Monaco

Understand

This is the second smallest independent state in the world (after the Vatican) and is entirely urban. Monte Carlo is not the capital of Monaco but a government district. The country is divided into nine sectors: Monaco-Ville (the old city), the Condamine (port quarter), Monte-Carlo (business and recreation) and Fontvieille (recreation, second port for smaller boats and light industry) are the most well-known among them.

With no natural resources to exploit other than its location and climate, the principality has become a resort for tourists and a tax haven for wealthy people. Monaco is six times the size of the Vatican and the world's most densely populated country. While its borders have not moved since 1861 (when it lost over 80% of its territory to France), Monaco has still grown its territory by creating artificial land from the sea, which is how the area Fontvielle came to be. Its size is smaller than Central Park.

Get in

Although Monaco is not part of the Schengen Area, it has open borders with France, so it can for all practical purposes be considered part of it. If you want a passport stamp, you can queue for one at the Mairie de Monaco. There is border control for arriving boats from outside the Schengen Area.

If you want to stay for more than 90 days, you will need to obtain a residence permit.

Monaco does not issue its own visas, and instead accepts a Schengen visa for entry. If you plan to visit only Monaco and are entering by boat directly from outside the Schengen Area, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa from a French diplomatic mission (if one is required for your nationality).

Get around

Note that (as of September 2024) it is very difficult to store luggage. The train station info desk even has a sign outright saying it's not possible anywhere in the country.

See

The principality of Monaco offers a great balance of historical and modern attractions. There are various museums and palaces to visit as well as shopping malls and casinos. Monaco also offers relaxation spots along the harbour and even around the attractions. It is relatively easy to navigate Monte Carlo and Monaco if you take the time to learn where the various "short cuts" are. City maps are generally available at most news vendor stands and shops for a small fee. The could be a good starting point before venturing to explore the city.

thumb|right|300px|Monte Carlo Casino thumb|300px|Opéra de Monaco thumb|300px|Monaco-Ville, featuring the Prince's Palace of Monaco thumb|140px|right|Guard at the Prince's Palace thumb|Cathedral Notre-Dame-Immaculée thumb|Musée Océanographique facing the sea thumb|Jardin Exotique with city in the background

Do

thumb|300px|Panoramic view from Tête de Chien

Eat

Food in Monaco is varied, but generally expensive, and even very basic meals often cost over €20-30. Take a look at the menu before entering even shabby restaurants or you may be in for a surprise. There are places where you can find decent value, but they often require knowing about beforehand. Restaurants where locals dine are often located a little bit away from the waterfront and often serve better food for lower prices (however, since you are in Monaco: nothing is a bargain).

There are many restaurants catering to tourists, from the Cafe de Paris across the street from the casino, to the waterfront restaurants along the Port de Fontvieille. During the winter months, you will find the restaurants to have a slightly lower price tag. Bouillabaisse is a good tip.

Drink

Champagne has the status of a national beverage in Monaco. A single glass can cost as much as €40 at a fashionable restaurant!

Sleep

thumb|Fairmont Hotel with the tunnel used in the yearly F1 race

Respect

In many ways, the Respect section of the France page can detail how to be respectful toward the Monegasque population, but Monaco is a separate nation and it may be insulting to casually conflate the two. Monaco's population retain their own history, their own culture, and their own lifestyle. Directions or other help are only a smile and a question away.

Stay safe

Monaco is one of the safest places on the planet, with nationwide video surveillance and one police officer per 100 residents. You can feel safe wearing your diamonds and Rolex, even for a night walk through the streets or coastline, with almost no street-crime, and a strong police presence. It has one of the lowest homicide rates of any country in the world, and among the lowest in terms of overall violent crime. Because of their wealth, public spaces are blanketed with cameras and any kind of disorder may produce an immediate reaction and the attendance of several officers. However, pickpocketing may occur during sporting events, like the Formula One Grand Prix and major football games.

Homosexuality is legal, although there are no specifically gay places in Monaco. You can walk with your same-sex partner hand in hand without being insulted in public places.

Monaco security can follow anyone on public areas, streets & corridors, using the vast camera network without losing you from their screens.

Be wary of dive-bombing seagulls. They like to steal food from people eating outdoors.