If you think that Monaco is a bunch of show-offs, I have to disappoint you: it is not so! It is so pleasant to be here that the desire of the rich to have their own corner here is quite understandable. And no show-off: everything is for real!
Sea, mountains, sun, silence, perfect cleanliness, fresh air; beautiful streets, houses, trees. Free elevators will take you to any height to any attraction (elevators through the rock, so you don’t have to walk uphill). There are free equipped and unequipped beaches where you can safely plunge into the Mediterranean Sea, etc. and so on. Wouldn't you like to live in such a place? Especially considering that this is one of the safest places on earth? I think everyone would like to) Is it possible to come here on a budget? Yes, if you plan your trip a little.
So, here we go:
Eating in Monaco is not necessary in restaurants. As in many tourist cities, street food is sold here, at prices the same as everywhere else. A half-liter bottle of water costs 1 euro (standard price for European cities). There are the usual cheap vending machines at the station. Well, or you can buy groceries at a regular supermarket at the station in Ventimiglia.
4) You can swim and you don’t have to go to the city beach for this: right at the foot of Monaco-ville there is an unequipped small pebble beach. I didn’t like the very salty water of the Mediterranean Sea in Monaco that made my throat sore. In Capri, for example, the water is not so salty. (By the way, we also went there on a budget, which I’ll definitely tell you about in due time).
Well, we are heading to the Monaco train station carved inside a rock to continue our journey. After cheap Monaco (this is not sarcasm!) Expensive Florence awaits us. But more on that another time).
Monaco is a tiny state where people are used to living luxuriously. Only wealthy tourists go there, because even a cup of coffee costs 50 US dollars. The sights of Monaco are scattered throughout the country, each deserves attention. It is important to know that significant cultural monuments are located quite far from each other. Knowing in advance what to see in Monaco will make it easier for you to organize your trip.
What to see first in Monaco?
First of all, I would like to present you with a rating of the sights of Monaco that you need to see first of all. A trip to this country cannot but be memorable, because it is literally overflowing with historical and cultural monuments.
1. Museum of Old Monaco
Main entrance to the Museum of Old Monaco As the name implies, this is a place where entire collections of antique objects, ceramics, and paintings are presented to the attention of tourists and local residents. The furnishings are made from preserved furniture from past centuries. National costumes also arouse interest among tourists, because they seem to transport them back to the old days. The museum is free to visit and open on certain days of the week from June to September. By visiting it, you can get an idea of who the Monegasques are.
2. Botanical Garden of Monaco
Flora of the Botanical Garden of Monaco It has several names, but one thing is for sure: this attraction should be one of the first to see. There are unique collections of cacti, succulents, and what is the view from the top, which opens from the slide! You will have the entire principality at your fingertips. In describing the garden, I would like to note that it specializes mainly in plants that have special tissues where water is stored. They were brought from different parts of the planet. The garden area reaches 1 hectare, and there are specimens that have managed to take root in the local climate.
3. Larvotto Beach
Snow-white artificial sand on Larvotto beach This Monaco attraction is a must for those who want a glamorous beach holiday, because the beach is one of the most expensive in the world. It is possible to sunbathe topless, but keep in mind that the absence of jewelry on the body may be considered bad manners. As for the prices for drinks and beach equipment, they are simply off the charts, but the service of the staff in restaurants and on the seashore is worth it. Especially mothers with children like the jellyfish net, which stretches along the entire coast.
4. Monaco Ville
Panorama of Monaco Ville For those who are not in the know, the state described does not have a capital; it only has districts, one of which is Monaco-Ville. It is laced with picturesque pedestrian paths that lead to Palace Square, where the official residence of the princely family is located. Many tourists strive to get here to see how the guard, consisting of 12 perfectly selected soldiers, changes. The area is located on a cliff 60 m high above the water level, just a stone's throw from the sea.
5. Japanese garden
Corner of the Japanese Garden This landmark of Monaco is considered a real miracle, and it is located on Princess Grace Avenue, as close as possible to the beach. Looking at the photo of the garden, you understand that it deservedly ranks among the best in the world. It is known that its creation was commissioned from the architect and part-time landscape painter Jassy Beppyu. For 17 months, a whole team of designers worked painstakingly to solve complex technical problems, and it was worth it. The result was a real masterpiece, which to this day is one of the best attractions not only in the country, but also in the world. Plants were selected and arranged in accordance with such concepts as 4 seasons (a symbol of the cyclical nature of human life) and 5 cardinal directions.
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Monaco!
6. Antique Car Museum
Museum collection of vintage cars Victor Grigas When traveling around Monaco, it would not hurt to visit an exhibition of car collections belonging to the prince. The collection contains only rarities, everything is located on the Fontvieille Terrace. The number of vehicles reaches hundreds, among them European and American models, from various eras. Of interest are the carriages that once belonged to Prince Rainier III.
7. St. Nicholas Cathedral
The majestic building of St. Nicholas Cathedral 9. Prince's Palace
Prince's Palace at night While exploring the main attractions of the country, do not neglect the official residence of its rulers. This place with an interesting history cannot but amaze with the grandeur of its appearance; it is located in the already mentioned Monaco-Ville area. It is interesting to know that if a flag flutters over the roof of a large public building, it means that the prince is within his chambers. A special feature of the palace is the presence inside it of an Italian gallery, a hall in which there is a throne, the Salon of Louis XV and Mazarin. In summer, concerts are often held in the courtyard. The palace is not completely open to tourists; Grimaldi's chambers are located in the southwest wing.
