Monte Carlo - Wikitravel

Monaco

Contents

• 1 Understand
• 2 Get in
  • 2.1 By plane
  • 2.2 By helicopter
  • 2.3 By train
  • 2.4 By bus
  • 2.5 By car
  • 2.6 By taxi
  • 2.7 By boat
• 3 Get around
  • 3.1 By bus
  • 3.2 By car
  • 3.3 By taxi
  • 3.4 By motor scooter
  • 3.5 By bicycle
  • 3.6 On foot
• 4 Language
• 5 See
• 6 Do
  • 6.1 Sport
  • 6.2 Theatres
• 7 Buy
• 8 Eat
  • 8.1 Budget
  • 8.2 Mid-range
  • 8.3 Splurge
• 9 Drink
• 10 Sleep
  • 10.1 Mid-range
  • 10.2 Splurge
• 11 Work
• 12 Respect
  • 12.1 National Identity
• 13 Contact
• 14 Stay safe
• 15 Cope
• 16 Get out

The principality of Monaco which is an official name[2] is a tiny country on the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by France, although the Italian Riviera lies a few kilometers farther east. It is the second smallest independent state in the world and is almost entirely urban.

Location
Flag
Quick Facts
Capital	Monaco
Government	constitutional monarchy
Currency	euro (EUR)
Area	1.95 sq km
Population	32,671 (July 2007 est.)
Language	French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque
Religion	Roman Catholic (90%)
Electricity	230V/50Hz (European plug)
Country code	+377
Internet TLD	.mc
Time Zone	UTC +1

Understand[edit]

Monte Carlo is not the capital of Monaco but a government district. The country is divided into four areas: Monaco-Ville (the old city), the Condamine (port quarter), Monte-Carlo (business and recreation), and Fontvieille (recreation and light industry). With no natural resources to exploit besides its location and climate, the principality has become a tourist resort and a tax haven for businesses. Monaco is six times the size of the Vatican and the world's most densely populated independent country.

• Monaco Tourism Office, 2 Bd des Moulins, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 92166166, [x].

Get in[edit]

Although not a member of either the European Union or the European Economic Area, Monaco maintains an open border and customs union with France and is treated as part of the Schengen Area. Both French and Monégasque authorities carry out checks at Monaco's seaport and heliport.

By plane[edit]

• Nice Airport (Nice Côte d'Azur Airport), 19 Rue Costes et Bellonte, 06200 Nice, [x]. (IATA: NCE) The nearest airport is the Nice, which is around 40 kilometers (24 miles) away from the city center in neighboring France. It operates daily flights from nearly all of Europe's main cities, such as London and Paris.

By helicopter[edit]

• Monacair, Heliport de Monaco, Av. des Ligures, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 97973900. It is the sole operator of regular helicopter transfers between Nice Airport and the Monaco Heliport. After collecting your luggage at the Nice airport, present yourself at the Monacair reception desks (in terminals 1 and 2). A ground crew will carry your luggage and drive you to the heliport. The flight along the coast is beautiful and only lasts 7 minutes. When arriving right at the Monaco heliport along the water's edge, a chauffeur will take you directly to your hotel. When leaving Monaco, a partnership with more than 40 airlines allows for a direct transfer to the boarding gate with your cabin luggage.

By train[edit]

• Monaco-Monte Carlo station, Place Sainte-Dévote, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 93106005, [x]. It is very large, modern, and mostly underground. There is an exit adjacent to platform C that, while not visible on Google Maps, is a five-minute walk to the port. During the day tourist officials are typically available to help foreign travelers. It has good service to most of neighboring France and Italy. There are 2-4 services per hour to Nice, Cannes, Menton, and Ventimiglia (Italy). Most international trains will stop, such as the 'Ligure' which links Marseilles and Milan, the 'train bleu' which operates between Paris and Ventimiglia, and the famous high-speed TGV which runs between Nice and Paris [1]. A TGV train between Paris and Monte Carlo takes around 6 and a half hours. Be aware that there's no left luggage in the train station or the rest of Monaco. There's a law in Monaco forbidding leaving bags etc. in any place.

If you are planning to visit Monte Carlo from Ventimiglia, don't wait for a ticket in the Trenitalia counters[3] or auto-machines. Go straight to the travel agency (the only one) inside the station, which is marked with the sign of SNCF (French Railways)[4]. If the ticket is open you can validate it in auto machines without the hour commitment of a particular train. Trains to and from Monte Carlo run every 15 minutes until late at night. The line is serviced by SNCF Regional Trains[5], which is the railway provider of Monaco.

