Monaco. what to see in monaco what to see in monaco in 1 day
“It is better to go to Monaco not in the hot summer season, but a little earlier or a little later, for example, in May or September,” says Valery Kukharchuk, a fan of European resorts. — At this time, there is no large influx of tourists, and the prices are much lower. It is not necessary to live in Monte Carlo. There are many interesting places in the principality where you will spend less money, but have a great rest. Hotels in Monaco are very expensive, so it is better to live outside the country - in the same Italy. We always stop in the Italian port town of Ventimiglia, we live in a campsite right in a tent. For two, the pleasure costs 26 euros per night. However, it is not at all necessary to spend the night in such hiking conditions, there are hotels for every budget. We also take a daily dry ration with us, and we get to the principality by train, which takes half an hour, while a ticket to Monacost is only 4 euros. By the way, trains to Monaco run very often, every 30 minutes.
Walking around Monaco
What to see in Monaco in one day? If you have already visited Monaco-Ville and went on a tour of the casino, be sure to relax on the beach, swim and enjoy the beauty of the Côte d'Azur. The sea in Monaco is very salty, and if water accidentally enters the mouth, it will tickle in the throat. They say it's not very pleasant. From the beach you can admire expensive yachts, old modernized sailboats and elegant sports boats. Still, Monaco is a romantic city!
Visit the exotic garden - it is located at the final stop of all buses. More than 1000 species of cacti grow here, which are constantly blooming, many plants are over a hundred years old. The park has picturesque bridges, stairs, terraces and a beautiful cave 90 meters deep. From the observation deck of the garden, you can see the modern district of Fontvieille, built on an artificial embankment. The area has a playground and a rose garden planted by Princess Grace. The museum of the history of princes with wax figures of all the rulers of the principality is interesting to visit.
It’s nice to just walk around Monaco, marveling at the narrow well-groomed streets, the variety of architectural styles, and the beauty of nature. Monaco seems to be pierced with light. It is light, joyful and spacious. It is very clean and safe, there are no thieves and other violators of the law, which, of course, is impressive.
Where to eat in Monaco
If you are relaxing on the Cote d'Azur, then you should definitely visit the tiny, almost indistinguishable on the map, neighboring Principality of Monaco. But before you hit the road, you should find out what you should not do in this state.
1. Call Monaco "Monte Carlo"
For some reason, many believe that "Monaco" and "Monte Carlo" are synonymous. In fact, Monte Carlo is just a couple of large quarters in the center of the country, only one of the districts of the principality, however, the largest, well-known, where there are most tourists and where the famous “city” Formula 1 track is located.
Also, do not confuse the Monte Carlo area with the name of the annual Monte Carlo Rally and with the casino of the same name.
If you are traveling to Monaco by train, then 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 taken in just 40 minutes.
This is beneficial: you will spend a few euros, while in a paid parking lot in the micro-state itself, you can part with a much larger amount.
It makes little sense to travel around Monaco, because the principality is so small that you can get around it on foot. In addition, only cars with local numbers are allowed to enter 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 used to the fact that the European police do not round up tourists and do not check their documents at every step, so the passport can be in the hotel safe until leaving for the airport. But, 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 to foreigners.
4. Take little money with you
Monaco is the quintessential luxury of the Côte d'Azur, so is it any wonder that everything in the principality costs fabulous money: for the simplest pleasures of life, such as a banal dinner overlooking the sea, you will have to pay at least a hundred euros per person.
Those who cannot afford it will have to be content with a rather tasteless pizza (for 25 euros!) in some gateway. And if you decide to buy something, then know that there is only one type of shops in the center - boutiques of elite brands.
5. Take a lot of money with you
If you are on a budget, do not take all your money with you on a tour of Monaco, unless, of course, you plan to spend the rest of the 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 fortunes there were also confident in their own prudence!
6. Feed the seagulls on the embankment
Yes, yes, you should not show compassion and humanism to these fat, snickering birds - this is dangerous for your health!
Recently, birds have become quite insolent: when they see something that looks like bread in a person’s hands, they literally attack him, can thoroughly strike with wings or a strong beak, and then quickly fly away with their prey. Trying to feed them means attracting the attention of a whole flock of predatory aggressive birds!
