Monaco-Ville

Monaco proudly offers opulent luxury and sport madness, but also quiet corners, strolls along the sea shore and beautiful gardens hidden in the city terraces. The biggest treat on the way to Monaco is probably... the way to Monaco itself. The closest airport is located in Nice, approximately 20 km away. From there you can rent a car, take a bus or train,...

Monaco proudly offers opulent luxury and sport madness, but also quiet corners, strolls along the sea shore and beautiful gardens hidden in the city terraces. The biggest treat on the way to Monaco is probably... the way to Monaco itself. The closest airport is located in Nice, approximately 20 km away. From there you can rent a car, take a bus or train, or you can book a helicopter or a yacht. Entering the city by sea might be a bit tricky, because the harbour traffic is really busy.

You don't need more than one day on foot to see all the main sights in this principality. Local public transport turns out to be very helpful and convenient. There are only three bus lines and you’ll be grateful for the all-day-ticket, which will spare you the long steep climb of the hills.

Monaco is built on terraces and the best way to move around with a buggy is to patiently look for the underpasses and elevators, so you won’t have to carry the buggy up the stairs. On the other hand, the long walks along the streets with many racing curves, are an experience in itself too. Most of the luxury car owners like to display the horse power of their rides so crossing the streets can sometimes be an experience full of adrenalin.

All signs are in French but almost everyone speaks English and locals are very helpful when you appear lost. A few minutes from the yacht harbour, literally where all hills ends in the sea, many coffee's, souvenir shops, stores and supermarkets offers their delicious products. Public restrooms are free of charge and clean but without the baby care rooms.

There are a few designated walks, usually lasting no longer than 2 hours. Start at the Place du Palace, in front of the Princely palace, where guards are changing daily at 11:55 am. The Oceanographic museum nearby is also a place to visit and you should definitly stroll around the Casino or the Grimaldi Forum hi-tech complex.

However, with its gardens Monaco is mostly designed for enjoying the sun and you definitely won't regret it. The Exotic gardens and the Observation Cave, the Princess Antoinette park, the Casino Gardens and the Terraces, the Frontvielle Park and the Princess Grace Rose Gardens, the Zoological Garden or the Japanese Gardens are some of many you should visit.

In May, when all the Formula 1 fans arrive for the big race, most streets and pavements are surrounded by security barriers. The temporary stands will also complicate passing through the city, but once the amazing atmosphere draws you in, all will be forgotten in no time.