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Welcome to the Principality of Monaco

Monaco is a sovereign microstate located on the French Riviera in Western Europe. The country is bordered on three sides by France, with the Mediterranean Sea on the fourth, and the Italian Riviera a few kilometers east. According to the 2016 census, Monaco is the world's second-smallest (after the Vatican) and most densely-populated sovereign state, with an area of sq. 2.020 km and a population density of roughly 38,400 people per sq. km. Monaco has been a magnet for high-rollers and hedonists since the early twentieth century, and it is home to the annual Formula One Grand Prix.

Monaco is a principality administered by a constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II as its ruler. Despite being a constitutional monarch, Prince Albert II wields enormous political authority. The official language of Monaco is French but Monegasque, Italian, and English are also commonly spoken and understood. The Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861 confirmed the state's sovereignty, and Monaco became a full United Nations voting member in 1993. Monaco's defense is the duty of France, notwithstanding its independence and own foreign policy. Monaco does, however, maintain two minor military forces. Monaco maintains an open border and customs union with France and is considered as part of the Schengen Area despite not being a member of either the European Union or the European Economic Area. At Monaco's ports and heliport, both French and Monégasque officials conduct checks.

The Principality of Monaco is divided into four administrative districts, namely Fontvieille (the newest), Monaco-Ville (the oldest), La Condamine, and Monte Carlo. Today I’m going to take you along with me on a ride across the top attractions in each of these places that you must visit when on a day trip. Let the journey begin!

One Day in Monaco Itinerary

Trip map created using Wanderlog, for itineraries on iOS and Android

1. Start from Port Hercule

Port Hercule is one of the few deep-water ports in the French Riviera and the only one in Monaco. Its unique location in the famed Condamine neighborhood, less than a kilometer from the Monaco-Monte Carlo Railway Station and adjacent to all of Monte Carlo's leisure and shopping amenities, makes it ideal for hosting high-end events like the annual Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) and the best place to start exploring Monaco, in my opinion. Though the port has been in use since ancient times, its contemporary existence began in 1926 when it was rebuilt to meet the need for a large-scale yacht harbor. It has been significantly refurbished twice since then, in 1970 and 2011. Though you can get stunning views of the harbor while walking up the Monaco-Ville (Old Town), don’t forget to get down to the harbor to take a relaxing stroll or grab a bite at one of the restaurants.

port hercule monaco monte carlo showcasing mountain ligurian sea buildings boats and ships

portrait of lady sitting at port hercule monaco monte carlo showcasing mountain ligurian sea buildings boats and ships

burgers and fries at monaco monte carlo showcasing mountain ligurian sea buildings boats and ships

2. Click a Postcard Picture of Port de Fontvieille

Fontvieille used to be nothing more than a sliver of sand where the rock tumbled into the water fifty years ago. The establishment of a new district in Monaco was tied to the principality's economic progress. One segment of these new plots of land (17 hectares encroaching on the sea) was set aside for the construction of a marina during the development of these new plots of land.

The Port of Fontvieille is one of the most sheltered in the region, sitting at the foot of the Rock of Monaco to the east, protected from the easterly winds by the rock and from the southerly and westerly surge by the enormous sea wall that protects the entire Fontvielle area. The marina, located in the midst of Fontvieille's residential neighborhood, provides comprehensive facilities for both casual sailors and guests who plan to stay longer. Apart from that, the presence of a shopping center, supermarkets, the Monaco heliport, the sporting complex of the Louis II stadium, and numerous restaurants along the shoreline make the Port of Fontvieille a vibrant destination to visit at any time of year.

port de fontvieille monaco monte carlo showcasing mountain ligurian sea buildings boats and ships

3. Absorb in the Monte Carlo Ambiance

Monte Carlo (literally meaning "Mount Charles") is one of the four administrative districts of the Principality of Monaco. The Monte Carlo district is absolutely stunning and should be on everyone's list of things to do in Monaco. This area has all of the flash and elegance you'd expect from Monaco, and it overlooks the sparkling bay with the most breathtaking vistas. Monte Carlo is brimming with stylish avenues where the city's wealthy and famous can indulge in magnificent but pricey shopping. This makes it great for people watching, good eating, elegant opera evenings, and shopping at expensive jewelry and apparel businesses.

portrait of man walking in front of lamborghini standing in front of opera and casino de monte carlo in monaco monte carlo showcasing mountain ligurian sea buildings boats and ships

4. Visit Place du Casino

At Monte Carlo district's western end is the world-famous Place du Casino, the location of the gambling center which has made Monte Carlo "an international byword for the extravagant display and reckless dispersal of wealth," and the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. The Casino de Monte Carlo, is a gaming and entertainment facility in Monaco. Prince Charles III of Monaco gave a charter to a joint-stock corporation in 1856, authorizing it to develop a casino. The casino first opened its doors in 1861, and the prince named the area around it Monte Carlo five years later. Monte Carlo was converted into a fabulously attractive playground for the world's wealthy to revitalize the principality's economy. An opera house is part of the casino. The International Sporting Club, founded in 1932, is close by. Only visitors to Monaco are permitted to gamble at the tables. The government took over the casino running firm in 1967, and it now contributes less than 5% of the annual state budget.