10. Casino Monte Carlo
Casino Monte Carlo is the oldest gambling establishment in Europe Interesting places in Monaco are not limited to gardens and cathedrals. The country's calling card is its casinos, and Monte Carlo is one of the most respectable gambling houses in the world. It appeared after Prince Charles III sold 2 cities to Napoleon III. He decided to spend the proceeds on creating an aristocratic resort. The French financier was invited to open a casino in Monaco, and the result was a very beautiful building. Before lunch, you can visit it like a regular museum; you just need to buy a ticket to enter; no dress code is required. By the way, only guests of Monaco have the right to play in the casino; citizens are prohibited from doing so.
11. Monte Carlo Opera House
Entrance to the Monte Carlo Opera House 17. Country Club Monte Carlo
Professional tennis tournament at the Monte Carlo Country Club Ghaly What to visit in Monaco for entertainment? This is a unique place, entirely dedicated to achieving high results. Here, tourists are offered tennis courts with magnificent views of the sea, they are open all year round. To describe the Country Club more precisely, I would like to say that it accommodates 21 clay courts with a beautiful view of the sea coast, 2 hard courts and the same number for squash. For entertainment, tourists are offered individual/collective courses, various competitions among juniors and adults, as well as tournaments are organized.
18. Cafe de Paris
View from Casino Square to the Café de Paris tiger rus Another attraction of Monaco is located in the busiest place in Monte Carlo, namely the famous Casino Square. The cafe is very popular among tourists because there you can see wax figures of the autochthonous subjects of the Principality. What to visit in Monaco, namely the Café de Paris? Here, in addition to the main hall, there is a brasserie (an elongated hall decorated with stained glass windows in the Belle Epoque style) and several terraces. The cuisine in this establishment is not only high-quality, but also varied; the chef manages to create the most original dishes with an unforgettable taste. The cafe would not be complete without a seafood stall.
19. Chapel of Divine Mercy
Chapel of Mercy (left) in Baroque style M.Strīķis Thinking about what to see in Monaco from the ancient times? Pay attention to the Chapelle de la Misericorde, a small building with icons built in 1639, it is decorated in the Baroque style. During the French Revolution it suffered serious damage, but after some time the chapel was restored. The façade was supplemented with pilasters, capitals, and mosaic paintings. The main value of this Monaco landmark is the wooden sculpture of Christ, made by the personal sculptor of Emperor Napoleon I. Of particular value are donations from parishioners and gifts from those who repent.
20. La Mayenne Corniche
The highway runs along the sea, rising serpentine to the Valdiney Pimenta mountains Another attraction of Monaco is the highway connecting the small state with the unofficial capital of the French Riviera, Nice. The uniqueness of the highway is that it runs along the sea coast, attention, at an altitude of 200 m above sea level. Just imagine what a person feels when he finds himself in these parts. Indeed, what is worth seeing in Monaco is the village of Eze, located on a cliff not far from the medieval castle. This place attracts with its panoramic view from the mountain to the famous resort of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
The sights in Monaco cannot but delight with their splendor. The country, although small, can surprise. There are hotels in Monaco to suit every taste and budget; you won’t have any problems choosing, the main thing is to plan everything in advance. There are many special services with which you can book a room.
If you are vacationing on the Cote d'Azur, then you should definitely visit the tiny, almost indistinguishable neighboring principality of Monaco. But before you set off, it’s worth finding out what you shouldn’t do in this state.
1. Call Monaco “Monte Carlo”
For some reason, many people believe that “Monaco” and “Monte Carlo” are synonymous. In fact, Monte Carlo is just a couple of large blocks in the center of the country, only one of the districts of the principality, although the largest, most famous, where there are the most tourists and where the famous “city” Formula 1 track is located.
The Monte Carlo area should also not be confused with the name of the annual Monte Carlo Rally and the casino of the same name.
If you are traveling to Monaco by train, you will need to get off at the Monaco-Monte Carlo station located inside the rock.
2. Travel around Monaco by car
The best way to get from France to Monaco is by bus or train: from Nice to the principality you will be delivered in just 40 minutes.
This is profitable: you will spend a few euros, while at a paid parking lot in the micro-state itself you can part with a much larger amount.
There is no particular point in driving around Monaco, because the principality is so small that you can get around it on foot. In addition, only cars with local license plates are allowed into the most interesting places, such as Monaco-Ville, and the entire center is also, for the most part, pedestrian.
3. Walk around Monaco without documents
Of course, we are all accustomed to the fact that the European police do not raid tourists and do not check their documents at every step, so the passport can be in the hotel safe before leaving for the airport. But when going to Monaco, you should still put it in your bag. You will need it, first of all, to enter the famous Monte Carlo casino. The fact is that you can indulge in vice there only from the age of 21 and only for foreigners.
4. Take little money with you
Monaco is the quintessence of luxury on the Cote d'Azur, so is it any wonder that everything in the principality costs exorbitant amounts of money: for the simplest pleasures of life, such as a banal lunch overlooking the sea, you will have to pay at least a hundred euros per person.
Those who cannot afford this will have to be content with a rather tasteless pizza (25 euros!) in some gateway. And if you decide to buy something, then know that in the center there is only one type of store - boutiques of luxury brands.
5. Take a lot of money with you
If you're on a budget, don't take all your money with you on your excursion to Monaco, unless, of course, you plan to spend the rest of your trip under some kind of fence. There are too many temptations in Monaco, one of which is the famous Monte Carlo casino - a local attraction where most tourists go first. Believe me: all those who lost entire fortunes there were also confident in their own prudence!
6. Feed the seagulls on the embankment
Yes, yes, you shouldn’t show compassion and humanism to these fat, snickering birds - it’s dangerous for your health!
Recently, birds have become completely insolent: when they see something that looks like bread in a person’s hands, they literally attack him, can hit him thoroughly with their wings or a strong beak, and then quickly fly away with the prey. Trying to feed them means attracting the attention of a whole flock of aggressive birds of prey!
