What to see in Monaco in 1 day on your own – route, photo, description, map
The Principality of Monaco is small, however, it has a lot of attractions. Tourists come here for various purposes. Someone to play in the Monte Carlo casino, someone to soak up the magnificent beaches, someone to participate in fashionable parties where you can meet celebrities. Imagine that you find yourself in the principality passing through. What to see in Monaco in 1 day on your own?
Larvotto beach
This beach is one of the most popular. It is located in Monte Carlo. Those who came to play in the famous casinos, show business stars, and ordinary tourists sunbathe here. The snow-white sand invariably remains clean – the garbage is removed here several times a day. Jellyfish and other marine life cannot be found in the water – special nets are installed. Also here you can see restaurants everywhere, where customers are offered seafood dishes with different sauces and with a variety of side dishes.
There are quite a lot of private areas on the beach to enter there you have to pay. But there is also a free, public area that anyone can use. True, there are no sunbeds and umbrellas. You need to bring your own bedding and everything you need. But there are enough toilets and changing cabins. The climate is very pleasant. In summer, the air temperature rarely rises above + 30C, the water warms up to + 25-26C. The beach is very popular and there are always a lot of people here.
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New National Museum
In the museum, you can take a look at the cultural values that the Principality of Monaco inherited, as well as contemporary works of art. Exhibitions are located on the squares of two villas. Villa Paloma appeared thanks to the American Edward Dickerson, who bought land here in 1913. In subsequent years, the building changed owners several times. During the Second World War, the villa was seriously damaged, and was renovated in 1950 by new owners – the Fissor spouses.
In the mid-90s of the last century, it became state property, and in 2008 a museum was opened here. The villa remains one of the most beautiful houses in Monaco, its stained glass windows alone are worth it! Paloma is open daily, from 10 am to 6 pm, except holidays. Some of the collections are housed in the halls of the Villa Sober. In addition, there is a luxurious garden, which received the honorary badge of “Eco-friendly green spaces.” Roses, citrus trees and various exotic plants grow here.
The villa got its name in 1904, when it was bought by the artist Robert Sober. In 1969, it became a national treasure. After that, an exhibition of dolls and miniatures of Madeleine de Galea was located here for a long time. Today there are temporary exhibitions. A visit to the museum will bring great pleasure to the guests of Monaco. Here you can see many interesting exhibits, in addition, you will have a chance to walk around the luxurious gardens.
Japanese garden
An amazing garden that is hard to forget. It is located right in the center of urbanized Monaco, on the Mediterranean coast. Around the noisy city, and here – the territory of silence and tranquility. A garden was created at the direction of Prince Reine III in memory of Princess Grace Kelly, who tragically died shortly before. Grace dreamed of seeing a Japanese garden on the lands of the principality – an oasis where harmony reigns. Landscape architect Yasuo Beppu began work on the project in 1990.
Today, guests can see here what is typical of Japanese gardens – stones, water, green spaces. Everything is arranged in accordance with strict canons. At the same time, the Japanese never set themselves the task of remaking nature in their own way. They only emphasize its originality. In the Japanese garden, you will see mountains and hills, a lake and a waterfall, shores and islands. Japanese traditions are borrowed from China. They are based on 3 elements: line, point and surface. They are all represented in the garden.
A long path bypasses the lake and the waterfall. Coniferous and olive trees grow around. There are also beautiful bridges, and stone lanterns, and the Tea House. The islands symbolize animals that enjoy life: the slow turtle and the fast crane. The garden always has its own special microclimate. To support it, an artificial fog system has been created. Humid air is favorable for local plants, promotes their rapid growth and gives the leaves a brighter color.
Casino Monte Carlo
This is the oldest gambling establishment in Europe. You can play poker, roulette or give preference to slot machines. The casino opened in 1863 and helped save the Grimaldi princely house from bankruptcy. Subsequently, the premises of the gambling house were destroyed by fire. Only those areas where the vestibule is now located have survived. The casino was reopened in 1878, and in 1999 it was restored. The interiors here are very beautiful, but you need to remember that photography is prohibited.
