The combination of hot summers, mild winters, and the blue Mediterranean Sea has brought tourists to Monaco from all over Europe since the 1800’s.
More recently, many wealthy people have come to live here because the country has low taxes.
Monte Carlo is famed for its casino where huge fortunes are won and lost on the roulette and other gaming tables.
Another of Monaco’s attractions is motor racing.
The Monaco Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo Rally are held here every year.
Here I will show you how you can spend a day in Monaco, Just like I did.
So let’s start with:
What are the Best things to do in Monaco?
Here is a rundown of all the exciting activities people do in here, in addition I will show you my personal favorite things to do and awesome places to visit on your next holiday to Monaco.
Museo Oceanografico
This is an interesting Museum of Natural History in Oceanography that is nestled on top of a coastal rock.
It is loaded with exhibits related to the inhabitants of the oceans and of their range.
The museum is divided into as three parts; the Underground, Perimeter, and the Rooftop Observation Deck.
In the undergrounds there is a huge aquarium in the center.
Here you will see sharks, rays, and other large fish.
The Perimeter area is a large aquarium with many other diverse marine life are presented.
In the main hall of the museum there are lots of models of ships and stuffed marine animals.
The Rooftop observation deck shows the corral turtles, café, and playground.
If you have previously never been in aquariums, this is the best way to understand the eco=system of the ocean and how each marine life must survive.
The museum is informative and interesting.
The most magical moment is the communion with the sharks.
They swim in a small aquarium, some of them are asleep and do not respond to you.
You can stand by and watch other tourists do it or you can reach out and ask the help of an instructor on how to pet the shark.
All the other exposure is also quite interesting but, in order to fully enjoy all the marvels of the museum you must have plenty of time left.
Of course, in a short period a lot can be seen here.
Thee are marine skeletons, stuffed various inhabitants of the seas and oceans, cognitive information, tutorials and live fish.
And yet, there is a special part or something like a turtle farm and a playground on the roof of the building next to the cafes.
The roof of the ocean museum has a wonderful panoramic deck overlooking the sea and Monte Carlo.
My favorite stuff to do in Monaco
Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden is 0.7 hectares – a small landscape that is 10 minutes walk away from the Casino of Monte Carlo along the coast.
It is built in traditional Japanese park infrastructure where Bonsai trees, koi ponds, waterfall, and gazebo are all formatted in the Japanese style.
In the ornamental carp pond there are lots of different species and they always look very hungry but you can feed them with bread.
The fight for it between the fish and ducks is an unforgettable sight.
It is one of the jewels of Monte Carlo that is located along the waterfront of the famous actress named Grace Kelly that became Princess of Monaco.
The author of the project was a Japanese architect named Beppu.
It embodied the principles of Japanese philosophy of Zen life.
Ponds with fish, cherry, pine planting, wooden benches, and patterns of stones – all in the garden are steeped in harmony and adjusts the philosophical mood.
Of course, it’s hard to break away from the contemplation of Bentley in the windows as it is just across a posh car dealer’s shop, but to cross the road and plunge into the world of a garden of stones, exotic plants, wooden bridges, and tropical fishes still makes sense.
Carp, pebbles, sand – all this calms the nerves and cheers the soul.
It is a sense of beauty and harmony with nature, surrounded by Ferraris and Rolls-Royces.
Even if it’s in a small area it managed to create an atmosphere for seclusion and meditation.
Fun things to do in Monaco
Casino Square
Located in front of the Monte Carlo is not so big but it is very beautiful.
It stands on the steps of the hotel next to the Casino where just like in the movies on a rainy night, you can see chauffeurs driving a luxury car, and here comes the doorman with an umbrella to escort guests to the door.
For ordinary travelers, this square is all very convenient for it is right on the underground parking area.
You can park the car along with other fleet of top cars, and walk around the area that has excellent and charming streets nearby.
The view from here is great, but one needs to adjust and stay chic and posh.
The square is close to the souvenir shops and slot machines for those who don’t want to go and play inside the casino.
This area is an integral part of any package tours in Monaco.
There is an amazing feeling of bliss and tranquility that will embrace you when you sit on a bench in the park in front of the Monte Carlo Casino.
The Casino building stands in front of you and at the right, the legendary Hotel de Paris.
On the left is the Cafe de Paris with a huge hall of slot machines.
Behind the back of the bus stop is where the Nice Airport is located.
The Casino of Monte Carlo
This luxurious place is full of history with its classy interiors and architecture.
The foreign visitors are found mainly on the roulette table, blackjack, poker, different kinds of slot machines etc.
The entrance fee is paid at certain times and most of the customers are part of a rich population.
Picture taking is allowed inside and dress code is implemented on certain parts of the Casino of Monte Carlo.
It is interesting to take a look at the architecture that is more than a century old.
This property gilded with fine gold, wood, and canvas is where many celebrities socialize with the elite and the powerful.
This gambling establishment was built by Garnier (the same architect of the Paris Opera).
About the dress code, there are two schools of thought regarding how one should dress when inside this famous casino.
You need to realize that it has two areas; the first is for the casino players who will really take a sit in any of the high money stakes gaming tables – they are required to follow the dress code.
The second area is for the tourists who have no intention to play the huge money input games, this is where you can come in any clothes and play roulette, card games, and slot machines.
