What's on Monaco
Covering around two square kilometres and nestling between mountains and sea, the Principality of Monaco might be the world’s second-smallest country, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in attitude. Glamorous, sophisticated, safe and hugely cosmopolitan, Monaco is truly beguiling.
Located between France and Italy, Monaco is only a 30 minute drive from Nice airport (or a few minutes helicopter trip). There are no border controls between Monaco and France or Italy making hopping between its neighbouring countries both fast and easy.
Explore Monaco
Mostly visited
Monaco has a lot to offer at night, from bars to clubs, it has it all!
Having Monaco’s only microbrewery gives this portside bar a useful USP, and its organic lagers and ales seems to pack the punters in. Inside it’s all chrome, steel and big-screen TVs, and live sports and DJs keep the weekends extra busy. Head for the patio out front if it gets too hectic. Happy hour’s from 6pm to 8pm.
Culture in Monaco is everywhere, take a look!
Monaco Ville, also called Le Rocher, is the only part of Monaco to have retained its original old town, complete with small, windy medieval lanes. The old town thrusts skywards on a pistol-shaped rock, its strategic location overlooking the sea that became the stronghold of the Grimaldi dynasty. There are various staircases up to Le Rocher; the best route up is via Rampe Major, which starts from place aux Armes near the port.
Theatres in Monaco, lots of acts to see!
Also known as the Salle Garnier, this 1892 confection of neoclassical splendour adjoining Monte Carlo Casino was designed by Charles Garnier (who also designed the Paris opera).
Eating out in Monaco is quite the treat!
Monegasque chef Henri Geraci has worked in some of the Riviera’s top restaurants, but he’s now happily settled at his own establishment down a shady alleyway near the palace. Escoffier-trained, he’s faithful to the French classics, but his travels have given him a taste for Asian flavours too, so expect some exotic twists. The restaurant’s small and sought after, so reserve ahead.
