Weekend in Monaco: sights, beaches and hotels

A tiny principality on a rocky promontory.

Despite its diminutiveness (the area is only 202 hectares, while Moscow alone is 251,100 hectares), Monaco is an interesting country with beautiful postcard spots, fascinating sights, an azure beach and an atmosphere of luxury with expensive cars and real estate prices. However, stepping on the territory of the country, you realize that there are also affordable products, free parks, the same Chinese goods, and in general it is an ordinary European country, but with a special aura.

1. Population of Monaco as of 2020. — 39,244 people. In terms of size and population, this country can be compared to the Arbat district of Moscow (211 hectares, 36,107 people).
2. Monaco is the smallest country in Europe after the Vatican.
3. The coast of the Principality is washed by the Ligurian Sea, which is part of the Mediterranean Sea.
4. The local currency is the euro.
5. The indigenous population of the mini-country is called Monegasques.
6. Monte Carlo is the administrative district of Monaco with the main attraction.
7. Monaco is closely linked to France financially, territorially and culturally. From Nice to Monte Carlo can be reached by train in 20 minutes. The official language is French, but there are many English speakers.
8. Walking around Monaco, it is convenient to use free elevators throughout the Principality. This saves considerable time and effort, as the alternative is to walk up and down stairs only.

Port Hercules, or Hercule (Port Hercule)

Monaco has 2 ports, the main one named after Hercules. It is located along the coastline of the administrative district of La Condamin. The name of the tiny country, as well as the port itself, is connected with the name of the mythical hero Hercules, who went to live alone on this cliff. In his honor, a temple of Hercules Monoikos was later erected, and a settlement appeared nearby, which took its name from the word «monoikos», which means «living alone».

In this small country, the harbor takes up a huge part of it and is a place of attraction. It is a harbor for huge cruise liners and luxury yachts that line the shore like a beauty pageant, and a postcard spot where you can take a huge number of photos from any angle and against any background.

The harbor is always crowded, as it’s not just a major attraction, but also one of the few major streets in the country. If you walk along the coastline, you’ll come to the large open-air public swimming pool Stade Nautique Rainier III(rates for 2021), as well as a string of cafes and restaurants. Besides the posh yachts, here you stumble across an avenue of equally luxurious cars parked along the road.

Casino de Monte-Carlo (Casino de Monte-Carlo)

In the heart of the touristy and bohemian Monte Carlo district lies Monaco’s main attraction and its calling card, the Casino. This majestic green-roofed building has remained Europe’s premier gambling palace since 1856. Profits from gambling and tourism serve as the country’s main source of revenue — and bring in so much that Monegasques are exempt from direct taxation and military service. They are, however, not allowed to gamble in this casino.

In front of the building you can stroll through a beautiful square planted with exotic plants and unusual sculptures of Adam and Eve. Before the construction of the gambling house, the site was a vacant lot, which became a postcard spot with a picturesque panorama of the sea on one side and the city on the cliff on the other.

If you have a couple of days in Monaco, make sure you go inside the casino. It has everything to leave a lasting impression — a gambling atmosphere, a luxurious interior with sculptures and stucco, a colorful palette of gaming tables and the opportunity to play in the most prestigious casino in Europe.

• Entrance for tourists is from 10:00 to 13:00, later is the entrance for players. The last tourist launch is at 12:15.
• From 14:00 to 19:00 — entrance without dress code, and later for men a jacket is mandatory.
• When entering, be prepared for a thorough search.
• You may only take pictures inside the casino in authorized areas.
• Entrance to the gaming halls is paid and with a passport (at least 18 years old).
• A visit to the casino building with an audio guide (available in Russian) for an adult costs 17 € for children 13—18 years old — 8 € 6—12 years old — 6 €. Prices vary depending on the season, see the website for details.
• The ticket price includes a deposit of 10 € to buy drinks and/or play the machines.

Opera de Monte-Carlo (Opéra de Monte-Carlo)

With your casino admission ticket, you can also see the adjacent opera house — an audio guide is also included. It is a luxurious venue with excellent acoustics and pompous finishes.

The opera house is located in a building adjacent to the casino. Its history began with a private princely theater built in 1879 as a miniature of the Paris Opera House.

• The official website of the opera.
• Tickets for performances — from 15 € to 200 €. Order tickets on the website.
• The duration of the visit is up to 40 minutes.

Monaco-Ville (Monaco-Ville)

At the top of the cliff is the administrative center, the capital of the small country — Monaco-Ville with an area of only 20 hectares. At the same time it is an elite district and a center of memorable places: the Princely Palace, the Oceanographic Museum, the Palace of Justice, gardens. Only the indigenous population can own real estate here. It takes at least 2 hours to walk around the neighborhood.

A free small electric bus runs around the town, slowly taking you to all the important points of Monaco-Ville. The bus is driverless and electronically controlled. You can take a ride for fun, although it will not be much faster than walking.