You can come here only to people who are already 18 years old (children are accompanied by adults), men must wear jackets, it is impossible to come here in light resort clothes, for example, in shorts. Slot machines are admitted free of charge, and to gain access to roulette and poker, you need to pay 10 euros. There are also vip zones where they play only for very large sums. You can spend a lot of time here – restaurants, a club and a dance floor are open in the building.
In addition, there is an opera house. Although photography is not allowed in the casino, you can shoot movies here. Therefore, the gambling establishment appears in a number of popular films. The game starts at 2 pm, in the morning you can just come for a tour. An interesting fact: citizens of Monaco are not allowed to enter the casino, they can only play via the Internet.
Monte Carlo Opera House
This theater is located in the same place as the casino. At the end of the 19th century, there was practically no cultural entertainment in Monaco. And by the decision of Prince Charles III, a single complex began to be built, which includes a gambling establishment and a concert hall. For all spectators, the entrance is common – from the hall, lined with red marble. And only for the monarch there is a separate entrance. The hall was opened in 1879 and named after the architect Charles Garnier. The first audience saw the opera Chevalier Gaston, in which Sarah Bernhardt shone. The hall can accommodate over 500 spectators.
It is luxuriously decorated, its facade makes you think of the Parisian Grand Opera. Initially, it was assumed that the hall would be intended not only for the opera, but it was precisely such performances that turned out to be the most in demand. Therefore, at the end of the 19th century, the stage was reconstructed specifically for the opera. Since then, this theater has hosted about 100 premieres. The greatest artists of their time sang here, and the hall was invariably full.
Church of Saint Devota
This place is mentioned already in the 11th century. At that time there was a simple chapel. Subsequently, it was reconstructed. Work began in the 16th century – the first extensions appeared, in the 17th one could already see a bay window and a portico here. And in the 19th, a 15 m bell tower was erected. The facade eventually acquired the features of the neo-Greek style. The gate was decorated with a pattern of stones in contrasting colors – white and black, monograms appeared on the porch.
The chapel was expanded and received the status of a church parish. According to legend, Saint Devota was tortured to death during the cruel times of the persecution of the first Christians. Her friends and followers wanted to bury the girl's body in Africa, but the boat washed ashore in Monaco during a storm. Here Davota was buried by local fishermen. In the 11th century, a chapel was erected in honor of the saint.
In the church you can see paintings and sculptures made with amazing skill. Presumably, a student of Rodin worked on one of them. The relics of Davota are also stored here. Next to the church stands a statue of the saint, made of marble and bronze. On January 27, the feast of St. Davota is celebrated. At this time, flowers bloom in Monaco. Traditionally, people burn several boats.
Port Hercule
The port is a natural deep-water bay. The ships of the ancient Greeks and Romans moored here. However, strong east winds often prevented ships from entering the safe harbor and anchoring here. Therefore, at the beginning of the 20th century, berths were built here, and in the 70s, after research, a wave wall and a breakwater appeared. Now any ships can enter the port, even huge cruise liners. Equipped here and a special marina.
In total, up to 700 ships can anchor in the port. The depth near the berths does not exceed 7 m, and where the bay ends, it reaches 40 m. In the port, you can take a walk and look at beautiful ships and yachts. At the same time, there is a chance to meet movie stars and other celebrities. Many films were also filmed here, including scenes from the James Bond epic.
Fort Antoine
The fort was built in the 18th century and named after the prince who ordered its construction. Initially, it was a fortress with an additional natural “fortification”: there was a rock nearby. There was everything necessary to successfully withstand the siege: a watchtower, ramparts that protected from cannonballs, even thickets of thorny plants that would help defend against enemies. Only under Prince Rainier III the fort was rebuilt, and now it serves exclusively peaceful purposes. Ancient cannons salute, bringing joy to tourists. And in the fort itself there is an open-air theater.
In total, 350 spectators can be accommodated here. Various musical shows and performances are shown here. It is pleasant not only to watch what is happening on the stage, but also to admire the opening seascape. In the evening, the lights turn on, creating a special romantic atmosphere. I am glad that the people of Monaco treat their cultural heritage so carefully. During World War II, the fort was destroyed, but then it was restored. And now you can fully appreciate its beauty.
