Monaco

This is the second smallest independent state in the world (after the Vatican) and is entirely urban. Monte Carlo is not the capital of Monaco but a government district. The country is divided into nine sectors: Monaco-Ville (the old city), the Condamine (port quarter), Monte-Carlo (business and recreation) and Fontvieille (recreation, second port for smaller boats and light industry) are the most well-known among them. With no natural resources to exploit other than its location and climate, the principality has become a resort for tourists and a tax haven for wealthy people. Monaco is six times the size of the Vatican and the world's most densely populated country. While its borders have not moved since 1861 (when it de jure lost over 80% of its territory to France), Monaco has still grown its territory by creating artificial land from the sea, which is how the area Fontvielle came to be.

Read

• Rainier and Grace, republished as Grace of Monaco, by Jeffrey Robinson. An account of the lives of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, intertwined with the history of the country. The author knew Rainier and Grace personally, and he interviewed members of the royal family for the book.

Although it's not part of the Schengen Area, there are no border controls when entering or exiting Monaco from France, so it can for all practical purposes be considered part of the Schengen Area. There is border control for arriving boats. Intense police presence on entry-points throughout the day, evenings and week-ends.

By plane

The nearest airport is Nice Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) in neighbouring France, which is around 40 km (25 mi) away from the city centre. It operates daily flights to nearly all of Europe's main cities, such as London and Paris. There are regular Rapide Cote D’Azur buses connecting Monte Carlo with both terminals at Nice Cote-D'Azur airport, and taxis are always available outside the terminal buildings - although make sure a fee is agreed in advance or the meter is switched on at the start of the journey, as shady French taxi drivers are notorious for charging tourists whatever they see fit.

By helicopter transfer

JP Miss

Monacair is the sole operator of regular helicopter transfers between Nice Airport and the Monaco Heliport. After collecting your luggage at the Nice airport, present yourself at the Monacair reception desks (in terminals 1 and 2). A ground crew will carry your luggage and drive you to the heliport. The flight along the coast is beautiful and only lasts 7 minutes. When arriving right at the Monaco heliport along the water's edge, a chauffeur will take you directly to your hotel. When leaving Monaco, a partnership with airlines allows for a direct transfer to the boarding gate with your cabin luggage. Check with the company if these benefits are applicable with your airline. Rates are €140 for one-way transfers, and €260 for round trips.

By train

There are good connections to the nearby parts of France and Italy which are run mainly by SNCF and also Trenitalia. There are 2-4 services per hour to Nice, Cannes, Menton and Ventimiglia (Italy). Trains to further afield also stop in Monaco, such as the 'Ligure' (Marseilles - Milan), the 'Train Bleu' (Paris - Ventimiglia), the high-speed TGV (Nice - Paris, 6 hr 30 min) and the longest train journey wholly in Europe (Nice - Moscow, 47 hr) run by Russian Railway.
From Ventimiglia, it is easier not to use the Trenitalia counters or machines. Go to the travel agency (the only one) inside the station, which is marked with the sign of SNCF (French Railways). Return tickets not tied to a specific train are also available. Remember to validate your tickets just before boarding using the machines on the platforms.

• Monaco-Monte-Carlo railway station

  address: Place Sainte Dévote
  The principality's only railway station and operated by the French railway company SNCF. It is about 300 m back from Port Hercule. There are lockers for left luggage.

By car

Monaco is easily accessed by its land borders from France or Italy by a network of highways, most commonly used of which is the A8 which runs west from Monte Carlo to Nice and Marseilles, and east towards the Italian border.
Between Nice and Monaco, there are also three more scenic roads: the Basse Corniche (Low Coast-Road - Highway 98), along the sea, the Moyenne Corniche (Middle Coast Road - Highway 7), going through Eze-Village, and the Grande Corniche (Great Coast Road), going through La Turbie and Col d'Eze (Eze Pass). All are pretty drives offering spectacular views over the Coast line. For an extra-special treat, rent a convertible sports car from the many airport rental services and take in the French Riviera in style.
Taxi trips to and from Nice cost around 90€. So if you're on your own the helicopter is a viable alternative.

By bus

There is no bus station in Monaco. Instead, international buses stop at various points throughout the city. Regular buses, run by Rapide Cote D’Azur, connecting Monaco with Nice and other French destinations. Services run regularly to many major French towns and cities.
Route 100 leaves every 15 min from the Notre Dame du Port just north of the port in Nice and costs only €1.50—see time table.
An , route 110, links the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and Menton with multiple stops near all major hotels throughout Monaco, not just the ward of Monte Carlo. A bus leaves every half hour and a single ticket costs €22 (Sep 2016), a round-trip will set you back by €33 (Sep 2016).

