Playground to the rich and famous, Monte Carlo is a must-visit for anyone looking for a taste of that glamorous lifestyle. But what do you do once you’re there? Whether the gambling scene is still the place to be in your opinion, or the culture and history of the area has caught your attention, there’s still plenty to do in Monte Carlo without needing to spend the big bucks. So grab your passport, check your E111 card and book the flights, because we’ve pulled together the top five things that you have to do in Monte Carlo.
Oceanographic Museum
If you’re a fan of all things sea-life, or even just fond of gorgeous looking buildings built with 100,000 tons of stone from Southeast France, then the Oceanographic museum is the place to visit while you’re in Monte Carlo. While the museum isn’t free, at only €11 for adults and €5 for children during low season, €14 adults and €7 children in mid-season and €16 for adults and €8 for children in high season, the cost to visit the aquariums and exhibitions isn’t too steep. The stunning building sits on the edge of the water, with the back of the building running straight with the cliff below, and plays hosts to seahorses, sharks, cuttlefish, sea cucumbers and so much more to make it well worth a visit.
Prince’s Palace of Monaco
Another must-do option for your visit to Monte Carlo is to visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. At €8 for Adults and €4 for Students and Children, you can view the State Apartments on your visit without delving too deep into your pockets. If you enjoy vintage cars or would just like to see the Prince’s collection of over 100 classic cars at Les Terasses de Fontvieille, you can pay €11.50 for adults or €5 for students/children for a double ticket to see both the State Apartments and the collection. For something free to do at the palace, try and catch the Changing of the Guard. It happens daily at 11:55 a.m., and is something to be marvelled.
Monte Carlo Casino
Monte Carlo Casino is quite possibly the first thing that most people will think of when the city is mentioned. Stirring up images of James Bond, the Casino of Monte-Carlo is the epitome of glitz and glamour and home to some of the highest-rolling gamblers around. The stunning marble and bronze decoration adds to the high-class feel fit for the location, but it’s important to remember that if you plan on going inside the casino, there is a dress-code to follow that it’s worth looking into before you go. If you aren’t interested in gambling, you can see the beauty of the lobby for free, but to go any further you may need to pay an entry fee.
Monte Carlo Harbor
Yet another Bond location, the Monte Carlo Harbor is home to hundreds of magnificent yachts. With the rococo buildings and the mountains making up the view, it could well be worth hopping onto the “Bateau Bus” – or the water taxi – or paying out for a yacht cruise if the weather is on your side. If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on land, you can stroll the boardwalks and enjoy the atmosphere, or visit one of the plentiful shops and restaurants dotted around the harbour.
Le Metropole
Le Metropole shopping centre is yet another place in Monte Carlo that will make you feel like an extra on the set of the next Bond movie. The glitz and glamour of the entire city is concentrated within the shopping centre, with big-name brands like Swarovski and Versace making up the 80-store strong centre. If you’re short on cash, it could be worth a visit even just to window shop. Pass under the chandeliers hanging around the shopping centre and lose yourself in the luxury around you.
