Monaco, capital city of Monaco

Monaco is the capital city of Monaco

Monaco is one of the world's most sought-after addresses. Nestled between France and Italy, the city-state bristles with towers made of gleaming glass and terraces offering stunning views over the sparkling Mediterranean. The Belle Epoque grace of a bygone era is still present on the city's streets, conjuring up Monaco's elegant past, and the capital is a symbol of glamor. International glitterati flock to Monaco to gamble in the grand casino, score the latest fashions in the luxury shops and sip drinks in chandeliered palace lounges and hotels. Visiting the city is like experiencing a whole other world, dripping with luxury, elegance and grace.

A great place to begin your journey is Monaco-Ville, the historic medieval core of Monaco. Known for its charming, narrow streets and picturesque buildings, Monaco-Ville is one of Europe’s most wondrous treasures. The district is packed with a wealth of upscale shops, cafes and fine restaurants as well as many of Monaco’s top attractions such as the Prince’s Palace and Monaco Cathedral.

Start your visit to Monaco-Ville in style by entering the decadent Palais du Prince, serving as Monaco's royal palace since the 13th century. Each of the ruling Grimaldis has left a mark on the palace, resulting in one of the most eclectically elegant castles in Europe. Fifteen rooms are open to the public, and each gives way to more and more opulent treasures. The south wing is occupied by the Musee des Souvenirs Napoleoniens, featuring a collection of the military and political leader's personal objects.

The Monaco Cathedral stuns with its Roman-Byzantine style architectural beauty. Many of the sovereigns of Monaco are buried there, including Princess Grace and Prince Rainier. The interior features an early 16th-century altar designed by the Nicois master Louis Brea and a four-keyboard organ. Visit on a Sunday to hear mass sung. It is an experience you will not soon forget.

One of Monaco's most famous attractions is the internationally renowned Oceanographic Museum. Built in 1910 at the dramatic edge of a cliff near the Monaco Cathedral, the museum is a real stunner. Exhibits include an enormous coral reef that is home to both vivid tropical fish and deep-sea predators, the fanciful Whale Room and nearly 100 tanks containing 450 tropical and Mediterranean species of ocean creatures.

The crown of Monaco is Fort Antoine, an 18th-century fortress built on the tip of The Rock. Today, the fort is one of the country's premier performing arts venues, but it is still worth a visit even if you don't have a ticket to a show. The impressive military architecture includes a watchtower that offers magical views of the city and the Mediterranean.

The intoxicatingly beautiful Jardin Exotique is also worth a visit. The exquisite botanical gardens are home to a myriad of native plants and also houses the Museum of Prehistory and Anthropology. There, visitors can explore relics dating back to the pre-Roman era and learn about the country's rich history.

While in the city, visitors can also walk through historic La Condamine district, attend a show at the exceedingly flamboyant Monaco Opera House or view paintings by masters like Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró at the Marlborough Fine Arts Gallery. Elsewhere in Monaco, visitors will find a wide range of private art galleries as well as upscale boutiques and some of Europe’s finest retail outlets.

Monaco is also known far and wide for its world-class casinos. The principality boasts a number of them, but the spectacular Monte Carlo Casino is an absolute must-see, even if you don’t plan on gambling. The posh Monte Carlo district also holds a number of casinos as well. To see Monaco in all of its beauty, take a trip on the Azur Express train throughout the city embark on an Aquavision boat tour along the elegant coastline. Both options offer spectacular views of Monaco and are great ways to get acquainted with its layout and key landmarks.

While on the coast, visit the Monte Carlo Harbor to immerse yourself in the wonderful chaos of the sea-faring life. Passenger ferries, sailboats and luxurious yachts pack the harbor, making it a great place to people watch and catch a glimpse of the rich and famous.

The beaches of Monaco are some of the finest on the Mediterranean coast, and Larvotto Beach is a favorite for both locals and visitors. Spend an afternoon splashing in the warm, clean water or relaxing on the fine white sand. The peaceful atmosphere is a great respite from the excitement of the rest of the city, but there are also a number of places to eat and drink nearby.

Of course, no visit to Monaco is complete without sampling its world-renowned dining, shopping and nightlife scenes. The city boasts a wealth of fine restaurants, cafes and eateries that offer exceptional cuisine and offers an incredible array of fine shops, galleries and boutique stores to choose from.

From world-class gambling to exclusive shopping, fascinating museums to splendorous natural scenery, Monaco has something for everyone. Despite its small size, Monaco is packed with much to see and do. Visitors seeking somewhere beautiful and unforgettable would be wise to pay Monaco a visit, as the experience is nothing short of astounding.