Best attractions in Monaco: Top 20

Monaco is a tiny country where people are used to living in luxury. Only wealthy tourists go there, because even a cup of coffee there costs $50. Attractions in Monaco are scattered throughout the country, each deserving attention. It is important to know that the significant monuments of culture are located far enough from each other. Finding out in advance what to see in Monaco will make it easier to organize your trip.

What is the first thing to see in Monaco?

First of all, I would like to present you a rating of the sights of Monaco, which you should see, first of all. A trip to this country cannot fail to be memorable, because it is literally overflowing with historical and cultural monuments.

1. Museum of Old Monaco

Facade of a historic building on the Place du Palais in Monaco's Old Town

As the name implies, this is a place where entire collections of antique objects, ceramics, paintings are brought to the attention of tourists and locals. The furnishings are made of preserved furniture from past centuries. Tourists are also interested in national costumes, because they seem to take them back to a bygone era. Museum is free to visit, open on certain days of the week from June to September. By visiting it, you can get an idea of who the Monegasques are in general.



2. Monaco Botanical Gardens

Flora of the Monaco Botanical Garden

It has several names, but one thing is for sure, this attraction should be one of the first to see. There are unique collections of cacti, succulents, and what’s worth the view from the top that opens from the slide! The view from the top of the hill! In the description of the garden, I would like to point out that it specializes mainly in plants that have special tissues where water is stored. They were brought from different parts of the world. The area of the garden reaches 1 hectare, on it grow specimens that have managed to take root in the local climate.

Official website: http://www.visitmonaco.



3. Larvotto Beach

White artificial sand at Larvotto Beach

This Monaco landmark is a must for those who want a glamorous beach vacation because the beach is one of the most expensive in the world. You can sunbathe topless on it, but keep in mind that the absence of jewelry on the body can be seen as bad form. As for the prices of drinks, beach gear, they are just off the charts, but the staff service in the restaurants and seaside is worth it. Especially moms with kids love the jellyfish netting that stretches along the entire coast.

4. Monaco Vil

Panorama Monaco Ville

For those not in the know, the state being described does not have a capital, it only has districts, one of which is Monaco Ville. It is punctuated by picturesque walkways that lead to the Palace Square, where the official residence of the princely family is located. Many tourists tend to come here to watch the changing of the guard, which consists of 12 perfectly matched soldiers. Located on a rock 60 meters above the water level, the area is close to the sea.

5. Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden Corner

This Monaco landmark is considered a true wonder, and it is located on Princess Grace Avenue, as close to the beach as possible. Looking at the photos of the garden, you realize that it is deservedly among the best in the world. It is known that its creation was commissioned to architect and landscaper at the same time Yassu Beppu. The whole 17 months a whole team of designers laboriously worked on solving complex technical problems, and it was worth it. The result is a true masterpiece, which to this day ranks among the best attractions not only in the country, but also in the world. The plants were chosen and arranged in accordance with such concepts as the four seasons (a symbol of the cyclical nature of human life) and the five cardinal points.

Official website: http://www.visitmonaco.com/

Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Monaco!

6. Antique Car Museum

Museum collection of vintage cars Victor Grigas

When traveling in Monaco, it wouldn’t hurt to visit an exhibition of car collections belonging to the prince. The collection features only rarities, all housed on the Terrace de Fontvieille. The number of vehicles reaches a hundred, including European and American models from many different eras. Of interest are the carriages that once belonged to Prince Rainier III.

Official website: http://www.palais.mc/en/

7. St. Nicholas Cathedral

The majestic building of Saint Nicholas Cathedral

Excursions in Monaco is almost never without a visit to the main church, which is a Romanesque building. It was built between 1875 and 1903 and the interior is decorated with paintings by Louis Brea. Don’t know what to see in Monaco in 1 day? Visit the church with the official name of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. It also serves as the family tomb of the rulers of the state. Services are held only on major church holidays.