The closest major airport is in Nice and, while the airport does not have a train station, the Nice-St. Augustin terminal is a 15-minute walk. There are multiple trains per hour all day. The train travels more inland and through more tunnels and the bus - there are less coastal views - but is much easier from the airport.

The train ticket machines only accept credit cards that have computer chips (no magnetic stripe reader) or coins, and the ticket desk can be slow. So if your credit card does not have a computer chip, you can save time by bringing Euro coins with you.

By bus[edit]

There is no bus station in Monte Carlo. Instead, international buses stop at various points throughout the city. Regular buses[6] connect Monte Carlo with Nice and other French destinations. Services run regularly to many major French towns and cities. Route 100 leaves every 15 min from the port (Le Port) in Nice. The bus trip offers fantastic views of the coast but can get extremely crowded during peak hours. An express shuttle, route 110, links the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and the principality. A bus leaves every half hour. The bus stops near all major hotels throughout Monaco, not just Monte Carlo.

By car[edit]

Monaco is accessed by its land borders from France or Italy by a network of highways, the most commonly used of which is the A8 which runs west from Monte Carlo to Nice and Marseille, and east towards the Italian border. Make sure to take into account frequent traffic jams when approaching and leaving Monaco.

Between Nice and Monaco, there are also three more scenic roads: the Basse Corniche (Low Coast Road - Highway 98), along the sea, the Moyenne Corniche (Middle Coast Road - Highway 7), going through Eze-Village, and the Grande Corniche (Great Coast Road), going through La Turbie and Col d'Eze (Eze Pass). All are pretty drives offering spectacular views over the Coastline. For an extra-special treat, rent a convertible sports car from the many airport rental services and take in the French Riviera in style.

By taxi[edit]

You can also use a private driver service for your displacements in Monaco Car with driver.

By boat[edit]

Monaco's two ports are no strangers to private yachts.

• Port Hercule. It is exceptionally beautiful and offers mooring and anchoring possibilities for up to five hundred vessels, some of which are extremely large and elegant (in fact, many tourists often take time out of their day to simply have a drink by the water and admire the fantastic super yachts).
• Port of Fontvieille, Quai des Sanbarbani, 98000 Mónaco/Monte Carlo, Monaco, ☎ +377 97773015, [x]. The port is integrated into the new district, can receive as many as 60 vessels of at least 30 meters in length. Both are large and well-equipped.

Monaco also serves as an embarkation port and port-of-call for cruises, so cruise ships can often be spotted using Port Hercule. Its breakwater offers a large pier able to support one large cruise ship. If in use, other ships must moor/anchor offshore, where tenders shuttle passengers to/from shore to either port...with preference for Port Hercule which offers substantially better walking distances than Fontvieille to the more popular sites.

Get around[edit]

By bus[edit]

Monaco has an urban bus service, operated by the Compagnie des Autobus Monaco [7], which comprises five bus routes (labeled 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6) serving 143 stops. Each stop has the bus number(s) that stop there, and most stops feature a real-time display showing waiting times for the next service. Each stop has a name and a network map. The service usually starts at around 06:00 and runs right through until about 21:00. Tickets can be purchased on board the buses themselves (€2), at many news vendors and shops throughout the city, and auto ticket machines in the stops. It will be advertised as to where you can do this. A 24-hour pass can also be purchased from ticket machines or onboard the bus. A night bus service operates in a circular route from 22.00 until 04.00.

By car[edit]

Private cars are singularly useless for getting around Monaco, as you'll spend more time trying to park than if you walked or took a taxi instead.

International car hire companies have offices at the airport in Nice and also in Monte Carlo. These include Avis, Gare Monte Carlo, Europcar, and Hertz - drivers must have held a national driving license for at least one year and it is usually requested that the cost is paid for with the driver’s credit card. Driving in the city center can be intimidating in Monte Carlo with heavy traffic - however, it is often worth it to drive alongside the more expensive vehicles in the city! Request a car with an automatic gearbox if you are not used to driving manually.

• Rent Car in Monte-Carlo, 17 Av. des Spélugues, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +39 3895387276, [x].

By taxi[edit]

Taxis cannot be hailed on the streets (they won't stop) and there are two main taxi stands open around the clock at the Avenue de Monte Carlo and the railway station, although it is always best to agree a fee beforehand or make sure the meter is running. Most hotels will provide taxis or courtesy drivers. The best is to get the taxi service phone number to be able to call a taxi wherever you are.

• Taxi boat, 18 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +33 680860021.

