Monaco [Image by Jan Vašek from Pixabay]Monaco is only second to the Vatican in terms of size, but this tiny European country has plenty to offer. Not only does it attract the rich and famous, but it is one of the most notorious tax havens in the world. Besides this, normal folk head to Monaco for one stage of the annual Formula One Grand Prix and many other attractions.
Visit Monaco on the French Riviera
Monaco views [Image by MrJayW from Pixabay]Nestling on the French Riviera, Monaco sports high-rise hotels, apartment blocks and super yachts. However, Le Rocher, a rocky outcrop on the southern side of the port, is home to a charming old town, as well as its royal palace.
Among its attractions, Monaco is known for its annual Formula One Grand Prix. Those who love fast cars should make a point to visit Monaco when it hosts the exciting event.
Casino de Monte Carlo
Casino de Monte Carlo [Image by Hans from Pixabay]Staying with moneyed attractions, Monte Carlo’s marble and gold casino is an experience not to be missed on a trip to Monaco. In fact, the casino opens to the public each morning, including its exclusive salons. For those who don’t want to lose their cash, it is worth visiting the casino just to gaze at its lavish belle époque architecture.
Relax in the Jardin Exotique
Jardin Exotique de Monaco [Image @jardin_exotique_de_monaco/Instagram]Monaco may be a small country, but it does have its green spaces. Among them is Jardin Exotique, a botanical garden displaying the largest cactus and succulent collection in the world. Moreover, the flower beds spread down the slopes of Moneghetti, with a series of stairs, pathways and bridges. Meanwhile, besides the gorgeous plants, the panoramic views are spectacular.
Musée d’Anthropologie [Image @museedanthropo.mc/Instagram]A visit to Jardin Exotique also includes the fascinating Musée d’Anthropologie. This museum exhibits prehistoric remains that were unearthed in Monaco. Moreover, a visit includes a guided tour of the Grotte de l’Observatoire, a prehistoric cave. With its stalactites and stalagmites, this is the only cave found in Europe where the temperature rises as you descend.
Musée Océanographique de Monaco
Musée océanographique Monaco [Image @oceanomonaco/Instagram]Another popular attraction is the Musée Océanographique de Monaco, perched on the edge of a cliff. Its aquarium features a 20-foot lagoon with sharks and other marine predators. Meanwhile, this is separated by a coral reef where colorful tropical fish can be seen. The massive aquarium also features 90 tanks, hosting around 450 Mediterranean and tropical fish species.
Besides the aquarium, two massive rooms in the museum outline the history of oceanography and marine biology. Here, many exhibits of photos, marine specimens, equipment and interactive displays can be seen.
Le Rocher (Monaco Ville)
[Image by Helena Jankovičová Kováčová from Pixabay]The original old town of Monaco is Le Rocher, which nestles on a rock overlooking the sea. The old town features narrow and winding medieval lanes, as well as a number of staircases where visitors can access the views. This includes the Rampe Major, which starts close to the port at Place d’Armes.
Experience Monaco in the summer of 2023, taking time out to visit these attractions and explore this fascinating and tiny country.