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Monaco

Monaco. Foto: Cătălin Kislinger / Titi Tudorancea Travel Info

Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state and microstate, located on the French Riviera in Western Europe. France borders the country on three sides while the other side borders the Mediterranean Sea.

Monaco has an area of 2.02 km2 (0.78 sq mi) and a population of about 37,800; it is the second smallest and the most densely populated country in the world.

Monaco's most populous Quartier is Monte Carlo and the most populous Ward is Larvotto/Bas Moulins. Through land reclamation, Monaco's land mass has expanded by twenty percent.

Monaco is known as a playground for the rich and famous, due to its tax laws. In 2014, it was noted about 30% of the population was made up of millionaires, more than in Zürich or Geneva.

Monaco is a principality governed under a form of constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II as head of state. Although Prince Albert II is a constitutional monarch, he wields immense political power. The House of Grimaldi have ruled Monaco, with brief interruptions, since 1297.

The official language is French, but Monégasque, Italian, and English are widely spoken and understood.

Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with the opening of the country's first casino, Monte Carlo, and a railway connection to Paris. Since then, Monaco's mild climate, scenery, and gambling facilities have contributed to the principality's status as a tourist destination and recreation center for the rich.

In more recent years, Monaco has become a major banking center and has sought to diversify its economy into services and small, high-value-added, non-polluting industries. The state has no income tax, low business taxes, and is well known for being a tax haven. It is also the host of the annual street circuit motor race Monaco Grand Prix, one of the original Grands Prix of Formula One.

Monaco is not formally a part of the European Union (EU), but it participates in certain EU policies, including customs and border controls. Through its relationship with France, Monaco uses the euro as its sole currency (prior to this it used the Monégasque franc).

Climate

Monaco has a Hot-summer Mediterranean climate which is influenced by the oceanic climate and the humid subtropical climate. As a result, it has warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Cool and rainy interludes can interrupt the dry summer season, the average length of which is also shorter.

Summer afternoons are infrequently hot as the atmosphere is temperate because of constant sea breezes.

On the other hand, the nights are very mild, due to the fairly high temperature of the sea in summer. Generally, temperatures do not drop below 20 °C (68 °F) in this season. In the winter, frosts and snowfalls are extremely rare and generally occur once or twice every ten years.

See

The principality of Monaco offers a great balance of historical and modern attractions. There are various museums and palaces to visit as well as shopping malls and casinos. Monaco also offers relaxation spots along the harbor and even around the attractions. It is relatively easy to navigate Monte Carlo and Monaco if you take the time to learn where the various "short cuts" are. City maps are generally available at most news vendor stands and shops for a small fee.

• The Tourist information could be a good starting point before venturing to explore the city.

• Monte Carlo Casino (Grand Casino), Place du Casino. 14:00-04:00.

The Monte Carlo Casino is a gambling and entertainment complex which includes a casino, the Opéra de Monaco, and the office of Les Ballets de Monte Carlo. Owned and operated by the Société des bains de mer de Monaco (SBM), a public company in which the Monaco government and the ruling family have a majority interest. The company also owns the principal hotels, sports clubs, foodservice establishments, and nightclubs throughout Monaco.

If your wallet permits it, try your luck in the Grand Casino and gamble alongside the world's richest and often most famous. You'll need your passport to enter (as Monégasque citizens are prohibited from gambling at the casino), and the fees for entry range enormously depending on what room you are going to - often from 30€ right up into the hundreds.

You can also visit the casino without gambling for a nominal fee of 10€. The dress code inside is extremely strict - men are required to wear coats and ties, and casual or 'tennis' shoes are forbidden. The gaming rooms themselves are spectacular, with stained glass, paintings, and sculptures everywhere. There are two other more Americanized casinos in Monte Carlo. Neither of them have an admission fee, and the dress code is more casual.

• Opéra de Monaco (Monaco Opera House) (On the backside of the Casino). 10:00-17:30; Su, Mo off. The Monaco Opera House or "Salle Garnier" was built by the famous architect Charles Garnier.