By motor scooter[edit]

You can easily rent a motor scooter in Nice and take a short trip east along the sea into Monaco. The views are beautiful and the ride is fun along the twisty seaside road. There are plenty of places to park for free. Theft is not a concern, as there are cameras throughout and police everywhere. To rent one whilst there, you must be 16.

• Scooter rental (VIP Rent A Bike), Palais de la scala, 1 Av. Henry Dunant, 98000, Monaco, ☎ +377 93501878, [x].

By bicycle[edit]

• Bike rental (Bike Shop by Philippe Gilbert), 7 Rue des Açores, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 97974935, [x].

On foot[edit]

Walking is by far the best way to get around Monaco; however, there are some areas, such as the Exotic Gardens, that require a large elevation change and therefore make for rather strenuous hikes. There are also seven public escalators and elevators (all free) that help negotiate the steep slopes of the city. If you find yourself afoot and want to reach the opposite bank of Port Hercule, look for the small pedestrian-only ferry that runs every 20 minutes or so during daylight.

Language[edit]

Monaco is a cosmopolitan place; people from 125 different countries reside in the principality. That being said, French is the sole official, and most widely spoken, language, with Monégasque being the national language.

Italian and English are widely understood and spoken.

See[edit]

The principality of Monaco offers a great balance of historical and modern attractions. There are various museums and palaces to visit as well as shopping malls and casinos. Monaco also offers relaxation spots along the harbor and even around the attractions. It is relatively easy to navigate Monte Carlo and Monaco if you take the time to learn where the various "shortcuts" are. City maps are generally available at most news vendor stands and shops for a small fee.

• Church of the Sacred Heart or Church of the Moneghetti (Eglise du Sacré-Coeur), 14b Chem. de la Turbie, 98000 Monaco. It stands out as one of the most representative art déco churches in Monaco. Built by the Italian Jesuit fathers from 1926 to 1929 as a sanctuary for prayer and adoration, its remarkable frescoes by Italian painter Franzoni revealed their original bright colors in the renovation works completed in 2015.
• Exotic Garden of Monaco (Jardin Exotique), 62 Bd du Jardin Exotique, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 93152980, [x]. This Garden is one of the many gardens Monaco has to offer. Several thousand rare plants from around the world are presented in a walking tour that is quite memorable for the views as well as the flora and plants. The collection is mostly cacti, so do not expect to see a broad variety. Due to the rise in altitude, not only are there many displays of desert plants but there are a handful of subtropical flora displays as well. There is also a grotto (cave) that has scheduled guided tours. The tour (in French only) starts at the beginning of every hour and lasts for around 25 minutes. In the cave, you will have to climb the stairs equivalent to around a 6 storied building. You need to take bus number 2 to reach this Garden. You can take this bus either from the train station or the Oceanographic Museum.
• F1 Car Sculpture, 3 Av. Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco. The car is situated at a busy junction with a road bridge overhead what makes your photo look very urban.
• Grimaldi Forum Exhibition and trade centre, 10 Av. Princesse Grâce, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 99992000, [x]. Completed in July 2000, the sun-filled building on the sea has a remarkable glass entrance, two convention restaurants, an auditorium for ballet and opera, and two more auditoriums for meetings and other affairs. The Forum also offers two large exhibition halls that can be used for trade shows or other exhibitions. It is also a short walking distance from surrounding hotels.
• La Condamine. It is the second oldest district in Monaco, after Monaco-Ville. Here you can stop and marvel at the many luxurious yachts and cruise ships that usually adorn the docks in the marina. La Condamine is a thriving business district where you can visit the Condamine Market and rue Princesse-Caroline Mall. With enjoyable landscaped areas and modern buildings, La Condamine is surely worth a visit.
• Monaco Cathedral (Cathédrale de Monaco), 4 Rue Colonel Bellando de Castro, 98000 Monaco. It was built in 1875 and stands on the site of a 13th-century earlier church. It is a mock Romanesque-Byzantine church dedicated to Saint Nicolas and houses the remains of former Princes of Monaco and Princess Grace. The church square also contains some of Monaco-Ville's finest restaurants.
• Monaco Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology (Musée d’Anthropologie préhistorique de Monaco), 56 bis Bd du Jardin Exotique, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 98988006, [x].
• Monaco-Ville. It also known as “le rocher” or “the rock”. Monaco-Ville is still a medieval village at heart and an astonishingly picturesque site. It is made up almost entirely of pedestrian streets and passageways and most previous century houses remain. There are many hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops tourists can stay, eat and shop at. You can also visit the Prince's Palace, the Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum, the City Hall, and the Saint Martin Gardens.
• Moretti Fine Art, 27 Av. de la Costa, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 99990980, [x].
• New National Museum of Monaco - Villa Paloma (Nouveau Musée National de Monaco - Villa Paloma), 56 Bd du Jardin Exotique, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 98984860, [x]. National museum in a restored 4-story villa with original decor & terraced Italianate gardens.
• Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium (Musée océanographique de Monaco), Av. Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 93153600, [x]. It is a world-renowned attraction. Located 279 above sea level, the museum contains stunning collections of marine fauna, numerous specimens of sea creatures (stuffed or in skeleton form), models of Prince Albert’s laboratory ships, and craftware made from the sea’s natural products. On the ground floor, exhibitions and film projections are presented daily in the Conference room. In the basement, visitors can take pleasure in watching spectacular shows of marine flora and fauna. With 4,000 species of fish and over 200 families of invertebrates, the aquarium is now an authority on the presentation of the Mediterranean and tropical marine ecosystem. Lastly, visitors can have lunch in “La Terrasse” and visit the museum gift shop. The entrance fee is 19€ for adults. Students can get a discount by showing a valid student ID. You need to take bus number 1 or 2 from the Monaco Monte Carlo train station to reach this aquarium.
• Prince's Palace (Palais Princier), Palais des Princes, 98015 Monaco, ☎ +377 93251831, [x]. The palace is in old Monaco-Ville and is worth a visit. There are audio-guided tours of the palace each day and usually run around the clock. (The palace is not available for tour in the winter months, though). The Palace also offers a breathtaking panoramic view overlooking the Port and Monte-Carlo. Every day at 11:55 AM, in front of the Palace's main entrance visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony performed by the Carabiniers. Carabiniers are not only in charge of the Prince's security but they offer Him a Guard of Honor and on special occasions, are His escorts. The “Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince” has a military band (Fanfare); which performs at public concerts, official occasions, sports events, and international military music festivals.
• Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco, 54 Rte de la Piscine, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 92052856, [x]. For any car enthusiast, it is the place to go, there is everything, from carriages and old cars to formula 1 race cars.