Princely Palace (Palais Princier de Monaco)

It is one of the main attractions of the country, at the walls of which you can watch the honor guard change at 11:55 every day. The palace was built in the 13th century and underwent renovations during the Renaissance. In front of the building you can stroll along the beautiful square, which offers a picturesque panorama of the sea, the port and Monte Carlo.

• To see in the palace you can see the Parade Apartments, the southern part with the Napaleon Museum, the magnificent marble staircase, the golden-blue Louis XV Salon, the exquisite frescoes and other rich finishes.
• The tour is accompanied by an audio guide (available in Russian).
• The duration of the visit is 40 min.
• Photography is not allowed inside.
• Entrance fee €8; children (6—17 years old) and students €4.
• Open daily April 2 through October 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• More information on the website.

Oceanographic Museum (Musée océanographique de Monaco)

This museum houses the world’s richest collection of coral reefs, many tropical fish and other sea creatures, and from 1957 until 1997 it was run by the very same Captain Cousteau — isn’t that a reason to stop by?

The museum was built in 1899 by Prince Albert I, who loved the sea, went on research expeditions and devoted his life to the study of the depths of the sea and shipbuilding. Now in the museum you can see a rich collection of marine fauna in the form of stuffed animals and skeletons, an aquarium with thousands of different fish and invertebrates, a lot of Moscow artifacts.

• Visiting time is about 2 hours.
• Open daily except Christmas Day (December 25) and Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.
  
• October through March open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; April, May, June and September open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; July and August open 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Entrance to the museum costs 16 €, for children it is 10 €.
• Official Website.

St. Nicholas Cathedral (Cathédrale de Monaco)

The main church of the country, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas is a beautiful neo-Norman structure built in 1875. Here is also the tomb of the Monegasque princes.

You can listen to the service on religious holidays and on Monaco National Day or Prince’s Day, which is celebrated every year on November 19. Entrance is open to all. More information about the cathedral on the website.

Palais de Justice.

In Monaco Ville, the Neo-Florentine building of the Courts of Justice is noticeably different from the other buildings. It is a beautiful 1930 three-story structure made of gray porous sea stone (tufa) and, if you look closely, you can see flecks of shells and pebbles in the walls. The first floor is made of darker stone, and the upper floors are made of light, almost white stone. The facade of the palace is decorated with a bust of Prince Honoré II, who defended Monaco’s sovereignty in 1634.

You can only see the Palace of Justice from the outside. Tourists are not allowed to enter, as it is a functioning courthouse.

Prince Rainier III Car Museum (Collection de Voitures Anciennes de S.A.S. le Prince de Monaco)

In the center of the commercial district of Fontvieille, a 20-minute walk from Place de la Casino, is another of the country’s landmarks, the Museum of Rare Automobiles, which is the private collection of Prince Rainier III. It is a huge garage where more than a hundred expensive vintage cars are on display, from a Polaris to all sorts of Rolls-Royce and James Bond’s Aston Martin.

The whole museum is divided according to the era of automobile industry and purpose. One part contains cars produced in the 1st half of the 20th century. In the other, there are racing cars, each of which has its own unique history on the Monaco circuit during the Grand Prix de Monaco. On the walls is a collection of posters of Formula 1 races of different years, which have been held in Monte Carlo every year since 1950. There is also a stand with gloves of famous drivers.

The museum is very fascinating, so be prepared to spend at least an hour on it. The polished cars are not only fascinating to look at, but also try to find a good angle for a photo.

• Adult ticket is 8 €, children from 6 to 17 years old 4 €.
• Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. except Dec. 25.
• If you are traveling in Monaco by rental car, the closest parking is at the Fontvielle shopping center.
• More information on the website.

Gardens and parks in Monaco

Despite its miniaturization, Monaco has some beautiful gardens that are completely free to visit.

1. The Jardin Saint Martin is a picturesque spot in the historic center of Monaco-Ville and the very first garden in the Principality, open to the public free of charge since 1830. It is convenient to start your walk from the Oceanographic Museum. In addition to exotic plants, there are many sculptures.
2. The Japanese Gardens (Jardin japonais) is a harmonious combination of flora, water and stone. Opened in 1992 on Princess Grace Avenue, near the Monte Carlo Casino. Entrance is free from 9:00 to sunset.
   
3. The Jardin Exotique de Monaco (Monaco Exotic Garden) is 1 hectare of plants unusual for the area, which take turns creating a continuous bloom. The garden was opened in 1933. There is also a grotto decorated with natural drawings of stalagmites and stalactites. Admission to the Botanical Center at the garden is free Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Paid guided tours are available by appointment on Saturdays at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. More information on the official website.
   
4. La Roseraie Princesse Grace is an area with over 5,000 flowers planted in memory of the princess, wife of Prince Rainier III and famous American actress Grace Kelly. It was opened in 1984 and admission is free 24 hours a day.
   
