1.Larvotto Beach
Larvotto Beach, Monaco |
One of Monaco's most popular beaches, Larvotto is a free-to-the-public shore located just a few-minutes' walk from Monte-Carlo. But like many French Riviera beaches, this one has pebbles rather than sand, so bring some sturdy shoes and be prepared to shell out some euros for a chair rental.
Several TripAdvisor users recommend this beach for families, and one says, "There aren't strong tides so it's perfect for kids to play in." But families should keep in mind that some beachgoers sun topless. You should also note that this beach is very popular, so if you want a spot in the sand, you should get there early.
2.Monte-Carlo Casino
Monte-Carlo Casino |
Perhaps the attraction that best exemplifies Monaco's capital city is its casino. The building's Beaux-Arts design was overseen by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris opera. And likewise, this grand casino also contains the city's opera and ballet. If this complex looks familiar, it's because you might've seen it before in the James Bond films, "Never Say Never Again" and "Goldeneye." It was also the inspiration for the casino in Ian Fleming’s first Bond book, Casino "Royale."
To get in, you must be 18 years old, properly attired (the more glamorous, the better) and you must pay the €10 EUR fee. After that, it’s up to you as to how much money you want to lose, ahem spend, at roulette, black jack, the slots, etc. The casino opens at 2 p.m.
3.Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium
Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, Monaco |
Founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I (also a sea captain), this museum/aquarium is one of the must-sees. The prince went on dozens of expeditions, and the exhibits are the fruits of his explorations: For example, the skeleton of a whale featured in the museum’s zoology room. And the aquarium -- widely considered one of the best in Europe -- contains more than 90 tanks, one of which is a shark lagoon.
Most travelers highly enjoyed their visit here. One TripAdvisor user says: "I like aquariums but I think this is my favorite one for the price. The history of the start of oceanography and all of the original samples collected in the late 1800's and early 1900's is fascinating." Another TripAdvisor user says this: "I had 2 hours to spend before dinner so we decided to go. Let me just say 2 hours was not enough! I could have spent all day there."
Open daily year-round, with different hours based on the month you visit, tickets cost €14 EUR or about $19 USD.
4.Prince's Palace
Prince Palace, Monaco |
This lavish Monaco-Ville palace is home to the prince, of course (it’s in the name after all). The royal residence has sheltered the Grimaldi family (of the 13th century) and Prince Rainier III and his lovely wife, Princess Grace (of the 20th century). Today, Rainier’s son and heir, Prince Albert II, calls the Palais du Prince home. Many recommend at least stopping by the palace on your Monaco vacation, even if you're not up for a tour of the state rooms. One TripAdvisor user does say, however: "You would think that the Prince could afford air conditioning in his residence, it was stifling in the mid July heat with all the crowds."
Luckily, there's a more airy feel to watching the changing of the guard (which takes place every day at noon and is free to watch) outside. You can tour the state rooms in the summer for €7 EUR ($9.50 USD). All year-round, you can step into the Napoleon Museum, which holds historical artifacts from Napoleonic times. Joint tickets for both the state rooms and Napoleon Museum cost €9 EUR or about $12 USD.
5.Princess Grace Rose Garden
Princess Grace Rose Garden , Monaco |
Thousands of roses blossom and diffuse their sweet scents in Fontvieille’s Princess Grace Rose Garden. Located in the southeast corner of Monaco, this garden is a great place to find respite from bustling Monte-Carlo. It’s so beautiful that one Fodor’s user even recommends it as a place to get engaged. Here, you’ll also find palm and olive trees; and while in the area, you should take time to explore the Fontvieille district itself, especially the contemporary sculptures strewn throughout.
One IgoUgo.com user says, "Go to the Princess Grace Rose Garden for peace, tranquility, and a stunning arrangement of wonderful roses, a perfect memorial to this country’s heroine." Free of admission, you can visit this garden every day from sunrise to sunset.
6.Monaco Cathedral
Monaco Cathedral |
This Monaco-Ville cathedral is probably most popular because it contains the grave of Grace Kelly, the actress-turned-princess of Monaco. In fact, one infatuated TripAdvisor user says, "For those who are a fan of this awesome woman, this is a must see place." Its history also dates a bit further back: The site once held a 13th-century church, but the current cathedral hails from the late 19th century.
If you’re visiting the Monaco Cathedral around dinnertime, you should drop in for a meal at one of the surrounding restaurants; according toWikitravel, these are some of the area’s finest dining establishments.
The cathedral is open daily for tours -- except during mass services -- free of charge.
7.Museum of Antique Automobiles
Museum of Antique Automobiles, Monaco |
None other than Prince Rainier III funded and gifted this museum with his personal collection of cars; if you go gaga for autos you'll absolutely freak out over the array on display here. There are 100 vehicles, which range from carriages (as in horse-drawn ones) to the Rolls Royce that Grace Kelly rode in on her wedding. One TripAdvisor user says, "I would recommend this museum to any car enthusiast, or, for that matter, even non enthusiasts, as it is most impressive, as is the whole principality."
Admission is €6 EUR (or about $8 USD), and you can visit the Museum of Antique Automobiles every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
8.Exotic Garden
Exotic Garden, Monaco |
Plant lovers and horticulturists unite! The Exotic Gardens, which lie along La Condamine's cliffs are "fabulous," according to oneTripAdvisor user, who also says, "The views of the Med and the harbors below were equally as exciting as the plant life. This visit was surely one of the highlights of our ten day cruise."
You'll see more than a thousand plant species, including cacti and even an underground cave. But in order to tour its stalagmites and stalactites, you'll need to follow a guide. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. depending on the season, tickets cost €7 EUR (or about $10 USD).
9.Monaco Grand Prix
Monaco Grand Prix |
Since 1929, racecars have been speeding along the Circuit de Monaco in the Monaco Grand Prix. And along with the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this is one of the world’s most important motorsports races. It’s also the most glamorous -- and definitely one of the most dangerous with elevation changes, twisting roads and tight corners.
This annual event takes place at the end of May. For more information or to book tickets, visit the website. But tickets don’t come cheap: Believe it or not, they range from $60 to $2,000 USD.
10.Les Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo
Les Therme Marins Monte-Carlo, Monaco |
Translated as "The Sea Baths of Monte-Carlo," this spa is one of Monaco's most favored. Salons, gyms, treatment rooms and restaurants are spread across four lavish floors, and though the spa is very discreet about its clientele, it most probably serves the jet-set crowd (think: Formula One and quasi-royalty). Spa treatments range from underwater massages to seaweed body wraps and many, many more luxury services. And just in case you were worried about your beach bod, the Times reports that, "Here you can try the latest cellulite-removal techniques -- a problem the French and Monegasques pay particular attention to -- to ensure that your body is fit for life on the Cote d’Azur."
You'll find it nestled beside the famous Hôtel de Paris. Prices depend upon treatment and/or package, but you can expect to drop a very handsome sum. It's the price for beauty, right?
Source : http://travel.usnews.com/Monaco/Things_To_Do/
Take a look on other Tourist attractions on : https://www.facebook.com/Ivisittheworld
No comments:
Post a Comment