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Casino Monte-Carlo
15 Reviews I regret not having the time to visit the famous Grand Casino of Monte Carlo. The very idea of the Grand Casino and Hotel de Paris conjures up marvelous images in my mind---of course I'm relying on...
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Grand Prix de Monaco Monte-Carlo
5 Reviews Every second year, two weeks ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix historical cars from all over the world gather in the Principality for the Historical Car Grand Prix. The event takes place along the...
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Palace Monte-Carlo
4 Reviews The structure known today as the Prince's Palace and residence of the Prince of Monaco, started its life of service as a Genoese fortress circa 1191 to 1215. Due to the small size of the country and...
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The Oceanography Museum Monte-Carlo
5 Reviews This museum was founded in 1910 by Albert I, the great grandfather of the present prince. In the main rotunda is a statue of Albert in his favourite costume - that of a sea captain. Displayed are...
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Change of Guard Monte-Carlo
5 Reviews Directly opposite the Royal Palace one can find the officers barracks. Originally it housed officers of the French Legion. Charles III changed the purpose to house the Guard of Honour of the Prince’s...
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Monaco Cathedral Monte-Carlo
3 Reviews The Monaco Cathedral is not only quite beautiful but is notable as the final resting place of many of the Grimaldi Princes but also that of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, the former Grace Kelly....
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Exotic Garden Monte-Carlo
4 Reviews One thing in Monte Carlo that will not cost you a King's ransom is to visit the gardens which are adjacent to the aquarium. The local very pleasant climate is obviously conducive to growth and the...
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Marina Monte-Carlo
2 Reviews Ok, so you're walking around and you see boats. Well, maybe not boats, but yachts. Big yachts! Then you must be near the Monte Carlo Marina. Take a look at the fabulous vessels bobbing in the water...
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Winter Carnival Monte-Carlo
2 Reviews We were in Monte Carlo in November, and there was a "Winter Carnival" going on along the waterfront at the Marina. If we understood right, it is an annual event that is held. We had a great time...
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Princess Grace Burial SIte Monte-Carlo
1 Review After our half-day tour of Nice and Eze, we used our free time in Monte Carlo to climb the inclined walk-way up to the "Prince's Palace." From the Place du Palais, we walked the narrow streets til...
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Fontvieille Monte-Carlo
2 Reviews Fontvieille is the newest of the four traditional quarters (districts) in the principality of Monaco, and one of ten Wards for modern administrative purposes. It is a newly constructed area reclaimed...
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Church of Sainte Dévote Monte-Carlo
1 Review One can see that space is tight in Monaco when visiting this church, a road bridge just above it, during the F1 Grand Prix tyres and equipment just in front off it. This votive chapel dedicated to...
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My co-worker and I took no formal clothing with us, so we didn't visit the famous casino, except for the lobby. The entrance fee was 20 Euro and a coat and tie. Instead, we went to the American games down the street and around the corner... after all, we're just stupid Americans. We were there in February, and it was quite cold, as you can see from the dress of the pedestrians.
The history of the casino constitutes a large part of the history of Monte-Carlo, a district created and integrated in the territory of Monaco. Scarcely a century ago it was virgin land, a sleepy area on the Cote d'Azur. On some maps, it was marked as "plateau des Spelugues" (plain of caves) because of the underwater caves, "spelunca", that abound beneath its waters. In 1856, the owner of the land sold it at the price of 22 centimes per square metre. No one at that time could foresee the future of the Principality. Its habitants lived modestly from agriculture and fishing. It was difficult to get to the mountain, and the only way was via steep paths that went from the mountain to the sea. Cannes and Nice had better communications and their promoters had already begun to make a profit out of the tourist industry. Monte-Carlo represents the triumph of sensuality, curves, and a feminine...
The most outstanding architectural monument in Monaco is its own geographical construction — a palace of rocks built on the sea. The best architects have appreciated this natural beauty and built according to the dictates of rock and sea. The cathedral itself is almost a natural complement to the cliffs of Monaco. It arises at one end of the city like the forecastle of a ship looking out onto the sea. The cathedral was built between 1875 and 1884 by the architect Charles Lenormand.The churches of Saint Charles and Saint Devote are even older than the cathedral and were built when Prince Charles III fought for the religious independence of Monaco. Until this time, the Principality had been dependent on the diocese of Nice.
