Monaco

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We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us

Squeezed into just 200 hectares, Monaco might be the world’s second-smallest country (only the Vatican is smaller), but what it lacks in size it makes up for in attitude. A magnet for high-rollers and hedonists since the early 20th century, it's also renowned as one of the world's most notorious tax havens and home to the annual Formula One Grand Prix.

Located between France and Italy, Monaco is only a 30 minute drive from Nice airport (or a few minutes helicopter trip). There are no border controls between Monaco and France or Italy making hopping between its neighbouring countries both fast and easy.

Running along a 4km coastline Monaco stretches over 200 hectares, 40 hectares of which have been carefully reclaimed from the sea. Monaco has two ports, a beach area and, despite an intense urban planning programme designed to make the most of its small land mass, the number of square metres of green space per resident is greater than in most comparable cities.

Monaco has a population of around 36,000, of which around 8,000 are Monegasque nationals. Of the remainder, 8 out of 10 residents are citizens of countries forming part of the European Economic Area: French nationals comprise 33% of the population, followed by Italians (23%), British ( 9%), Swiss (4%) and Russians (1%). 128 nationalities are represented in Monaco as residents.

 

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Monte Carlo casino
Monte-Carlo, Monaco, Монако

A trip to Monaco has to involve a visit to the legendary casino. But don’t worry, you can keep your purse strings firmly shut; simply stroll the square and indulge in a good spot of people watching. This is where you’ll see the best collection of cars, maybe a famous face and you can generally take in the beautiful surroundings. Enter (only) the main lobby for free for a feel of the opulent decor and ambience. It really is another world, a James Bond world…

Saint-Martin gardens
Avenue Saint-Martin, Monaco, Монако

Saint-Martin Gardens should definitely be on your list. Winding on the edge of the coastline, the garden’s pathways allow for the most splendid views out to sea, and the breeze is a welcome treat if you are visiting in the hotter months. It is one of the best spots for picnicking, too, as there are plenty of benches and shade. There are lots of exotics plants and flowers to spot, or you can simply just wander, slowly, watching the world go by.

Changing of the Guard
Monaco

Head into the steep winding streets in the old town and follow signs to the Prince’s Palace. On top of this headland you’ll come to the vast square of Place du Palace. This itself is worth a look, especially the breath-taking views and pretty-fronted buildings. Here, in front of the Prince’s Palace, every day at 11.55 a.m., the traditional ritual of the Changing of the Guard takes place. A must-see in Monaco.

Le Metropole shopping centre
Monaco

A sweeping marble staircase, chandeliers and designer clothes at every corner, Monaco’s shopping centre definitely doesn’t disappoint. It is the perfect place to escape the heat for an hour or so and take in the opulence of the surroundings. The shopping centre is set over three floors and there are plenty of seats to rest your weary feet. Plenty of photo opportunities, too.

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All you need to know is

Location

Monaco is a sovereign city-state, country, and microstate on the French Riviera in Western Europe. France borders the country on three sides while the other side borders the Mediterranean Sea. Monaco is about 15 km (9.3 mi) from the state border with Italy.

Transportation

Transport in Monaco is facilitated with road, air, rail, and water networks. Rail transport is operated by SNCF and its total length is 1.7 km. Monaco has five bus routes operated by Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco. There are also two other bus routes which connect Monaco with neighboring regions such as Nice and Menton.

Languages Spoken

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

Currency

Monaco adopted the euro as its official currency in 2002 as a replacement for the Monegasque franc, which had been used as the legal tender of the country since 1837.

Visas

A France visa, entitles you to enter Monaco, and a France permit gives you the right to remain there for the appointed period, as well. As a result, if you do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Member states, you do not need a visa to for visiting Monaco as well.

Electricity

In Monaco the power plugs and sockets are of type E and F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Vaccinations

Some vaccines are recommended or required for Monaco. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Monaco: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

Emergency Calls

European emergency number (from a mobile phone): 112

Doctor and pharmacy on duty: 116 117

When to visit
Best time to visit the destination

The best time to visit Monaco is in the spring or fall. April and October are both ideal months for a vacation: the weather is balmy and the room rates are reduced.

What to do?
Don’t miss to challenge your world

Visit the Musée Oceanographique

The Musée Oceanographique is 90 meters above sea level and it took 11 years to construct the foundations that stop the museum toppling to the ground.It was officially opened in 1910 which makes it one of the oldest aquariums in the world and is dedicated to marine artifacts and oceanography.One of the signature sections of the museum is the collection of scientific items that date from an exploration undertaken by Prince Albert I as well as Jacques-Yves Cousteau.There are also three aquariums here including a Mediterranean Aquarium, a Tropical Aquarium, and a Shark Lagoon.

Visit the Monaco Cathedral

Monaco Cathedral stands out because of the white stones that were used in its construction. Built in the Roman-Byzantine style, the cathedral houses the remains of the former princes of Monaco including Prince Rainier. The cathedral was built in 1875 although some of the artifacts inside are older such as an altar piece which was painted in 1500. Other items to look out for include a grand organ as well as the main throne which is carved from white marble.

Sunbathe at Larvotto Beach

Close to the iconic Avenue Princess Grace is Larvotto Beach which is also the only public beach in the principality. The beach is surrounded by nets so that swimmers can bathe without the fear of jellyfish or if you prefer to stay out of the water then you can sunbathe on the strip of golden sand. Water sports are popular here including jet skiing and sea kayaking.

Visit the Monaco Naval Museum

Looking over the marina in Monaco is the Monaco Naval Museum which first opened its doors in the 1990s and has a range of maritime related memorabilia including over 250 ships in model form. Many of the items on display here belonged to Prince Rainier III and were donated to the museum from his private collection. The museum takes you back in time with a look at Roman ships, traditional Viking longboats, and graceful Spanish galleons. There is even a model of the Titanic as well as the Nimitz, a US warship that is also the largest in the world.

Admire the Musee de la Chapelle de la Visitation

Another museum located on Le Rocher is the Musee de la Chapelle de la Visitation. The spot marks the site of the Chapelle de la Visitation which is a baroque chapel that dates from the 17th century and has now been made into a museum where you can take in a range of galleries dedicated to religious art work and scripture. Some of the other highlights here include a range of paintings by some of the most famous Italian masters.

You ask, we answer
FAQs about Monaco

Is it safe to drink tap water in Monaco?

You can drink the tap water, but it has an aftertaste of chlorine and can give you stomach problems. Instead it is recommended that you drink bottled water the first couple of weeks of your trip.

The safest place in Europe - Monaco. If safety is your number one priority in a destination, then Monaco is for you. Security for this tiny constitutional monarchy is provided by an armed national police force consisting of 515 men and women, giving it the reputation of being the "safest square mile" in Europe.

Given its location, the cuisine of Monaco is heavily influenced by French and Italian styles. Typically, people in Monaco eat a light breakfast with a heartier lunch and late dinner. Seafood and fish are prominent ingredients in the cuisine, not surprising given Monaco's location on the Mediterranean Sea.

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