Super Seven
1. Monaco Harbour
Likely to be one of the first things you see when you enter Monaco. The square shaped harbour is packed out with yachts and definitely an area that's worth a stroll. There's plenty of restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating areas, and there's also an option to take a 2 hour boat cruise along the coastline.
2. Prince's Palace of Monaco
Located high upon the cliff top is the palace which is home to the oldest monarchy in the world.
Worth noting that the palace is a private residence, so only open to the public at certain times of the year, hence worth checking the website beforehand. The changing of the guards takes place at 11:55am every day.
3. Musee Oceanographique
Regarded as one of the oldest aquariums in the world and has a pretty cool location to go with it. Located 90 metres above the ocean in Le Rocher, which gives it a pretty dramatic setting. Worth noting that there's 3 aquariums within the building. These are Tropical Aquarium, Mediterranean Aquarium, and Shark Lagoon. There's some rare marine life and a decent restaurant on the roof terrace, which offers a great view of the shoreline, but no standout attraction.
4. Les Jardins Saint-Martin
This small botanical garden is located next to the aquarium, so you can definitely tie the two in together. The garden extends around the Le Rocher coastline and has benches where you can sit and relax. It's free entry, so worth a look while you're in the area.
5. Cathedral
The cathedral is quite modern when compared to others, as it was built between 1875-1884. If you're there on a Sunday from September through to June, it's worth noting that the local choir sing mass at 10am. Free entry and in the same direction as both Les Jardins Saint-Martin and the Aquarium, so tie it all in together.
6. Jardin Japonais
I wasn't expecting to find a beautiful Japanese garden in the French Riviera, but there is one and it's located in the middle of Monte-Carlo. Offering a zen setting in a peaceful atmosphere to switch off from the rest of the city.
7. Collection de Voitures Anciennes
This one is for car lovers and offers a chance to view the Prince of Monaco's vintage cars. Located on the Terraces of Fontvieille, which is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Monaco. There's almost 100 cars in total, and also 6 historic coaches.
Accommodation Advice
To put it simply, you need to have extremely deep pockets to afford Monaco hotel prices.
A simple solution is to stay in Nice and take one of the regular buses into Monaco. The bus ride itself is stunning, especially sitting on the right side of the bus.
In terms of a Nice hotel, I stayed at Hotel Univers, as it's located in the heart of the city, as well as being within easy reach of the Monaco bus stop.
Food Factor
The Starbucks in Monaco is not to be missed. I doubt there's many Starbucks cafes in the world offering views like this one. Located just above the Ni Box and within walking distance to Jardin Japonais. Okay, so the coffee is the same as from any Starbucks, but the outdoor terrace and views are amazing!