Do[edit]

• AliceBoat yacht charter, Fontvieille Harbour, Quai Jean-Charles Rey, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +33 674319253, [x].
• Auditorium Rainier III Concert hall, Bd Louis II, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 93108500, [x].
• Beaches. Monaco has several nice beaches. Larvotto is Monaco's largest public beach. Fontvieille also has a large beach. Solarium is an artificial concrete dike beach.
• Boat rental (Monaco Boats), 11 Bd Albert 1er, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +33 632991949, [x].
• Casino Square (Place du Casino), Pl. du Casino, 98000 Monaco, [x]. If your wallet permits it, try your luck in the Casino and gamble alongside the world's richest and often most famous. You'll need your passport to enter (as Monégasque citizens are prohibited from gambling at the casino), and the fees for entry range enormously depending on what room you are going to - often from €30 right up into the hundreds. You can also visit the casino without gambling, but also for a nominal fee. The dress code inside is extremely strict - men are required to wear coats and ties, and casual or tennis shoes are forbidden. The gaming rooms themselves are spectacular, with stained glass, paintings, and sculptures everywhere. There are two other more Americanized casinos in Monte Carlo. Neither of these has an admission fee, and the dress code is more casual. The building has a fantastic art deco with a truly great interior.
• Cinq Mōndes Spa, Hotel & Resort, Monte Carlo Bay, 40 Av. Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 98060180, [x].
• Circuit de Monaco Car racing track, 11 Bd Albert 1er, 98000 Monaco, [x].
• Escape room center (L' Ajoya Monte Carlo), Entrée par, Gare de Monte Carlo, All. Lazare Sauvaigo, 98000, Monaco, ☎ +33 754377875.
• Esplanade walk. It is relatively easy to navigate Monte Carlo and Monaco if you take the time to learn where the various "short cuts" are. City maps are generally available at most news vendor stands and shops for a small fee. An absolute 'must-do' for new or old visitors alike is a walk along the coastal Avenue Saint-Martin, featuring some beautiful cliff-side gardens. On this road is the Monaco Cathedral, which was built in the late 19th century, and was where Princess Grace and Prince Ranier married. It is also where Grace and many of the other Grimaldis are buried. The Palais du Prince (Prince's Palace) is located in old Monaco-Ville and is also a must-see. The changing of the guard takes place daily at 11:55 am, so you might want to time your visit for then. There are guided tours of the palace each day and usually run around the clock. While you are there, be sure to take time to walk over and look at the harbors on either side of the palace - the view is marvelous! While in the harbor, it is very easy to simply stop and marvel at the many super-yachts and cruise ships that usually adorn the docks in the marina. Sometimes, while having a drink at the shores, it is possible to glimpse one of the rich and famous simply relaxing aboard their vessel. If you leave the harbor and walk to the east, you'll soon encounter the Casino de Paris (The Grand Casino) in Place du Casino, easily the most beautiful part of Monte Carlo. Here, it is well worth a visit inside the casino itself, even if you plan not to gamble - the architecture, lavish marble and golden ornaments inside are simply stunning. The casino opens daily to guests from 2 o'clock and entry to the antechamber outside the casino itself is free, although you still must be 18 to enter. It is even possible to, amazingly, simply stop outside and 'people-watch' the guests coming to and fro the very exclusive Hotel de Paris, just a few yards from the door of the casino. If not, the car enthusiasts in the family might enjoy the huge range of very expensive and powerful cars parked outside!
