Monaco

Upon arriving in Monaco, the one thing that many want to do is go to the famous Monte Carlo casino. One of Monaco’s best-known attractions is Monte Carlo Casino, the world’s most lavish casino...although, interestingly, gambling is not legal here for the locals. Today, Monte Carlo casino attracts gambling fans to Monaco, offering games of chance including Roulette, Baccarat, Craps, and Slot machines; even James Bond tried his luck here.

At the heart of Monaco’s luxurious Monte Carlo neighbourhood is a casino, opened in 1865 to help lure tourists to the tiny principality (and to earn a little cash -- believe it or not, Monaco was struggling financially then). The casino is in the more upscale Mont Carlo neighbourhood, which is where you will find even more upscale, trendiest hotels, restaurants, and boutiques too (including the famed Hotel de Paris).

If you are looking for nightlife, people-watching, or shopping, Monaco’s Casino Square is not a better destination; and when it comes to casinos themselves, no one is quite as iconic as Monte-Carlo Casino. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops, and several famous Monte Carlo landmarks, including the Palace of Princes, Oceanographic Museum, and the Saint Martin’s Gardens. Visiting the famous casinos is a major reason for coming to Monaco, but you can also indulge in the culture in the Princes Palace or go on a Monte Carlo walking tour. You will find a wide array of Monaco’s best attractions here, but one of the best things to do here is just to walk around and check out whatever grabs your attention, such as the smaller boutiques and coffee shops.

If you are looking for a bit of history here, walking around the old town has become one of the things to do in Monaco and it should be at the top of your list to do while in the city. Walking through the gardens is one of the best outdoor things to do in Monaco, and even there is a small piece of history located at Jardin Exotique de Monaco. Another great activity in Monaco for the budget-conscious is stopping at Monaco’s Japanese Garden, a gorgeous, carefully maintained oasis right in the heart of the city, topped off with elaborate water features and installations of Zen trees. For a peaceful break in the heart of Monaco, make sure you check out Princess Graces Rose Garden, which opened at the royal home way back in 1984, just two years after Princess Graces premature death.

The Princes Palace, built back in 1215, is easily one of the most popular attractions in Monaco: royal residence, history lesson, and museum, all rolled into one. The next most prominent structure to rise here in the old town is the Musee de Monaco, a towering church which was re-consecrated in 1911, having been built on the site of the first church of the country, dating from 1252. The interior of Monaco Cathedral is a spectacular work of architecture and art, the most-visited part of the building being the tombs of the ruling Grimaldi family, just beyond the altar.

Although it is often overlooked by visitors, Monaco’s Palace is one of Monaco’s most beautiful buildings, and is worth taking a quick stop/photo. Located in the Jardin Exotique de Monaco, the Musee Oceanologique de Monaco is a simple add-on for your walking day. With more than 6,000 collected specimens, Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum is one of the world’s best-known oceanographic museums.