Exploring Monaco

 

Port Hercule, Monaco

Country number: 97
First visit: November 2025

Video on YouTube

A few weeks ago, Mike and I visited Monaco where we stayed for one night at the Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, Curio Collection by Hilton. It was my first time to visit this tiny country in the French Riviera so I was really excited since Monaco is known as the "Land of the Rich", where citizens do not pay individual income tax. It was exciting to see the Prince's Palace of Monaco, the Cathedral, Jardins Saint Martin, Port Hercule and to see the Monaco Circuit track thru Bd Albert 1er (we´ve watched Netflix's Formula 1 series). On our way to the Monaco Monte-Carlo Train Station, we were able to see a bit of the Casino area of Monte Carlo from the bus. Interestingly, we had lunch at McDonalds near Espace Leo Ferre and they had a chicken burger, filet o fish, french fries and iced tea all for EUR 6. Who says it´s expensive in Monaco 😉 In case you are planning to visit this tiny country, here are some of my travel tips. Please feel free to comment with your own travel tip on the comment section below.

Prince's Palace of Monaco

Cathedrale de Monaco

Musee Oceonographique de Monaco

Monaco Monte-Carlo Train Station

The Frame

Panoramic view of Monaco

The Monaco Open Air Cinema 

Jardins Saint Martin, a very nice park by the water located between the Cathedral and the Musee Oceonographique de Monaco.

Place d'Armes

Marche de La Condamine (they open at 7pm)

Rue Princess Caroline, a pedestrianized street full of shops, restaurants, etc. leading to Bd Albert 1er.

Bd Albert 1er: part of the race track for the Monaco Circuit

Port Hercule

Esplanade du Port Hercule

Espace Leo Ferre

Musee des Timbres et des Monnaies (Coins, stamps and medals museum)

Jardin Animalier Rainier III

Princess Grace Rose Park

Chapiteau de l'Espace Fontvieille, a prominent event venue in Monaco

Saint Nicholas Church (Fontvieille)