Dwelling place of the prosperous and prominent, Monte Carlo exudes vogue and panache. The locals walk the streets with a strut; you can smell the money. The town is a charming mix of posh city living and amazing white sand beaches. Monte Carlo is a small city; the preferred way to discover is by foot. The cobbled streets and restricted alleyways are home to a fascinating collection of petite shops, bars and restaurants.
1. Monte Carlo Casino
The first stop and a must see is the Monte Carlo Casino. It was built in 1863 and overlooks the Mediterranean sea. This architectural wonder has an amazing gold and marble atrium designed by the famous architect Charles Garnier.
2. Walk the Grand Prix Racing Route
The Monaco Grand Prix this year being held on May 24th has been held annually since 1929. It is considered by many to be the most prestigious race in motor sport. The race is run through the streets of Monte Carlo and it’s amazing to see how they transform the streets into a Formula 1 race course in such a short amount of time.
3. Prince’s Palace
The prince’s palace is open to the public from June to October. The courtyard of the palace is laid with millions of coloured pebbles, magnificently arranged in geometrical shapes. The palace was originally a fortress built in 1215, before being transformed into a luxury residence.
4. Monaco Cathedral
The cathedral was constructed in 1875 and is the final resting place of Grace Kelly the Princess of Monaco. This is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in all of Europe.
5. Stade Louis II
Or you make want to catch football match at the home of the AS Monaco Football Club. Even though it’s smaller than most top football clubs (capacity 18,500), the architecture make it one of the more beautiful football stadiums.
6. Monte-Carlo Thermes Marins
If you want a spa treatment this is the place to go. This spa has been around for over a century and has pampered the rich and famous, and delivered the ultimate in relaxation. Go ahead and treat yourself to a day you wont soon forget.
7. The Old Town
In Old Town you have your choice of local cuisine in a more relaxed setting . Here you can dive into native specialities such as Monegasque cuisine.
8. Café de Paris
Also in Casino Square, the Café de Paris is the place to be seen. With indoor and outdoor seating and a mix of locals and tourists you’ll have an awesome afternoon. The menu has an international flavour and daily specials are always recommended.
9. The Grimaldi Forum
After dinner it’s on to a concert, opera, or ballet, as well as festivals and exhibitions, including the Monte-Carlo Masters tennis.
10. Metropole Shopping Centre
Paris and Rome doesn’t have anything up this shopping center, the Metropole is a shopper’s paradise. It also boasts several high jewelry stores of the highest quality.
