Sightseeing OverviewMonte Carlo is easily navigable due to its compact size, but many journeys have to take in steep gradients so visitors often want to make use of the local buses, tourist train, and the system of free lifts
and escalators.
The center of Monte Carlo itself, awash with
shopping streets and places to eat and drink, is actually relatively easy to walk around as it slopes gently towards a dalliance with the Mediterranean at the
Port de Monaco.
Monaco-Ville hovers above, home to the landmark
Palais du Prince and seat of power
of the famous Grimaldi
family. The views are superb from the courtyard back towards the
skyscrapers of Monte Carlo and to the south a web of narrow
streets form the most attractive
old part of the city.
On the other side of Monaco-Ville is the
Port de Fontvieille, now reinvented as something of a leisure
oasis, while to the north is the famous
Monte Carlo Casino.
Tourist InformationMonaco Tourist Office 2A boulevard des Moulins
Tel: 9216 6116.
Website:
www.visitmonaco.com As with almost everything, the principality's and the city's tourist offices are inexorably linked. The main tourist office (above) is located right in the city center. The helpful staff dispense information, as well as hand out maps and brochures. They can also arrange tours and accommodation, as well as excursions outside of the city.
Key Attractions:Monaco-Ville The old part of the town that the Grimaldi family have made both their home and their stronghold lies atop a huge rocky outcrop to the west of the city center. The steep walk up reveals stunning views of the city and the millionaire yachts bobbing in its marinas.
Palais du Prince The Grimaldi's palace is a chunky but reasonably elegant affair that sits at the heart of Monaco-Ville. Inside 15 rooms are open to the public; look out also for the changing of the guard when the immaculately uniformed troops strut their stuff outside at 1155 on the dot.
Place du Palais
Tel: 9325 1831.
Website:
www.palais.mc Monte Carlo Casino You can easily blow the bank at one of the world's most famous and glamorous casinos with its 21 gaming tables, but even if you only want to play on the slot machines, you will have to dress up. Free drinks and food for high rollers.
Place du Casino
Tel: 9806 2525.
Website:
www.casino-monte-carlo.com Musée Océanographique Housed in an elegant building that was opened in 1910 is a museum that is home to a collection illustrating the principality's maritime history. In the basement is an aquarium where kids and big kids alike can check out 4,000 fish species.
Avenue St Martin
Tel: 9315 3600.
Website:
www.oceano.mc Jardin Exotique Opened in 1933 this stunning collection of flora spreads up a precipitous rock face in an explosion of color and pungent aromas. Subtropical vegetation abounds. There is also a museum that houses archaeological finds from the surrounding area.
62 boulevard du Jardin Exotique
Tel: 9315 2980.
Website:
www.jardin-exotique.mcFurther Distractions:Monaco Cathedral The city's catholic cathedral may not catch the eye, but it is worth visiting as this is where the Grimaldi family crypt is housed and where Princess Grace Kelly, who was tragically killed in a car crash in 1982, lies.
4 rue Colonel
The Private Collection of Antique Cars of Prince Rainier III The late Prince Rainer III left a legacy of over 100 vehicles in this essential stop for car and history buffs. The collection includes everything from horse-drawn carriages through to Maseratis, Rolls Royces and Mercedes Benz.
Terrasses de Fontvieille
Tel: 9205 2856.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Monte Carlo Content
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related Monaco Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