By boat

Bengt Nyman

Monaco's two ports are no strangers to private yachts. is exceptionally beautiful and offers mooring and anchoring possibilities for up to 500 vessels, some of which are extremely large and elegant (in fact, many tourists often take time out of their day to simply have a drink by the water and admire the fantastic super yachts). The , integrated into the new district, can receive as many as 60 vessels of at least 30m in length. Both are large and well-equipped.
Monaco also serves as an embarkation port and port-of-call for cruises, so large cruise ships can often be spotted sailing in or out of Port Hercule.
In close proximity, the Port of Cap d'Ail is also a choice destination for pleasure-boats.

On foot

Tangopaso

A pleasant way to arrive in Monaco is to walk on the "" (seaside trail), about a 45-minute walk on a concrete path in a natural and peaceful setting. Take the train and stop at the Cap d'Ail train station (the last before Monaco when coming from Nice; not all the trains stop there). Outside of the train station, follow the road a few meters and take the stairs on the left to pass under the tracks. Once you reach the small road, turn left and walk a few meters, then take the stairs on your right next to the restaurant "La Pinède" to join the trail. If you want to do the route from Monaco to Cap d'ail station, go to the west of Fontvieille ward, cross to the French border to join the Cap d'Ail port and follow the seashore. After a few minutes you will arrive to the "" just after a final parking lot. It can be dangerous and closed in case of bad weather. In this case you will have either to go back and take the train, or walk on the road. There is no lighting at night.

By foot

Walking is by far the best way to get around Monaco; however, there are some areas, such as the Exotic Gardens, that require a large change in elevation and therefore make for rather strenuous hikes. There are also seven public escalators and elevators (all free) that help negotiate the steep slopes of the city. If you find yourself afoot and wanting to reach the opposite bank of Port Hercule, look for the small , a pedestrian-only ferry that runs each 20 minutes or so during daylight; it costs €2.

By bus

Monaco has an urban bus service, operated by the Compagnie des Autobus Monaco, through the city's five bus routes (labeled 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6) which serves 143 stops. Each stop has the bus number(s) that stop there, and most stops feature a real-time display showing waiting times for the next service. Each stop has a name and a network map. The service usually starts at around 6 in the morning and runs right through until about 9 o'clock at night. Tickets can be purchased on board the buses themselves (2€) or at many news vendors and shops throughout the city and at auto ticket machines at the bus stops (1.50€) - often it will be advertised as to where you can do this. A daily pass allows you to use the buses all day for €5.50 (9/2016) and can also be purchased on board the bus. A night bus service operates in a circular route from 22.00 until 04.00.

By motor scooter

You can easily rent a motor scooter in Nice and take a short trip east along the sea into Monaco. The views are beautiful and the ride is fun along the twisty seaside road. There are plenty of places to park for free. Theft is not a concern, as there are cameras throughout and police everywhere. To rent one whilst there, you must be at least 16 years old.

By bicycle

Cycling is definitely a good option to get around in Monaco, but the traffic in high season can be intimidating. There are two bicycle shops in town, which rent out bicycles. The bike shop rents e-Bikes and road bikes, whereas focuses on e-Bikes only.

By car

Private cars are singularly useless for getting around Monaco, as you'll spend more time trying to park than if you walked or took a taxi instead.
International rental car companies do have offices at the airport in Nice and also in Monte Carlo city. These include Avis, Gare Monte Carlo, Europcar and Hertz - drivers must have held a national driving license for at least one year and it is usually requested that the cost is paid for with the driver’s credit card. Driving in the city center can be intimidating in Monte Carlo with heavy traffic - however, it is often worth this to drive alongside the more expensive vehicles in the city! Make sure to request a car with an automatic gearbox if you are not used to driving manual.

By taxi

Taxis cannot be hailed on the streets (they won't stop) and there are two main taxi stands open around the clock at the Avenue de Monte Carlo and the railway station, although it is always best to agree a fee beforehand or make sure the meter is running. Most hotels will provide taxis or courtesy drivers. The best is to get the taxi service phone number to be able to call a taxi wherever you are.

French is the official and most frequently used language. Monagasque, the historic language of the native populace, is offered (but seldom taught) in schools, but in practice is rarely used outside of official documents and street signs. Due to Monaco's status as a destination for wealthy visitors, English is widely understood, as are many other languages, most notably Italian (many jobs in Monaco require a solid knowledge of Italian), German, and increasingly, Russian.

Mobile phones

As an independent state, Monaco has its own mobile phone networks. Although these are provided by the same multinationals as operate in France, if your phone connects to a Monaco network, it will count as 'roaming' in a new country, and as it is outside the EU, the EU directives and individual company's offers on the cost of roaming may not apply. If you are travelling through Monaco by train, the mobile signal at the station will be from Monaco, so you can be caught by this even if you never get off the train. Similarly, when travelling in France or offshore close to the border with Monaco, the strongest signal may be from a Monaco network.