casino de monte carlo in monaco monte carlo showcasing mountain ligurian sea buildings boats and ships

5. Visit the Prince’s Palace

The Prince's Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. Built as a Genoese fortification in 1191, it has been besieged by various foreign nations throughout its dramatic history which necessitated it to be fortified, while other European sovereigns built opulent, modern Renaissance and Baroque palaces. This one-of-a-kind requirement, which came so late in history, has made Monaco's palace one of the most remarkable in Europe. It has been the stronghold and residence of the Grimaldi family (who dominated the territory as feudal lords until becoming sovereign princes in the 17th century) since 1297 when they first seized it. In the late 18th century, it was seized by the French and stripped of its treasures, while the Grimaldi were exiled for more than 20 years.

place du palais or prince palace in monaco monte carlo showcasing mountain ligurian sea buildings boats and ships

6. Witness the Change of Guards at Place du Palais

A military ceremony known as the changing of the guard event occurs on Palace Square every day at 11:55 a.m. with impeccable precision. The Palace Guards have guarded the security of the Palace, the Princely Family, His Serene Highness the Sovereign Prince, and their properties since their establishment on December 8, 1817. In addition, the Guards are responsible for upholding law and order and providing the Prince with a guard of honor. There are now 124 soldiers in the Guard: 96 regular soldiers, 25 non-commissioned officers, and 3 officers.

change of guards at monaco monte carlo at place du palais prince palace

7. See the Statue of Francois Grimaldi

The Genoese leader of the Guelphs who conquered the Rock of Monaco on the night of January 8, 1297 was Francesco Grimaldi, known as il Malizia ("the mischievous"). He was the son of Guglielmo Grimaldi and his Genoese noblewoman Giacobina or Giacoba. Francesco was greeted at the gates of Monaco's castle dressed as a Franciscan friar, only to seize the castle with his cousin Rainier I, Lord of Cagnes, and a party of men behind him. The event is remembered on the Monegasque coat of arms, with two monks wielding swords as supporters. He controlled Monaco's citadel for four years before the Genoese chased him out. So Francesco became the first to try and establish Grimaldi's control over the whole of Monaco, but he failed.

In 1295, he married Aurelia del Carretto, but the couple had no children. As a result, the contemporary Grimaldis are not Francesco's direct descendants. After his death in 1309, he was succeeded by Rainier I, Lord of Cagnes, his cousin (and stepson). The Grimaldi family, his cousin's descendants, still dominate Monaco today. The Grimaldis bought Monaco from the crown of Aragon in 1419, more than a century after the coup, and became the undisputed rulers of "the Rock of Monaco."

statue of hooded francois grimaldi in front of place du palais in monaco monte carlo showcasing mountain ligurian sea buildings boats and ships

8. Visit the St. Nicholas Cathedral

Saint Nicholas Cathedral, is the national cathedral of the Principality of Monaco and the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Monaco. The cathedral was consecrated on January 6, 1875, under the reign of Prince Charles III, and was completed in 1884. It was built on the site of Monaco's first parish church from 1252, which was dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children.

The cathedral is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and is made of white stone quarried in the area near La Turbie. White Carrara marble is used for the Great Altar and the bishop's throne. St. Nicholas Cathedral is the spiritual and cultural heart of Monaco, as well as the site of major national events. All significant religious festivals, such as the Feast of St. Devote, Monaco's patron saint, and Monegasque National Day, are celebrated with Pontifical High Masses. Visitors can hear the enormous four-keyboard organ, which was installed by Prince Rainier III in 1976, on such significant events and for musical concerts. From June through September, the famous Children's Choir of Monaco and the Cathedral Choir School perform during the Sunday service. A special liturgy for primary school students is celebrated on December 6 in honor of St. Nicholas.

Saint Nicholas Cathedral in monaco monte carlo showcasing mountain ligurian sea buildings boats and ships

9. Explore the Old Town of Monaco - the Monaco Ville (Le Rocher or the Rock)

Take some time to stroll down the cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings and stop in at any boutiques or eateries that catch your eye. Because Old Town is the city's most historic district, you'll find some unusual architecture here that you won't find anywhere else in Monaco.

streets of Monaco ville old town de rocher the rock in monaco monte carlo showcasing mountain ligurian sea buildings boats and ships

