint paul, Chateau De la Chevre D Or, and  Le Mas de Pierre, for accommodation.

La Colle

Just like Fontviella, La Colle city-state is one of Monaco’s heavily populated areas – not to mention that it is among the smallest districts in Monaco in terms of land and Population. La Colle prides itself on having the only hospital in Monaco, “Princess Grace Hospital.”

There are lots of places to see and enjoy around La Colle-Sur-Loup. If you enjoy hiking or riding, La Colle-Sur-Loup is an area where numerous secret gems are waiting to be discovered. 

Even though La Colle is considered an Industrial area, machine lovers will be thrilled touring some very top-notch auto manufacturing factories like Venturi and Voxan. Other notable landmarks to visit include The Village of Fools, an amusement park for kids, Canyon Forest, an adventure park, and Escoffier Museum of Culinary Arts.

You can check out these places for accommodation: La Bastide Gourmande, Hotel La Grande Bastide, and Domaine du Mas de Pierre Hotel & Resort.

Larvotto

Considered by many to be a Monte Carlo sister, larvotto sits on Monaco’s coastline’s eastern side. Larvotte has a free to all public beach that shares a border with Monte Carlo. But unlike many beaches in Monaco, Larvotte beach is made up of pebbles rather than sand.

Although Larvotte beach is man-made, it is famous for its clean crystal-like waters, coastal charm, and an aura that’s hard to compete with.

You can start by exploring one of the most expensive streets to rent, “Princess Grace Avenue.” Which is full of tall buildings facing the gorgeous view of the sea”.while there, you can pass by the Japanese Garden for some picture taking before heading to Larvotto beach. Some of the pursuits that might fascinate you while at the beach include water-skiing, sea kayaking, and motor-boat riding.

You can opt for a bike ride along the “Promenade des Anglais” coastal walkway in the evening. Besides that, you can decide to relax in one of the luxurious restaurants enjoy some French cuisine.

For accommodation, you can check out these places Hotel le Prejoly, Residence Belle Plage, and Mandarina Hotel by Actisource.

Monaco is all about the biggest yacht, the most expensive car and the so-called good life.

Les Moneghetti

Your trip to Monaco will not be complete without exploring its northern central region that is stacked with a gorgeous view of beautiful villas and apartments. First of all, you need to visit Moneghetti, a relaxing garden that prides itself on having the only railway station “Gare de Monaco-Monte-Carlo” in Monaco.

While at the Moneghetti, you can head down to the Theatre des Muses for some excruciating afternoon performance. Adventure lovers can cross over to the motor racing arena for some action-packed evening at the Formula 1 Grand Prix track.

Other notable attractions include the Sacred Heart, the parish church which houses the scouts association of Monaco. Another landmark not to be forgotten is the “Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince,” a military infantry barrack that trains foreign soldiers.

You can check out these places for accommodation: Monaco Penthouse Le Cesar, Vrbo Property and, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo.

Our Final Word

Scores of vacationers  visit Monaco to experience the charming vibe of the French sea coast. Believed to be a luxurious destination in Europe, Monaco evokes an air of opulent wealth with its elegant five-star resorts, private yachts, luxury fashion shops, and state of the art restaurants.

Monaco is mostly visited as a day-trip from Nice, which is about 30-Minutes away by train. it offers a great road trip ambience for countryside  sightseeing while touring on the French Azur.

Monaco is in a league all by itself.

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