7. Walk only around Monte Carlo
No matter how small the principality is, this does not mean that your walk should be limited to 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 is worth walking to the Condamine district to see how the locals live, to visit a large market. Take a look at the beach and seaside area of Larvotto. On the outskirts, it is interesting to take a walk between the old 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’s better not to push around in the middle of the crowd in the center, where vanity and confusion reign, where you will be asked to take a picture of someone every minute, but take a walk through remote wilderness corners.
Toward evening, the crowd disappears, and then it will be already possible to wander around the center in peace (just remember to find out when the last train leaves!).
9. Spend the night in Monaco
It is unlikely that you will want to spend a week in Monaco - there is, by and large, nothing to do there. One day is enough for many travelers, and then they safely return home to Cannes or Nice. However, even if you decide to visit 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.
Trip to the Principality of Monaco for 1 day from French Nice by city bus. What is interesting to see in this city-state.
When visiting Nice, it is difficult to resist a trip to the Principality of Monaco, because it costs only 1.5 € if you go by bus and 3.5 € by bus. Since this is very easy to do, there will be no usual “how to get” section, but you can find out more in the article.
Also, there will be no typical heading where to find and book accommodation. The prices for apartments and hotels are already very high here from 100 € per day. If you don't believe, you can check. At this price, you can endure 30 minutes by train to Nice, where housing is at least twice cheaper. As an example, our .
Sights of the Principality of Monaco
I will definitely not miss the heading of preparing for the trip and will give a few links. So that you can plan your budget and the trip itself to the Principality of Monaco. Of the above, it will be mandatory Oceanographic Museum, since the building itself is already a masterpiece, and everything else is up to you.
- — 11€
- — 23€
- — 139€
- – 390€ per group.
What to see in Monaco
Let's start with the arrival in the Principality of Monaco. We chose the most budget option for 1.5 €, and it turned out to be the most suitable. After all, we filmed not far from bus stop 112. In the morning at the end, we comfortably sat by the window to enjoy the views along the way.
I must say right away that there are not as many views along the road as others praise. You have to sit on the right side to see it all. If you don’t sit down, then an almost hour-long trip can tire you out and you won’t have any strength left in Monaco. The bus will be full half the way, as many get off somewhere in the middle on some beach.
The original plan was to leave at the very beginning of Monaco and move towards its other end. I don’t remember what changed our plans, but we left in the very center of the principality. Stop near the tourist center, and this is not far from the casino of Monte Carlo.
The Principality of Monaco is a continuous slope, so we immediately go down through the Little Africa garden. There is nothing special there and I advise you not to go here. It is better to walk back about 50 meters until you see the Monte Carlo Casino on the horizon. Here and go down, as there will be something to see.
We missed this place and only saw sculptures of naked girls in various funny poses in other people's photos. It will be clearly more interesting than the next photo of the garden.
If you follow my advice, then go to one of the most popular selfie spots in Monaco. This is a view of the Monte Carlo Casino.
After taking a couple of photos, we pass by the most popular tourist attractions Casino Cafe de Paris. Entrance here is only from 18 years old, so they will not let you in with children and take identification documents.
Casino Monte Carlo
We approach the casino, in front of which, probably for the entourage, there are always several parked Ferraris. Entrance to the casino lobby is free, but to go further, you need to pay. I don’t remember how much, since we didn’t pay and went to the casino to go to the toilet, since it is located just in the lobby and is free.
We were not impressed by the crowd near this famous place and we moved east towards the beach, along roads that turn into an F1 race track every year.
On the way, we stumbled upon the football walk of fame of those who received the Golden Foot award. I am not strong in football and I am not a fan, but I definitely recognized one plate.
I do not remember the exact location of the alley on the map, I only know that it is located near the Grimaldi Forum exhibition center.
Japanese garden
Even before the alley of football stars, we went to the Japanese garden. Although it was not the first such garden, it looked better than the others. The highlight of the park is a pond with live fish and clear water.
Larvotto Beach
After passing through the Japanese garden, we go to Larvotto Beach. After the rocky and full beaches of Nice, this one was simply gorgeous. And if I had a rest in Nice and my goal would be to sunbathe, then I would go here instead of Nice, because the fare is only 1.5 €. There are no topless girls sunbathing here like in Nice, but the sand and the lack of crowds outweigh this small drawback of the beach.
The transparency of the water on this beach gave it only pluses. The bottom and a bunch of fish in the water are perfectly visible.
