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Monaco Travel Guide - with Wired Destinations
Monaco Travel Info – with Wired Destinations
Monaco History
 Monaco came into existence as a colony of Genoa in 1228 though it has been populated since the sixth century. The house of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco since 1297. Monaco was beaten by the French Revolution army and became a part of France until 1814. Monaco was founded as a principality in the same year. However, Monaco’s policy was dictated by France. Eventually, in 2002, France and Monaco came to an agreement that the principality of Monaco would become an independent nation. Incumbent Prince Albert II assumed his kingship on 12 July 2005. The economy of Monaco has been growing rapidly because of a first class casino and the construction of the railroad. Since then Monaco has become a prime Europe travel destination attracting tourists from all over the world.
Getting Around Monaco
Monaco By Air
Monaco doesn’t have its own airport; however, if you would like to get there by air, there is Nice Airport as the nearest one located 22 km from Monaco. A direct bus service from Nice Airport to Monaco is available for visitors’ convenience and it stops at the main Monaco hotels. In addition, there is a helicopter service ‘Héli-Air Monaco’ connecting Monaco and the airport with free shuttle bus to Monaco hotels.
Monaco Boats
The major harbors in Monaco are Hercule port (Condamine) and Fontvieille. They are able to serve yachts of all tonnages. There is a boat departing from Nice and other towns along the coastline to Monaco. However, the timetable should be checked before planning trip.
Monaco Bus
The Monaco bus system is convenient because it is connected with neighboring areas. The bus services include Nice: Seaside route with stops at Cap d’Ail, Eze-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Villefranche-sur-Mer. Middle Corniche route with stops at Cap d’Ail, Eze-Village and Col de Villefranche. Menton: Seaside route with stops in Roquebrune and Cap-Martin. Service to Saint Roman/Rocher de Monaco, Jardin Exotique/Rocher de Monaco, Gare SNCF/Larvotto Beach and Rocher de Monaco/Parking Touristique Fontvieille.
Monaco Taxi
Monaco Taxis can be found in Casino Square, Monaco Monte Carlo Railway Station, avenue Princesse Grace, Fontvieille, Métropole, Place des Moulins and the Post Office of Monte Carlo. Please keep in mind that there is a surcharge after 22:00 with a 15% tip.
Monaco Railway
There is a train station in Monte Carlo where the train runs between Monaco and Nice. The TGV, Mediterranean line, provides the journey between Monaco and Paris. There are also trains running to Genoa, Milan, and Basel. The routes offer the great view of beautiful countryside of these countries.
You can find information about train in Monaco at the tourist information center or ask the concierge at your Monaco hotel.
Accommodation in Monaco covers a wide range of price and standard. At the top-end of the market range, most five-star Monaco hotels have tastefully-decorated suites, Monaco shopping arcades, excellent restaurants, health centers, and entertainment facilities. Most of them are situated in Monte Carlo quarter.
Monaco sports and activities are fabulous. It is home to many famous sport tournaments attracting thousands of viewers each year such as the Monaco Grand Prix Formula One Race and the Monte Carlo Rally. Monaco boasts a wealth of sports activities including soccer, rugby, and water sports such as waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing and Monaco yachting. It is obvious that there is virtually any type of sports to suit everyone’s taste and budget.
Monte Carlo, the Mediterranean paradise
Monte Carlo is widely acceptable as one of the most posh and most popular Europe travel destinations. It is known for its casino, the entertainment complex and also splendid boutiques and Monte Carlo hotels.
 Other Tourist Destinations in Monaco.
Not only Monte Carlo defines Monaco’s charm, but there are also other fascinating destinations in Monaco such as the Prince's Palace, The Monaco Cathedral, Oceano-graphic Museum, and the Princess Grace Rose Garden.
Monaco Shopping
Monaco is a paradise for shoppers. Regular visitors to Europe know that, in many ways, Monaco beats other cities in terms of best deals for perfumes, jewelry, ceramics, clothing, shoes, chocolate, hosiery, books and embroidery. Monaco has many shopping streets where you can buy high-quality products.
The shops in Monaco are open on Sundays during summertime (From July 20th to August 31st) in order to provide a unique and luxurious Monaco shopping experience. Avenue des Beaux-Arts and the Casino Square have plenty of expensive jewelry shops such as Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, Gérard, Bulgari, Piaget, and Albuquerque. Also, there are a lot of high-end brand name clothing and accessories stores including Hermès, Céline, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Rive Gauche, Louis Vuitton, Burburry's, Chanel, you name it. For a budget traveler, window shopping is another way to get a taste of Monaco glamour.
Monaco Dining
Monaco offers a broad variety of restaurants, ranging from simple stands to the most elegant dining rooms with gracious hospitality. For those who would like to try Mediterranean cuisine, just drop by an outdoor restaurant terrace in Fontvieille, at the foot of the Rocher, to enjoy typical Monegasque dishes. Tempting local menus include Barbagiuan (pastry filled with rice and pumpkin), Fougasse (orange flower-water pastries added nuts, almonds and aniseed), Socca (pancakes made with chick-pea flour), and Stocafi (dried cod cooked with tomato sauce). Most superior Monaco hotels have high-class restaurants. Alain Ducasse, who is a Monegasque chef at the Hôtel de Paris, is one of the most famous chefs in the world. Monaco also offers fine restaurants featuring extraordinary dishes and international cuisine from just about everywhere in the world, making Monaco a centre of gastronomic noblesse.
Monaco Nightlife
Monaco is not only colorful at daytime but also after sunset when the city takes on a different shimmer and come to offer Monaco nightlife activities. Probably the most popular nightlife spot in the city is the Monte Carlo casino. Also, there are plenty of nightclubs, discotheques, music performances and cinemas. The most famous one is Jimmy'z situated on Avenue Princesse Grace which states to be the most luxurious and expensive nightclub in the world.
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