7. Walk only in Monte Carlo
No matter how small the principality is, this does not mean that your walk should be limited to just a couple of hours in the center. The best views of Monaco you will get if you get to Port Neuf, visit the Rock. It’s worth walking to the Condamine district to see how the locals live and visit the big market. Check out the beach and seaside area of Larvotto. On the outskirts it is interesting to walk between the ancient villas in the residential area of Fontvieille.
8. Return from Monaco in the early evening
During the day there are too many tourists in Monaco: they are brought in by the dozens on sightseeing buses and by the thousands on cruise ships. Therefore, when you find yourself in the principality in the midday heat, it is better not to jostle among the crowd in the center, where vanity and confusion reign, where every minute you will be asked to take a photo of someone, but to take a walk through the remote, remote corners.
Towards evening, the crowd disappears, and then you can calmly wander around the center (just don’t forget to find out when the last train leaves!).
9. Stay overnight in Monaco
It is unlikely that you will want to spend a week in Monaco - there is, by and large, nothing to do there. For many travelers, one day is enough, and then they return safely home to Cannes or Nice. However, even if you decide to explore all the museums or spend a few days in a casino, it is much more profitable to rent a hotel outside the state of billionaires, where hotel rooms are at least 3-4 times more expensive, and hotels are mostly 4 and 5 star categories.
Therefore, the most economical tourists leave Monaco in the evening, and in the morning, if the desire arises, they return back.
I remember very well myself looking out the window of a bus traveling along the Nice-Menton route and trying to guess where the border between France and Monaco was. I expected to see at least some kind of sign - say, Monegasque police officers in full dress uniform or the sudden appearance of a traffic jam of Ferraris and Lamborghinis... But in the end I only noticed a nondescript sign with the inscription “Monaco”, and I almost missed it .
Modern Monaco is a dwarf principality with an area of only two kilometers. A country that didn't have enough space for its own prison, but had enough space for its only university. A city-state associated with luxurious living and absolute tranquility, attracting millions of tourists every year.
To be honest, when I first came to Monaco, I was surprised by how different it was from the surrounding France. On the Cote d'Azur there are several must-see towns, including Cannes, and... But the proud dwarf state of Monaco is one of a kind.
Monaco is luxurious, pretentious and fashionable. The most expensive yachts with the most famous guests on board gather here. The most luxurious restaurants and hotels open their doors here, ready to boast of a whole bunch of various awards. Here, in the end, the prince personally grants citizenship (or rather, citizenship) to the rare lucky ones who turned out to be worthy of it.
Now imagine that all this fit on a tiny piece of Earth with the highest population density in the world. It is not surprising that over the years I happened to run into Elena Isinbayeva and Victoria Bonya on its streets... So only fate knows who you might meet in Monaco.
Visa and border crossing
Monaco is not part of the European Union, but is part of the Schengen area. This means that if you have a Schengen visa for any country, you do not need to take any additional steps. At different times I traveled to Monaco through Italian, Spanish and Finnish Schengen - never had any problems.
If you don’t have a visa, you will have to get one. Since there is no diplomatic representation of the principality in our country, it is impossible to obtain a Monaco visa in Russia. Instead, you should contact the French Embassy. Read more about how to get a French visa.
A visa application can be submitted to one of the visa centers, of which there are 18 in Russia. However, this can be done no earlier than three months before the expected date of departure. You will have to provide a whole package of documents, the current list of which is best checked on the official website of the Consulate General of France in Russia. The fixed fee is 35 EUR, but if you are applying for an urgent visa, you will have to pay twice as much - 70 EUR. Also be prepared to pay extra if you are applying through an external service provider (for example, a visa application center).
You won’t be able to cross the Monaco border directly: first you still have to end up in one of the Eurozone countries. So don’t worry about crossing the border; at the entrance to the principality no one will stamp you or check your luggage.
How to get there
Monaco did not have space for its own airport, so getting to it in any case will have to be in transit. One thing is for sure: whichever way you choose, you will have a comfortable journey with breathtaking views. But let's talk about everything in order.
By plane
It is impossible to get directly to Monaco by plane, because the only airport on the Cote d'Azur (it is also the closest to the principality) is Cote d'Azur in Nice. In terms of passenger traffic, it ranks third in France. You will have to fly there.
From major Russian cities, direct flights are only carried out by and, and the latter is much more frequent. Closer to the beginning of the summer season, the number of flights predictably increases, and the price of the flight increases.
Helpful advice: if you don’t need to fly directly, look at options with connections, they are often no less comfortable, but much cheaper. Especially if you, like I usually do, buy a ticket at the last minute. Read about how to get to France.
You can view currently available flight options and the current ticket price.
There are several ways to get from Nice Airport to Monaco, varying in price, convenience and travel time. And these methods are not limited to traveling by ground transport...
From the airport by bus
From Nice airport, bus number 110 departs approximately every half hour for Monaco. It stops at both terminals and then goes directly to the Principality. Travel time will be about half an hour. Buses operate seven days a week, from 8:45 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. On non-holiday days of the working week, the last bus leaves at 22:00.
Please note that you need the red/orange bus as the blue and yellow go to Cannes and Golfe Juan respectively.
Tickets can be purchased at the airport itself, at the bus station next to Gate A0 in Terminal 1 and at the bus station next to Gate A1/A2 in Terminal 2.
You can also buy a ticket in advance on the official website of express buses (changes in their movement and schedule are also published there). A one-way trip will cost 22 EUR for an adult, a round trip (one-time purchase) - 33 EUR. When making a transaction, a reminder will appear on the website that the ticket must be printed - an electronic copy shown on the screen of a smartphone or other device will not be accepted by the driver.
