The mini-state of Monaco, a principality located within France, but close to the Italian border, is a destination that must be visited to appreciate its unique charm. Although the second smallest sovereign state in the world, it is also the densely populated state as well, with 19,009 inhabitants per square kilometer. If you are planning a visit to this stunning little gem on the Mediterranean coast, you are in for a treat. There are tons of things to do to keep yourself busy, both if you are traveling solo, or if you are visiting with your family or group of friends. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular attractions in the micro-state, hopefully assisting you in planning your trip more comprehensively. But, before we do that, let us first discuss transportation.
One could take public transport from Nice, as this is the closest major city to Monaco, although this can oftentimes be unreliable, as well as uncomfortable if you are traveling with a large group, or young children. The friendly folk over at AtoB Transfer have put together a handy article on how to get from Nice Airport to Monaco, which you check out here: https://atobtransfer.com/france/getting-from-nice-airport-to-monaco/. This guide covers all the available transportation methods, assisting you in making the best choice for getting between Nice and Monaco, either with public transport, or a private airport transfer – The choice is yours. With an airport transfer you have the added ability to include child seats, which is perfect for traveling families!
Palais du Prince Tours
Sitting high above Monaco, is the Prince’s palace. This beautiful building dates back to the 13th century, when it was used as a Genose fortress. The palace is open to the public whenever the Prince is not in residence, which you can determine from whether his flag is flying from the main tower. If, by chance you are lucky enough for him to be vacationing somewhere else, then you can expect to see a number of fascinating artifacts of Monegasque culture. Some notable mentions are: a gallery modeled in the Italianate style, or even the “Blue Room”, which as the name will likely tip you off, is coloured blue and gold, this included all the walls and furniture. If you are wondering how to get here, an airport transfer can drop you off at the front gates!
Hit the Slots at the Monte Carlo Casino
If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys a flutter every now and then, you will be in paradise in Monte Carlo! Casinos has been a big part of the state’s culture since the mid 1800’s, which is something you can definitely tell when looking at the beautiful, classical design of the Monte Carlo Casino (called “Le Casino” locally). Strangely, locals are prohibited from entering the gambling halls, and can also not work in the casino, thus the staff and visitors will not be of Monegasque descent. Aside from gambling, the Casino also houses an Opera and a Ballet, both beautiful in their own right. If you are wondering how to get to the casino, you can book a luxury Nice airport taxi with AtoB and seamlessly get to the Casino in no time.
Monaco Cathedral
Built in the style of Roman-Byzantine architecture, this stunning building truly stands out for its white stone facade. The cathedral itself currently houses the remains of all the former Princes of Monaco. Being built in 1875, it has been an important part of the country’s culture and heritage. It does also house some artifacts that are older than its construction date. One of the most magnificent items to look upon is the main grand organ, which has been fashioned out of white marble, much like the building itself. For an AtoB airport taxi to this cathedral, ask your driver to take you directly there, or to your accommodation in the surrounding area.
Larvotto Beach
As a coastal town, we couldn’t possibly write an article about Monaco without mentioning a beach. The only proper beach in the country, due to its small size, is Larvotto beach. It is in fact an artificial beach, although you likely wouldn’t be able to tell. The waters are perfectly clear and one can play volleyball in a nearby court, or simply walk across the promenade above the beach. There are a number of seafood restaurants on the promenade, which, although quite pricey, will offer some of the finest fish available for miles. Your airport transfer driver can likely recommend their personal favorite restaurant, and locals know best, right?
Formula One Monaco Grand Prix
Everyone knows about this. You have to have been living under a rock if you didn’t know that Monaco serves as one of the most popular locations of the Formula One. Many travel to the micro-state from all over the world to watch this specific leg of the tournament. Watching the drivers wind through the narrow, historic streets sure is a wild experience, sure to make your adrenaline spike! Although your Nice airport taxi driver won’t be driving at Formula One speeds, they sure will get you to your destination in record time!
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That’s all for now, folks! Although we could likely fill an entire book with information on Monaco, with its history and countless opportunities for adventure. For now, these five will have to suffice. A holiday, or even a day trip to Monaco almost guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and who knows, maybe you’ll even get lucky hitting the slots or Baccarat table – there’s only one way to find out!
