Discover Monaco – The Tiny French Riviera City-State

Monaco is famous as a playground for the rich and famous due to its pleasant climate and enviable location on the French Riviera along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Nonetheless, its unique charms draw less wealthy visitors from all over the world. The opulent Casino de Monte Carlo, the annual Formula One Grand Prix race, and the beautiful palace, gardens, and harbor of old town Monaco-Ville are its most famous features.

The country is officially known as the “”Principality of Monaco,”” and is a sovereign city state led by Prince Albert II, who took the throne in 2005 after his father, Prince Rainier III, died (who famously married American actress Grace Kelly). Monaco is the world’s second smallest and most densely populated country, surrounded on three sides by France. Despite its small size, there is plenty to do and see in a few days, with its lovely ancient hilltop and winding streets, as well as a singularly modern luxury!

This jewel of the French Riviera is best seen through one of our hand-picked tours, from the Monaco Grand Prix to gambling at the famous Monte Carlo casino. It is a short day trip from Nice and also a five-hour evening excursion from Cannes or Nice. It can even be combined with a trip to Eze on a small group tour departing directly from Monaco.

Monaco is known as a “Billionaires’ Playground.” It is a sovereign city-state on the French Riviera. Monaco is known for its extravagant wealth, casinos, and glamorous events such as the Monaco Yacht Show and the Monaco Grand Prix.

Monaco is one of the world’s densest countries, with an area of only 0.78 square miles and a population of 38,300 people.

#1 Cathédrale de Monaco (Monaco Cathedral)

This Roman-Byzantine-style structure was built in 1875 with white stone from La Turbie. It is home to the former Princes of Monaco’s tombs. A retable by the Niçois painter Louis Bréa, dating from 1500, stands alongside the magnificent high altar and the Episcopal throne made of white Carrara marble.

#2 Monte Carlo Casino (Casino de Monte-Carlo)

The Monte-Carlo Casino, designed by Charles Garnier, the legendary architect who also built the magnificent Paris Opera, was dedicated from the start to the art of gaming. The architecture has an unforgettable emotional impact with its Boucher-style frescoes, bas-reliefs, sculptures, and caryatids, and an astonishing gold and marble atrium.

This architectural masterpiece, built in 1863 in the Principality of Monaco, overlooking the Mediterranean, has been the scene of Monte-finest Carlo’s hours, spawned prestigious resorts, and provided gaming with its most elegant setting. The Casino also houses the Monte-Carlo Opera, which hosts world-class productions.

Monte Carlo Casino (Casino de Monte-Carlo) is famous for its glamorous clientele and decadent decor, and has been immortalized on screen as James Bond’s preferred nightspot. Its Belle Epoque facade along the seafront in Monaco attracts visitors from all over the world.

#3 Oceanographic Museum (Musee Oceanographique)

Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum (Musee Oceanographique), which rises majestically from the cliffs above the Mediterranean, is one of the world’s most renowned marine science centers. Discover a diverse collection of marine life and objects, and get up close and personal with your favorite sea creatures in the aquarium.

#4 Prince’s Palace (Palais Princier de Monaco)

der palais princier thront auf dem felsen „le rocher“ in der altstadt von monaco und ist die offizielle residenz des fürsten von monaco

The Prince’s Palace (Palais Princier de Monaco), which dates back to 1215, is the official residence of the Prince of Monaco and one of Monaco’s most impressive landmarks. In addition to hosting state occasions and royal celebrations, the palace attracts large crowds of tourists who come to see the lavish state rooms and watch the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony.

#5 Hercules Port (Port d’Hercule)

Monaco is a glamorous principality on the French Riviera and a popular cruise destination, welcoming some of Europe’s largest cruise lines. Arriving at Hercules Port (Port d’Hercule) is an experience in and of itself, as you dock beneath the dramatic Rock of Monaco and gaze out over the sparkling Mediterranean.

#6 Japanese Garden (Le Jardin Japonais)

Though real estate in Monaco is limited, the small principality is home to many green spaces, including the lovely Japanese Garden (Le Jardin Japonais). It was built in 1994 to Princess Grace of Monaco’s specifications, following strict Zen design principles. A waterfall, small mountain, pond, and tea house are among the features of the nearly 2-acre (0.8-hectare) garden.

#7 Exotic Garden of Monaco (Jardin Exotique de Monaco)

The Exotic Garden of Monaco (Jardin Exotique de Monaco) is an open-air exhibit of succulent plants from the Americas, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. The Observatory Cave, located at the base of the cliff, is a large cavern suitable for visitors and local spelunkers to explore its prehistoric rock formations.

#8 Opera de Monte-Carlo

The Monte Carlo Opera, which first opened its doors in 1879, is a grand auditorium in the Monte Carlo Casino complex that hosts not only operas but also ballets and performances by the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. Many works by composers such as Massenet and Saint-Saens have been premiered there.

#9 Casino Square (Place du Casino)

Casino Square (Place du Casino), one of Monaco’s highlights, is home to the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino, as well as the glamorous Hôtel de Paris and other storied landmarks. The square is a popular destination for both high rollers and curious visitors, and it has a worldwide reputation for opulence.

#10 Old Town of Monaco

Monaco, a small principality perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, packs a lot of history into its 500 acres (202 hectares). Monaco’s Old Town, also known as Monaco-Ville and The Rock, contains a number of historical buildings, monuments, and alleyways that transport visitors back to the Middle Ages.

#11 Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II)

Monaco’s Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II), built in 1939 and rebuilt in 1985, is not your typical sports venue. Its dramatic seaside location, as well as the fact that many of its facilities are underground, set it apart. It has a capacity of only 18,500 seats and is home to AS Monaco and the Monaco national soccer team.

#12 Ventimiglia

The Italian city of Ventimiglia, located just a few miles from the French border, is famous for both its scenery and its history. Ancient Roman ruins are among its top attractions, and day-trippers from the Côte d’Azur frequently cross the border to soak up its seaside charm, shop its weekly market, and relax on its two beaches.