The principality of Monaco offers a great balance of historical and modern attractions. There are various museums and palaces to visit as well as shopping malls and casinos. Monaco also offers relaxation spots along the harbor and even around the attractions. It is relatively easy to navigate Monte Carlo and Monaco if you take the time to learn where the various "short cuts" are. City maps are generally available at most news vendor stands and shops for a small fee. The could be a good starting point before venturing to explore the city.

• Monte Carlo Casino

  phone: +377 98062121
  address: Place du Casino
  The Monte Carlo Casino is a gambling and entertainment complex which includes a casino, the Opéra de Monaco, and the office of Les Ballets de Monte Carlo. Owned and operated by the Société des bains de mer de Monaco (SBM), a public company in which the Monaco government and the ruling family have a majority interest. The company also owns the principal hotels, sports clubs, foodservice establishments, and nightclubs throughout Monaco. If your wallet permits it, try your luck in the Grand Casino and gamble alongside the world's richest and often most famous. You'll need your passport to enter (as Monégasque citizens are prohibited from gambling at the casino), and the fees for entry range enormously depending on what room you are going to - often from €30 right up into the hundreds. You can also visit the casino without gambling for a nominal fee of 10€. The dress code inside is extremely strict - men are required to wear coats and ties, and casual shoes are forbidden. The gaming rooms themselves are spectacular, with stained glass, paintings, and sculptures everywhere. It is possible to enter the casino as a guest before middday for €17. The casino is not open for business at that time of day but visitors are provided with a half-hour audioguide and are permitted to walk freely through the premises. Minors are also allowed entry at this time too, and the dress code is less strictly enforced.

• Opéra de Monaco

  phone: +377 98 06 28 00
  The Monaco Opera House or "Salle Garnier" was built by the famous architect Charles Garnier. The auditorium of the opera house is decorated in red and gold and has frescoes and sculptures all around the auditorium. Looking up to the ceiling of the auditorium, the visitor will be blown away by the superb paintings. The opera house is flamboyant but at the same time very beautiful. There have been some of the most superior international performances of ballet, opera and concerts held in the opera house for more than a century; consider taking in a show during your visit... but expect to pay top dollar!

• Monaco-VilleTake a walk through Monaco-Ville, also known as “Le Rocher” or “The rock.” Monaco-Ville is still a medieval village at heart and an astonishingly picturesque site. It is made up almost entirely of pedestrian streets and passageways and most previous-century houses still remain. There a number of hotels, restaurant and souvenir shops tourists can stay, eat and shop at. You can also visit the Prince's Palace, the Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum, the City Hall, and the Saint Martin Gardens.

  Tiia Monto

• Palais Princier

  phone: +377 93 25 18 31
  The Palais Princier is in old Monaco-Ville and is worth a visit. There are self-paced, audio-guided tours of the palace. The palace also offers a breathtaking panoramic view overlooking the Port and Monte-Carlo. Everyday at 11:55 AM, in front of the Palace's main entrance visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony performed by the "Carabiniers". “Carabiniers” are not only in charge of the princes’ security but they offer him a guard of honor and on special occasions, are his escorts. The “Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince” has a military band (Fanfare), which performs at public concerts, official occasions, sports events and international military music festivals.
  Berthold Wernerld Werner

• Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée

  phone: +33 7 93 30 87 70
  The Monaco Cathedral was built in 1875 and stands on the site of a 13th-century earlier church. It is a Romanesque-Byzantine church dedicated to Saint Nicolas and houses the remains of former Princes of Monaco and Princess Grace. The church square also contains some of Monaco-Ville's finest restaurants.

• Jardins Saint-Martin

  address: Avenue Saint-Martin
  Beautiful park along the ridge at the southern end of Le Rocher.
  Stanimir Stoyanov

• Musée océanographique

  phone: +33 7 93 15 36 00
  address: Avenue Saint-Martin
  The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium is a world-renowned attraction. Located 279 above sea level, the museum contains stunning collections of marine fauna, numerous specimens of sea creatures (stuffed or in skeleton form), models of Prince Albert’s laboratory ships, and craft ware made from the sea’s natural products. On the ground floor, exhibitions and film projections are presented daily in the conference room. In the basement, visitors can take pleasure in watching spectacular shows of marine flora and fauna. With 4,000 species of fish and over 200 families of invertebrates, the aquarium is now an authority on the presentation of the mediterranean and tropical marine ecosystem. Lastly, visitors can have lunch in “La Terrasse” and visit the museum gift shop. The entrance fee depends on the month of the visit. Students can get discount by showing valid student ID. You need to take bus number 1 or 2 from the Monaco Monte Carlo train station to reach this aquarium.