• Formula 1 Grand Prix, 44 Rue Grimaldi, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 93152600, [x]. Monaco's streets host the best-known Formula 1 Grand Prix. It is also one of Europe's premier social highlights of the year. The Automobile Club of Monaco organizes this spectacular Formula 1 race each year. The Grand Prix is 78 laps around 3.34 kilometers of Monte Carlo's most narrow and twisted streets. The main attraction of the Monaco Grand Prix is the proximity of the speeding Formula One cars to the race spectators. The thrill of screaming engines, smoking tires, and determined drivers also makes the Monaco Grand Prix one of the most exciting races in the world. There are more than 3,000 seats available for sale on the circuit ranging from €90 to more than €500. Monaco residents often rent out their terraces for the event with prices ranging from €8,000 to €140,000 for the four days. During the off-season, it is possible to walk around the circuit. Tourist office maps have the route marked on their maps, although devotees won't need them! For those who can afford it, you can also take a ride around the track in a performance car.
• Helicopter tour (Héli Air Monaco), Heliport de Monaco, Av. des Ligures, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 92050050, [x]. The company offers flights starting from €65 per passenger on a 6 passengers flight. Their helicopters with air-conditioning and open-cabin design allow for a 180° sweeping view to admire the breathtaking view over the Principality. Tours can be booked online or at the Monacair reception desk at Monaco Heliport. Enjoy Monaco and the surrounding French Riviera from above with a scenic helicopter tour.
• Hiking area (Balcon sur la Méditerranée), 87 Bd de la Turbie, 06240 Beausoleil, France.
• Léo Ferré space Live music venue, Les Terrasses de Fontvieille, 25 Av. Albert II, 98000, Monaco, ☎ +377 93101210, [x].
• Monaco Le Grand Tour - Hop On Hop Off, Gal Sainte-Dévote, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 97702636, [x]. Almost an essential thing to do when arriving for the first time into Monaco. An efficient service that takes you to all the important points of interest in this small city-state.
• Monaco Luxury Cars Rental, 30 Bd Princesse Charlotte, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +33 619576053, [x]. Very popular activity for visitors to Monaco is to rent a luxury car for a few hours or for a day to enjoy the stunning coastal roads.
• Monaco Tours tourist trains (Les petits trains touristiques Monaco Tours), Av. Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 92056438, [x]. Fast way to see the city. The tour takes 40 minutes and you get to see all the major highlights. Fun tourist trains make daily tours all over Monaco. You will visit the Monaco Port, Monte-Carlo, and its Palaces, the famous Casino and its gardens, the Old Town for City Hall, and finally the Royal Prince’s Palace. Commentaries are in English, Italian, German, and French.
• Monte-Carlo Sporting Event venue, 26 Av. Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 98063636, [x]. In the summertime, Monte-Carlo is illuminated with dazzling concerts.

Sport[edit]

• Forge Gym, 8 Av. de Fontvieille, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 97773722.
• Monte Carlo Golf Club, Rte du Mont-Agel, 06320 La Turbie, France, ☎ +33 492415070, [x]. An 18-hole golf course at 2,953 ft., with a members' clubhouse, bar, restaurant & practice areas.
• Sailing (Riviera Sailing Events), 12 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +33 662814545, [x].
• Swimming (St. Charles Pool), 7 Av. Saint-Charles, 98000 Beausoleil, Monaco, ☎ +377 931 52295.

