Monaco is a small sovereign city-state on the Mediterranean coast, best known for the contrast between Monte Carlo glamour and Monaco-Ville (The Rock), the medieval old town above the harbor. Highlights are concentrated in a compact area, mixing palace history, cliff-top museums, and seaside districts.
In Monaco-Ville, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco is the official princely residence, with historic state apartments and views from the palace terraces. Nearby, the Musée océanographique de Monaco combines a historic setting on the Rock with extensive marine exhibits and an aquarium, while the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate is the national cathedral and burial site of the Grimaldi family.
For modern Monaco, Larvotto is the main beach district, an urban stretch of shoreline by the sea. In Monte Carlo, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo is a historic opera house and event venue beside the casino. Sports fans can also seek out Stade Louis II, Monaco’s stadium for football and athletics events.