From the airport by taxi
A less economical option is to take a taxi. However, you are going to Monaco - a principality, in one sentence with which the epithet “economical” looks very alien.
You can pick up a car right at the exit from the airport. The price of such a trip, at best, will be 60–70 EUR, but depending on traffic jams at the entrance to the principality and the road chosen by the driver, it can exceed 100 EUR. Travel time is a little less than an hour.
From the airport by train
The nearest station to the airport is Gare Nice-Saint-Augustin, which is approximately 500 meters away. I personally have never used this method, because dragging half a kilometer with a suitcase is a dubious pleasure.
Buying a ticket will not exceed 4 EUR, and the travel time will hardly reach half an hour. The railway itself will sometimes wind along the sea, offering you breathtaking views of the Cote d'Azur.
From the airport by helicopter
Yes, there is such an extravagant way! Travel time is only 7 minutes, during which you can get a lot of emotions and even have time to enjoy a bird's eye view of the Cote d'Azur. Helicopters depart every half hour, and the price of such a “taxi” will be 133 EUR per person.
You can check the departure time and book your flight. Please note that cabin capacity (both in terms of number of people and weight) is limited.
By train
Let's say you landed safely in Nice and decided to see it first (or maybe you've been vacationing here for a long time) and only then head to Monaco. These cities are about 20 kilometers apart, so your trip won't be long anyway.
You can get from Nice to Monaco by train. The ticket price is 3.90 EUR (discounts are available for certain categories of passengers), travel time is about 20 minutes. You can view the schedule and buy tickets on the official website of the French railway. However, if you don’t speak the language very well, then you don’t have to bother with the schedule and just come to the station, because several trains depart every hour. By the way, the ticket itself can be bought here in special machines.
Please note that there are several train stations in Nice where you can catch the train:
- Gare de Nice-Ville– central railway station. The main station of Nice, from where trains depart along the Cote d'Azur and beyond.
- Gare Nice-Saint-Augustin– a station located 500 meters from the airport. In principle, if you are not encumbered with luggage, and your flight does not land too early or too late, then you can go to it. Just keep in mind that in summer it is incredibly hot in Nice, and half a kilometer of walking may not be the most comfortable pastime.
- Gare de Nice-Riquier- the so-called eastern railway station. This station is within walking distance of the port of Nice.
You need to get off at the station Monte-Carlo. Don't worry, you are unlikely to pass it: it is very specific and looks more like a subway.
By bus
You can also get from Nice to Monaco by bus number 100, which departs approximately every 15–20 minutes from the stop at the port. You can check the schedule. Don't be afraid of what it says on the bus "Monaco/Menton", is the next settlement. The cost of the trip is 1.5 EUR, and the travel time will be 30–45 minutes. The fact is that stops on this route are made at the request of passengers. That is, theoretically, the driver can stop every 2-3 minutes, but in practice, most people drive just as far as Monaco.
Stunning views await you along the way, and if you want to fully enjoy them, take seats on the right side of the bus (in the direction of travel). Unless you're traveling early in the morning or late in the evening, there should be seating. However, trips at the height of the tourist season are unpredictable in this regard.
The bus makes several stops in Monaco:
- Place d'Armes– stop right at the entrance to the tunnel. Get off here if you want to stroll through the old town (called Monacoville), visit the Prince's Palace or the Prince of Monaco's Automobile Museum.
- The Port– stop at the port of Monaco. Here you will find relatively inexpensive (by Monaco standards, of course!) shops for shopping and cafes where you can grab a bite to eat. Also, all the attractions listed in the previous paragraph are within walking distance.
- Monte Carlo/Tourist Office– perhaps the main stop in Monaco. From here it’s a stone’s throw to the central square, casinos, luxury brand stores, fashionable hotels... In general, a great start for your trip. Moreover, there is the opportunity to first go to the tourist office to get a map of the principality and a couple of tips on where to go.
- Place de Moulins– closest stop to Grimaldi Form, Japanese Gardens and beaches. To get to the latter, you need to go to the right of the stop and take the public elevator down straight to the coast.
If you suddenly miss your stop, don’t worry and get off at the next one. The area of the state is very small, so everything here is within walking distance. And such a walk can be an excellent start to your trip around the principality.
By car
The roads of the Cote d'Azur are very comfortable for movement. So, no matter where you decide to get to Monaco by car, you are in for a pleasant journey.
However, be prepared for winding along mountain serpentine roads. Fortunately, I don’t get motion sickness in the car, but I would still advise people with such a problem to go by train.
One way or another, in any city on the Cote d'Azur you can rent a car: this service is provided by hotels, Russian intermediaries, and special companies... In general, the choice depends only on how much you have taken care of this problem in advance and how much you are willing to spend to your vehicle.
For official providers, prices start from 50–60 EUR per day. I won’t set an upper limit – it feels like there simply isn’t one here. You can see more accurate car rental prices in the cities you are interested in.
Top attractions
Monaco is a principality with a rich history and rich modern life, so requests on the topic “what to see?” it can suit completely different people. An undoubted advantage is the small territory of the principality: when I was here for the first time, I managed to get around all the main attractions in one day!
Casino Monte Carlo
The casino in Monte Carlo is the first gambling house in Europe; it is often called the hallmark of Monaco. Located in the very center of the principality, it immediately catches the eye of visitors and tourists.
And not only by the pretentious architecture, but also by the large number of expensive cars filling the small parking lot in front of it in the evening.
Getting into the Casino is not so easy, even if you don’t want to become a participant in gambling and replenish Monaco’s treasury (or maybe hit the jackpot?). Entrance inside and inspection of the common gaming rooms will cost you 10 EUR; to visit private rooms and the summer terrace, be prepared to pay another 10 EUR. You can pay on the spot. Also, you will not be allowed in if you do not comply with the dress code: shorts, tracksuits, flip-flops and the like are not the best choice. Religious vestments and military uniforms are also prohibited. I personally went inside in a regular summer dress, and they didn’t pick on me. True, it was during the day: the official website of the Casino recommends evening visitors to dress more formally.