8. Princess Grace’s Rosary

The Princess Grace's Rosary is a magnificent rose garden

What to visit in Monaco? Of course, the exhibition, opened in June 1984, in honor of the princess. It is an area of 3300 m², fully planted with rose bushes, of which there are about 4 thousand. The total number of plants in the garden is almost 14 thousand. The rose garden is still being replenished with new varieties, and they are named after the residents of the princely house. Grace Kelly is remembered for her love of flowers, the hotels she temporarily stayed in always had gorgeous bouquets. For Grace’s wedding day to the Prince of Monaco, she received a personalized rose bred by the Mayan flower house. It was a pink terrycloth flower with a captivating scent.

Official website: http://www.visitmonaco.com/ru/

9. The princely palace

The Princely Palace at night

When exploring the country’s main attractions, don’t overlook the official residence of its rulers. This place with an interesting history cannot fail to impress by the grandeur of its appearance, it is located in the already mentioned Monaco-Ville district. It is interesting to know, if there is a flag flying over the roof of a large public building, it means that the prince is within his chambers. The peculiarity of the palace is the presence inside it of an Italian gallery, a hall in which stands the throne, the Salon of Louis XV and Mazarini. In the summer, concerts are often held in the courtyard. The palace is not entirely open to tourists; the Grimaldi chambers are in the southwest wing.

Official website: http://palais.mc/en/index.html

10. Monte Carlo Casino

The Casino Monte Carlo is the oldest gambling establishment in Europe

The interesting places in Monaco are not limited to gardens and cathedrals. Casinos are the calling card of the country, and Monte Carlo is one of the most respectable gambling houses in the world. It appeared after duke Charles the third sold two cities to Napoleon III. He decided to use the money gained to create an aristocratic resort. The French financier was invited to open a casino in Monaco and the result was a very beautiful building. Before lunch it can be visited as a regular museum, it is enough to buy a ticket to enter, compliance with the dress code is not required. By the way, only guests of Monaco have the right to play in the casino, citizens are forbidden.

Official website: http://www.casinomontecarlo.com/

11. Monte Carlo Opera House

Entrance to the Opera House of Monte Carlo

Guides in Monaco often suggest that tourists visit the theater, which is part of the aforementioned casino. The fact is that in the early 1870s there was no cultural life as such in the country, so it was decided to include a concert hall. Its grand opening took place in 1879, and it was named after the architect Charles Garnier. The total duration of construction was 8.5 months and the theater was designed for 524 people. In its style, decorations and complex facade the Parisian influence is noticeable. Many artists had to work on the decoration.

12. Port Hercule

A top view of Port Hercule

Continuing the theme of what to see in Monaco, we want to focus on one of the country’s two seaports. This place is deservedly considered luxurious, modern. The work of the enterprise is organized so competently that it literally “attracts” a huge number of wealthy individuals. They entrust their luxurious yachts. Today, Port Hercule is a berth for about 700 impeccable vessels. The free space on the water is very competently arranged, flora and fauna do not suffer. Plus, the port has a magnificent view of the city of Monte Carlo.

13. Casino Square and Park

Beautiful French park and fountains in front of the Casino Square

Where to go in Monaco? The area in front of the world-famous casino deserves attention. Generally this part of the city is considered to be passable, but because of the large accumulation of pedestrians it gives the impression of a mixed mode of movement. Not far from the casino there is a park, in the whole city it is probably the most horizontal section, but with a strong slope. It has a whole cascade of fountains, all of them clean and well-groomed. Of the trees, mostly palm trees are observed. Reviews about this place only positive, because it really deserves attention.

14. Fort Antoine

The old walls of Fort Antoine

Where else to go in Monaco? A great place is a separate fortification in the system of fortifications, which is now used as a theater. The fort was built in the 18th century, decorated in military style. Of particular interest is the corner tower, because it gives this place atmosphere. In the center of the fort rises a pyramid of cannonballs. In 1944 it was destroyed, but the historical monument was quickly enough restored.

