Planning for Monaco:
Monaco is officially called the Principality of Monaco, as it is ruled by a Prince and is located on the French Riviera. It has an area of 2.02 km2 (0.78 sq mi) and is the second-smallest sovereign state in the world, after Vatican City. The other co-principality I visited on this trip was Andorra. I left in a train from Nice, France to visit Monaco. Travelling to Nice from Milan via Ventimiglia in Italy was by using 2 separate trains. I visited Monaco in August 2023.
Trains into Monaco:
The train from Nice Saint-Augustin, station in France to Monte-Carlo station in Monaco takes 32 minutes and the price of the ticket is 5.40€ one-way.
Accommodation:
I stayed at Holiday Inn Express in Nice, Grand Arenas close to the Airport as this place has a train station conveniently located in front of the hotel. Specifically, I booked this hotel with the ANNUAL FREE NIGHT REWARD I get every year from owning IHG PREMIUM Credit Card. More details on this credit card could be found here. Besides, I paid 1.32€ in city taxes for my stay. Also, this hotel is close to the Airport Terminal 1. Barcelona was the next city I had plans to visit. As, Flix Bus leaving to Barcelona starts at Terminal 1 of Nice Airport, this hotel was perfect location for all my needs.
- Places in Blue are the places I visited.
- Place in Purple is the train station location.
Boots on the Ground:
As this French Riviera Country is small area wise, one day is good enough time to explore tourist places of interest. The 2 main areas of tourist importance are located near the Prince Palace and at Monte-Carlo Casino.
At Palace of the Prince of Monaco:
After getting off at Monte Carlo station, I walked straight towards the Marina and made my way to the Palace.
Palais Princier de Monaco is the official residence of the Albert II, Prince of Monaco. Change of Gurad at the Palace (Palais Princier de Monaco) happens every day at 11:55am, so I headed straight for this event by walking up the hill to reach the palace.
Beautiful views of the Marina could be enjoyed from the viewing area at the palace.
Later I headed to the Cathedrale de Monaco, which is in close vicinity.
From there walking along Les Jardins Saint-Martin (Botanical Garden) with sea views is quite relaxing.
At the other end of the garden, we will find the Musee Oceanographique de Monaco (Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium)
It was a hot day here. To cover other places, I used the public transit bus which goes from the Palace of the Prince to Monte Carlo. The Bus number 1 and Bus number 2 connect these 2 areas. The price of the ticket is 2€ per ride.
Monte-Carlo:
The other set of attractions are in Monte-Carlo. Here the Formula 1 circuit could be seen. The Monaco Grand Prix is a Formula One motor racing event held annually on the Circuit de Monaco, in late May or early June.
Montecarlo is also famous for its casino. Montecarlo Casino is gaming and entertainment complex here.
La Collection Automobiles:
Last, but not the least I did visit La Collection Automobiles de SAS Le Prince De Monaco. There is a collection of around 70 vintage and classic cars that Prince Rainer III collected from late 1950’s. He was a motoring enthusiast. The entry Fee for the museum is 10.00€ and it could be bought here or at the entrance.
Prince Albert II found this museum in 1993 as the car collection was taking a lot of Garage space in the palace. Now it’s located at Port Hercule, just a few yards from the iconic Formula 1 circuit.
Conclusion:
Monaco is a small country ruled by a Prince Albert II currently. This French Riviera country is widely recognized as one of the most expensive and wealthiest places in the world. The official language of Monaco is French, though Italian and English are also understood by the residents. Spending one day will be good enough to explore the most interesting tourist spots in this Landlocked French Riviera country, by the Mediterranean coastline.
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