The auditorium of the opera house is decorated in red and gold and has frescoes and sculptures all around the auditorium. Looking up to the ceiling of the auditorium, the visitor will be blown away by the superb paintings. The opera house is flamboyant but at the same time very beautiful. There have been some of the most superior international performances of ballet, opera and concerts held in the opera house for more than a century; consider taking in a show during your visit... but expect to pay top dollar!

• Monaco-Ville (Monaco City). Take a walk through Monaco-Ville, also known as “Le Rocher” or “The rock.” Monaco-Ville is still a medieval village at heart and an astonishingly picturesque site. It is made up almost entirely of pedestrian streets and passageways and most previous-century houses still remain. There a number of hotels, restaurant and souvenir shops tourists can stay, eat and shop at. You can also visit the Prince's Palace, the Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum, the City Hall, and the Saint Martin Gardens.

• Palais Princier (Prince's Palace). 10:00-18:00; Jul, Aug 10:00-19:00; Oct 17-Mar 25 off. The Palais Princier is in old Monaco-Ville and is worth a visit.

There are self-paced, audio-guided tours of the palace. The palace also offers a breathtaking panoramic view overlooking the Port and Monte-Carlo. Everyday at 11:55 AM, in front of the Palace's main entrance visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony performed by the "Carabiniers".

“Carabiniers” are not only in charge of the princes’ security but they offer him a guard of honor and on special occasions, are his escorts. The “Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince” has a military band (Fanfare), which performs at public concerts, official occasions, sports events and international military music festivals. 8€.

• Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée (Saint Nicholas Cathedral). 08:30-18:00; May-Sep: 08:00-19:00. The Monaco Cathedral was built in 1875 and stands on the site of a 13th-century earlier church. It is a Romanesque-Byzantine church dedicated to Saint Nicolas and houses the remains of former Princes of Monaco and Princess Grace. The church square also contains some of Monaco-Ville's finest restaurants.

• Jardins Saint-Martin (Saint-Martin Gardens), Avenue Saint-Martin (South of Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée). Beautiful park along the ridge at the southern end of Le Rocher.

• Musée océanographique (Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium), Avenue Saint-Martin. Oct-Mar: 10:00-18:00; Apr-Jun, Sep: 10:00-19:00; Jul 10-20; Dec 25 off.

The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium is a world-renowned attraction. Located 279 above sea level, the museum contains stunning collections of marine fauna, numerous specimens of sea creatures (stuffed or in skeleton form), models of Prince Albert’s laboratory ships, and craft ware made from the sea’s natural products.

On the ground floor, exhibitions and film projections are presented daily in the conference room. In the basement, visitors can take pleasure in watching spectacular shows of marine flora and fauna. With 4,000 species of fish and over 200 families of invertebrates, the aquarium is now an authority on the presentation of the mediterranean and tropical marine ecosystem.

Lastly, visitors can have lunch in “La Terrasse” and visit the museum gift shop. The entrance fee depends on the month of the visit. Students can get discount by showing valid student ID. You need to take bus number 1 or 2 from the Monaco Monte Carlo train station to reach this aquarium. 11€ (low season), 16€ (high season).

• Musée de l'automobile de Monaco (The Prince of Monaco’s Vintage Car Collection), Les Terrasses de Fontvieille. 10:00-18:00; Dec 25 off. For any car enthusiast this is the place to go. There is everything, from carriages and old cars to formula 1 race cars. Around 100 vehicles are on display here. Adults 6.50€, Students 3€.

• Jardin Exotique (Exotic Gardens), 62, Boulevard du Jardin Exotique. Nov-Jan: 09:00-17:00; Feb-Apr,Oct: 09:00-18:00; May-Sep: 09:00-19:00; Nov 19,Dec 25 off.