The casino is open from 2:00 pm, but there are designated times for group tours and excursions from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Please note that since this is a gambling business, you will not be allowed inside with children under 18 years of age. However, if you are partial to gambling, try to get to the Casino in the late afternoon, when it is really live. By the way, the entry minimum for roulette is 200 EUR. Would you dare to play?
Prince's Palace in Monaco
The Prince's Palace has been home to the royal family for more than seven centuries. Situated on the site of an ancient fort, it is little associated with a “palace” in the classical sense of our compatriots, who represent something between the St. Petersburg Hermitage and Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
The palace is open until you enter, but do not rush to rush there. First, enjoy the adjacent square, the guards in full dress uniform, the wonderful view of the sea... And only then enter the residence of the princely family. 
The opening hours of the Prince's Palace of Monaco are from 10:00 to 18:00, but please note that the last visitors are allowed in at 17:30. In July and August, opening hours are extended from 10:00 to 19:00. An adult ticket will cost 8 euros, a child (8–14 years old) and student ticket will cost 4 EUR.
Botanical Garden of Monaco
This garden is unusual in that it is located at an altitude of 100 meters above sea level. It will allow you not only to enjoy a walk in the shade of exotic plants, but also to admire the principality from a new perspective - the garden offers stunning views of the dwarf state. If you're lucky, you'll be able to see neighboring France and Italy.
The garden is available for visits all year round, except for holidays - November 19 and December 25. It opens at 9:00, but the closing time depends on the month: 17:00 from November to December, 18:00 from February to April and in October, 19:00 from May to September. An entrance ticket for an adult will cost 7.20 EUR; a discount is provided for children and students - 3.80 EUR. This price also includes a visit to the Anthropological Museum and the Observatory Cave. Be sure to take the time to visit the latter; the stone figures and coolness of the grotto will be a very interesting contrast to the sunny garden. At the same time, you will take a break from the heat if your trip falls in the summer.
Oceanographic Museum
Perhaps, along with the Prince Rainier Car Museum, it is the most famous and popular in Monaco. Founded at the end of the 19th century, the Oceanographic Museum occupied an entire building standing almost on a sheer cliff.
On the ground floor there is a huge aquarium, and the rest are reserved for exhibition halls. Here you will find many exhibits related to the sea in one way or another: ship models, fish skeletons, elements of flora... By the way, at one time the director of this museum was the famous Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
The museum is open on weekdays, except for Catholic Christmas and weekends, when the largest Formula 1 stage takes place in Monaco. Opening hours are from 10:00 to 18:00 or 20:00 depending on the time of year; they, along with prices, can be found on the Russian version of the official website. In general, a ticket for an adult will cost from 11 to 16 EUR depending on the season.
Monaco-Ville
The Old Town, the oldest district of the principality, where its history began. The name of the city is translated as “rock” for a reason: it is located on a high cliff overlooking the sea. In the old city, the proximity to the sea is especially noticeable, because due to the lack of land, many buildings were built almost on the very edge of the cliff.
About a thousand people live in modern Monaco-Ville, and it itself looks more like a toy copy of any medieval European town. You can get around it on foot in about an hour. The narrow streets are full of restaurants and souvenir shops, intricately intertwined with each other. By the way, closer to night you will not see cars or motorcycles on them - entry into the city is prohibited after 22:00.
Monaco-Ville contains more than a dozen historical buildings, including the already mentioned Princely Palace, the Cathedral, and the Chapel of Divine Mercy... in general, a dense concentration of Monegasque culture in a very small area. A must visit.
Weather
The “high season” in Monaco lasts a relatively long time - from the beginning of May to the end of October. However, the dwarf state does not lose its attractiveness throughout the year.
If you are interested in a beach holiday, do not come here before June: only by this time the water warms up to +20 degrees, and by August its temperature even rises to +25. However, do not forget that hot, rainless summer is not the best season for excursions and long walks. Temperatures can reach up to +30 degrees. You will feel very stuffy in the concrete jungle of Monaco.
From November to April there is an off-season in the principality, which, however, is rather nominal. The temperature rarely drops below +10 degrees, and the Mediterranean climate makes staying here very comfortable. On average, there are no more than four to five rainy days in the autumn and winter months. Money
Although Monaco is not a member of the European Union, its currency is the euro. Which, you see, is quite convenient if you are on vacation in neighboring France or Italy and come here for a day or two.
You can exchange currency in most hotels, at ATMs, as well as at exchange offices at banks, train stations and airports - they are open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:30. The bank located near Monte Carlo stands apart: it is open daily from 12:00 to 23:00. It is also quite profitable to exchange currency through ATM machines. However, as with any other trip, it is better to take care of this issue in advance and change money before departure.
By the way, please note that among other coins you may come across the Monaco euro. They do not meet so often and are dedicated to memorable events for the principality, for example, the twentieth anniversary of the principality’s accession to the UN. Don’t rush to pay that kind of money, it can become an excellent souvenir.
As for credit cards, they are accepted everywhere in Monaco, so there should be no problems using them. There are no difficulties with classic payment systems (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and, just as important, none of them can be called preferable. So don’t worry and take with you any card that is convenient for you.
In general, I advise you to act according to this principle: if possible, pay with a credit card, and in case of small expenses (like tips or bus fare to Nice) carry a small amount of cash with you. This will be both calmer and more effective.