Popular Monaco tourist attractions
Opera de Monte – Carlo
Built by the architect Charles Garnier.
Upon entrance of the casino you have an immediate impression that the auditorium is not very big but it is opulently furnished.
It has large windows overlooking the sea and has large mirrors which are sustained in the performance.
The acoustics are excellent; the orchestra sits pretty low, so it does not cover the singer for the spectators in the front seats.
You will be able to experience a performance of Verdi’s Macbeth, where despite the small capacity and the relatively moderate ticket prices singers of the first rank occurred.
Unlike the tickets for the opera, the drinks they have in the break come with the local custom overpriced price levels.
The Opera de Monte Carlo enjoys exceptional programs that are quite difficult to access because you have to book months in advance without ever being sure to get tickets for the selected show.
But don’t get discouraged at all about the online reservation for it is definitely worth the effort once you are settled and seated in its marvelous theater hall.
What else to do in Monaco ?
Monte Carlo Harbor
The place is well maintained, beautiful, framed by the stunning buildings that overlook the bay and the yachts moored at the docks.
The view is absolutely unique and symbolizes a population that is devoted to pure ostentation that displays an absolute wealth and pomp that become their main purpose.
If you have the same blood with Monaco – be sure to take the opportunity to visit Monte Carlo Harbor.
It is a good place for romantic walks, for the vision of grandeur in the form of an abundance of luxury yachts, cruise ships, fine shops, exquisite restaurants, and cafes.
Be sure to read all of the port area – there’s a lot of interesting things.
There will be time to walk to the casino and to look at the funny figures of Adam and Eve, then walk back to the track and be sure to check out the formula in its line of expensive boutiques.
The bay of Monte Carlo is the pageantry that takes substance.
It is a delightful view to visitors of the region.
For those who want to flaunt glitz or recognize the wealth of others it is the ultimate paradise.
A walk to the port of Monte-Carlo is enough to make you fall in love with the sea.
Is Monaco worth visiting?
The answer is Yes.
Monaco is worth visiting.
This is because it is such a magical place
full of beauty and magic.
Don’t forget to visit the following luxury palace:
Prince’s Palace (Palais du Prince)
The Palais du Prince is worth seeing at least, since one of there (or a few feet away from it) has a great view over Monaco.
It is here where you can really shoot great panoramic pictures.
The building itself is nice and in good condition.
The Palace District is ideal for a stroll through the narrow streets though much of it is very touristy.
The palace is a very old building and at least since the wedding of Prince Albert it became more visually known.
At the side of the palace there are some old cannons that are lined up by the local wall where one can have a beautiful view down the valley.
From the other side of the palace you can just as easily look down on the harbor.
The steep climb to the mountain palace therefore is truly worthwhile.
The changing of the guard is also very impressive and reinforces even more the idea of a fairy tale palace.
Unfortunately, you can not visit inside but the square is already nice to look at and also all the old part in particular the stairway.
Must see places in Monaco
The Private Collection of Antique Cars of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III
This garage holds the exhibition of vintage cars collected by the Prince of Monaco.
From here, you can see coaches from the late 19th century to the latest Formula 1 car belonging to Raykonnenu Kimi and Ralf Schumacher.
The present helmet of 5 time Monaco grand Prix 90’s winner Ayrton Senna is also included in this exhibition.
If you are in the district of Fontvieille, just above the Carrefour shopping center is Prince Rainier 2 and the naval museum of its SAS.
Two interesting museums to see that highlight the Formula 1, rally, vintage cars of the Grimaldi family and a few rarities offered as gifts by various rulers.
You can also see the model ships, submarines in the other museum.
If you have enough time, take a look especially since it is located inside a convenient shopping mall and the chance to be near these beauties would be great.
The large number of vehicles starting with the first F1 and ending with the latest F1 model is truly impressive.
They are all in perfect condition.
You can get close and examine the details for its authenticity.
What else to see in Monaco ?
Monaco St. Nicholas Cathedral
The eleventh-century St.
Nicholas Cathedral contain in its history the 700 years of long rule and tiny Principality of the Grimaldi Family.
This is where the royal families get blessed in their royal weddings and it is also where they lay buried behind the altar the most important members of the royal lineage, which includes Princess Grace (named on the headstone “Patricia Gracia” in Latin), who died in a car accident in 1982, and her husband Prince Rainier (“Rainierus”) who died from sickness in 2005.
At the entrance, on the right side, there is a chapel dedicated to the patron saint (martyr under the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian whose feast is celebrated every January 27) with the urn containing his relics.
This cathedral also serves as a parish church, and strike notices of meetings and charitable activities to which the faithful and devoted gladly participates.
Popular places to visit in Monaco
Princess Grace Rose Garden
It is a quiet park with thousands of roses from around the world to remember the beautiful and ill-fated Princess Grace who adored this flower.
The Princess Grace Rose Garden is located on a gentle slope adjacent to the Landscape Park of Fontvieille.
These gardens are an oasis in the chaos of the principality; the colors, the order, and the variety are all gathered and planted here in honor of the late princess.
Despite the fact that this garden is surrounded by tall buildings in the area of Fontvieille, it is a relaxing mix of peace and colors.
It is advisable to visit especially in May when flowering is at its maximum.