Musée de l'automobile de Monaco

phone: +377 92 05 28 56

address: Les Terrasses de Fontvieille

For any car enthusiast this is the place to go. There is everything, from carriages and old cars to formula 1 race cars. Around 100 vehicles are on display here.

• Jardin Exotique

  phone: +377 93 15 29 80
  address: 62, Boulevard du Jardin Exotique
  The Jardin Exotique is one of the many gardens Monaco has to offer. It is also one of Monaco’s finest tourist attractions. Several thousand rare plants from around the world are presented in a walking tour that is quite memorable for the views as well as the flora and plants. Due to the rise in altitude, not only are there many displays of desert plants but there are a handful of subtropical flora displays as well. There is also a grotto (cave) that has scheduled guided tours. The tour starts at the beginning of every hour and lasts for around 25 minutes. In the cave, you will have to climb the stairs equivalent to around a 6 storied building. You need to take bus number 2 to reach this Garden. You can take this bus either from the train station or from the Oceanographic Museum.

• Yacht Club Monaco

  phone: +377 93106300
  address: Quai Louis II
  Founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier and presided over by Prince Albert II since 1984, the Yacht Club de Monaco brings together more than 1200 members from 60 nationalities. Many of the world’s most prestigious private yachts fly the Yacht Club de Monaco’s burgee, testimony to its unique position on the international yachting scene. The new building designed by Lord Foster is located in the heart of Port Hercule, in front of the YCM Marina. The YCM Gallery is a new area open to the public.

• La Condamineis the second oldest district in Monaco, after Monaco-Ville. Here you can stop and marvel at the many luxurious yachts and cruise ships which usually adorn the docks in the marina. La Condamine is a thriving business district where you can visit the and the . With enjoyable landscaped areas and modern buildings, La Condamine is surely worth a visit.

• Grimaldi Forum

  phone: +377 99 99 20 00
  address: 10, Avenue Princesse Grace
  The Grimaldi Forum is the Monaco convention center. Completed in July 2000, the sun filled building on the sea has a remarkable glass entrance, two convention restaurants, an auditorium for ballet and opera, and two more auditoriums for meetings and other affairs. The Forum also offers two large exhibition halls that can be used for trade shows or other exhibitions. It is also a short walking distance from surrounding hotels.

• Champions PromenadeThe winner of the "Golden Foot" football player of the year award leaves a permanent mould of his footprints here on the seafront walk. The most recent winners are Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas and Edinson Cavani.

• Jardin JaponaisThe garden is 0.7 hectares in size, and features a stylised mountain, hill, waterfall, beach, brook, and a Zen garden for meditation. The garden was designed by Yasuo Beppu, the winner of the Flower Exhibition of Osaka 1990, as a miniature representation of Shintoist philosophy.

• Marlborough Fine Arts Gallery

  phone: +377 097 70 2550
  address: 4 Quai Antoine 1er
  The Marlborough Fine Arts Gallery was founded in London by Frank Lloyd and Harry Fischer. A second gallery was opened in Rome, another in New York, and one more in Monaco. The gallery holds a grand collection of post-World War II artists and even paintings by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Jules Brassai, Louise Bourgeois, Dale Chihuly, David Hockney and Henri Matisse. The gallery also offers group exhibitions.

• Nouveau Musée National - Villa Sauber

  phone: +377 98 98 91 26
  address: Avenue Princesse Grace 17
  Art exhibition in one of the last Belle Epoque villas in Monaco.

• Nouveau Musée National - Villa Paloma

  phone: +377 98 98 48 60
  address: Boulevard du Jardin Exotique 56
  Art exhibition at the second location of the New National Museum.

Annual events

• Monaco Grand Prix

  phone: +377 93 15 26 24
  Monaco's streets hosts the best known Formula 1 Grand Prix. It is also one of Europe's premier social highlights of the year. The Automobile Club of Monaco (ACM) organizes this spectacular Formula 1 race each year in late May. The Grand Prix is 78 laps around 3.34 kilometers of Monte Carlo's most narrow and twisted streets. The main attraction of the Monaco Grand Prix is the proximity of the speeding Formula One cars to the race spectators. The thrill of screaming engines, smoking tires and determined drivers also makes the Monaco Grand Prix one of the most exciting races in the world. There are more than 37,000 seats available for sale on the circuit ranging from €310 (at Boulevard Albert 1er) to €600 (at Casino Square) for a ticket on race day. Monaco residents often rent out their terraces for the event with prices ranging from €8,000 to €140,000 for the four days. During the rest of the year (except during the Historic Grand Prix and the ePrix; see below), it is possible to walk around the circuit. Tourist office maps have the route clearly marked on their maps, although devotees won't need them! For those who can afford it, you can also take a ride around the track in a performance car.