Theatres[edit]

• Billionaire at Sporting Monte-Carlo Dinner theater, 26 Av. Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +33 683581206, [x].
• Monaco Opera House (Opéra de Monte-Carlo), Pl. du Casino, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 98062800, [x]. It was built by the famous architect Charles Garnier. The auditorium of the opera house is decorated in red and gold and has frescoes and sculptures all around the auditorium. Looking up at the ceiling of the auditorium, the visitor will be blown away by the superb paintings. The opera house is flamboyant but at the same time very beautiful. There have been some of the most superior international performances of ballet, opera, and concerts held in the opera house for more than a century; consider taking in a show during your visit... but expect to pay top dollar!
• Monte-Carlo Festivals Performing arts theater, 5 Av. des Ligures, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 92052600, [x].
• Theatre of the Muses (Théâtre des Muses), 45A Bd du Jardin Exotique, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 97981093, [x].
• Variety Theater (Théâtre des Variétés), 1 Bd Albert 1er, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 93256783.

Buy[edit]

Monaco uses the Monaco has the euro (€) as its sole currency along with 24 other countries that use this common European money. These 24 countries are: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain (official euro members which are all European Union member states) as well as Andorra, Kosovo, Monaco, Montenegro, San Marino and the Vatican which use it without having a say in eurozone affairs and without being European Union members. Together, these countries have a population of more than 330 million.

One euro is divided into 100 cents. While each official euro member (as well as Monaco, San Marino and Vatican) issues its own coins with a unique obverse, the reverse, as well as all bank notes, look the same throughout the eurozone. Every coin is legal tender in any of the eurozone countries.

Shopping in Monte Carlo is usually quite exclusive and is certainly no place for a budget holiday. There are plenty of places to melt the credit card alongside Europe's high rollers. The chic clothes shops are in the Golden Circle, framed by Avenue Monte Carlo, Avenue des Beaux-Arts, and Allees Lumieres, where Hermes, Christian Dior, Gucci, and Prada all have a presence. The area on and around Place du Casino is home to high-end jewelers such as Bulgari, Cartier, and Chopard. You will find, however, that most tourists will simply enjoy wandering the area and window shopping, even if you don't buy anything. The normal shopping hours are from 9AM to noon and 3PM to 7PM.

• Condamine Market (Le Marché de la Condamine), 11 Rue Terrazzani, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 933 06394. For a more cultured take on shopping in Monte Carlo, try the Condamine Market. The market, which can be found in the Place d'Armes, has been in existence since 1880 and is lively and attractive - many hours can be spent simply wandering around, bargaining for souvenirs from the many tiny shops, boutiques, and friendly locals. If however, your shopping tastes are more modern, just take a short walk along the esplanade to the rue Princess Caroline pedestrian mall.
• Davidoff Tobacco shop, 17, av des Spélugues, Les galeries du Métropole, Monte Carlo 98000, ☎ +377 977 75566, [x]. High-end cigar and cigarette store, where you are assisted by staff that knows their product well.
• Du Rocher Monte Shop, 1, Av de la Madone, Monte Carlo 98000, ☎ +377 933 09117, [x]. Opened by Princess Grace in the '60s, travelers still flock here to grab the very best in take-home souvenirs. Choose from hand-carved frames and mirrors, ceramics, homeware, and toys. Prices are moderate and all proceeds go to local charities.
• Fontvieille Shopping Centre, 25 Av. Albert II, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 92055700, [x]. It is a more "normal" shopping experience with 36 shops selling electronic goods, CDs, furniture, and clothes as well as a Carrefour supermarket and McDonald's. The tourist office also issues a useful free shopping guide to the city.
• Fred Monaco, One Montecarlo - Bâtiment C Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 97700228, [x]. Located on the exclusive place, this is one of only a handful of Fred boutiques in the world. An official jeweler of Monaco's royal family and a favorite of celebrities, you may not be able to afford much in this boutique, but it's worth a jaw-dropping visit. If you go to Monte Carlo, you shouldn't miss this.
• Moghadam Gallery, 23 & 41, bd des Moulins, Monte Carlo 98000, ☎ +377 93256768, [x]. Award-winning specialty shop that offers superb hand woven tapestries and carpets.
• Souvenirs Shop Louis II Monaco, 6 Bd Louis II, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 97772623.

Eat[edit]

How to go wrong? Food in Monaco is universally excellent. There are many fine restaurants, beginning with the Cafe de Paris across the street from the casino to the waterfront restaurants along the Port de Fontvieille. During the winter months, you will find the restaurants to be decently priced--for Monaco. Bouillabaisse is excellent here.

Budget[edit]

There is a huge variety of other restaurants and cafés in the city with a moderate price tag and excellent food. There are a few simple cafés along the marina side, more like beach bars than anything else, that serve simple meals such as pizza, salads, and hotdogs throughout the day. These can be excellent for simply sitting back during the hot midday with a cold beer or glass of wine, a snack to recharge your batteries from exploring the city, and the gentle lapping of the Mediterranean (and often the roar of supercars) in your ears. Most of these restaurants are equipped with water misters in the ceilings that gently cool and refresh the clientele.

