From world class casinos to wild club nights to great food at Michelin star restaurants, Monaco is an adventure for the indulgent globe-hopper.
Mention Monaco and Grace Kelly and the grand casinos are the two immediate associations you make of this sovereign principality. Dust off the cliché and you’ll discover there’s more to this city-state than its royalty, bacarrat and poker. Giving us a whole new introduction to the country, considered the second-smallest independent country in the world, is Guillaume Rose, President, Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority. Here, he lists out lesser known facts of Monaco and things to do while visiting.
A country that loves its royalty
We have been a princely state for more than 700 years now. We celebrate the dynasty regularly, especially on the 19th of November when the nation gathers at the palace to celebrate with the Prince and his entire family. On the 27th of January we celebrate the Holy Patroness Saint De Vote and for that the nation burns a small boat that represents the one in which she arrived dead into the principality 300 years ago to be buried in the church which bears her name. Apart from these cultural and historic events, Monaco has 700 events every year.
Rich in heritage and national treasures
We love and respect our rich heritage. The Prince’s palace that goes back to the 11th century, Le Casino de Monte Carlo and the Hotel Hermitage, these structures are considered as No 1,2 and 3 of our national treasures. But we do have many more. And in order to retain the old world charm as well as our heritage, the parliament has voted a law to protect the Patrimony of the Principality of Monaco. Thus, ensuring that from now onwards by no means can anyone destroy our belle epoque villas or famous hotels.
Everything for everyone
Our location between France and Italy makes the visit to the Mediterranean Riviera very easy. Gastronomic experiences including Asian cuisine delight the people visiting Monaco. For gaming lovers, the country offers one of the world’s best casinos. And for relaxation and rejuvenation-seekers, we have the most holistic spas in Europe.
Romance and party at the same time
Monaco is considered among the most romantic places in the world. We have a lot of honeymooners visiting Monaco. We also have families choosing us as a destination. For families, we have a special place dedicated to children called Ni Box. Youngsters also find what they are looking for here, with big night events like the Monaco International Clubbing Show (MICS), which is one of the biggest night club meetings in the world.
The best kept secret of the country are its people who are very friendly, very warm and love welcoming visitors to their city.
While in Monaco...
1. Relax and enjoy the sensuous spas.
2. Enjoy at the 5 casinos. Also remember to visit the most famous and historical casino, the Monte Carlo.
3. Enjoy the gastronomy on offer. This is the only place on earth where you can find the most Michelin star restaurants.
4. The quality of the hotels is unforgettable for a price that is very competitive compared to London or Paris or other parts of the Europe.
5. It is one of the fashion capitals of the world, so shopping is the most obvious reason to visit Monaco.
6. A treat you must tuck into while in Monaco are Barbagiuans. They are deep-fried dumplings made with wheat dough and stuffed with rice, spinach and pine nuts. They are very sumptuous.
—As told to Mahalakshmi Prabhakaran
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