5. Le parc Princesse Antoinette is a wonderful place in the La Condamine neighborhood for families to relax and stroll. In addition to exquisite plantings, the park is equipped with playgrounds, mini golf and a small farm with rabbits and pheasants. Admission is free daily from May to September until 19:00, in winter until 17:30.

Monaco Zoological Gardens (Jardin Animalier de Monaco)

The Zoological Park is compact, but quite rich in the diversity of animal life (there are 250 animals). It is interesting for adults and children. Here you can see animals and walk around the grotto.

1. Open daily in winter time from 10:00 to 17:00, in summer time — until 19:00. Lunch break from 12:00 to 14:00.
2. Adult ticket price is 6 €, children from 6 to 17 years old — 3 €, under 6 years old — free of charge.
   
3. Detailed information on the park’s website.

Beaches of Monaco

Monaco has several places where residents and visitors can reach the sea and swim in its clear waters.

• The Plage du Larvotto is the only urban beach in the new neighborhood of the same name created by the division of Monte Carlo. The beach is equipped so that the recreation area and the water can be easily accessed by disabled people and moms with strollers. Entrance is free of charge. You can bring your own towel and umbrella. Renting a couple’s sun lounger is 30 € and an umbrella is 5 €.
• Plage du Solarium is an artificial bathing area right next to the port of Hercule. It is a tiered access to the sea, made of concrete with steps down into the water. The concrete gets very hot in the sun, so it is impossible to walk there without shoes. Entrance is free of charge.
  
• Plage des Pêcheurs is a small rocky cove with boulders. Access is free but forbidden during high waves.
  

Tourist transportation in Monaco

If a long walk around Monaco is not your thing, you can take the Monaco le Grand Tour double-decker tourist bus. It passes all the interesting places of the country — the Monaco Rock, Fonvieille and Monte Carlo districts. You can get on and off the bus at any stop an unlimited number of times during the whole working day — from 10:00 to 18:00.

• Duration of the tour is 1 hour.
• The cost of an adult ticket for 1 day — 23 € (for 2 days — 26 €), children’s ticket — 8 €, student and pensioners' ticket — 21 €.
• Bus interval — daily every 30 min. Day off — November 19 (National Day).
  
• The audio tour is available in 8 languages, including Russian.
• For arriving tourists from the sea, there is a bus stop at the cruise terminal (every 15 min from 9:00 to 18:00).
• More information about Monaco le Grand Tour on the website.

Another way to explore the principality’s 700-year history is to take the small Monaco Tours tourist train, which departs and arrives at a stop in front of the Oceanographic Museum in Old Town.

1. Duration of the tour is 30 min.
2. Adult tickets cost €10, children (2—8 years old) €5. Tickets can be purchased online or on board.
   
3. The capacity of the train is a maximum of 60 people.
4. More information about the Monaco Tours train on the website.

Where to stay in Monaco

Monaco, although a small country, is rich in free and affordable attractions that you want to see everything. Moreover, the distance between them is so small that at a glance, it seems possible to do it in 1 day. If you see everything from the outside without going inside and without going into details, it is realistic.

However, if you have already arrived in the Principality, why not get to know it better? For this purpose, it is better to stay here for at least 2—3 days — this is enough to see the sights outside and inside, to plunge into the atmosphere. But be prepared for the fact that there is no cheap accommodation in Monaco.

In Monaco, you don’t have to choose accommodation based on distance from attractions or the sea, as everything is within walking distance due to the tiny size of the country.

• There are no hostels here at all. That is, do not expect to spend 15—30 euros for a night’s accommodation. Everything in the Principality is organized in such a way as to attract not poor tourists, but only those who are ready to leave a decent amount of money in this country.
• Prices for accommodation start from 100 € for a double room. An apartment in Studio on the Outskirts with a private balcony is like a 1-bedroom studio apartment.
• In the inexpensive for Monaco hotel 2* Hôtel de France prices start from 125 € per night in a double room.
• Room in 4* Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort — from 310 €.
• And a room in one of the most prestigious 5* Monte-Carlo hotels Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo with its own garden will cost from 435 €.

If these prices for a night in Monaco don’t suit you, you can stay in neighboring cities in France, such as Nice or Menton. It sounds surprising, but it actually comes out cheaper. The fare at an inexpensive hotel in Menton will come out from 39 € per room, a bed in a hostel in Nice — from 12 € for one, and a double room in a good 3* hotel in the very center of Nice Hotel de France or even 4* Villa Bougainville — from 50 €.

Prices in inexpensive cafes and fast food places are about the same as in tourist areas in other European countries.

Approximate prices for meals in cafes and restaurants in Monaco:

• Complex fast food order at Son of a Bun from 12 €.
• Pasta at Maison des Pâtes Monaco is €8.50, and the price for the full menu is here.
• A 1.5 liter bottle of mineral water costs €2.

Monaco is a rich miniature European country, one of the safest countries in the world with the highest standard of living, with fortress walls on the rock, and at the same time an ordinary country with ordinary inhabitants. Here is expensive accommodation, but quite affordable attractions for a tourist with any budget.