Near the beach there is a monument dedicated to Princess Grace, who at one time glorified the Principality of Monaco no less than a casino. A rather modest monument for such a person, but maybe we have not found another, but is there one?
Anglican Church
We leave the coastline and walk through the churches of Monaco. Tourists are so hung up on the views of the city that they don’t get to the churches, and in order to find them, you need to overcome more than one staircase. We will fill this gap, this report should at least somehow differ from others. The first will be the Anglican Church.
After the church, there will be an ascent along these stairs. In the heat, not every tourist will master such climbs, maybe that's why there are almost no photos. Only later did I find out that free elevators are located throughout the Principality of Monaco, you just had to find them.
After the ascent, we walked a little in circles to the Church of St. Charles, which looks better than the previous one, although it is located further from the center.
Sanctuary of Saint Joseph (France)
In search of the next church, we accidentally entered the territory of France. According to the map, for this you just need to cross the street. This funny fact even gives interest to such an event. Let the Principality and the dwarf state, but how few places on earth where the street separates the state. Since they came and photographed, they will have to post a photo.
We return back to the Principality of Monaco and go down another staircase, and more beautiful.
At the bottom of the stairs there was a small market and it looks like it was organized specifically for tourists. I could be wrong that this is a tourist attraction, but I definitely didn’t like the prices for cheese and seemed to be overpriced for tourists. Those who are also frightened by the prices are in for a pleasant surprise in the form of a budget Carrefour store in the same market. It's time to buy cool water here, as it's noon and now it's the hottest.
We continue to go back and re-exit to the Monte Carlo Casino, but there was already a photo of him, so let's go around the corner. It turns out that the casino building is also an opera house, only the entrance is located on the right side of the building.
Port Hercule
If you look at the map, it turns out that half of the sights of Monaco have already been visited, even most of them. It remains to look at the Prince's Palace and the Oceanographic Museum, but in order to reach them you need to bypass the port of Hercule. This will be the most picturesque walk in Monaco. There is nothing to describe here, just admire the photos.
Somewhere in the middle of the walk around the port was the Church of St. Devota. In order not to interfere with the rest of the photos, I will take it out separately, since this is the patroness of Monaco. For some reason, the relics of St. Devota are kept in the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, which we will reach later.
Also along the way, another mention of Princess Grace is a theater named after her.
Having rounded the port, we made a small detour and looked at the stone, or rather concrete beach of Monaco. In the presence of sandy, it is strange that this exists and is even popular.
We did not stop at one beach and found another one, but more like a beach. It is not marked on the map, but a small cove with the name Ciappaira is marked. If it is interesting where it is, then I put it on the map.
Oceanographic Museum
Almost next to the last beach is the famous museum. In addition to the fact that the building looks cool, it is also famous for its head, Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Who watched the documentary series "Underwater Odyssey of the Cousteau Team" will know this name. For those under 20-25, this name is unlikely to say anything. Who is not in the subject is the man who invented scuba gear and explored the ocean a lot.
The best views of the building are from the sea, and an ordinary tourist will not be able to capture it from this angle. The maximum that you can count on is the same photo as I did. A rare film about Monaco does without a picture of this building. From the main entrance, everything looks not so grandiose.
We did not go inside, and those who want to go in need to buy for 11€.
Gardens of Saint Martin
After skipping the museum, we went to free entertainment in the Principality and went to St. Martin's Gardens. It is located next to the museum, about 200 meters away. There was nothing interesting in the park, so I had to look at numerous sculptures.
But the trick of the park is different, it offers one of the best views of the Principality of Monaco - this is the port of Fontvieille (Port de Fontvieille). These views are one of the hallmarks of Monaco.
Cathedral of Saint Nicholas
The penultimate attraction of Monaco is the cathedral. If the previous ones shown here are rarely found in guidebooks, then this one will certainly be there.
Behind the cathedral, they found the only street that reminded us that we are in Europe, and not on another planet in the state of millionaires, where you can stumble over Ferrari and Lamborghini.
This is almost the end of the story about Monaco. At this point, we were so tired from the heat that we only took a few photos. And not very successful, so I post what I have.
The Prince's Palace is located on a high hill and its observation deck overlooks Port Hercule, only from a different angle.
