Monaco

Even if you are not a gambler, the beautiful Casino Cafe de Paris is worth a visit simply to enjoy some people-watching, soak up the atmosphere and see some very extravagant cars in the parking lot. The casino is housed in a stately art deco building surrounded by beautiful gardens. You are welcome to enter the complex and visit the bar and restaurant without having to pay the entrance fee which applies to the gaming area. If you do enjoy gambling you will love the huge variety of slot machines which are available inside the main casino or on two large terraces where smoking is allowed. Players may order free drinks.

Casino Café de Paris, Place du Casino, MC 98000, Monaco, Phone: +377-98-06-77

Fort Antoine Theater is a small open-air amphitheater housed in Fort Antoine, which was originally constructed as a defensive fortress in the early 18th century. Unfortunately, the original fort was almost completely destroyed in 1944 and the structure you can visit today is the result of extensive re-building project carried out in 1953. The theater hosts open-air plays during the summer months, generally from July to August – you can book seats at the Tourist Office. The fort may be visited at any time and offers exceptional views of the city and the many opulent yachts moored in the harbor below.

Fort Antoine Theater, Avenue of the Quarantine, 98000 Monaco, Phone: +377-98-98-83-03

When you need a brief break from the glitz and glamour of Monaco, the beautiful Monaco Japanese Garden, which is dedicated to the memory of Princess Grace, offers a haven of beauty and tranquility. The garden carefully conforms to strict Zen design principals and is the work of Japanese landscape designer Yasuo Beppo, who personally pruned and placed all the locally-sourced Mediterranean plants so that they would look at home in a Japanese garden. You can admire the beautiful traditional Japanese garden elements which include stone lanterns, ponds, bridges, walkways and topiaries as you make your way to the lovely traditional tea-house. (Sorry – no tea served here – this is a place for quiet meditation surrounded by the beauty of the garden).

The Japanese Garden, Avenue Princesse-Grace, 98000 Monaco, Phone: +377-98-98-83-36

Recommended Activities for Families

Monaco’s delightful Exotic Garden has been drawing visitors to admire its rare collection of succulent plants and cacti since 1933. The unusual garden thrives along the side of a cliff face and showcases wonderful examples of succulent plants from all over the world including the arid regions of North and South America, Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. When you reach the base of the cliff side you arrive at a huge underground cavern know as the Observation Cave. Entry and a guided tour of the cave are included in your ticket to the Exotic Garden. You can conclude your visit by having a look at the impressive collections of the Prehistoric Anthropologic Museum.

Jardin Exotique de Monaco (The Exotic Garden), 62 Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, 98000 Monaco, Phone: +377-93-15-29-80

When in Monaco, be like a local and spend some time relaxing on the edge of the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean on one of the city’s most popular beaches. Larvotto Beach is entirely man-made and you will be walking on fine pebble-sand which has all been imported for your comfort. Larvotto beach contains both free and private areas – if you are happy to pay to enter one of the private beach clubs you can enjoy facilities such as umbrellas, sun loungers, towels, drinks and snacks. There are many restaurants and cafés dotted along the road behind the beach and at the eastern end of the beach there is a well-equipped shady play ground for children.

Larvotto Beach, Avenue Princesse-Grace, 98000 Monaco

Unique Attractions

When you need some retail therapy the Metropole Shopping Center in Monte Carlo is the perfect place to head to. As befits a top-end shopping complex in Monaco’s most expensive area, the Metropole has extravagant décor which includes lots of marble, crystal chandeliers and intricate wrought-iron balconies. The complex covers three levels and you will find retail stores selling everything from fashion to antiques and collectables. There is a large food court on the lower level where you can enjoy a drink or meal. You can expect to find all your favorite European brands represented and there is tax-free shopping for non EU residents.

Metropole Shopping, 17 Avenue des Spelugues, 98000 Monaco, Phone: +377-92-16-77-01

The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the foremost Formula One racing events in the world, largely due to the fact that the race takes place in the center of Monte Carlo. The 3.337km Circuit de Monaco is set up along regular everyday roads with sharp corners and very little chance of overtaking, which makes it one of the most difficult Formula One circuits. Drivers require extreme skill and concentration and there is no room for error. Formula One fans who would like to experience the route taken by the Grand Prix can sign up for a 30 or 60 minute Ferrari Driving Experience tour or hop aboard the City Tour Le Grand Monaco Tour bus which follows the route.

If you have limited time to explore Monaco (or are visiting the city as part of a cruise) the Hop-on Hop-off Monaco Le Grand Tour bus is a great option. You can buy either a one or two day pass which allows you to hop on and off the bus as often as you like within the 24 or 48hour duration. Le Grand Tour includes stops at 12 of the most popular city tourist attractions including the Japanese Garden, Villa Sauber National Museum, Monte Carlo Casino, the Oceanographic Institute, the Royal Palace and the cruise terminal. A full circuit takes around 60 to 90 minutes and you can listen to a commentary of the sights in your preferred language. During high season you can expect a bus every 15 minutes.

Monaco Le Grand Tour, 25 Boulevard Princess Charlotte, 98000 Monaco, Phone: +377-97-70-26-36