Moving around the country
In principle, you can move around Monaco on foot: once again I repeat that this is a very small country, with an area of only two square kilometers. The question is the right route and your personal willingness to spend several hours on your feet. However, in cases where you are in a hurry somewhere or simply do not want to waste energy, you will have to use transport.
Buses
There are 5 bus routes in the city, the buses themselves run from approximately 7:00 to 21:00. It is better to check the schedule and stop locations on the official website. However, if you do not have the opportunity to do this, you can safely go straight to the stop: most of them are equipped with special boards showing the time remaining until the arrival of the nearest transport. In addition, during the day the traffic is quite heavy and you are unlikely to have to wait longer than 10-15 minutes.
By bus you can get to any point in the city in a fairly short time. Buy tickets at a special office or directly from the driver. There are different tariff plans: for example, a ticket for 1 trip (valid for 30 minutes, unlimited number of transfers) will cost you 2 EUR, and a ticket for a day (valid for 24 hours, unlimited number of trips) – 5.5 EUR. Children under five years of age have the right to travel free of charge.
You enter the bus through the front door (which is convenient, especially if you need to buy a ticket from the driver). The ticket must be validated in a special machine inside the bus or at the conductor, if available. Also, the ticket should be kept throughout the entire trip - in a country like Monaco, you definitely don’t need unnecessary troubles.
Bus-boat
There is also a separate route in Monaco, also related to public transport - an electric bus-boat! In truth, this is more likely not a means of transportation, but an entertainment element, an inexpensive opportunity to look at the principality from the sea.
The electric boat runs between Monacoville and the Casino of Monte Carlo daily from 8:00 to 20:00. Since this route is considered a public transport route, the price of the trip is the same as the bus one - only 2 EUR. This may not be the fastest way to travel, but to me personally it seems like a very budget option for a small boat excursion along the coast of the principality.
Taxi
Another option is to travel around Monaco by taxi. Be prepared right away that this will not be cheap: even a short trip around the territory of the principality will cost 15–20 EUR. There is another problem: most of the cars plying around the city are already occupied by other passengers, and taxi stands marked with special signs are often empty. They usually have a sign with a phone number that you can call and order a taxi. I don’t know if the problem is with the Russian SIM card or something else, but they answered a similar call only once, and in the end I still had to wait 20 minutes for the car.
To get out of this situation, you can contact the concierge service of the nearest hotel and ask them to call you a car. By the way, please note that after 22:00 night rates apply and taxi prices increase by about 25%.
Connection
Like any European country, Monaco has roaming for calls to Russia. It is better to find out specific tariffs in advance from your operator, but communication with home will not be cheap in any case (unless, of course, you have special offers with favorable prices for calls from abroad).
If you plan to settle in the principality for a long time, purchase a local SIM card. There is only one telecom operator in Monaco - Monaco Telecom, from which you can find information on the options and prices offered. So far, only the French version is functioning, so for those who do not know this language, I will briefly explain. There are two types of tariffs:
- Prepiad tariff is a prepaid tariff that operates on the principle “whatever amount is deposited into the account, that can be used.” It is convenient because it opens relatively quickly (you only need to have money and a passport with you) and allows you to plan your budget in advance.
- Contract tariff – a contract tariff that implies payment after the fact. It is provided to residents of Monaco and offers more favorable prices, but to open it, in addition to money and a passport, you will need an account in a Monegasque or French bank, as well as an agreement to rent or own housing in the territory of the principality.
No matter how long my trip to Monaco was, I never bought SIM cards and made do with Wi-Fi, which, fortunately, there are no problems with in the principality. All restaurants and hotels are equipped with it, as well as many popular attractions, large stores and parks. In addition, wireless networks cover certain quarters of the city-state, and you can connect to the Internet for free at any McDonalds or, for example, at the Le Metropole shopping center. If these options do not suit you, before traveling, go and look at convenient access points to open Wi-Fi.
In general, there are absolutely no problems with communication in all its manifestations in Monaco! So you can easily call your loved ones, post photos and respond to messages at any time during your trip.
Language and communication
The official language of Monaco is French. However, you can often hear the Monegasque dialect - a peculiar mixture of French proper and Italian, which is spoken by approximately 20% of the population. Also, residents of Monaco can speak Italian or English.
The staff of shops or cafes everywhere speaks English and at a fairly good level. Many premium boutiques and jewelry stores usually have 1-2 consultants from Russia and other post-Soviet countries. True, most often they are busy - there are a lot of our compatriots in boutiques.
If you are being pestered very persistently in French, remember one simple phrase: « Je ne parle pas français"(“Jeu neux parles pas français”). Literally it means the following: “I don’t speak French.” At the very least, this will immediately let the interlocutor understand that they will have to communicate with you in English.
Here are a few more phrases that may be useful to you:
- S'il vous plaît(Sil wu ple) - Please (request).
- Pardon/excusez-moi(Sorry/excuse mua) - Sorry.
- Bonjour(Bonjour) - Hello.
- Au revoir(Oh revoir) - Goodbye.
- Aidez-moi, s’il vous plaît(Ede-mua, sil vu ple) - Help me, please.
- Où se trouve...(U syo truv...) - Where is...
- Combien ça coûte?(Kombien sa kut?) - How much does it cost?
Features of mentality
The indigenous inhabitants of Monaco - the Monegasques - in the dwarf principality make up no more than 40% of the total population. Obtaining Monegasque citizenship is very difficult, but it is probably worth it: the indigenous population does not pay taxes, has the exclusive right to live in the old city and enjoys other privileges.
In general, Monegasques, like many Europeans, are a rather closed people. However, at the same time, they are accustomed to a large flow of different people visiting their state, and are quite tolerant. It seemed to me personally that the residents of the principality are not very willing to make contact, but they will not refuse a simple request like directions.