How to end the story? Probably advice on how not to get tired like us. Above, I wrote that there are elevators in Monaco that will save you energy. In addition to elevators, there are also entire tunnels connecting them to each other. We found one of these at the very end, trying to find a way out of the supermarket. So look around carefully or ask the locals where the elevator is.
The Principality of Monaco is small, however, it has a lot of attractions. Tourists come here for various purposes. Someone to play in the Monte Carlo casino, someone to soak up the magnificent beaches, someone to participate in fashionable parties where you can meet celebrities. Imagine that you find yourself in the principality passing through. What to see in Monaco in 1 day on your own?
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New National Museum
In the museum, you can take a look at the cultural values that the Principality of Monaco inherited, as well as contemporary works of art. Exhibitions are located on the squares of two villas. Villa Paloma appeared thanks to the American Edward Dickerson, who bought land here in 1913. In subsequent years, the building changed owners several times. During the Second World War, the villa was seriously damaged, and was renovated in 1950 by the new owners - the Fissor spouses.
In the mid-90s of the last century, it became state property, and in 2008 a museum was opened here. The villa remains one of the most beautiful houses in Monaco, its stained glass windows alone are worth it! Paloma is open daily, from 10 am to 6 pm, except holidays. Some of the collections are housed in the halls of the Villa Sober. In addition, there is a luxurious garden, which received the honorary badge of "Eco-friendly green spaces." Roses, citrus trees and various exotic plants grow here.
The villa got its name in 1904, when it was bought by the artist Robert Sober. In 1969, it became a national treasure. After that, an exhibition of dolls and miniatures of Madeleine de Galea was located here for a long time. Today there are temporary exhibitions. A visit to the museum will bring great pleasure to the guests of Monaco. Here you can see many interesting exhibits, in addition, you will have a chance to walk around the luxurious gardens.
Japanese garden
An amazing garden that is hard to forget. It is located right in the center of urbanized Monaco, on the Mediterranean coast. Around the noisy city, and here - the territory of silence and tranquility. A garden was created at the direction of Prince Reine III in memory of Princess Grace Kelly, who tragically died shortly before. Grace dreamed of seeing a Japanese garden on the lands of the principality - an oasis where harmony reigns. Landscape architect Yasuo Beppu began work on the project in 1990.
Today, guests can see here what is typical of Japanese gardens - stones, water, green spaces. Everything is arranged in accordance with strict canons. At the same time, the Japanese never set themselves the task of remaking nature in their own way. They only emphasize its originality. In the Japanese garden, you will see mountains and hills, a lake and a waterfall, shores and islands. Japanese traditions are borrowed from China. They are based on 3 elements: line, point and surface. They are all represented in the garden.
A long path bypasses the lake and the waterfall. Coniferous and olive trees grow around. There are also beautiful bridges, and stone lanterns, and the Tea House. The islands symbolize animals that enjoy life: the slow turtle and the fast crane. The garden always has its own special microclimate. To support it, an artificial fog system has been created. Humid air is favorable for local plants, promotes their rapid growth and gives the leaves a brighter color.
Casino Monte Carlo
This is the oldest gambling establishment in Europe. You can play poker, roulette or give preference to slot machines. The casino opened in 1863 and helped save the Grimaldi princely house from bankruptcy. Subsequently, the premises of the gambling house were destroyed by fire. Only those areas where the vestibule is now located have survived. The casino was reopened in 1878, and in 1999 it was restored. The interiors here are very beautiful, but you need to remember that photography is prohibited.
You can only come here to people who are already 18 years old (children are accompanied by adults), men must wear jackets, and it is impossible to come here in light resort clothes, for example, in shorts. Slot machines are admitted free of charge, and to get access to roulette and poker, you need to pay 10 euros. There are also vip zones where they play only for very large sums. You can spend a lot of time here - restaurants, a club and a dance floor are open in the building.
In addition, there is an opera house. Although photography is not allowed in the casino, you can shoot movies here. Therefore, the gambling establishment appears in a number of popular films. The game starts at 2 pm, in the morning you can just come for a tour. An interesting fact: citizens of Monaco are not allowed to enter the casino, they can only play via the Internet.
Monte Carlo Opera House
This theater is located in the same place as the casino. At the end of the 19th century, there was practically no cultural entertainment in Monaco. And by the decision of Prince Charles III, a single complex began to be built, which includes a gambling establishment and a concert hall. For all spectators, the entrance is common - from the hall, lined with red marble. And only for the monarch there is a separate entrance. The hall was opened in 1879 and named after the architect Charles Garnier. The first audience saw the opera Chevalier Gaston, in which Sarah Bernhardt shone. The hall can accommodate over 500 spectators.