10. Visit Musée Oceanographique (Oceanographic Museum)

While climbing down from the Monaco-Ville back to the Port Hercule, you come across the Musée Oceanographique (Oceanographic Museum). The Oceanographic Museum, founded by Prince Albert I, a sailor and pioneer in the field of oceanography, has been watching over the oceans for more than a century. It provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn about, cherish, and conserve the oceans, with aquariums, a shark lagoon, and Turtle Island on the panoramic terrace. This Temple of the Sea is a crossroads of art and science, with over 6,000 specimens and rare Natural History collections. Though it's difficult to spend a lot of time in museums when visiting Monaco for a day, this museum is small enough to take a quick break from sightseeing and interact with marine life.

portrait of boy pointing finger at a fish in oceanographic museum monaco

11. Take a stroll through Jardin Exotique

The Jardin Exotique is a magnificently mature exotic garden that grows along the brink of a cliff overlooking Monaco's bay. In the late 1860s, the succulent plants were brought back from Mexico. Augustin Gastaud, the Chief Gardener of the State Gardens of Monaco, began growing succulents in the Jardin St Martin by 1895. In 1912, Albert I, Prince of Monaco, purchased land at Les Moneghetti and commissioned Louis Notari, Monaco's Chief Engineer, to construct the current garden.

jardin exotique exotic garden monaco monte carlo showcasing mountain ligurian sea buildings boats and ships

12. Watch the Monaco Grand Prix

The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world, held on the Circuit de Monaco, which is built out on the city streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine surrounding the Principality of Monaco's harbor, in late May or early June. The Monaco Grand Prix, which has been running since 1929, is still regarded as a Formula One destination for the affluent and famous, and the circuit is known as an unparalleled setting of splendor and grandeur. One reason fans go to Monaco for the event is the flash and glamour, but another is the picturesque background that greets you when you watch the race and indulge in the ultimate spectator experience.

Being one of the five places on the planet where the Grand Prix takes place on public streets along with Singapore, Melbourne, Montreal, and Sochi, the circuit's difficult configuration presents a challenge for drivers. The track is narrow, with numerous elevation changes and sharp turns, as well as a tunnel, making it highly tough.

If you happen to arrive at Monaco on a day during the Grand Prix season, you could combine it with your city trip itinerary. Though we were in Monaco during May, we missed the Grand Prix by a week. But as a result of the preparation for the Grand Prix, which included cordoning off roads, reserving parking garages and hotels, and building galleries on the roadsides, we faced severe challenges with respect to navigation (as our GPS went berserk since the original roads were closed and we were rerouted through bylanes and alleyways) and parking. If you want to watch the Monaco Grand Prix, you need to make hotel and ticket bookings way in advance. For more information, please visit their official website formula1monaco.com.

monaco grand prix monaco monte carlo showcasing mountain ligurian sea buildings boats and ships

Image Source: formula1monaco.com

Visiting Monaco

Best Time to Visit: The months of April through June (Spring) and September through October (Autumn) are the ideal times to visit Monaco because of the comfortable temperature and less number of tourists compared to the warmer months. To add excitement to your stay, these times also align with major events like the Monaco Yacht Show and the Monaco Grand Prix. We were in Monaco during May at the time of the Grand Prix.

Number of Days to Stay: Two or three days should be enough time to see all of Monaco's attractions and take in the luxurious ambiance. For this amount of time, you can visit the Oceanographic Museum, meander through the quaint alleys of Monaco-Ville (the old town), tour the famous Monte Carlo Casino, and maybe go shopping or dining at posh establishments.

Best Place to Stay: There are several upscale lodging alternatives in Monaco, including chic boutique hotels and sumptuous hotels. Your budget and personal preferences will determine the ideal place to stay. If you're looking for a luxurious environment and easy access to the major attractions, you should think about staying in Monte Carlo, which is home to well-known hotels like the Fairmont Monte Carlo and the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo. On the other hand, Monaco-Ville, with its quaint guesthouses and boutique hotels, provides a more serene and historic setting. We visited Monaco on a day trip from Nice. So we did not stay in Monaco.

Best Way to Arrive: The best ways to get to Monaco are via car, train, or airplane. The closest airport is Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, which is located in France and can be reached in about 30 minutes by train or car. Additionally, there are high-speed and regional trains from other major French towns like Cannes, and Marseille. We flew into Nice from the Netherlands and rented a car to visit Monaco on a day trip.

Best Local Mode of Conveyance: Monaco is a small city-state with many of its attractions close to one another. Walking is a wonderful opportunity to take in the opulent atmosphere, discover Monaco's quaint streets, and enjoy the expansive vistas of the Mediterranean Sea. Monaco also boasts a well-functioning public transport network, which includes buses and the picturesque "Escaliers Publics" public elevator that links the port district with Monaco-Ville's old town.

Epilogue

So that brings us to the end of our journey across the 12 best places to visit and things to do in Monaco in one day. Please let us know in the comments below if you enjoyed reading this article. And until we meet next time, I wish you merry traveling and happy shooting!