• Historic Grand Prix of Monaco

  phone: +377 93 15 26 24
  The famous Grand Prix isn't the only race on Monaco's streets. The ACM also organizes the Historic Grand Prix, held two weeks before the Grand Prix in even-numbered years, featuring a series of seven races (as of the most recent edition in 2018) that spotlight historic Formula 1 cars from all eras from pre-World War II to 1980. The races use a shortened version of the famous circuit, and tickets are less expensive than those for the Grand Prix.

• Monaco ePrix

  phone: +377 93 15 26 24
  In odd-numbered years, the Historic Grand Prix is replaced by the Monaco ePrix, also organized by ACM and part of the international Formula E series. If you enjoy auto racing but can't handle the engine noise, this is the racing series for you—Formula E cars are electric. The cars run 51 laps of a shorter version of the circuit (1.765 km instead of 3.34 km).

Festival International du Cirque

phone: +377 92 05 23 45

address: 5 Avenue des Ligures

This extraordinary circus festival takes place every year in January (Next occasion: 17th - 27th January 2019). The world's best performers in their field take part.

Monte Carlo Tennis Masters

phone: +377 97 98 70 00

This tournament is held end of April each year at the Monte Carlo Country Club just outside of Monaco in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Rafael Nadal is the record holder.

Top Marques Monaco

phone: +377 97 70 12 77

address: 10, Avenue Princesse Grace

An exhibition, which features luxury aircraft, automobile, banking, boat, footwear, handbag, jewellery, real estate and wine products. The exhibition itself is less of an attraction than what actually happens on the street during the show. People bring their tuned sports cars from all over Europe to drift and rev their cars on the streets while being photographed by hundreds of car spotters. Held every third week of April each year.

Rallye Monte Carlo

phone: +377 93 15 26 00

Maybe the most famous rallying event in the world. The stages of the rally run in the area around Monaco and the French Riviera. The cars gather on the day before the first stage in the "tire fitting zone" at Casino Square. Held every year in late January.

Monaco Yacht Show

phone: +377 93 10 41 70

address: Route de la Piscine

Held every year in September at Port Hercules this is considered one of the biggest superyacht shows in the world with around 130 boats on display. Walk along the harbourfront on the blue carpet and marvel at yachts with a combined net worth of about $3 billion.

• Hike or drive up Tête de Chien ("Dogs Head")Enjoy one of the most spectacular views over Monaco. can be found right north of the "Fort de la Tête de Chien". A big chunk of the Formula 1 track can be seen from this viewpoint. Equipped with binoculars it is the most economical and special way to see the Grand Prix live.

• Hike along the coastal path from Monaco to CarnolesA beautiful walk with splendid views towards Monaco. It takes roughly 2 hours from Monte-Carlo to circle Cap-Martin and finally reach Carnoles train station, where you can catch a train back to Monaco. An alternative to go back is by bus number 100. The overall distance is about 9km.

• Azur Express

  phone: +377 92 05 64 38
  Fun tourist trains make daily tours all over Monaco. You will visit the Monaco Port, Monte-Carlo and its Palaces, the famous Casino and its gardens, the Old Town for City Hall and finally the royal Prince’s Palace. Commentaries are in English, Italian, German, French and another 8 languages. This enjoyable tour runs about 30 minutes long without the possibility to leave the train.

• Monte-Carlo SportingIn the summer time, Monte-Carlo is illuminated with dazzling concerts at the exclusive Salle des Etoiles, which lies within the Sporting complex. It has featured such artist as Natalie Cole, Andrea Bocelli, the Beach Boys, Lionel Richie and Julio Iglesias among others. The club also hosts a small casino which includes basic casino games. With no one under the age of 18, the rate per person is 20€.

• Watch football at

  AS Monaco

  phone: +377 92 05 40 21
  address: 7 Avenue des Castelans
  They play in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football, and often qualify for European tournaments. The stadium, capacity 18,500, is on reclaimed land on the southern border of Monaco: one of a select few where a wayward shot on goal might see the ball land in another country.

Money

Like its neighbor, France, Monaco uses the euro. Currency exchange is readily available for a wide range of currencies. ATMs are commonplace.