It is luxuriously decorated, its facade makes you think of the Parisian Grand Opera. Initially, it was assumed that the hall would be intended not only for the opera, but it was precisely such performances that turned out to be the most in demand. Therefore, at the end of the 19th century, the stage was reconstructed specifically for the opera. Since then, this theater has hosted about 100 premieres. The greatest artists of their time sang here, and the hall was invariably full.
Church of Saint Devota
This place is mentioned already in the 11th century. At that time there was a simple chapel. Subsequently, it was reconstructed. Work began in the 16th century - the first extensions appeared, in the 17th one could already see a bay window and a portico here. And in the 19th, a 15 m bell tower was erected. The facade eventually acquired the features of the neo-Greek style. The gate was decorated with a pattern of stones in contrasting colors - white and black, monograms appeared on the porch.
The chapel was expanded and received the status of a church parish. According to legend, Saint Devota was tortured to death during the cruel times of the persecution of the first Christians. Her friends and followers wanted to bury the girl's body in Africa, but the boat was washed ashore in Monaco during a storm. Here Davota was buried by local fishermen. In the 11th century, a chapel was erected in honor of the saint.
In the church you can see paintings and sculptures made with amazing skill. Presumably, a student of Rodin worked on one of them. The relics of Davota are also stored here. Next to the church stands a statue of the saint, made of marble and bronze. On January 27, the feast of St. Davota is celebrated. At this time, flowers bloom in Monaco. Traditionally, people burn several boats.
Port Hercule
The port is a natural deep-water bay. The ships of the ancient Greeks and Romans moored here. However, strong east winds often prevented ships from entering the safe harbor and anchoring here. Therefore, at the beginning of the 20th century, berths were built here, and in the 70s, after research, a wave wall and a breakwater appeared. Now any ships can enter the port, even huge cruise liners. Equipped here and a special marina.
In total, up to 700 ships can anchor in the port. The depth near the berths does not exceed 7 m, and where the bay ends it reaches 40 m. In the port you can take a walk, look at beautiful ships and yachts. At the same time, there is a chance to meet movie stars and other celebrities. Many films were also filmed here, including scenes from the James Bond epic.
Fort Antoine
The fort was built in the 18th century and named after the prince who ordered its construction. Initially, it was a fortress with an additional natural "fortification": there was a rock nearby. There was everything necessary to successfully withstand the siege: a watchtower, ramparts that protected from cannonballs, even thickets of thorny plants that would help defend against enemies. Only under Prince Rainier III the fort was rebuilt, and now it serves exclusively peaceful purposes. Ancient cannons salute, bringing joy to tourists. And in the fort itself there is an open-air theater.
In total, 350 spectators can be accommodated here. Various musical shows and performances are shown here. It is pleasant not only to watch what is happening on the stage, but also to admire the opening seascape. In the evening, the lights turn on, creating a special romantic atmosphere. I am glad that the people of Monaco treat their cultural heritage so carefully. During World War II, the fort was destroyed, but then it was restored. And now you can fully appreciate its beauty.
Oceanographic Museum
A very interesting museum, a real national pride. It was founded by Prince Albert the First at the beginning of the 20th century. The prince was engaged in the study of the oceans, participated in many scientific expeditions. Today, the museum's collections include more than 6 thousand exhibits. The purpose of this temple of science is to help people get to know and love the oceans. Here you can see aquariums in which the inhabitants of tropical waters and the Mediterranean Sea live.
There are sharks and piranhas, corals and seahorses, octopuses, moray eels, jellyfish - you can list for a long time. Viewers will see both completely harmless and deadly fish. There is a special "contact pool", the inhabitants of which can be fed. Directly in the museum itself, you can visit the halls of Keith and Albert the First, as well as the Oceanomania cabinet of curiosities.
The most interesting exhibits are exhibited here - from marine fossils to the rarest books telling about the oceans. Since the prince dreamed that someday science and art would merge, the museum periodically hosts exhibitions of paintings by famous artists. The museum is open seven days a week. There is a restaurant on the roof, you can sit here, admiring the Mediterranean Sea.