The Jardin Exotique is one of the many gardens Monaco has to offer. It is also one of Monaco’s finest tourist attractions. Several thousand rare plants from around the world are presented in a walking tour that is quite memorable for the views as well as the flora and plants. Due to the rise in altitude, not only are there many displays of desert plants but there are a handful of subtropical flora displays as well.

There is also a grotto (cave) that has scheduled guided tours. The tour starts at the beginning of every hour and lasts for around 25 minutes. In the cave, you will have to climb the stairs equivalent to around a 6 storied building. You need to take bus number 2 to reach this Garden. You can take this bus either from the train station or from the Oceanographic Museum. The entry cost is a bit steep (€7.20) unless you're under 16 or a student (€3.80).

• Yacht Club Monaco, Quai Louis II. Founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier and presided over by Prince Albert II since 1984, the Yacht Club de Monaco brings together more than 1200 members from 60 nationalities.

Many of the world’s most prestigious private yachts fly the Yacht Club de Monaco’s burgee, testimony to its unique position on the international yachting scene. The new building designed by Lord Foster is located in the heart of Port Hercule, in front of the YCM Marina. The YCM Gallery is a new area open to the public.

• La Condamine. is the second oldest district in Monaco, after Monaco-Ville. Here you can stop and marvel at the many luxurious yachts and cruise ships which usually adorn the docks in the marina. La Condamine is a thriving business district where you can visit the 13 Condamine Market and the 14 Rue Princesse Caroline pedestrian street. With enjoyable landscaped areas and modern buildings, La Condamine is surely worth a visit.

• Grimaldi Forum, 10, Avenue Princesse Grace. The Grimaldi Forum is the Monaco convention center. Completed in July 2000, the sun filled building on the sea has a remarkable glass entrance, two convention restaurants, an auditorium for ballet and opera, and two more auditoriums for meetings and other affairs. The Forum also offers two large exhibition halls that can be used for trade shows or other exhibitions. It is also a short walking distance from surrounding hotels.

• Champions Promenade. The winner of the "Golden Foot" football player of the year award leaves a permanent mould of his footprints here on the seafront walk. The last years winners were Didier Drogba, Andrés Iniesta and Samuel Eto'o.

• Jardin Japonais (Japanese Garden). 9 AM to sunset. The garden is 0.7 hectares in size, and features a stylised mountain, hill, waterfall, beach, brook, and a Zen garden for meditation. The garden was designed by Yasuo Beppu, the winner of the Flower Exhibition of Osaka 1990, as a miniature representation of Shintoist philosophy.

• Marlborough Fine Arts Gallery, 4 Quai Antoine 1er. The Marlborough Fine Arts Gallery was founded in London by Frank Lloyd and Harry Fischer.

A second gallery was opened in Rome, another in New York, and one more in Monaco. The gallery holds a grand collection of post-World War II artists and even paintings by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Jules Brassai, Louise Bourgeois, Dale Chihuly, David Hockney and Henri Matisse. The gallery also offers group exhibitions. No entrance fee.

Annual events

• Monaco Grand Prix (Grand Prix de Monaco).

Monaco's streets hosts the best known Formula 1 Grand Prix. It is also one of Europe's premier social highlights of the year. The Automobile Club of Monaco organizes this spectacular Formula 1 race each year around mid May. The Grand Prix is 78 laps around 3.34 kilometers of Monte Carlo's most narrow and twisted streets.

The main attraction of the Monaco Grand Prix is the proximity of the speeding Formula One cars to the race spectators. The thrill of screaming engines, smoking tires and determined drivers also makes the Monaco Grand Prix one of the most exciting races in the world. There are more than 37,000 seats available for sale on the circuit ranging from 310€ (at Boulevard Albert 1er) to 600€ (at Casino Square) for a ticket on race day.

Monaco residents often rent out their terraces for the event with prices ranging from 8000€ to 140,000€ for the four days. During the off season, it is possible to walk around the circuit. Tourist office maps have the route clearly marked on their maps, although devotees won't need them! For those who can afford it, you can also take a ride around the track in a performance car.

