You may have heard of Monaco as the second tiniest country in the world. But best things to see in Monaco must not be fixed with its tiny reputation in your mind. If you consider Monaco other than the world’s 2nd smallest country, you will find that it is a complete trip worthy country with its nice cultural and historical background. The country is famous for its gambling, car races, glitz and glamour.
You may think about affording its beach-bumming and champagne-sipping lifestyle but our list of the best things to see in Monaco will make you least concern as we give a considerable thought on budget friendly locations. Other than that it will offer travelers to mingle with the rich and famous.
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10 Things to see in Monaco:
It is a wonder how Monaco manages to become one of the most luxurious countries. What to do in Monaco is to have some extraordinary good time. Here is our list of top 10 things to see in Monaco.
10. Port de Fontvieille
If you look back only fifty years, you will find nothing but a narrow stretch of sand in Port de Fontvieille. Over the time, it has become a playground for the rich and famous and where could be the best things to see in Monaco than Port de Fontvieille? Since the very rich can afford thousands of dollars a day to berth their boats and yachts in the harbor, it is one of those tourist attractions in Monaco that is destined to the upper echelon.
As locating at the foot of the Rock of Monaco to the east, it is being protected from the easterly winds and also protected from the southerly and westerly swell by the large sea wall, it is certainly one of the best sheltered area in Monaco. At the center is marina borders with full of scenic views. Port de Fontvieille is certainly one of the best things to see in Monaco.
9. Monaco St Nicholas Cathedral
This Romanesque -Byzantine-style Cathedral is the national Cathedral of Monaco and one of the best things to see in Monaco. Its history goes back to the year 1252. It was rebuilt in 1875-1903 but before 1911, it was not consecrated. It has become the burial place for the royal family, including Grace Kelly and Rainier III.
Although it has carried its first name St Nicholas Cathedral, its official name is Cathedral of Our Lady of Notre-Dame Immaculée. It has drawn a great media attention when Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III in this Cathedral. The distinguishing feature of this Cathedral is white marble façade. Though it is a bit over crowded, it is one of the best things to see in Monaco.
Also Read: Top 10 oldest Cathedrals you must visit
8. Oceanographic Museum
This museum of marine science will always be on your list of the best things to see in Monaco. Built on the side of the mythical Rock of Monaco, it is one of the best attractions in Monaco. It was founded by the Prince Albert I and it was dedicated wholly to art and science. It will offer you some of the rarest things that you may not confront by traveling all over the world.
Some special collections are sea life, such as sharks, turtles and shellfish, as well as model ships and sea animal skeletons. There is an aquarium in the basement that has more than 4000 species of fish. It also presents a wide range of flora and fauna and Mediterranean and tropical marine ecosystems. It is one of the best things to see in Monaco.
Also Read: Top 10 largest aquariums around the world
7. Larvotto Beach
Larvotto Beach is more pebbly than sandy but it has nothing to do with its popularity. For many facts, it has become one of the best things to see in Monaco. It may be not the beach you are dreamt of. But it has the typical luxury of Monaco that attracts a lot of rich people. It is in a walking distance from Monte-Carlo. It has no strong tide. So it is a quite safe zone for the children to visit.
No matter what, it is a place for wealthy people because it is them who can dare to make a luxury there and have some jolly time. Alongside with the beach, there was the most expensive street to live on, Avenue Princess Grace. On the basis of popularity, it is one of the best beaches to see in Monaco..
Also Read: Top 10 beautiful city beaches in the world
6. Jardin Exotique
There is no way to miss Jardin Exotique or “the exotic garden” while visiting Monaco as it is not only one of the best things to see in Monaco but also the place that will not cost threatening. This botanical garden boasts more than 1,000 succulents, most of which are cacti. If you visit this garden, you will comprehend soon that why its name is exotic. Some of the plants in this garden is more than 100 years old.
You can find the various plants of five continents in this three hectare shimmering green paradise. The fragrance of Ylang -ylang, jasmine and vetiver will blow your mind. A nature lover is always find it one of the best places to visit in Monaco. Travelers will always have fun puzzles and will marvel at the magic of plants in this one of the best attractions in Monaco.
5. Monaco Grand Prix
Never bother about what to do in Monaco when you have a chance to see Monaco Grand Prix. What could be the best things to see in Monaco than the mythical race of Monaco Grand Prix?
It is the all pilots dream to win this slowest and most difficult of all circuits in the formula 1 world championship. It is the most thrilling car race in the world and make it one of the best tourist attractions in Monaco. Rich and race lover people around the world come to see this race. The first race was held on 14 April, 1929 organized by cigarette magnate Antony Noghès. Monaco Grand Prix will give you some unforgettable moments that you will treasure in your whole life.
4. Monte Carlo Harbor
Monte Carlo Harbor will offer you some of the most luxurious scenery in the world. It is a great place to pass leisure time for the billionaire. Surrounded by impressive yachts and splendid buildings, it is one of the best things to see in Monaco. You can take a water taxi in 2-euro which is the cheapest of all.
Here is the royal vessel docked at Port Hercules, belonging to the Prince of Monaco. All the vessel docking at the port create a wonderful scenic beauty. The view is enough to make it one of the best places to visit in Monaco but there is a lot of fun that you can do in Monaco. You will find some of the best hotels in Monaco in Monte Carlo Harbor.
Also read: Top 10 most visited Bays around the world
3. Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher)
Monaco-Ville, also known as Le Rocher or The Rock is one of 11 districts of the Principality of Monaco. It is the oldest neighborhood and one of the best places to visit in Monaco. The old town dates back to the 6th century BC when the ancient Greek established a colony. Most of the political institutions of the country are here: the Prince’s Palace, the Government, the National Council (parliament of Monaco), The Mayor, the Municipal Council, the courts.
There are also many museums, including the famous Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. The best way to enjoy this old town is to take a long walk. Some of the best hotels in Monaco are here. This is one of the best things to see in Monaco.
Also Read: Top 10 most fascinating city cliffs to visit
2. Monte Carlo Casino
In order to save the Grimaldi family from bankruptcy, Monte Carlo Casino was established in the 19th century. It is now one of the most important gambling and entertainment hub of Monaco. Beside the casino, it has Opéra de Monte-Carlo and the office of Les Ballets de Monte Carlo. Monte Carlo Casino has a huge impact on the country’s economy.
The renowned billionaires around the world come here to gamble. So it becomes one of the best tourist attractions in Monaco. Some people come to gamble and some come to watch. The citizen of Monaco can’t enter to the Casino. The Casino is featured in many movies and media. This is one of the best places to see in Monaco.
1. Prince’s Palace of Monaco
The official residence of Monaco’s rulers is one of the best things to see in Monaco. You will get a royal amount of fun to come here. Its history is not plain as it has to face some of the foreign attacks in its history. It was the symbol of glamour and decadence during the 19th and early 20th century.
It has become the center of attraction when American Oscar nominated film star Grace Kelly became chatelaine of the palace in 1956. Nowadays it has become one of the best tourist attractions in Monaco. It is always crowded with viewers. There is no way to miss this one of the best things to see in Monaco.