Oceanographic Museum
A very interesting museum, a real national pride. It was founded by Prince Albert the First at the beginning of the 20th century. The prince was engaged in the study of the oceans, participated in many scientific expeditions. Today, the museum's collections include more than 6 thousand exhibits. The purpose of this temple of science is to help people get to know and love the oceans. Here you can see aquariums in which the inhabitants of tropical waters and the Mediterranean Sea live.
There are sharks and piranhas, corals and seahorses, octopuses, moray eels, jellyfish – you can list for a long time. Viewers will see both completely harmless and deadly fish. There is a special “contact pool”, the inhabitants of which can be fed. Directly in the museum itself, you can visit the halls of Keith and Albert the First, as well as the Oceanomania cabinet of curiosities.
The most interesting exhibits are exhibited here – from marine fossils to the rarest books telling about the oceans. Since the prince dreamed that someday science and art would merge, the museum periodically hosts exhibitions of paintings by famous artists. The museum is open seven days a week. There is a restaurant on the roof, you can sit here, admiring the Mediterranean Sea.
Gardens of Saint Martin
Beautiful gardens where you can not only look at rare plants, but also admire the city from a bird's eye view. The Gardens of Saint-Martin are adjacent to the Oceanographic Museum. They opened in 1830 and immediately became very popular. Both guests of the principality and local residents come here. Thanks to the numerous green spaces, it is cool here even in the heat. The plants here are the most amazing. For example, cacti that are over 100 years old. Also here you can see sculptures, including a monument to Albert the First. Also from these gardens you can go to the Observatory Cave, admire the stalactites and stalagmites.
Cathedral of Saint Nicholas
The Cathedral is a real gem of Monaco, it is the main temple for the Catholics of the Principality. Once upon a time there was an ancient church on this place, it was destroyed in the 13th century. And at the end of the 19th, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas was erected here. An interesting fact is that it was built from a special limestone, which becomes white when exposed to moisture. Therefore, if you get here in the rain, you will see that the walls near the cathedral are snow-white.
The locals believe that God's grace, like rain, washes away sins from the soul, and it is cleansed. Therefore, on rainy days, there are especially many worshipers in the cathedral. The four bells of the cathedral have their own names – the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Nicole, Devota and Benedict. The temple was built in the Neo-Romanesque style, that is, here you can see the features of Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Renaissance.
Scenes from the Bible are depicted on stone slabs. It is in this cathedral that the monarch and his family come to pray – there are special lodges here. If you visit the temple, you can admire marvelous mosaics, stained-glass windows, ancient altars and paintings by great artists. Within the walls of the cathedral are buried members of the Grimaldi dynasty, Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco. There is also a beautiful organ here.
Port of Fontvieille
An area of Monaco where you can spend the whole day. There is a wonderful mild climate and a lot of vegetation. You will see palm trees, pines, oaks, a huge number of fruit trees, including citrus. And, of course, there are a lot of birds here. There are also many attractions in the area. It is worth visiting the Museum of Vintage Cars of Prince Rainier the Third – about a hundred exhibits are presented here.
The Maritime Museum contains miniature models of the most famous ships. They are executed masterfully, and it is very interesting to examine the collection. There is also a huge stadium that can accommodate up to 16 thousand spectators. International competitions are held here. Tourists will also like a helicopter ride. Heliport at your service! The flight will take about 10 minutes and you will be able to look at the city from above. Another local attraction is the landscape park, where the Grace Kelly rose garden is located.
Prince's Palace
The Grimaldi family has been living here for seven centuries. The palace stands on top of a cliff. It used to look like a fortress, but now it looks really luxurious. During the French Revolution, the palace was plundered, the treasures were lost, and a hospital was located here. As a result of painstaking work, the appearance was restored. When the monarch is in the palace, the prince's flag is raised over the residence. In summer, tourists have the opportunity to visit inside, inspect the ceremonial halls.
Here you can see frescoes depicting mythical characters, the chapel of John the Baptist, dating back to the 17th century. There is also a chance to get to a music concert – such events have been held here regularly since the middle of the 20th century. There are very interesting collections in the palace. For example, personal belongings and clothes of Napoleon are presented here. If you arrive at the palace by noon, you will see the changing of the guard going on.
zoological garden
The zoo was founded in 1954 by Prince Rainier. Today it contains about 250 inhabitants. Among them are birds, reptiles, primates, even hippos. You can also see farm animals here. Interestingly, all the pets were donated to the zoo. Also here are sometimes abandoned animals, or those that were confiscated by customs.