Gardens of Saint Martin
Beautiful gardens where you can not only look at rare plants, but also admire the city from a bird's eye view. The Gardens of Saint-Martin are adjacent to the Oceanographic Museum. They opened in 1830 and immediately became very popular. Both guests of the principality and local residents come here. Thanks to the numerous green spaces, it is cool here even in the heat. The plants here are the most amazing. For example, cacti that are over 100 years old. Also here you can see sculptures, including a monument to Albert the First. Also from these gardens you can go to the Observatory Cave, admire the stalactites and stalagmites.
Cathedral of Saint Nicholas
The Cathedral is a real gem of Monaco, it is the main temple for the Catholics of the Principality. Once upon a time there was an ancient church on this place, it was destroyed in the 13th century. And at the end of the 19th, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas was erected here. An interesting fact is that it was built from a special limestone, which becomes white when exposed to moisture. Therefore, if you get here in the rain, you will see that the walls near the cathedral are snow-white.
The locals believe that God's grace, like rain, washes away sins from the soul, and it is cleansed. Therefore, on rainy days, there are especially many worshipers in the cathedral. The four bells of the cathedral have their own names - Immaculate Virgin Mary, Nicole, Devota and Benedict. The temple was built in the Neo-Romanesque style, that is, here you can see the features of Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Renaissance.
Scenes from the Bible are depicted on stone slabs. It is in this cathedral that the monarch and his family come to pray - there are special lodges here. If you visit the temple, you can admire marvelous mosaics, stained-glass windows, ancient altars and paintings by great artists. Within the walls of the cathedral are buried members of the Grimaldi dynasty, Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco. There is also a beautiful organ here.
Port of Fontvieille
An area of Monaco where you can spend the whole day. There is a wonderful mild climate and a lot of vegetation. You will see palm trees, pines, oaks, a huge number of fruit trees, including citrus. And, of course, there are a lot of birds here. There are also many attractions in the area. It is worth visiting the Museum of Vintage Cars of Prince Rainier the Third - about a hundred exhibits are presented here.
The Maritime Museum contains miniature models of the most famous ships. They are executed masterfully, and it is very interesting to examine the collection. There is also a huge stadium that can accommodate up to 16 thousand spectators. International competitions are held here. Tourists will also like a helicopter ride. Heliport at your service! The flight will take about 10 minutes and you will be able to look at the city from above. Another local attraction is the landscape park, where the Grace Kelly rose garden is located.
Prince's Palace
The Grimaldi family has been living here for seven centuries. The palace stands on top of a cliff. It used to look like a fortress, but now it looks really luxurious. During the French Revolution, the palace was plundered, the treasures were lost, and a hospital was located here. As a result of painstaking work, the appearance was restored. When the monarch is in the palace, the prince's flag is raised over the residence. In summer, tourists have the opportunity to visit inside, inspect the ceremonial halls.
Here you can see frescoes depicting mythical characters, the chapel of John the Baptist, dating back to the 17th century. There is also a chance to get to a music concert - such events have been held here regularly since the middle of the 20th century. There are very interesting collections in the palace. For example, personal belongings and clothes of Napoleon are presented here. If you arrive at the palace by noon, you will see the changing of the guard going on.
zoological garden
The zoo was founded in 1954 by Prince Rainier. Today it contains about 250 inhabitants. Among them are birds, reptiles, primates, even hippos. You can also see farm animals here. Interestingly, all the pets were donated to the zoo. Also here sometimes there are abandoned animals, or those that were confiscated by customs.
Sometimes it gets too crowded here, and sometimes such rare specimens get into the royal menagerie that they are not able to provide the necessary care for them here. Then the pets are given to other zoos in the country. Thus, you have the opportunity to get into the world of wildlife in the very center of an urbanized state. People with disabilities can also visit the zoo, for which all amenities have been created.
Museum of stamps and coins
In this museum, you can look at historical stamps and coins of the Principality, as well as buy souvenirs. Major exhibitions are regularly held here, attended by philatelists from all over the world. The Museum of Stamps and Coins was founded in 1995, and received its first visitors in 1996. It is located in the Fontvieille area. Monaco's first own stamps appeared in 1885.
The very first coins - much earlier - in 1640. A few years later, King Louis the Fourteenth of France allowed the free circulation of the coins of the principality on the territory of his country. Today, the "Euro Monaco" is in use. In the store you can buy both stamps and coins, as well as various books on philately and numismatics. The museum is open daily, entrance costs 3 euros.
