Monaco is the dream address of millionaires, celebrities and profit-hungry entrepreneurs thanks to its proactive fiscal conditions. Monaco was founded in 1419; however, 95% of its territory was occupied by France for a significant period during the 19th century. Monaco’s economy was saved by the idea of Prince Charles III who confided the Casino under the patronage of Francoise Blanc, a French expert on gambling.
This mini-state enjoys a fantastic climate and stunning views on the Mediterranean coast. No wonder that the most expensive flat in the world situated on the top of the luxury skyscraper Odéon is found in Monaco.
Monaco is just less than 20 km away from an airport in Nice making it the ideal place for dynamic tourism. Crowds of tourists travel to Monaco every year and you can often catch a glimpse of celebrities and well-known leaders of business there.
With approximately 38,000 inhabitants on 2.1 km2, the Principality of Monaco is the second smallest and most densely populated country in the world (after Vatican City).
Private banking and low tax conditions make Monaco a real paradise for many entrepreneurs. Whether you are a lover of luxury, expensive yachts and prestigious boutiques or you just desire to discover this famous metropolis, Monaco will please you with rich cultural life, fine restaurants and many unusual tourist activities.
If you want to find out as much information about Monaco as possible or other magical places on the Riviera as possible, use the services of a local guide.
Activities in Monaco
Even if gambling is not your passion, you simply cannot miss visiting the famous symbol of Monaco – the Casino de Monte Carlo.
If you want to save your wallet while exploring the spectacular interior and gaming tables, visit the Casino before 2pm. This famous casino, located in the heart of Monaco, saved the economy of the Principality of Monaco in the 19th century, which is one of the strongest in the world now. And since the local casino had been tremendously successful, Prince Charles III of Monaco decided to free the local citizens from direct taxes.
If you are looking for an unusual gourmet experience, visit the famous restaurant Louis XV in the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Alain Ducasse, the holder of three Michelin stars, will prepare the best dishes from the French and international gastronomy. Hôtel de Paris includes one of the largest private wine cellars in the world with reserves of over 550,000 bottles of wine.
Opera de Monte-Carlo
Visiting the Opera in Monaco is a unique experience for lovers of not only classical music. Opened in 1879 and renovated at the request of Prince Albert II in 2005, the Opera de Monte-Carlo offers the best of classical and contemporary music scene.
Take a walk around the port
Monaco Port Hercule is located in the district of La Condamine, one of the oldest and most prosperous parts of Monaco. With the latest modernization in 2010, the port is nearly 850 m long and up to 700 ships can anchor there simultaneously. It is precisely here where a sequel from the James Bond films – Golden Eye – was filmed in 1995. The famous Formula 1 is raced around the port as well.
Rent a yacht or sailboat and explore the picturesque coast of Monaco and other famous cities on the French Riviera with Sailing Europe Group.
Where to go for knowledge
Museum of Napoleon Bonaparte
A collection of artefacts from the life of Napoleon Bonaparte was made by Prince Louis II in honour of the famous native of Corsica. The museum contains the Charter of Independence of Monaco and other relevant documents concerning the history of the Principality as well.
Automobile Museum
Does the thought of the seductive curves of cars such as Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Maserati or Cadillac take your breath away? Then you will surely enjoy a unique collection of luxury and vintage cars organized by the Automotive Museum in Fontvieille.
Oceanographic Museum (Musée Océanographique de Monaco), built at the request of Prince Albert in 1910, will arrange an unforgettable encounter with a fascinating underwater world for you. You will learn a wealth of information on marine animals and you can also see unique historical diving equipment from the 18th century.
Enjoy the quaint colours and intoxicating scents of exotic flowers in the Jardin Exotique. Moreover, you will also find a local dripstone cave there.
Stalactite Cave by Christine und Hagen Graf via Flickr CC BY 2.0
Coins from the 17th century and historical stamps can be viewed in the museum of postage stamps and coins located in Fontvieille.
Events in Monaco
Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival, held in late November and early December, offers the best musicians from the international jazz scene each year.
The best tennis players in the world showcase their skills during the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, a prestigious tennis tournament held annually in April.
Grand Prix F1 de Monaco is the most popular sporting event in Monaco. Every spring, the Principality comes alive with immense enthusiasm when the thousands of tourists manage to watch this spectacular event with their own eyes. Circuit de Monaco leads through the streets of Monaco, and so the fans can get a unique opportunity to watch the race of formulas first-hand.
Enjoy a drink while listening to the best DJs in Buddha-Bar, the legendary club inspired by Asian style.
Accommodation
To find accommodation in Monaco, note the corresponding prices. If you have a rather limited budget, search for your accommodation in France. Sea resorts like Cap-d'Ail, Beausoleil and Roquebrune-Cap are within a stone’s throw from Monaco and the prices are more favourable there. See our offer of accommodation near Monaco.