Given that it has no natural resources to exploit, the country, which is six times the size of the Vatican attracts hoards of tourists and is a tax haven for several businesses. Monaco offers a diversity of historical and modern attractions. There are various museums, casinos, shopping malls and places to visit. You can easily take a Monaco and Monte Carlo walking tour, especially if you take the time to discover the various short-cuts of the principality. Maps of the area are available at most news vendor stands, but you can also decide to take a guided tour of Monaco if you are not feeling overly adventurous.
How to get in Monaco :If you’d like to Visit Monaco, you can decide to go there by plane, landing at the airport, about 40 km from the city center of neighboring France. You could also go by helicopter, train, bus or boat. Monaco has two beautiful ports which are frequently visited by private yachts, Port Hercule offers facilities for up to 500 vehicles while Port of Fontvieille can receive up to 60 vessels.
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Our Walking Tours
Monaco is the second smallest independent state in the world, following the Vatican. The principality of Monaco is by the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by France and near the Italian Riviera. Monaco is divided into four areas:
- the Condamine port quarter
- Monte Carlo business and recreation
- Monaco-Ville old city
- Fontvieille recreation and light industry.
The Monaco City tour can be done by car, taxi, bicycle or motor scooter, but the most enjoyable tour is experiencing Monaco by Foot. However, some areas, such as the Exotic Gardens need a sizable change in elevation, offering quite a difficult hike. For those who love a challenge and have the time and stamina, you should go ahead and take the hike. For others, you will not miss the view as there are seven public and free escalators and elevators that negotiate the city’s steep slopes. If you find yourself walking and you want to go to the opposite bank of Port Hercule, search for the pedestrian-only ferry. It will only take about 20 minutes and cost a mere 1 Euro.
What to see in Monaco :
Monaco Ville
Take a tour through Monaco-Ville, also known as The Rock Monaco. This is made of previous century houses, mostly pedestrian streets and has a medieval feel to it. There are various hotels, restaurants, and shops you can get souvenirs from.
Prince’s Palace
The Palais Princier (Prince’s Palace) is in Monaco-Ville and has around-the-clock audio-guided tours every day. The palace offers an amazing panoramic view overlooking the port and Monte Carlo. If you are lucky enough to be at the palace at 11:55 AM on any day, you can watch the changing of the guard ceremony Performed by Carabiniers. They offer security to the Prince, a Guard of Honor and on special occasions, are his Escorts.
Monaco Cathedral
The Monaco Cathedral. Built in 1875 in honour of Saint Nicholas and houses the remains of the former princes of Monaco and notable, Princess Grace Kelly. Princess Grace was an American actress who became a princess after marrying Prince Rainier. She died after suffering a stroke while driving, losing control of her car and although she went to the hospital, she couldn’t live without life support.
Grimaldi Forum
The Grimaldi Forum, named after the Grimaldi family was completed in 2000. It is a sun-filled building on the sea with a remarkable glass entrance. It has restaurants, an auditorium for opera and ballet and two more auditoriums for meetings.
Monte- Carlo Casino
The Grand Casino is definitely a place to visit if you want to try your luck and have a considerable sum of money. The casino hosts some of the world’s richest and famous people. You’ll need your passport to gain entry and the entry fees range enormously depending on the room you are going to, They have a very strict dress code, so you will not be allowed in if you have on casual wear like tennis shoes. There are two other more casual casinos in Monte Carlo such as the Casino Monte Carlo.
Monaco Grand Prix Circuit
Visit the Circuit de Monaco, commonly referred to as Monte Carlo. It is a street circuit used on one weekend each year in May to host the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix. During off season, you are allowed to walk around the circuit. If you have the money, you can take a ride around the track in a performance car.
Oceanographic Museum
The Oceanographic Museum and aquarium is known around the world for its exhibition of marine fauna, models of Prince Albert’s lab ships and numerous specimens of sea creatures. The aquarium has 4,000 species of fish and over 200 invertebrate families.
La Condamine
La Condamine is the second oldest district in Monaco. You can stop here and gaze at the luxurious yachts and cruise ships docked at the marina.
Malborough Fina Arts Gallery
The Marlborough Fine Arts Gallery. It was founded in London by Harry Fischer and Frank Lloyd, with others opened in Rome, New York, and Monaco. The gallery showcases artists from post-World war II and others by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Louise Bourgeois.
Exotic Gardens
If you fancy a walk I a garden, Jardin Exotique is one of the best choices. You will get to see thousands of rare plants from around the world, mostly of desert and sub-tropical origin.
Monaco has many restaurants and eateries where you can get good, quality food. If you are on a budget, try the Stars ‘n’ Bars or Pizzeria Monegasque. Cafe de Paris and the Beefbar are more mid-range restaurants, and if you want to splurge, try Louis XV and Le Grill de L’Hotel de Paris.
Good hotels include PV-Holidays, Colombus Hotel and Hotel Ambassador, but if you are looking to go all out on accommodation, try the Hotel Hermitage, Hotel de Paris or Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort.
I would urge you to discover Monaco French Riviera with this walking tour and you will definitely not be disappointed
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