Monaco: Overview
The Principality of Monaco, the second-smallest country in the world and the most densely populated, is located on the Blue Coast of the French Riviera, between the Mediterranean Sea and France. In spite of its territorial extension, Monaco is one of the most chosen destinations by the wealthiest tourists of the world. This country is a must for those who love luxury, pleasure, casinos and cars.
Climate
The most temperate months (April-May and September-October) are the best ones to visit Monaco. Summer (June-August) can be suoffocating and crowded. Winter, which can be a little rainy but never too cold, is also one of the best times of the year to visit this country. January, month of the Monte Carlo Rally, and May, the one of the Grand Prix, are musts for car lovers.
Useful information
All those who want to visit Monaco for no longer than three months should have the necessary papers for visiting French territory (passport or identity card). You should ask what the case is at an embassy before traveling.
The used currency is the euro which you can change in hotels, exchange offices and banks, which operate only on week days. However, the Credit Foncier of Monaco, next to Monte Carlo casino, remains open every day, including Sundays and holidays, from 12 pm to 11 pm. Its advisable to change American dollars traveler's checks, since they are not widely accepted. The main credit cards are broadly accepted.
As for clothing, there are certain rules that must be followed. Beaches and swimming areas are the only places where you are allowed to circulate in bathing suits, naked from the waist up or barefooted. In public spaces, especially in religious buildings, you must circulate appropriately dressed. For attending parties or going to the casino men must wear suit and tie; for galas, black tie is required.
Although there are no particular health meassures to take, it is recommended to those who visit Monaco between November and April to get vaccines against the flu. It is also convenient to take enough personal medication and to hire a health insurance, since the costs of medical care in the country are quite high.
Although crime rate is not high travelers should take certain cautions since theft is frequent. Be careful with your belongings and have copies of every personal document in a different place than the originals. In the event of being robbed or the loss of personal papers you must inform it immediately to your own country embassy. Do not wonder alone in the night.
Where to go
Monte Carlo is by far the destination for the wealthy and famous. It is full of deluxe houses and hotels and, most important, is where the world known Monte Carlo Casino is. Besides this, here you can visit the Japanese Gardens and the National Museum of dolls and clocwork exhibits from yesterday.
Monaco-Ville, located in a promontory, invites you to the Place du Palais, where the Palais du Prince and the State Apartments are; to the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarius, to the Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs and the Princes of Monaco Wax Museum; the Collection of the Palace’s Historic Archives and to enjoy the Monte Carlo Story show.
The industrial suburb of Fontvieille offers you the beautiful Princess Grace Rose Garden, the Museum of stamps and coins where you will find rare pieces of Monaco’s postal history; Prince Rainier III’s Private Collection of Classic Cars which holds more than a hundred classic cars; the Naval Museum and the Zoological Terraces.
Festivals
For Easter, Christmas, November 19th (national day), St. Blas’, St. John’s and St. Roman’s days large parades and fireworks launchings in the port are organized.
The International Dog Show is one of the most recognized in Europe. The Spring Arts Festival is the main cultural event of the country. The International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo and Monaco International Salsa Festival feature the best artists of the world.
Other events known worldwide are the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo Rally.