• Pizzeria Monégasque, 4 rue Terrazzani, ☎ +377 99924824. Mon-Sat noon-1:45PM and 7:30-11PM (until midnight Fri-Sat). For those on a budget, be sure to grab a slice of one of their delicious gourmet pizzas that taste even better when sitting on the outdoor terrace.

Mid-range[edit]

Somewhere in between these two dining experiences comes the world-famous Café de Paris, just outside the Casino. Tourists and locals alike can often be found during the afternoon and all through the night laughing, drinking, and eating some fabulous (but verging on expensive) meals. It is a must-go during your stay in Monte Carlo, even if it is just for a snack in the afternoon - it is well worth it.

• Beefbar, 42 Quai Jean Charles Ray, 98000, ☎ +377 97770929, [x]. Quality cuts of beef on offer, attached with high, though surprisingly worthwhile price tag. Small cups on puree are available for the meat, though an additional cup (one is far too small), costs 8.5€. Wine selections are paired perfectly with the red meat. Chic atmosphere and the staff are extremely attentive.
• de Paris Cafe, Place du Casino, ☎ +377 98067623, [x]. Daily 8AM-3AM. The nerve center of Monte Carlo, where people go to see and be seen, buzzing with the feel of old time Monte Carlo, circa the early 1900s. Menu items change frequently, as do the waiters, who seem intent on rushing patrons through their meals. For people-watching, you could try a Diet Coke. Reservations to dine are recommended.
• Polpetta Italian restaurant, 2 Rue Paradis, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 93506784, [x].

Splurge[edit]

Dining in Monaco can be a very sobering experience for whomever is paying the bill. Perhaps the most exclusive and famous restaurants in the city are the Louis XV Restaurant and the Le Grill de L'Hotel de Paris, both centered on the very exclusive Hotel de Paris. You are more than likely to be seated next to a member of the rich and famous, and the gourmet food is simply out-of-this-world - however, these experiences come with a rather hefty price tag!

• Le Grill de L'Hotel de Paris, In the Hôtel de Paris, place du Casino, ☎ +377 98068888, [x]. Although often overlooked by the famed 'Louis XV', look above to the Hotel de Paris's rooftop for its equally elegant contender. Less intimidating than the Ducasse citadel downstairs, Le Grill offers every imaginable sort of grilled fish and meat that comes from the nearby Alps. The selection of 600,000 wines are the perfect accompaniment to every dish, and the service is impeccable. Dining on the rooftop affords you stunning, panoramic views of Monte Carlo, and in the summer, a blanket of starry sky.
• Louis XV, Hôtel de Paris, place du Casino, ☎ +377 98068864, [x]. In one of the finest hotels in the world, run by one of the finest chefs in the world (Alain Ducasse) this Michelin rated restaurant serves dining perfection amongst luxurious glitterati. The level of sophistication for all dishes is hard to be surpassed, the sea bass with Italian artichokes regularly reaches a score of 19/20 by restaurant critics. The restaurant contains the world's largest wine cellar: 250,000 bottles of wine (many priceless) stashed in a rock cave. Reservations are essential, as are jackets and ties for men.
• R - La Table d'Antonio Salvatore, 3 Av. des Spélugues, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 93307044, [x].

Drink[edit]

The legal drinking/purchasing age of alcoholic beverages is 18 and is strictly enforced.

Champagne has the status of a national beverage in Monaco. A single glass can cost as much as €40 at a fashionable restaurant!

• Espresso Napoletano MC Bar, 34-36 Bd d'Italie, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 99920844.
• Garden Perk Cafe, Prom. Honoré II, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 97778990.
• La Rascasse Bar, 1 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 98061616, [x].
• Monaco Brewery, Rte de la Piscine, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 97985120, [x]. Organic brewery with tapas & pizza menus plus a dining terrace overlooking Port Hercule marina.
• Supernature Organic Restaurant & Wine Shop, 19 Rue Princesse Caroline, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 97771475, [x].

Sleep[edit]

If you're on a budget, Monaco is not the best place to be. For example, a hotel without breakfast and a bathroom will cost around €60 per person. A better option is to stay in one of the many towns outside of Monaco, for example, Ventimiglia, which is a seaside town situated on the French-Italian border on the Italian side. Nice is only 1/2 hour away from Monaco and it's very cheap to use the frequent trains.

The Monaco Tourism Center staff will also sit down and make phone calls to assist walk-ins in finding accommodation. Even if you ask for "cheap" lodging.