Shopping

Shopping in Monte Carlo is usually quite exclusive and is certainly no place for a budget holiday. There are plenty of places to melt the credit card alongside Europe's high rollers. The chic clothes shops are in the Golden Circle, framed by Avenue Monte Carlo, Avenue des Beaux-Arts and Allées Lumiéres, where Hermès, Christian Dior, Gucci and Prada all have a presence. The area on and around Place du Casino is home to high-end jewelers such as Bulgari, Cartier and Chopard. You will find, however, that most tourists will simply enjoy wandering the area and window shopping, even if you don't buy anything. The normal shopping hours are from 9AM to noon and 3PM to 7PM.
For a more cultured take on shopping in Monte Carlo, try the Condamine Market. The market, which can be found in the Place d'Armes, has been in existence since 1880 and is lively and attractive - many hours can be spent simply wandering around, bargaining for souvenirs from the many tiny shops, boutiques and friendly locals. If however, your shopping tastes are more modern, just take a short walk along the esplanade to the rue Princess Caroline pedestrian mall.
The Fontvieille Shopping Centre is also a more "normal" shopping experience with 36 shops selling electronic goods, CDs, furniture, and clothes as well as a Carrefour supermarket and McDonald's. The tourist office also issues a useful free shopping guide to the city.

• Le Métropole Shopping Center

  phone: +377 93 50 15 36
  address: 17 Avenue des Spélugues
  80 shops in a beautiful ambient. The chandeliers are amazing.

Some stores to browse or buy:

• Fred Boutique

  address: 6, av des Beaux-Arts, Monte Carlo 98000
  Located on the exclusive avenue of des Beaux-Arts, this is one of only a handful of Fred boutiques in the world. An official jeweler of Monaco's royal family and a favorite of celebrities, you may not be able to afford much in this boutique, but its worth a jaw dropping visit. If you go to Monte Carlo, you shouldn't miss this.

• Boutique du Rocher

  address: 1, av de la Madone, Monte Carlo 98000
  Opened by Princess Grace in the 60s, travellers still flock here to grab the very best in take home souvenirs. Choose from hand-carved frames and mirrors, ceramics, homewares and toys. Prices are moderate and all proceeds go to local charities.

• Davidoff

  address: 17, av des Spélugues, Les galeries du Métropole, Monte Carlo 98000
  High end cigar and cigarette store, where you are assisted by staff that know their product well.

• Galerie Moghadam

  address: 23 & 41, bd des Moulins, Monte Carlo 98000
  Award-winning speciality shop that offers superb hand woven tapestries and carpets.

• Pratoni Monaco

  address: 7, Avenue Princesse Grace
  Monaco fashion brand Pratoni offers a variety of ready-to-wear clothing & accessories for gentlemen in addition to wide range of made-to-measure services. All items are of high quality and made in Italy or Monaco.

Food in Monaco is varied, but generally expensive, and even very basic meals often set you back over €20-30. Take a look at the menu before entering even shabby restaurants or you may be in for a surprise. There are places where you can find decent value for your money, but they often require knowing about beforehand. Restaurants where locals dine are often located a little bit away from the waterfront and often serve better food for lower prices (however, since you are in Monaco: nothing is a bargain).
There are many restaurants catering to tourists, from the Cafe de Paris across the street from the casino, to the waterfront restaurants along the Port de Fontvieille. During the winter months, you will find the restaurants to have a slightly lower price tag. Bouillabaisse is a good tip.

Budget

There is a variety of restaurants and cafés in the city with a moderate price tag and excellent food. A few simple cafés exist along the marina-side, more like beach bars than anything else, serving simple meals such as pizza, salads and hotdogs throughout the day. These can be good for sitting back during the hot midday with a cold beer or glass of wine, a snack to recharge your batteries from exploring the city, and the gentle lapping of the Mediterranean (and often the roar of supercars) in your ears. Most of these restaurants are equipped with water-misters in the ceilings that gently cool and refresh the clientele.

• Stars 'n' Bars

  phone: +377 97-97-95-95
  address: 6 quai Antoine-1
  American style sports bar serving standard burgers pizzas and sandwiches. Drinking or dining during Happy Hour offers reasonable value for money.

• Pizzeria Monégasque

  phone: +377 93-30-16-38
  address: 4 rue Terrazzani
  For those on a budget, be sure to grab a slice of one of their delicious gourmet pizzas that taste even better when sitting on the outdoor terrace. Main courses are also available from 10€-22€.

• McDonald's

  phone: +377 97 70 37 91
  address: Boulevard Louis II
  One of the few places in Monaco with reasonable prices. This must be one of the McDonald's with the best view in the world! There is a second branch in the Fontvieille Shopping Centre.

Mid-range

• Café de Paris

  phone: +377 98 06 76 23
  address: Place du Casino
  The nerve centre of Monte Carlo, where people go to see and be seen, buzzing with the feel of old time Monte Carlo, circa early 1900s. Menu items change frequently, as do the waiters, who seem intent on rushing patrons through their meals. For people-watching, you could try a diet Coke for a €6 (glas of beer 14€, ice cream 16€). Reservations to dine are recommended.

