Monaco is the small Prince of the Cote d’Azur. It is surrounded on three sides by France and on the fourth by the Mediterranean. It is the most populated state in the world. On January 8, 1297, Francois Grimaldi, an Italian pirate who robbed and looted the surrounding coasts, disguised as a monk, climbed the cliff overlooking the rocky coast of the city and burst at the gates of Monaco Castle.
He then opened the city gates for his pirated friends demonstrating his forces to the Genova family soldiers he had run so far. Seven hundred years later, due to certain historical events, Monaco remained an independent state, the smallest in the world, and is well-known as the most secular state of the earth, where wealthy and famous people like to be there.
Monaco consists of three hamlets that slowly joined in one: Monaco in which is the Grimaldi Castle, Monte Carlo on the opposite top of the cliff and Condamine, a small port among them.
Worth visiting:
Monaco offers plenty of historical and trendy attractions. There are many museums and palaces to visit as well as shopping centers and casinos.
The village of Monaco, also known as the rock, is a medieval village in the heart of a magically graphic hillside. Almost all roads are for pedestrians while the houses of the previous century are still preserved.
Palais Princier (The Prince’s Palace)
The Palace of the Prince (Palais Princier) is an old manor of Monaco, worth seeing. Take advantage of the daily tours and guided tours of the Palace. The Palace also offers panoramic views of the Port and Monte Carlo, which will take your breath away. Everyday at 11:55 in the morning, a change of guard at the central gate is made by the well-known Carabiniers (guards). The Carabiniers, apart from the Prince’s security, are also the honorary guards who accompany him in special circumstances. The escort of the Princes’ Carabiniers also has a military band, playing at public events, official occasions, athletic events and national military music festivals.
Exotic Gardens (Jardin Exotique)
Exotic Gardens is one of Monaco’s most beautiful sights. Many thousands of rare plants from all over the world will be in front of you while enjoying your walk among unique plant and flower images. In the Gardens there is also a cave (grotto) for which there are daily guided tours. The entrance fee is about 8 € per person.
http://www.jardin-exotique.mc/en/
Monaco Opera House
The Monaco Opera was built by the famous architect Charles Garnier. Looking upwards as you enter the building you will be impressed by the unique paintings that decorate the ceiling. The Opera House may be a bit fanciful, but it always remains beautiful.
Where to drink – have fun:
Champagne is something like Monaco’s national drink. A single glass can even cost 40 € in an expensive restaurant.
Zebra Square, On the top floor of Grimaldi Forum, Avenue Princess Grace, +37799992550
With stunning views from the top floor of the Grimaldi Forum, the outdoor area offers the perfect location to watch the yachts just arriving at the harbor. Famous models and their escorts dance here until the early hours. The list of cocktails is just as impressive as the list of light snacks.
Jimmy’z, Le Sporting Club Avenue Princess Grace, Monte Carlo, +37798067068
The ultimate nightclub of Monte Carlo, the famous Jimmy’z is the place where the royal family and the wealthy of Europe gather, something that does not surprise us if you think that a beer costs about € 25. There are 2 entrances, one two floors Down at the Sporting Club, the other on the ground floor.
Hotels
There are plenty of hotels in Monaco for every taste and for every budget. You can check the hotel Miramar and Novotel, which are relatively cheap. If you have a high budget for your staying,“Le Méridien Beach Plaza” is very nice and the “Fairmont Monte Carlo”.
