Monaco

Understand

This is the second smallest independent state in the world (after the Vatican) and is entirely urban. Monte Carlo is not the capital of Monaco but a government district. The country is divided into nine sectors: Monaco-Ville (the old city), the Condamine (port quarter), Monte-Carlo (business and recreation) and Fontvieille (recreation, second port for smaller boats and light industry) are the most well-known among them. With no natural resources to exploit other than its location and climate, the principality has become a resort for tourists and a tax haven for wealthy people. Monaco is six times the size of the Vatican and the world's most densely populated country. While its borders have not moved since 1861 (when it lost over 80% of its territory to France), Monaco has still grown its territory by creating artificial land from the sea, which is how the area Fontvielle came to be. Its size is smaller than Central Park.

Tourist information Visit Monaco. Tourist information website. (updated Jan 2024) Office of Tourism, 2a boulevard des Moulins, Monte-Carlo. M-Sa 09:30-17:00. (updated Jan 2024) Information Desk, Place Sainte-Dévote / SNCF railway station - 2nd floor, Monte-Carlo. M-Sa 09:00-17:00. (updated Jan 2024)

Read Rainier and Grace, republished as Grace of Monaco, by Jeffrey Robinson. An account of the lives of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, intertwined with the history of the country. The author knew Rainier and Grace personally, and he interviewed members of the royal family for the book.

See

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 harbour 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 "short cuts" are. City maps are generally available at most news vendor stands and shops for a small fee. The 12 Tourist information could be a good starting point before venturing to explore the city.

1 Monte Carlo Casino (Grand Casino), Place du Casino, ☏ +377 98 06 41 51, [email protected]. 14:00-04:00. The Monte Carlo Casino is a gambling and entertainment complex which includes a casino, the Opéra de Monaco, and the office of Les Ballets de Monte Carlo. Owned and operated by the Société des bains de mer de Monaco (SBM), a public company in which the Monaco government and the ruling family have a majority interest. The company also owns the principal hotels, sports clubs, foodservice establishments, and nightclubs throughout Monaco. If your wallet permits it, try your luck in the Grand 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, though they can work there), and the fees for entry range enormously depending on what room you are going to; often from €30 up into the hundreds. The dress code inside is extremely strict: men are required to wear coats and ties, and casual shoes are forbidden. The gaming rooms themselves are spectacular, with stained glass, paintings, and sculptures everywhere. It is possible to enter the casino as a guest from 10:00-13:00 for €17. The casino i

Do

2 Hike or drive up Tête de Chien ("Dogs Head"). Enjoy

Getting there

Although Monaco is not part of the Schengen Area, it has open borders with France, so it can for all practical purposes be considered part of it. If you want a passport stamp, you can queue for one at the Mairie de Monaco. There is border control for arriving boats from outside the Schengen Area. If you want to stay for more than 90 days, you will need to obtain a residence permit. Monaco does not issue its own visas, and instead accepts a Schengen visa for entry. If you plan to visit only Monaco and are entering by boat directly from outside the Schengen Area, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa from a French diplomatic mission (if one is required for your nationality).

By plane The nearest airport is at Nice, 1 Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE IATA) in Alpes-Maritimes, which is around 40 km (25 mi) away from the city centre. It receives daily flights from nearly all of Europe's main cities, such as London and Paris. E-hailing from the airport to Monaco is available for example by Uber and Bolt. For the way back to the airport check the e-hailing section. Taxis are always available outside the terminal buildings, but make sure a fee is agreed in advance or the meter is switched on at the start of the journey, as shady taxi drivers are notorious for charging tourists whatever they see fit. You can take a tram from the airport to Grand Arénas and change there to the train to Monaco for about €6 (Mar 2024). An express shuttle, route 80, links the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and Menton with multiple stops near all major hotels throughout Monaco, not just the ward of Monte Carlo. A bus leaves every half hour and a single ticket costs €19.50 (Mar 2024).

By helicopter transfer

2 Monacair, Heliport de Monaco, Av. des Ligures, ☏ +377 97973900. The sole operator of reg

Getting around

Note that (as of September 2024) it is very difficult to store luggage. The train station info desk even has a sign outright saying it's not possible anywhere in the country.

By foot 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 change in elevation 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 wanting to reach the opposite bank of Port Hercule, look for the small 9 Bateau Bus, a pedestrian-only ferry that runs each 20 minutes or so during daylight; it costs €2.

By bus Monaco has an urban bus service, operated by the Compagnie des Autobus Monaco, through the city's five bus routes (labelled 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6) which serves 143 stops. Each stop has the bus numbers 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 (€2) or at many news vendors and shops throughout the city and at auto ticket machines at the bus stops (€1.50) — often it will be advertised as to where you can do this. A daily pass allows you to use the buses all day for €5.50 (2016) and can also be purchased on board the bus. A night bus service operates in a circular route from 22:00 until 04:00. In 2025 and 2026, Monaco is providing free bus service around certain big events such as the Yacht Show and the Grand Prix.

By motor scooter You can easily rent a motor scooter in Nice and take a short trip east along the sea into Monaco. The views are beaut