VISIT MONACO

The second smallest country in the world – after Vatican City – is a kingdom of luxury boutiques, a famous casino, and ostentations yachts

Currency

€ - Euro (1€ ≃ 1,05$ ≃0,86£)

POPULATION

38 thousands

MAIN LANGUAGE

French

AREA

2 km²

TIME ZONE

UTC+1 / UTC+2

FLAG

🇲🇨

Monaco is officially called the 'Principality of Monaco'. This sovereign city-state is located on the French Riviera, a few miles west of the Italian region of Liguria, on the Mediterranean Sea. Also referred to as a "Billionaires' Playground", Monaco is known for its opulent wealth, casinos, and glitzy events like the Monaco Yacht Show and the Monaco Grand Prix.

There are a couple of things to know before traveling to Monaco:

Water: Tap water is considered safe to drink in Monaco.

Driving: Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. The speed limit within Monaco is 50 km/h (31 mph) unless signs mark otherwise.

Plugs: Several plug types are used in Monaco: C, D, E and F. Plug types C and F have two round pins; plug type D has three round pins; plug type E has two round pins and a grounding hole. Monaco operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency.

Tipping: As a general rule - although welcome - tipping is not required in restaurants and cafés in Monaco, since restaurant bills usually already includes a 15% service charge.

Payment: Bank cards - either debit or credit cards - are widely accepted across Monaco, the most common ones being Visa and Mastercard. American Express cards can be used in fewer places.

Basic language: Bonjour = Hello, Good morning; Au revoir = Goodbye; Oui = Yes; Non = No; Merci = Thank you; Merci beaucoup = Thank you very much; S'il-vous-plaît = Please; De rien = You're welcome; Pardon = Excuse me; Jour = Day; Nuit = Night; Bonsoir = Good evening; Bonne nuit = Goodnight; Monsieur = Mister; Madame = Ma'am; Rue = Street; Route = Road

Holidays and closing days: Sunday is a closing day for most stores. There are 12 official public holidays in Monaco: New Year's Day (January 01), Saint Dévote's Day (January 27), Easter Monday, Labour Day (May 01), Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, Assumption Day (August 15), All Saints' Day (November 01), Prince's Day (November 19), Immaculate Conception (December 08), Christmas Day (December 25). On these days, most businesses and offices will be closed, and many attractions may be shut or have limited opening hours.

Because Monaco lacks its own visa regulations, the Schengen Visa Regulations are in effect. Monaco's territory is included in the Schengen Area despite not being a member of the European Union.

The French embassies across the world issue Monaco visas. Monaco was allowed to be managed as if it were part of France following a treaty made between the two countries.

❄️ December – February : Even if you don't feel like swimming in the ocean while you're in Monaco for the winter, you can still enjoy the sun and gaze at the enormous yachts that line Port Hercules. Every January, the famous International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo is held and chaired by Princess Stéphanie de Monaco herself. During winter, the temperatures in Monaco usually range from 7°C (45F) to 13°C (55F).

🌱 March – May: Just like the rest of Europe, Monaco blooms in spring. Monaco boasts a variety of lovely gardens and green areas that serve to contrast its opulent urban jungle. In the spring, when its 6000 rose bushes start to blossom, the Princess Grace Rose Garden in Fontvieille Park comes to life in a thousand vivid colors. Also not to be missed are the Japanese and Exotic gardens. The iconic Monaco Grand Prix is held each May and is known for its unusual course through the streets of Monaco. For fans of Formula 1, this is a must-attend event.

☀️ June – August: The gorgeous Larvotto Beach is the perfect place to unwind on a balmy summer day while basking in the warm Mediterranean sun. Following a recent makeover, the Larvotto beach now has a gorgeous beachfront promenade with brand-new restaurants and terraces surrounded by some of the most opulent homes in Monaco. The annual Monte-Carlo Summer Festival is another great activity to enjoy during this season. Last but not least, the biggest pyrotechnics competition in the world - Monte Carlo International Fireworks Festival - can be witnessed for free on four weekends in late July and early August. The event is one of the biggest live music festivals in the world and features a lineup of well-known performers from around the globe. During summer, the temperatures in Monaco usually range from 18°C (64F) to 27°C (80F).

🍂 September – November: Autumn is an interesting time to visit Monaco, because it is less crowded than during summer and still warmer than during winter. The Monaco Yacht Show, held on late September, will feature fantastic yachts, as well as high-end vehicles and even helicopters. This is the event to attend if you want to have a glimpse of the lifestyles of the extremely wealthy.

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