• Festival International du Cirque (International Circus Festival), 5 Avenue des Ligures. This extraordinary circus festival takes place every year in January. The world's best performers in their field take part. 30-190€.

• Monte Carlo Tennis Masters. This tournament is held end of April each year at the Monte Carlo Country Club just outside of Monaco in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Rafael Nadal is the record holder. Single day tickets vary between 25€ and 185€.

• Top Marques Monaco, 10, Avenue Princesse Grace (Held in the Grimaldi Forum). An exhibition, which features luxury aircraft, automobile, banking, boat, footwear, handbag, jewellery, real estate and wine products.

One feature of the Top Marques Monaco that sets it apart from other automotive exhibitions is its use of the adjacent Formula 1 Grand Prix racetrack to display cars in action and conduct test drives. 36€-50€ for adults, 18€-25€ for children.

• Rallye Monte Carlo. Maybe the most famous rallye event in the world. The stages of the rallye run in the area around Monaco and the French Riviera. The cars gather on the day before the first stage in the "tire fitting zone" at Casino Square. Held every year in late January.

• Monaco Yacht Show (MYS), Route de la Piscine (Entrance close to the swimming pool). Held every year in September at Port Hercules this is considered one of the biggest superyacht shows in the world with around 130 boats on display. Walk along the harbourfront on the blue carpet and marvel at yachts with a combined net worth of about $3 billion. 150€ (day pass. Just make sure you have that extra few million on hand if you want to buy anything.).

Do

• Hike or drive up Tête de Chien ("Dogs Head"). Enjoy one of the most spectacular views over Monaco.

• Another nice place nearby with an extraordinary panorama can be found right north of the "Fort de la Tête de Chien".

• Hike along the coastal path from Monaco to Carnoles. A beautiful walk with splendid views towards Monaco. It takes roughly 2 hours from Monte-Carlo to circle Cap-Martin and finally reach Carnoles train station, where you can catch a train back to Monaco. An alternative to go back is bus 100. 9km overall distance.

• Azur Express (Departure opposite the Oceanographic museum). Fun tourist trains make daily tours all over Monaco.

You will visit the Monaco Port, Monte-Carlo and its Palaces, the famous Casino and its gardens, the Old Town for City Hall and finally the royal Prince’s Palace. Commentaries are in English, Italian, German, French and another 8 languages. This enjoyable tour runs about 30 minutes long without the possibility to leave the train. 9€ (adults), 5€ (children).

• In the summer time, Monte-Carlo is illuminated with dazzling concerts at the exclusive Monte-Carlo Sporting Club. The club has featured such artist as Natalie Cole, Andrea Bocelli, the Beach Boys, Lionel Richie and Julio Iglesias among others. The club also hosts a small casino which includes basic casino games. With no one under the age of 18, the rate per person is 20€.

• Aquavision: Discover Monaco from the sea during this fascinating boat tour! “Aquavision” is a catamaran-type boat equipped with two windows in the hull for underwater vision, thus allowing the passengers to explore the natural seabed of the coast in an unusual way. The boat can take up to 120 people per journey. The cost for adults is 11€, while the cost for children and students ages 3–18 is 8€.

Respect

In many ways, the Respect section of the France page can detail how to be respectful toward the Monegasque population, but it should be noted that Monaco is a separate nation and it would be very insulting to casually conflate the two.

Keep in mind that Monaco's population retain their own history, their own culture, and their own lifestyle. With that in mind, everyone is approachable, happy to chat with you and globally simply kind. Directions or other help are only a smile and a question away.

Stay safe

Monaco is a safe, crime-free location, with a strong police presence. It has the lowest homicide rate of any country in the world, and among the lowest in terms of overall crime rate.

Because of their wealthy state, every public space is blanketed with cameras and any kind of disorder may produce an immediate reaction and the attendance of several officers.

Homosexuality is legal, although there are no official gay places in Monaco.