Sometimes it gets too crowded here, and sometimes such rare specimens get into the royal menagerie that they are not able to provide the necessary care for them here. Then the pets are given to other zoos in the country. Thus, you have the opportunity to get into the world of wildlife in the very center of an urbanized state. People with disabilities can also visit the zoo, all amenities have been created for this.
Museum of stamps and coins
In this museum, you can look at historical stamps and coins of the Principality, as well as buy souvenirs. Major exhibitions are regularly held here, attended by philatelists from all over the world. The Museum of Stamps and Coins was founded in 1995, and received its first visitors in 1996. It is located in the Fontvieille area. Monaco's first own stamps appeared in 1885.
The very first coins – much earlier – in 1640. A few years later, the King of France, Louis the Fourteenth, allowed the free circulation of coins of the principality on the territory of his country. Today, the “Euro Monaco” is in use. In the store you can buy both stamps and coins, as well as various books on philately and numismatics. The museum is open daily, entrance costs 3 euros.
Vintage Car Museum
The history of this museum is interesting. Prince Rainier the Third collected so many vintage cars on his estate that there was no longer enough space for them. Then in 1993 he decided to found a new museum. His son Albert sold the second part of his cars, and with the proceeds he bought even rarer rarities. Today, the museum houses unique classic and sports models. For example, visitors will see a Lexus that was carrying newlyweds – Albert II and his wife Charlene.
And what about a collection of Rolls-Royce cars! There are also cars donated to the museum by the inhabitants of Monaco. This is evidenced by special plates. You can even see here the carriage of Charles III, which dates back to the 19th century. It was Charles who built the famous casino on the lands of the principality. The oldest car is over 100 years old. Special straps hold his wings.
Princess Grace Rosary
The rose garden was created by Prince Rainier the Third in 1984 – in memory of Princess Grace. Today there are about 5 thousand bushes – 150 types of roses. And, of course, there are always a lot of butterflies here – they are attracted by the aroma. Grace met the Prince of Monaco in 1955, she posed with him in the garden near the Grimaldi Palace – the pictures were intended for the Paris-Match magazine. For the wedding, Grace received a gift – a nominal rose: a delicate double flower, painted in pink tones. Now a statue of Princess Grace is installed in the rose garden, and the garden itself is made in the shape of a flower with 9 petals. In addition to roses, olives and yews grow here, which serve as a backdrop for beautiful flowers.
Stade Louis II
It was opened in 1985 on the site of the old stadium of the same name. Named after the Prince of Monaco, who was at the helm of the state when the sports facility was being built. There is a magnificent football field here, it is no coincidence that the UEFA Super Cup has been held here many times. Also a few years ago, you could watch the Olympic Rugby Qualifier here.
exotic garden
The exotic garden resembles the canvases of the surrealists. Its area reaches 15 thousand m2. The pride of the garden is cacti and other succulents. Since many species of these plants are collected here, you can come here at any time of the year: some cacti will definitely bloom. There are also many unusual trees. The garden received its first guests in 1933, so the age of many specimens is very respectable. Previously, there was a small astronomical observatory here. Today it is not here, but visitors have the opportunity to explore the unusual caves that adorn the picturesque deposits. Once the caves were used by ancient people, there are remains of animals killed during the hunt.
Princess Antoinette Park
This park is definitely worth a visit if you come to Monaco with children. Beautiful olive trees grow here, many flowers, even on hot days it is easy to breathe here. Walking along the alleys, you will see sports grounds and sandboxes, swings and a golf course. For children there is a mini-farm where you can try yourself as a gardener. The children will be told about the fruits and vegetables that are grown on the territory of Monaco, about how the famous oil is made from olives. If you want to celebrate some family holiday, for example, a birthday, there is a cafe in the park, the hall is designed for almost 20 people.
Although Monaco is a small principality, it is impossible to see all its sights in 1 day. But then you will have time to get acquainted with the most significant of them.