15. Church of St. Devotee

Facade of the Church of Saint Devotee

What to see in Monaco? Sacred to any Monegasque is the chapel once erected in the little valley of Gomat. It was dedicated to the princely family and the Holy Protectress of the whole Principality of Monaco. According to legend, it was in this place that the body of the patroness was thrown by the waters of the sea. At the beginning of the twentieth century, a tradition was created to burn a fisherman’s boat every year on January 26 at the entrance, which is done symbolically. To this Monaco landmark each new princess brings her own bouquet at the end of her marriage ceremony.

Monaco sights: what else to visit in Monaco?

Your trip to this small state is sure to be memorable. Knowing what to see in Monaco, you will definitely not leave out the most interesting things. Recommendations for tourists say that there are still places to get acquainted with which it is worth spending time.

16. Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

A spectacular view of the sea and the Monaco Oceanographic Museum

It is the most famous in the country, which is no surprise, and was once founded by Prince Albert I. The review says that the institute and the museum safely “coexist” in a building standing on the sea coast, on a steep cliff. The peculiarity of this place is the presence of a huge aquarium, which occupies most of the basement floor. If you think there is nothing more to see in Monaco, you can visit the Oceanographic Museum. Its exhibits feature a wide variety of marine subjects.

Official website: https://www.oceano.mc/ru

17. Country Club Monte Carlo

Professional tennis tournament at the Country Club Monte Carlo Ghaly

What to visit in Monaco for fun? It’s a unique place entirely dedicated to excellence. It offers tourists tennis courts with a magnificent view of the sea, they are open all year round. Describing the Country Club more precisely, we would like to say that it has 21 clay courts with a beautiful view of the sea, 2 with hard surfaces and the same number for squash. Among the activities offered to campers are individual/collective courses, various junior and adult competitions and tournaments.

Official website: http://www.mccc.mc/en/

18. Cafe de Paris

View from Casino Square to Café de Paris tiger rus

Another Monaco attraction is located in Monte Carlo’s busiest location, namely the famous Casino Square. The café is very popular with tourists because it offers a live view of wax figures of the Principality’s autochthonous subjects. What to visit in Monaco, namely at the Café de Paris? Here, in addition to the main hall, there is a brasserie (an elongated hall decorated with stained glass in the Belle Epoque style) and several terraces. The cuisine in this place is not only of high quality but also diverse, the chef manages to create the most original dishes with unforgettable taste. The cafe is also famous for its shop with seafood.

19. Chapel of Mercy of God

Baroque Chapel of Mercy (left) M.Strīķis

Thinking of what to see in Monaco from antiquity? Pay attention to the Chapel de la Misericorde, a small building with icons built in 1639, decorated in the Baroque style. It was severely damaged during the French Revolution, but the chapel was restored some time later. The facade was completed with pilasters, capitals and mosaic paintings. The main value of this Monaco landmark is the sculpture of Christ in wood, made by the personal sculptor of Emperor Napoleon I. Of particular value are the donations of parishioners, gifts from those who repent.

20. La Mayenne Corniche

The highway goes along the sea, serpentine up into the mountains Valdiney Pimenta

Another attraction of Monaco is the highway that connects the small state with Nice, the unofficial capital of the French Riviera. The uniqueness of the highway is that it runs along the seashore, attention, at an altitude of 200 meters above sea level. Just imagine how one feels when you are in these parts. Indeed, what is worth seeing in Monaco is the village of Eze, located on a cliff not far from the medieval castle. The panorama from the mountain to the famous resort of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat makes it an attraction.

The sights in Monaco cannot fail to impress with their magnificence. The country may be small, but it is able to surprise. Hotels in Monaco are for all tastes and wallets, and the choice is not a problem, just plan ahead. There are many special services, through which you can book a room.

Read also about the best attractions of Luxembourg and be inspired for your next trip to Europe!

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