Monegasques are accustomed to high standards of living and respect traditional values. For most of them, the role of family is very important. Residents of the principality prefer to celebrate many holidays in her circle. The Monegasque culture itself partly resembles a mixture of Italian and French - these are the countries that are closest to the principality, which explains their influence.
Food and drink
There is simply no national cuisine in Monaco. I remember when in a restaurant I first asked the waiter for “something local,” he smiled and offered me fresh fish, caught nearby a few hours ago. I had to explain that I mean some typical dish of the principality, after which I was offered French bouillabaisse, Italian pasta, and Spanish gazpacho... In general, the whole range of dishes of Mediterranean cuisine, among which there was not a single one Monegasque.
So I found out that in the gastronomic sphere, Monaco turned out to be under the influence of its neighbors - primarily France and Italy. Most of the “national” dishes of the principality are borrowed from these countries. In everyday life, Monegasques eat a lot of fish and seafood (fortunately, they have the sea at their side), as well as fruits and vegetables.
Monaco has its own Christmas tradition called the Thirteen Desserts, a number of treats served in honor of Jesus and the twelve apostles. Among them are macaroons, different types of nougat, dried figs and much more.
As for drinks, Monegasques prefer wines from the region, as well as the famous aniseed aperitif “Le Pastis”. You can add different syrups to the latter, but personally I still find it too strong.
Monaco Restaurants
A cozy restaurant can be found a few steps from literally anywhere in the city-state. Most of them offer Mediterranean cuisine, but there are also more exotic places - for example, Asian or Eastern European.
Many establishments in Monaco can boast of prestigious awards, including Michelin stars. Such places usually open around lunchtime or even in the late afternoon and require a certain dress code. They may also be closed one or two weekdays a week, so it’s best to make a reservation before going to the restaurant.
I personally prefer establishments on the embankments, where the windows offer a gorgeous view of the Mediterranean coast. However, be prepared for the fact that prices in such places will be high: dinner, at best, will cost no less than 60 EUR (excluding drinks). And if you order some oysters with local wine...
For those who don’t want to spend so much on food, I advise you to choose a cafe in the port area or Place d’Armes. Outwardly, they do not look very pompous, but the dishes they offer are tasty and satisfying.
There are also many restaurants in the old town, Monaco-Ville. Personally, I don’t really like them: too noisy and too crowded. But if you want to feel the atmosphere of the principality, go there.
5 dishes worth trying
There are not many national dishes in Monaco. However, even those borrowed from France are often served in the principality with their own taste and flavor. Here are the ones that I definitely advise you to try: Don’t ignore Le Metropole– a not very large boutique shopping center in the heart of . Here you can find multi-brand departments, gifts, children's clothing, watches and much more. Beautiful interior, wide marble staircases, sparkling chandeliers - it's worth seeing, even if you can't afford the shopping!
When I want to buy something at affordable prices, I try to get to Monaco during the sales period. In summer – in July-August, in winter – in January-February. You can also visit a cheaper area of the principality - La Condamine. Walk the streets rue Grimaldi, rue Millo, rue Terrazan and be sure to check out the pedestrianized part of Princess Caroline Street. This is a concentration of many shops and shops with very reasonable prices.
In the same area you will find a shopping center "Fontvieille"(in the local language - “Centre Commercial de Fontvieille”), where more than 30 stores of clothing, shoes, electronics and household appliances are collected. The center has its own parking lot, which is a definite plus if you are traveling by car - finding a place for a car in Monaco itself will not be easy.
There is also a huge hypermarket here. "Carrefour". It offers a large selection of food, drinks and convenience foods - an excellent option for a quick and cheap snack. Prices there are lower than in grocery stores, and the choice is even greater.
Markets
By the way, if you walk to Carrefour, be sure to stop by Place des Armes along the way: there is a market for fresh vegetables and fruits from local farms. Countless stalls and benches make up a very colorful place, loved by many Monegasques. Every time I go there, I can’t pass by: I always buy some berries, for example, strawberries or blueberries, and eat them with pleasure right on the go. The market is open every day, but begins to wind down towards lunchtime.
Souvenir shops
Such shops in Monaco also cannot boast of low prices. They are located mainly in the old city or near the most famous attractions. Popular souvenirs are products with the symbols of Formula 1, the Casino, the Prince's Palace, books and brochures about Monaco, which are also sold in Russian.
Store opening hours in Monaco may vary slightly. As a rule, they are open from 10:00 to 19:00 (less often from 9:00 to 18:00). However, many close for lunch. The exception is shopping centers, which operate without interruption. Sunday is a day off.
Tax Free
You can apply for Tax Free at any store in Monaco by making a purchase in excess of 185 EUR. The registration procedure is standard for European countries: receive a completed check, present it along with your passport and goods at customs and get it stamped, and after passport control (or even in your own country) receive the money.
In general, prices in Monaco are not very different from the European level. The collections presented in the boutiques also correspond to those in neighboring countries. One of the advantages of the principality is its proximity to Cannes and Nice, popular among shoppers: if the store doesn’t have your size, the item you need can be brought from these cities in a day or two, and in high-end boutiques it will even be delivered to your hotel.
Overall, Monaco is a luxurious and artsy place with shopping to match. Branded items are worn here both on mannequins and in public, and buying sandals for several hundred euros is the norm for Monegasques.
What to bring from this country
Vacation with children
In my opinion, Monaco is not the best place to relax with children, especially small ones. This is a city with crowds of tourists and active traffic, pebble beaches and sharp changes in depth near the shore. There is no infrastructure or entertainment for children here. And if the child is overly active or noisy, parents will face additional difficulties: residents and guests of Monaco are very jealous of their peace and comfort.