Mid-range[edit]

• Ambassador Hotel, 10 Av. Prince Pierre, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 97979696 ([email protected]), [x]. Suprisingly standard mid-range hotel that is good value for business travelers and those watching their euros. Rooms are kitted out with the usual TV, mini bar air con, with wi fi access and cable making it a nice touch.
• Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, 23 Av. des Papalins, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 92059000, [x]. Situated in La Condamine, the Colombus Hotel is co-owned by successful Glaswegian hotelier Ken McCulloch, designer Amanda Rosa and British F1 racing driver David Coulthard (all Monaco residents today). There is an excellent restaurant and the lobby is a great spot to relax on the comfortable sofas. Rooms are modern. The hotel is located just by the heliport, and about 200 meters from the Stade Louis II. from 179€.
• Fairmont Monte Carlo, 12 Av. des Spélugues, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 93506500, [x]. from 335€.
• Le Méridien Beach Plaza, 22 Av. Princesse Grâce, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 93309880, [x]. from 273€.
• Novotel Monte Carlo, 16 Bd Princesse Charlotte, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 99998300, [x]. from 214€.

Splurge[edit]

• de Paris Hotel, Pl. du Casino, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 98063000 (fax: 92-16-26-26), [x]. Offering a level of sophistication that has awarded itself as one of the world's most famous hotels. Featuring marble pillars, crystal chandeliers, Louis XVI chairs, and sumptuous carpets, it's a vision of luxury and a favorite amongst the world's travelers. Rooms are simply enormous with marble and brass furnishings and the hotel is home to the country's two finest eating establishments, the Le Grill de l'Hôtel de Paris and Le Louis XV. The SBM's Carte d'Or offers the de Paris' guests transport and access to the facilities of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel and Les Thermes Marins spa. from 184€.
• Hermitage Hotel, Sq. Beaumarchais, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 98064000, [x]. Perched on a clifftop, the Hermitage offer idylic living at its best. The majority of rooms have balconies, so guests can have stunning views from their rooms. While the hotel is quite old, all amenities and features and modern and elegant in their styling, and a stay here is truly well deserved. The SBM's Carte d'Or offers the Hermitage's guests transport and access to the facilities of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel and Les Thermes Marins spa. from 552€.
• Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort, 40 Av. Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco, ☎ +377 98060200, [x]. Awe impressive 4-hectare (10-acre) resort. The high price reflects the quality of the stay. Only steps away from Monte Carlo's sandy beaches, more than 3/4 of rooms open onto sea views. Marble bathrooms feature flat-screen TVs with cable ties, the hotel pool has an indoor pool covered with an ornate glass dome, and the hotel bar is none other than Jimmy's. The furnishings are sandstone floors, soft Mediterranean pastels, and sleek modern amenities. The service to detail is outstanding, different shampoos and towels on different days, and the staff are polite and attentive without being intrusive. The SBM's Carte d'Or does not offer the Bay Hotel's guests access to the facilities of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel or Les Thermes Marins. The Bay Hotel is rather self-contained but lacks a beach. €300-€800 double; €750-1,400 suite.

Work[edit]

If you are seeking a career aboard one of the many superyachts in Monaco a good place to register and start looking is YPI Crew[8] based in nearby Antibes or Crew Central[9].

Respect[edit]

National Identity[edit]

Monaco's close cultural relationship with France, led some, even in France, to think that Monaco is part of France. But as stated, Monaco is a separate country with its own identity. When in Monaco, Do not insult locals by calling them French as this hurts the Monegasque and Monegasque pride. In many ways, the Respect section of the France page can detail how to be respectful toward the Monegasque population, but it should be noted that Monaco is a separate nation and it would be very insulting to casually conflate the two. Keep in mind that Monaco's population retains its history, their own culture, and their lifestyle. With that in mind, everyone is approachable, happy to chat with you, and globally simply kind. Directions or other help are only a smile and a question away.

Contact[edit]

Stay safe[edit]

Monaco is a very safe, virtually crime-free location, with a strong police presence. There is one police officer for every 68 people, which means that Monaco has the largest police force and police presence in the world on both a per-capita and per-area basis. Every public space is blanketed with cameras, and any kind of disorder may produce an immediate reaction and the attendance of many officers.

The only time you ought to be careful is during the week of the Formula One Grand Prix, widely regarded as the most famous F1 Race. Bringing in thousands of tourists, the event renders Monaco extremely packed during the day. As a result, there has been a marked increase in pickpockets in recent years during the event.

Cope[edit]

Get out[edit]

• Alpes-Maritimes

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