• Beefbar

  address: quai Jean Charles Ray, 98000
  Quality cuts of beef on offer, attached with high, though surprisingly worthwhile price tag. Small cups on puree are available for the meat, though an additional cup (one is far too small), costs 8.5€. Wine selections are paired perfectly with the red meat. Chic atmosphere and the staff are extremely attentive.

• Baccarat

  phone: +377 93-50-66-92
  address: 4 Escalier Saint-Charles
  Serving some of the finest Italian fare in Monte Carlo, Baccarat has an airy and authentic atmosphere. The oven-baked turbot with artichokes has customers such as Robbie Williams coming back again and again.

• Fuji

  address: 4 av de la Madone
  Sleek and sexy Japanese restaurant that offers authentic sushi favorites at reasonable prices.

Splurge

Dining in Monaco can be a very sobering experience to whomever is paying the bill. Perhaps the most exclusive and famous restaurants in the city are the Louis XV Restaurant and the Le Grill de L'Hotel de Paris, both centered on the very exclusive Hotel de Paris. You are more than likely to be seated next to a member of the rich and famous, and the gourmet food is simply out-of-this-world - however, these experiences come with a rather hefty price tag!

• Louis XV

  phone: +377 98 06 88 64
  address: Hôtel de Paris - Place du Casino
  In one of the finest hotels in the world, run by one of the finest chefs in the world (Alain Ducasse) this Michelin 3 star rated restaurant serves dining perfection among luxurious glitterati. The level of sophistication for all dishes is hard to be surpassed, the sea bass with Italian artichokes regularly reaches a score of 19/20 by restaurant critics. The restaurant contains the world's largest wine cellar: 250,000 bottles of wine (many priceless) stashed in a rock cave. Reservations are essential, as are jacket and tie for men.

• Le Grill de L'Hotel de Paris

  phone: +377 92-16-29-66
  address: In the Hôtel de Paris, place du Casino
  Although often overlooked by the famed 'Louis XV', look above to the Hotel de Paris' rooftop for its equally elegant contender. Less intimidating than the Ducasse citadel downstairs, Le Grill offers every imaginable sort of grilled fish, and meat that come from the nearby Alps. The selection of 600,000 wines are the perfect accompaniment to every dish, and the service is impeccable. Dining on the rooftop affords you stunning, panoramic views of Monte Carlo, and in the summer, a blanket of starry sky.

Champagne has the status of a national beverage in Monaco. A single glass can cost as much as €40 at a fashionable restaurant!

• Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo

  phone: +377 98 06 70 68
  address: 26 avenue Princesse Grace
  The ultimate night club in Monte Carlo, the famed Jimmy'z is frequented by royalty and the uber-rich, which isn't a surprise considering some of the hefty price tags, a beer will cost you upwards of 26€. If you can't afford it, there are other clubs to go to. There are two entrances - one, two floors down in Le Sporting Club, the other at street level, and many rock stars and billionaires have walked through both. Staff can be quite rude, but so are most of the patrons. Definitely an experience.

• Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo

  phone: +377 98 06 19 19
  address: Place du Casino
  The famous Buddha themed bar, which also serves outstanding meals.

• Zelos

  phone: +377 99 99 25 50
  address: Top Floor Grimaldi Forum Ave. Princesse Grace
  Showcasing panoramic views from the top floor of the Grimaldi Forum, the outdoor seating area offers the perfect spot to see yachts cruising into the harbor. Top models and the people who want to be with them dance the early mornings away here and we defy you not to do the same. Cocktail list is impressive and bite-sized treats are available.

• Bar at the Columbus Monaco

  phone: +377 92 059000
  address: 23 Avenue des Papalins Monte Carlo
  More laidback and informal than some of its counterparts, its subdued atmosphere is a refreshing change from some of the high energy Monaco bars. Decked out in shades of chocolate, it's almost as sweet as the chocolate martinis, which come with a big truffle in each glass which slowly melts into your drinks and tastes heavenly. Formula One race car driver David Coulthard is a co-owner, which means you have a good chance to run into some Formula 1 drivers.

If you're on a budget, Monaco is not the best place to be. For example, a two star hotel without breakfast and bathroom will cost around €60 per person. A better option is to stay in one of the many towns outside of Monaco, for example Ventimiglia, which is a sea-side town situated on the French-Italian border on the Italian side. Nice is only 1/2 hour away from Monaco and it's very cheap to use the frequent trains. During the winter season, a comfortable two star hotel will only cost you about €20 a person.
The Monaco Tourism center staff will also sit down and make phone calls to assist walk-ins in finding accommodation. Even if you ask for "cheap" lodging.

