10 must-do's in Monaco!
Tucked away on the French Riviera, the principality of Monaco is a city-state full of history and charm, where the Grimaldi family has reigned for hundreds of years.
So what should you discover in the principality? We offer you a roundup of 10 things you absolutely must do if you visit Monaco!
1- Walk on "Le Rocher" and admire the view
The beating heart of the city, the Rock is located on the heights of Monaco. With its beautiful houses dating from the 16th to the 18th, its alleys and its ramparts, this district will dazzle you by its beauty. A visit out of time, which will allow you to discover, among others, the chapel of the Visitation, the cathedral and the Palace. You can also admire the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea.
2- Visit the Monte-Carlo district
Located east of the Gaumates valley, Monte-Carlo is the most famous place in Monaco, and therefore a must-see when visiting Monaco. Monte-Carlo is synonymous with luxury and abundance and is often considered a territory in its own right. It is a district integrated into the city of Monaco, which has about fifteen thousand inhabitants. Discover its sumptuous villas and gigantic buildings, as well as its many buildings of interest: its Casino, its Opera and the fabulous “Hôtel de l'Hermitage”.
3- Play in the Monte-carlo Casino
Visiting Monaco also means visiting the Casino! Designed by Charles Garnier in 1879, the Monte-Carlo Casino is as magnificent as it is prestigious. With its “Belle Epoque” architectural style, this place has made the fortune of many gamblers in the principality, but it is also famous for the beauty of its salons. Don't miss its opera house, which is really worth a visit!
4- Discover the Oceanographic Museum
With its huge aquarium containing 6,000 varieties of the marine world, the Oceanographic Museum is a treasure trove for any lover of the fauna and flora of the seas. Founded by Prince Albert 1st in 1910, it takes you on a breathtaking dive under the oceans, to discover all its mysteries. The lagoon, a real coral reef reconstituted in the middle of the museum, is the icing on the cake of this visit that you will not regret for anything in the world.
5- Walk around the Exotic Garden
Designed by the engineer Louis Notari and opened to the public in 1931, this garden gathers more than 900 species of flora from the
semi-arid climate. You will be able to admire many cactus, but also aloes or fig trees, among the oldest and rarest that our planet counts. A
beautiful walk, that you must punctuate by the visit of the Cave of the Observatory, natural underground cavity that can only surprise you.
6- Visit the Prince's Palace
Visiting Monaco means making a stop at the Prince's Palace! Official residence of the prince since 1927, the Palace of Monaco overlooks the Mediterranean and perfectly reflects the greatness of the Grimaldi family. This building has a fascinating history, and was besieged and bombed by many foreign armies, and is also the symbol of the influence of the principality on the French Riviera. Enjoy the changing of the prince's riflemen, a ceremony that goes like clockwork.
7- Swim at Larvotto Beach
Larvotto Beach is the only beach in Monaco. This sandy beach stretches for 400 meters below a beautiful promenade where Monegasques like to walk or skate. In an environment of skyscrapers, this beach is one of the most beautiful of the French Riviera and one of the most attractive.
8- Admire and visit the cathedral of Monaco
Built in 1875 in white stone from La Turbie, on the site of a former 13th century church dedicated to Saint Nicolas, Monaco Cathedral is an impressive monument of the Principality. It is here that Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace of Monaco were married and that many Princes and Princesses are buried. Very beautiful inside and outside, the Cathedral of Monaco is worth a visit!
9-Stroll through the Condamine Market
The Condamine Market is an essential shopping place in Monaco! Located on “la place d’Armes”, a stone's throw from the Condamine shopping district and the Port of Monaco, the market is open every day. Inside the market hall, you will find fishmongers, butchers, bakers, delicatessens and caterers offering local products as well as Monegasque and regional specialties. Outside, there are fruit and vegetable producers as well as florists.
10- Go for a boat ride
As you stroll around the principality, and in particular the Marina, you will not fail to notice the many boats that invite you to take a cruise! You can choose to rent one to make your own little trip and stop wherever you want! This way, you will have the opportunity to discover the Monegasque landscape in another way, from the sea.
If you ever visit Monaco, don't hesitate to print this Bucket List to check everything you did!
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