Vintage Car Museum
The history of this museum is interesting. Prince Rainier the Third collected so many vintage cars on his estate that there was no longer enough space for them. Then in 1993 he decided to found a new museum. His son Albert sold the second part of his cars, and with the proceeds he bought even rarer rarities. Today, the museum houses unique classic and sports models. For example, visitors will see a Lexus that was carrying newlyweds - Albert II and his wife Charlene.
And what about a collection of Rolls-Royce cars! There are also cars donated to the museum by the inhabitants of Monaco. This is evidenced by special plates. You can even see here the carriage of Charles the Third, which dates back to the 19th century. It was Charles who built the famous casino on the lands of the principality. The oldest car is over 100 years old. Special straps hold his wings.
Princess Grace Rosary
The rose garden was created by Prince Rainier the Third in 1984 - in memory of Princess Grace. Today there are about 5 thousand bushes - 150 species of roses. And, of course, there are always a lot of butterflies here - they are attracted by the aroma. Grace met the Prince of Monaco in 1955, she posed with him in the garden near the Grimaldi Palace - the pictures were intended for the Paris-Match magazine. For the wedding, Grace received a gift - a nominal rose: a delicate double flower, painted in pink tones. Now the statue of Princess Grace is installed in the rose garden, and the garden itself is made in the form of a flower with 9 petals. In addition to roses, olives and yews grow here, which serve as a backdrop for beautiful flowers.
Stade Louis II
It was opened in 1985 on the site of the old stadium of the same name. Named after the Prince of Monaco, who was at the helm of the state when the sports facility was being built. There is a magnificent football field here, it is no coincidence that the UEFA Super Cup has been held here many times. Also a few years ago, you could watch the Olympic Rugby Qualifier here.
exotic garden
The exotic garden resembles the canvases of the surrealists. Its area reaches 15 thousand m2. The pride of the garden is cacti and other succulents. Since many species of these plants are collected here, you can come here at any time of the year: some cacti will definitely bloom. There are also many unusual trees. The garden received its first guests in 1933, so the age of many specimens is very respectable. Previously, there was a small astronomical observatory here. Today it is not here, but visitors have the opportunity to explore the unusual caves that adorn the picturesque deposits. Once the caves were used by ancient people, there are remains of animals killed during the hunt.
Princess Antoinette Park
This park is definitely worth a visit if you come to Monaco with children. Beautiful olive trees grow here, many flowers, even on hot days it is easy to breathe here. Walking along the alleys, you will see sports grounds and sandboxes, swings and a golf course. For children there is a mini-farm where you can try yourself as a gardener. The children will be told about the fruits and vegetables that are grown on the territory of Monaco, about how the famous oil is made from olives. If you want to celebrate some family holiday, for example, a birthday, there is a cafe in the park, the hall is designed for almost 20 people.
Although Monaco is a small principality, it is impossible to see all its sights in 1 day. But then you will have time to get acquainted with the most significant of them.
If you think that Monaco is a bunch of show-offs, I have to disappoint you: it's not! 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-offs: everything is for real!
Sea, mountains, sun, silence, perfect cleanliness, fresh air; beautiful streets, houses, trees. Free lifts will take you to any height to any sight (lifts through the rock so as not to go uphill on foot). There are free equipped and non-equipped beaches where you can safely plunge into the Mediterranean Sea and so on. etc. Would you like to live in such a place? Especially considering it's 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 let's go:
Eating in Monaco is not necessary in restaurants. As in many tourist cities, street food is sold here, at prices like everywhere else. A half-liter bottle of water - 1 euro (standard price for European cities). There are regular cheap vending machines at the station. Well, or you can buy groceries in a regular supermarket at the train station in Ventimiglia.
4) You can swim and for this it is not at all necessary to go to the city beach: right at the foot of Monaco-ville, there is a small pebble beach that is not equipped. I did not like the very salty water of the Mediterranean Sea in Monaco. In Capri, for example, the water is not so salty. (By the way, we also went there on a budget, which I will definitely tell you about in due time).
Well, we are heading to the Monaco station carved inside the rock to continue our journey. After cheap Monaco (this is not sarcasm!) expensive Florence awaits us. But more on that another time.)
