US
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AU Why visit Monaco
Nature
Monaco delivers plenty of natural beauty despite being a ritzy metropolis. Our guides love how the city hum melts away in Monaco’s noteworthy gardens and natural sites. Below are a few of our favorite places for taking in the natural beauty of Monaco – you’re sure to forget about the outcroppings of high-rises just outside their gates.
Oceanographic Museum
We love taking our travelers to see the more than 6,000 specimens and exotic marine life at the Oceanographic Museum. If you’re feeling adventurous, pet a shark at a touch tank. Then, make your way to the museum’s rooftop for superb panoramic views; on clear days you can see out to the Italian Riviera.
Japanese Gardens
Feel a sense of bliss as you walk through a verdant Japanese garden in the heart of the French Riviera. Replicating an authentic Zen garden, this 7,000 square meter park is complete with a bubbling brook, lush greens, and a small Japanese teahouse. After a busy day on tour, we think it’s a great natural retreat!
Exotic Garden
See a variety of unique succulents and cacti of nearly all shapes and sizes at the Monaco Exotic Garden. As it sits on one of the highest points of Monaco, the garden is worth a visit just for the spectacular views it provides. Explore the underground cave system below the garden and find large stalactite and stalagmite formations. We suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes!
Princess Grace Rose Garden
Featuring thousands of roses in hundreds of varieties, the Princess Grace Rose Garden is a vision of floral beauty. Prince Rainier III had the garden planted to remember his wife, Grace Kelly. When you tour the garden, head over to the nearby Fontvieille Park where you’ll see an interesting sculpture trail with unique pieces such as Cavalleria Eroica by Arman.
Attractions
Monaco’s attractions cater to lavish fun. Whether you enjoy a good game of poker, shopping at fabulous boutiques, or taking to the seas in style, our guides have plenty of great suggestions for where to go.
Casino of Monte Carlo
Don’t be surprised if your guide encourages you to channel your inner James Bond and suggests a stop at the Casino of Monte Carlo. A prime example of belle-epoque architecture, the casino exudes an air of opulence with its marble-and-gold décor. Whether you wish to play or merely want to observe, the Casino of Monte Carlo is a great activity to add to your itinerary.
Monaco Harbor
Take a walk through Monaco Harbor and see how the rich and famous vacation by sea. Mega yachts line the docks of this exclusive Mediterranean port. Explore the harbor and enjoy great cafes and restaurants, or go aquatic with a catamaran ride. Either way, you certainly won’t mind the view.
Place d'Armes
A popular market square of Monaco, the Place d’Armes is a hub for Monegasque natives stopping for lunch or to meet with a friend for coffee. Smell the local cuisine as traditional market stalls cook up snacks perfect for enjoying on your leisurely days in the French Riviera. For an authentic local treat, our guides suggest you try the “socca,” a typical regional pancake made of chickpea flower.
Avenue des Beaux-Arts
Strolling along one of the world’s most expensive streets won’t cost you a thing, but with retailers like Yves Saint Laurent and Dior, you’ll find plenty of high-end fashion on Avenue des Beaux-Arts. See iconic fashions and the newest designs on this sartorial-focused street during your visit to Monaco.
History
Since the 13th century, the Grimaldi family has ruled the principality of Monaco. From the opulent Prince’s Palace to the iconic site of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier’s marriage at Monaco Cathedral, much of Monaco’s history is tied to the long reign of this dynasty. We make sure you get a true sense of the sweeping history of this small principality.
Prince's Palace
Be transported back in time and imagine the legacy of a historic family dynasty with a tour at the Prince’s Palace. Considered to be a private residence by Prince Albert II, the Prince’s Palace has been home to noble Grimaldi clan since the 13th century. If you have the time, we suggest exploring the State Apartments to learn the heritage of the reigning family.
Monaco Cathedral
The resting place of Grace Kelly, Prince Rainier III and most of the Grimaldi family, the Monaco Cathedral is a landmark site both for its history and impressive architecture. Built in Neo-Byzantine style, the Cathedral sits on the site of the first parish church in Monaco built in 1252.
Fort Antoine
Fort Antoine was first constructed as a fortress in the early 18th century. Prince Rainier III had the fortress rebuilt as a theater in 1953 where it now allows visitors during the day and features special performances on summer nights. Featured in the movie GoldenEye, you too can follow in James Bond’s footsteps and climb to the top of the theater’s steps to see magnificent views of Monaco Harbor.
Chapel of Mercy
A quaint Roman Catholic Church, the Chapel of Mercy only seats a hundred patrons. What the Chapel lacks in size, it makes up for in a rich history. The chapel was the starting point for the traditional procession of the Christ-Dead on Easter Friday for four centuries. If you visit this Chapel, be sure to check out the wooden Christ sculpted by the Monegasque François-Joseph Bosio, sculptor to Emperor Napoleon 1.
