Luxury yachts, stylish restaurants, sunshine and culture are the highlights of a holiday in Monaco. Situated on on the Cote D'Azur and home to the rich and famous, the principality of Monaco covers one square mile and has its own monarchy headed by Prince Albert II. Monaco is split into four distinct quarters - the best known is Monte Carlo with its world-famous Monte Carlo Casino and the setting for the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix; the port quarter, La Condemine, has a luxury yacht and cruiser lined harbour; Fontevielle is home to the Princess Grace Rose Garden, the Naval Museum and Prince Rainier III's Private Collection of Classic Cars; and finally the old town quarter of Monaco Ville, on top of the Rock of Monaco, is the place to see Monaco Cathedral, Place du Palais and the Prince's Palace. During the daytime, relax in the sunshine, stroll around the many cultural sights and buildings or enjoy some retail therapy in the many shops and boutiques. Monaco has a good choice of restaurants, bars and club to enjoy in the evening or you can enjoy a flutter at the casino. For a change of scenery Provence, the French Riviera and Italy are within easy reach. With so much to see and do on a holiday in Monaco, it's easy to see why it's a favourite destination for couples and groups of friends looking for sunshine and fun amongst the glitterati.
There are lots of thing to see and experience on a holiday in Monaco. Relax in the sunshine on Lavartto Beach. Hop on the Azur Express Tourist Train in Monaco Ville for a tour of the principality. Watch the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix wind its way through the winding streets. See Monaco from the air on a helicopter flight. Climb the steps to the top of the Rock of Monaco to visit the Prince's Palace, see the Changing of the Guard and for the best views across the bay. Monaco Exotic Gardens are a must for gardening enthusiasts. The children will love the Monaco Oceanographic Museum, where the aquarium has to over 400 species of sealife in 90 pools. The Monaco Motor Museum is a favourite with Grand Prix and motor vehicle fans. There's also the Monaco Stamp and Coin Museum, the Princess Grace Irish Library, Napoleon Museum and the Monaco Naval Museum to explore too.
When the sun goes down, there are a good choice of bars and clubs in Monaco to spend the evening. Gamble in style at the Monte Carlo Casino, where you'll also find a couple of nightclubs. Cafe de Paris, opposite the Casino, is a good place for an alfresco drink and a meal. Jimmy Z's at the Sporting Club and The Living Room are popular choices too.
There are lots of cafes, bistros and restaurants to tempt your tastebuds during a holiday in Monaco. Restaurants serve Mediterranean style cuisine with dishes featuring fish, seafood, vegetable, olive oil and rice. Local dishes to sample include soccca chickpea pancakes and the tomato and baked cod dish stocafi. Local french wines and beers make the perfect accompaniement to your meal.