In addition to its age-old traditions, to the refined modernity of Monte-Carlo, so redolent of the Belle Epoque, to an active artistic and cultural life and intense social activity, there is also the sea. The sea, with its limpid azure presence, a perfect backcloth for a truly marvelous setting.Castles of fireworks are set off from the sea, and it is in the sea where everyone enjoys the healthy pleasure of a sporting life. The thousands of boats of all shapes and sizes gently rock on these calm tranquil waters. The weather and the sun are a further natural attraction. The climate is mild with an average annual temperature of 16° - and 2,583 hours of sunshine annually.The sea, with its considerable store of life beneath its waters has benefited from the initiative of the Monaco Government and the Monegasque Association for the Protection of Nature, which have made it possible for there to...
his enchanting garden, designed by the landscape-architect Yasuo Beppu, covers 23,000 square feet right next to the Mediterranean Sea and has been blessed by a Shinto High Priest. Waterfalls and ponds, decorated with symbolically-shaped islands, add to the serenity of the surroundings.The bamboo fences, Tea House, stone lanterns, tiles and wooden gates were all made in Japan. This garden has a very special atmosphere which might be a nice change of pace from the glitz just outside the walls.
THough not as big a spectacle as London's famed changing of the guards, it's still a fun activity.At precisely 11:15 each day, you can see the changing of the guards at the Prince's Palace. White-uniformed guards march out of the palace to the beat of a royal drum in the royal band. With much pomp and circumstance, guns are hoisted, salutes are given, orders are bellowed and posts are changed. The entire ceremony takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.
One of the best things to do, should you be in Monte Carlo in late April, is grab tickets to the Monte Carlo Men's Open Tennis Tournament. It's not hard to get the tickets in advance and the location -- at the swank Monte Carlo Country Club -- is gorgeous. The weather in invariably ideal, as well. For a relatively modest price (compared to many major tournaments) you can soak up plenty of sun and world-class clay court tennis ... Oh yes, and do some royal-watching, too!
Every Year at the end of May, Monte Carlo hosts the world-famous Formula 1 Grand Prix. Although I'm not a racing fan at all, I've seen this run exactly once and have never forgotten it. Indeed, if there is one race that every driver dreams of winning, it is the Monaco Grand Prix. For 58 years this event has been regarded as the most prestigious motor race in the world and with Monaco as its backdrop it is no wonder. The Grand Prix of Monaco said to be a race of genius over machinery and Monaco is unique in being the only remaining real street course on the Formula One schedule. It allows to you experience the race cars at close range with engines screaming, brakes glowing, and tires smoking as the drivers demonstrate their skills.
If you leave the harbor and walk to the east, you'll be headed towards the famous Casino De Paris (Grand Casino). It's only a short walk, elevator, and escalator ride away. If you plan on visiting the Grand Casino, you'll need your passport to enter. Monegasques are not allowed to gamble in their own casinos, and passports are checked to enforce this law. There are very strict dress codes in the Grand Casino. Men need to wear coat and tie, and tennis shoes are forbidden. The Casino was designed by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera House. Even if you're not a gambler, you should go in to see the beautiful frescoes and bas reliefs. Many can be seen from the lobby of the casino without having to pay the entrance fee. The gaming rooms are spectacular, with stained glass, paintings, and sculptures everywhere. Makes the slot machines look a little out of place! There are two...
The Palais du Prince (Prince's Palace) is located in old Monaco-Ville and is also a must see. The Grimaldi family has ruled from the palace since 1297. If the flag is flying over the palace, you know the Prince is in residence. The Grimaldi children each have their own separate homes in Monaco. The changing of the guard takes place daily at 11:55 am, so you might want to time your visit for then. There are guided tours of the palace each day from 9:30 to 12:30 and 2:00 to 6:30.
Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo Monaco
134 Opinions
Hotel De Paris Monte-Carlo
3 Reviews and 134 Opinions The Hôtel de Paris is the finest hotel in Monte Carlo. Despite other reviews I have read, I did not...
Abela Hotel Monaco Fontvieille
0 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Monaco attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Monaco sightseeing.
Q: Hi everyone. It's been over 30 years since I've been to the south of France, and I am planning a trip to Monaco next May, so I'd...
A: Yes, the train is still a good way to travel. I suggest visiting Collioure in France between Perpignan and the Spanish border. It´s a great little place and you won´t...
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