If you definitely want to go to the Cote d'Azur with your children, I would advise you to choose. This city has a convenient system of sandy beaches (while in Monaco there are no hotels that have their own swimming strip right across the road), there are parks and carousels, cozy restaurants where children having fun will not disturb anyone. And you can go on a one-day excursion to the principality.
Safety
The fact is that at one time Prince Rainier, who ruled the state for more than half a century and died in 2005, perfectly understood the threats that a high concentration of money entails (and even in combination with the gambling business!). He paid great attention to the security of the city-state. The halls of large buildings and individual areas of the principality are under 24-hour video surveillance, and exits from the state, according to legend, can be blocked in a matter of minutes. Monaco uses the most modern communication and warning systems, there is one policeman for every hundred inhabitants... In general, security becomes total.
In addition, local courts often issue exaggeratedly harsh sentences even for minor decisions. Compliance with traffic rules is also monitored with particular scrupulousness (so if you rent a car, drive carefully!). These measures have led to the fact that even minor offenses are extremely rare.
In general, if you are traveling, then you have nothing to fear. This is an example of a rare city where areas are not divided into dangerous and safe - here you can walk everywhere without fear.
5 things you definitely shouldn't do
5 things you must do in this country
Nearby countries
Monaco is surrounded by France, so from here it is very easy to travel to other cities of the Cote d'Azur. I already talked about how to do this in the “How to get there” section. For example, from the Monaco train station you can go to Nice or Cannes, and avid travelers who are ready for a long journey can even go to.
You can also take the train to the border cities of Italy. The easiest option is to take the train from Monaco train station and get off at the station Ventimiglia Stazione.
Trains leave once or twice an hour, and an adult ticket will cost about 3 EUR. The journey will take no more than half an hour.
Do you imagine the Principality of Monaco as a magical, sun-drenched country where millionaires crowd the streets and the roads are jammed with Ferraris and Porsches? You are absolutely right!
The territory of Monaco is so small that in one day you can see all the main attractions and even have time to fall in love with this strange piece of land sandwiched between French villages.
People have settled in a sheltered bay on the sunny coast since time immemorial. However, the history of the Principality of Monaco is connected with the reign of the Grimaldi dynasty. It all started in the 13th century, when the resourceful ancestor of the current prince, disguised as a monk, tricked his way into a Genoese fortress that was considered impregnable.
Since then, the power in the country has not changed - only members of this family remain on the throne. If one day the branch of the Grimaldi family is interrupted, the territory of the principality will go to France. Therefore, it is not surprising that many world celebrities who have settled in this tax paradise are looking forward to Prince Albert’s young wife, former swimming champion Charlene Wittstock, giving birth to an heir. But let’s not waste any more time on gossip about the princely family, but let’s begin our mini-trip. A train departing from Nice, passing a small village on the Mediterranean coast, dives into a tunnel and finds itself at a giant station flooded with golden light.
Having left the station building, you realize that in a couple of minutes you have been transported from the rural outback to the center of a city built up with skyscrapers.
First of all, you should go to the royal palace standing on a high hill. The reigning dynasty kindly allows guests into part of their chambers and even provides audio guides in different languages. But you can’t take pictures inside, so you’ll have to go and look at the luxurious suite of rooms, which remembers several generations of the Grimaldi family.
Try to finish the tour before 11.55 am - at this time, every day, year after year, the changing of the guard ceremony takes place in front of the palace.
The next item on the program is the Oceanographic Museum. From the palace you can walk to it along a small street with probably a hundred souvenir shops. At the entrance we are greeted by a strange sculpture.
On several floors of the museum there is a gigantic collection of stuffed animals and skeletons of sea creatures. For several decades, since 1951, the meeting was headed by Jacques-Yves Cousteau. After his expeditions, new exhibits always appeared in the halls. Most people are usually interested in an aquarium located in the basement with living inhabitants of the depths.
Don't forget to go up to the roof: there you will find an inexpensive restaurant, a children's playground and, most importantly, a unique view of most of the principality.
We go down to the foot of the hill and find ourselves at the port. The most luxurious yachts in the world stop in this spacious bay. Taking a closer look, you can see huge swimming pools and Jacuzzis on their decks, and in the holds opened by the vain owners there is a whole fleet of a dozen luxury cars.
The port is a sacred place for any Formula 1 fan: the race track in Monaco runs through the streets of the city, and therefore, during free time from competitions, the most ordinary cars cross the starting line.
Bypassing the port you will arrive in Monte Carlo. Yes, this is not the name of a country, and not the name of a city, as some people think, but just the name of one area, known primarily for the oldest casino in Europe. Even if you are not interested in gambling, be sure to go inside and admire the luxurious interiors. For those who can cope with the excitement and do not sit down at the gaming table, such an excursion will not cost a single eurocent.
By the way, if you cross this wonderful green park located opposite the casino, you will find yourself at the Monaco tourism office (if you don’t know, it’s a little difficult to find it the first time). There you can buy tickets for a sightseeing bus, and generally get a lot of useful information.
Not everyone in Monaco drives a Lamborghini or a Maserati; there is also regular city transport in this city-state. But if you only have one day, you don’t want to waste time and figure out routes. For tourists, a hop-on hop-off excursion bus, making 12 stops in the most interesting places of the principality, is an ideal option.
For lovers of the East, it is better not to linger long in this park, but to walk a little forward so that in about 10 minutes you will find yourself in the Japanese Garden.
In the city center among the skyscrapers, the last thing you would expect is to see a small piece of Japan.
Just a few hours - and you already have a great sense of direction and seem to have seen everything in this country? This is not entirely true! Ahead of you is a “deep dive”: a scrupulous study of the best gastronomic restaurants, testing nightclubs, shopping, relaxing on the beach. Looks like it might be worth getting a room at one of the local hotels and staying for a week or two!
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