Despite being lumped with the ‘world’s second smallest country’ title, there still exist an impressive array of delights within its miniscule 202-hectare circumference to be seen, tasted and experienced. Here are seven reasons to visit Monaco - it belongs on your must-visit Europe list.
The following sites and activities can be seen and experienced in any order. I spent less than 24-hours in Monaco, on a day trip from Nice, and saw much more than I thought possible.
Monte-Carlo Casino
One needs not possess bottomless pockets to visit the world-famous money machine. It is Monaco’s icon, and ergo the first feature item on your itinerary for the day. Built in 1968 and designed by prominent French architect Charles Garnier, it oozes the elegance and grace of similarly beautiful continental buildings, design prowess one expects of the French. For the last century, it’s been integral to the development of the micro-country, as a beacon of fortune, fun and extravagance.
To enter, simply pay the requisite 10 Euro fee (and an additional 10 Euros for private rooms if you wish to enter) and ensure you are wearing trousers with dress shoes (no flip flops or sports shoes). For some James Bond Golden Eye action, visit Salle Médecin. Café de Paris offers an extensive menu, if hunger strikes, but you may need to win a little money on the tables inside before retiring to one of theirs (especially for backpackers like me on a stringent budget).
Rock of Monaco
A step away from the glitz and glamour of Monaco is the Old Town (Le Rocher and the capital of Monaco) which sits on, yes, a rock. It’s also where one can find the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, in which the royal family live. Amble along the winding roads filled with character and arrive at Palace square by midday in time for the dramatic changing of the guard. Hours can easily be passed in La Rocher, but ensure you leave ample time to visit some of the country’s other attractions.
Picture Perfect Panoramas
Panoramas abound thanks to Monaco’s constitution as a country carved into the side of a steep mountain. Simply turn your head from left to right then up and down and the iconic beauty that’s made Monaco world famous exposes itself. Take a walk through one of the city’s local neighbourhoods, or, if limited by time, simply stand by the edge of the square outside the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. The views are breathtaking, particularly as the city plummets into the sea.
Style and Sophistication
Not unlike top French and Italian cities, Monaco is home to high end retailers and fine dining restaurants. More interestingly, however, than window shopping or overspending on food, are people: watching as classy fashion statements sashay through the centuries-old streets is entertaining, and time well spent. Pull up an alfresco seat at Salle Empire, and watch as style and sophistication pass by. If the glitzy overtures and glamorous undertones are foreboding, opt for a walk along Hercule Harbour.
Naval Admiration
Completed in 1926 under the initial direction of Prince Albert I, the port-cum-harbour are now home to some of the world’s finest sailing vessels. With a capacity to host 550 boats of various shapes and sizes, a walk along the boards of Hercule Harbour (or Port Hercule) can induce a longing to cruise over the turquoise lustre of Côte d'Azur. Lodged between La Rocher and Monte-Carlo, the port plays central stage, thanks also to the amphitheatre-shaped city-state: it’s under the constant watchful eye of its reigning princes.
Grace Kelly
The legacy of the beautiful princess lives in these streets, atop La Rocher, and resounds throughout the nation. The American actress who married a prince, Princess Grace of Monaco epitomizes the dream of many young women. She was a queen on Hollywood’s silver screen, the virtual princess of an imaginary world, a fashion icon and a gregariously natured, generous, kind-hearted soul. Her powerful aura remains and can be noted by walking in her footsteps. The Princess loved Monaco, and often walked the streets, three children in tow. She frequented local sites such as the La Condamine Market, and ambled along other paths en route to the children’s school. Although she sadly is no more, by employing a Hollywood imagination, you can easily place the blonde, vivacious woman at the sites you visit.
French Riviera (Côte d'Azur)
A breathtaking stretch of coastline that stretches from Saint-Tropez to the France-Italy border, its name alone evokes a sense of wanderlust, complete with an azure sheen and summertime aromas. As part of the Côte d'Azur, Monaco is an ideal spot in which to admire the blue glimmer, particularly given the amphitheatre shape and picture-perfect panoramas. Head to Larvotto Beach in Monte-Carlo for sun-drenched summer loving, or a stroll during the colder months of the year.
There you have a few ideas to kickstart your time in Monaco. Whether staying one day or a few, these suggestions will provide you with a taste of Monaco. Additionally, most of them can be achieved even on a meagre budget, such as my backpacker one.
