Highlights
Jardin Exotique
Built on the side of a cliff in 1933, this unique garden offers breathtaking views over the Principality of Monaco. Home to a wide variety of so-called ‘succulent plants’, the garden boasts an extravagant cactus collection - from small Echinocereus to 10m-tall African Candelabras. Visit the unique prehistoric, stalagmite and stalactite strung cave, the only cave in Europe in which the temperature rises as you descend.
Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most celebrated sporting events in the world and one that every professional driver wants to win. Drawing in discerning crowds to beautiful Monaco, it is also one of the most luxurious events in the calendar. With the super yachts moored in pretty Port Hercule, and the buzz around Monaco as the speedy F1 cars race by, it is a wonderful atmosphere to behold and to tick off any sporting fan’s bucket list!
Palais Princier de Monaco
The fortress of this magnificent palace was built atop Le Rocher in the 13th century and remains the private residence of the Grimaldi family. Though most of the palace is off limits, you can take tours of the state departments, unearthing lavish furniture and priceless collections of art, collected by the family over the centuries. A brilliant sight to behold, don’t miss the splendidly dressed ‘Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince’ and their changing of the guard at 11:55am daily, outside of the palace’s gate.
Musée Océanographique de Monaco
Dramatically perched on the side of a cliff and founded by Prince Albert I in 1910, the Musée Océanographique de Monaco is a world-renowned, fascinating aquarium suitable for all ages. Visit the aquarium’s centre piece, a 6m-deep lagoon, containing 450,000 litres of seawater and home to Black Tip Sharks, a Nurse Shark, Hawksbill Turtles, Moray Eels, and much more! A wonderful spectacle, prepare to feel as though you have been submerged several metres in the deep.
Casino de Monte Carlo
A must-see in Monaco, you won’t be disappointed as you take a peep inside this incredible marble and gold casino. Europe’s most prolific example of Époque architecture, its name, ‘Monte Carlo’ – Ligurian for ‘Mount Charles’ - was coined in honour of Prince Charles III, founder of this famed casino in 1866. Visit after 2pm for a spot of gambling, or simply spectate as James Bond-esque professionals play poker. Trainers are forbidden and a jacket and tie is strongly recommended in the gaming room for men in the evening.