Things to see in Monte Carlo
Attractions
The Private Collection of Antique Cars of Prince Rainier III
This superb exhibition of cars is a private collection left behind by the late Prince Rainer III. There are more than 100 vehicles on display, including Ferraris, Rolls-Royces, a Mini, a Citroën 2CV and a Lexus, which was used for the wedding between Prince Albert and Princess Charlene in 2011.
Address: , Les Terrasses de Fontvieille, Fontvieille,Telephone: +377 9205 2856.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1800.
Website: http://www.palais.mcAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Monaco-Ville
The historical heart of the principality, Monaco-Ville sits atop the dramatic Rock of Monaco and offers stunning views of the city. Ancient history seeps out of every stone of this beautiful old town, which seems a world away from the flash cars and millionaire yachts associated with Monte Carlo.
Address: , Monaco-Ville, Monaco-Ville,Telephone:
Opening times:
Daily 24 hours.
Website:Admission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Palais Princier de Monaco
At the heart of Monaco-Ville is the Prince's Palace, the ornate former residence of the Grimaldi family. Constructed in the late 13th century, this sumptuous building takes visitors on a journey through seven centuries of local history. Watch for the changing of the guards outside the palace daily at 11.55am.
Address: , Place du Palais, Monaco-Ville,Telephone: +377 9325 1831.
Opening times:
Daily 1030-1800 (Apr); 0930-1830 (May-Sep); 1000-1730 (Oct).
Website: http://www.palais.mcAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Musée Océanographique
Clinging like a barnacle to the Rock of Monaco, the Oceanographic Museum is housed in a stunning building that looks directly out onto the Mediterranean. This Aladdin's cave of marine paraphernalia is home to the world's first submarine, some incredible whale skeletons and an aquarium with more than 4,000 fish species.
Address: , Avenue Saint-Martin, Monaco-Ville,Telephone: +377 9315 3600.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1800 (Jan-Mar and Oct-Dec); 1000-1900 (Apr-Jun and Sep): 0930-2000 (Jul-Aug).
Website: http://www.oceano.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Jardin Exotique
This stunning collection of flora claims to be the largest rock garden in the world. Studded with exotic plants, the precipitous rock face gives visitors an explosion of colour and pungent aromas. There is also a museum housing archaeological finds from the surrounding area and a cave 60m (197ft) below.
Address: , 62 boulevard du Jardin Exotique, Monaco,Telephone: +377 9315 2980.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1900 (May-Sep); 0900-1800 (Feb-Apr, Oct); 0900-1700 (Jan, Nov-Dec).
Website: http://www.jardin-exotique.mcAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
New National Museum of Monaco: Villa Paloma
Tucked away in a magnificent Italian-style garden, the stately Villa Paloma is thought to have been built by an American from 1913. Today it makes up the New National Museum of Monaco, along with Villa Sauber, and it hosts two temporary exhibitions annually, which focus on contemporary art, architecture, fashion and design.
Address: , 56 boulevard du Jardin Exotique, Monaco-Ville,Telephone: +377 9898 4860.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1800 (Oct-May); 1100-1900 (Jun-Sep).
Website: http://www.nmnm.mcAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
New National Museum of Monaco: Villa Sauber
This museum is housed in Villa Sauber, a magnificent belle époque residence in the heart of Monte Carlo. Throughout the year this charming building hosts a series of kooky exhibitions, which focus largely on art and entertainment. The temporary displays mix contemporary works with more historical collections.
Address: , 17 avenue Princesse Grace, Larvotto,Telephone: +377 9898 9126.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1800 (Oct-May); 1100-1900 (Jun-Sep).
Website: http://www.nmnm.mcAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Monaco Cathedral
Monte Carlo's Catholic cathedral may not be as grand or imposing as other examples in Europe, but it is worth visiting because this is where the Grimaldi family crypt is housed. It's also where Princess Grace, who was tragically killed in a car crash in 1982, is buried.
Address: , 4 rue Colonel Bellando de Castro, Monaco-Ville,Telephone: +377 9330 8770.
Opening times:
Daily 0830-1800 (Oct-Apr); 0800-1900 (May-Sept).
Website: http://www.cathedrale.mcAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Monte Carlo Casino
It may be one of the world's most famous casinos, but don't be blinded by the gold glinting and belle époque glamour - many a high roller has lost to the house. Those that aren't having a flutter still need to pay to look around the elaborate atrium. There's a strict smart dress code for the impressive gaming lounges.
Address: , Place du Casino, Monte Carlo,Telephone: +377 9806 2000.
Opening times:
Daily 1400-0400.
Website: http://www.casinomontecarlo.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Princess Antoinette Park
Created to keep alive the principality's olive-growing traditions, this park in the lofty Les Moneghetti district has olive trees that are several centuries old as well as a mini golf course and children's play park. As well as being a lovely place to picnic, it's also a great place to watch the sun set.
Address: , Boulevard de Belgique, La Condamine,Telephone:
Opening times:
Daily 0830 to dusk.
Website: http://www.monaco-mairie.mcAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Monaco Tourist Office
Address: , 2A boulevard des Moulins, Monte Carlo,Telephone: +377 9216 6116.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0900-1900, Sun 1000-1300.
Website: http://www.visitmonaco.comHelpful staff here can dispense information as well as hand out maps and brochures. They can also arrange tours and accommodation, alongside excursions outside the city.