Mid-range

• PV-Holidays have two properties in the area. Each room is a self-catering studio or apartment. Located in Beausoleil both properties range from €150-€160 per night. +33 1 58 21 55 84
• Colombus Hotel: Situated in La Condamine, the Colombus Hotel is co-owned by successful Glaswegian hotelier Ken McCulloch, designer Amanda Rosa and British F1 racing driver David Coulthard (all Monaco residents today). There is an excellent restaurant and the lobby is a great spot to relax on the comfortable sofas. Rooms are modern. The hotel is located just by the heliport, and about 200 meters from the Stade Louis II.

• Hotel Ambassador

  address: corner of ave Prince Pierre
  Surprisingly standard mid range hotel that is good value for business travellers and those watching their euros. Rooms are kitted out with the usual TV, mini bar air con, with wi fi access and cable making it a nice touch.

• Hôtel Cosmopolite

  phone: +377 93-30-16-95
  address: 4 rue de la Turbie
  Simple hotel that is well priced given the hotels location. There's no elevator, and only some rooms have bathrooms, but its reasonably cheap and the hotel owner, Madame Gay Angèle is welcoming and makes you feel right at home.

• Bw Hotel Prince De GallesFacing the Mediterranean, with panoramic terrace and bar, lush tropical garden and Mediterranean Restaurant.

Splurge

• Hôtel Hermitage

  phone: +377 98 06 40 00
  address: Square Beaumarchais
  Perched on a clifftop, the Hermitage offer idyllic living at its best. The majority of rooms have balconies, so guests can have stunning views from their rooms. While the hotel is quite old, all amenities and features and modern and elegant in their styling and a stay here is truly well deserved. The SBM's Carte d'Or offers the Hermitage's guests transport and access to the facilities of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel and Les Thermes Marins spa.

• Hôtel de Paris

  phone: +377 9216 30 00
  address: Place du Casino
  Offering a level of sophistication that has awarded itself as one of the world's most famous hotels. Featuring marble pillars, crystal chandeliers, Louis XVI chairs, and sumptous carpets, its a vision of luxury and a favorite among the world's travellers. Rooms are simply enormous with marble and brass furnishings and the hotel is home to the country two finest eating establishments, the Le Grill de l'Hôtel de Paris and Le Louis XV. The SBM's Carte d'Or offers the de Paris' guests transport and access to the facilities of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel and Les Thermes Marins spa.

• Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort

  phone: +377 98-06-02-00
  address: 40, avenue Princesse Grace
  Awe impressive 4-hectare (10-acre) resort. The high price reflect the quality of stay. Only steps away from Monte Carlo's sandy beaches, more than 3/4 of rooms open onto sea views. Marble bathrooms feature flat screen tvs with cable ties, the hotel pool has an indoor pool covered with an ornate glass dome, and the hotel bar is none other than Jimmy'z's. The furnishings are sandstone floors, soft Mediterranean pastels and sleek modern amenities. The service to detail is outstanding, different shampoos and towels on different days, and the staff are polite and attentive without being intrusive. The SBM's Carte d'Or does not offer the Bay Hotel's guests access to the facilities of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel or Les Thermes Marins. The Bay Hotel is rather self-contained, but lacks a beach.

• Hôtel Métropole

  phone: +377 93 15 15 15
  address: 4, avenue de la Madone
  It was built in 1886 and has 126 guest rooms, including 64 suites. It was designed by Hans-Georg Tersling. Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark died there in 1944, and American television host Mike Bongiorno died there in 2009.

In many ways, the Respect section of the France page can detail how to be respectful toward the Monegasque population, but Monaco is a separate nation and it may be insulting to casually conflate the two. Monaco's population retain their own history, their own culture, and their own lifestyle. Directions or other help are only a smile and a question away.

Monaco is generally safe, even for a night walk through the streets or coastline, with little street-crime, and a strong police presence. It has one of the lowest homicide rates of any country in the world, and among the lowest in terms of overall violent crime. Because of their wealth, public spaces are blanketed with cameras and any kind of disorder may produce an immediate reaction and the attendance of several officers. However, pick-pocketing may occur during sporting events, like the formula One Grand Prix and major football games.
Homosexuality is legal, although there are no specifically gay places in Monaco. You can walk with your same-sex partner hand in hand without being insulted in public places.
Monaco security can follow anyone on public areas, streets & corridors, using the vast camera network without losing you from their screens.

Tap water is safe to drink.

• Other places at the Cote d'Azur, like Èze, Nice, Antibes, Cannes
• Coastal towns further east along the French Riviera, like Saint Tropez, and Marseille
• Maritime Alps
• Italy (Ligurian coast, Genoa, Milan, et al.)