The Principality of Monaco is a small autonomous city-state on the French Riviera. It’s main district, Monte Carlo, personifies opulence with its fancy casinos and multimillion-dollar yachts docked in the harbor.
The Casino de Monte-Carlo (also, Grand Casino) is the most notable and luxurious casino in Monaco. The building is beautiful but if you want to visit the lavish interior it will cost you 10 Euros and be aware that the dress code is strictly enforced: no shorts, sneakers or flip-flops.
Every year, Monaco also hosts the Grand Prix, a Formula One race during the last weekend in May. Just thinking about those race cars speeding through the narrow streets really gives you an appreciation for the skills of the drivers! It must be really something to see but it must also get very crowded at that time.
The Prince’s Palace of Monaco is open to the public during the summer months. But when the prince is home, the palace is closed to visitors. You can tell if the prince is in residence when they fly the state flag which will be visible on the tower of the palace. The palace dates back to the 12th century and was originally built as a fortress. Unfortunately, when we were there, the palace was closed.
In Monaco there are quite a few museums to visit for such a small state. We wanted to visit the Oceanographic Museum, which is also home to the Mediterranean Science Commission, but this too was closed at the time of our visit.
There are also plenty of shopping venues and excellent bistros to try.
Europe – France – European Ports of Call