VISITS AND VACATIONS

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Best Things To Do in Monaco

In addition to beach-bumming and Champagne-sipping, you can visit the fish at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, the cacti at the Exotic Gardens and the changing guards at the Prince's Palace. You could also experience some spa treatments at Les Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo or try your luck at the slots of Monte Carlo Casino. When you're not touring the city's top attractions, simply admire the stunning scenery while sampling some delicious Monégasque fare.

Larvotto Beach

• Beaches, Free
• Half Day to Full Day

One of Monaco's most popular beaches, Larvotto is a free-to-the-public shore located just a short walk from Monte-Carlo. But like many French Riviera beaches, this one has pebbles rather than sand, so bring some sturdy shoes and be prepared to shell out some euros for a chair rental.

Travelers recommend this shoreline for visitors of all ages since the water is shallow and calm, and the beach and its facilities are clean. However, families should keep in mind that some beachgoers sun topless here. You should also note that this beach is very popular, so if you want a spot in the sand, you should plan to get there early.

Monte Carlo Casino

• Find Tours & Tickets
• Entertainment and Nightlife, Casinos
• 2 hours to Half Day

Perhaps the attraction that best exemplifies Monaco's capital city is its casino. The building's beaux-arts design was overseen by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris opera. And likewise, this grand casino also contains the city's opera and ballet. If this complex looks familiar, it's because you may have seen it before in the James Bond films, "Never Say Never Again" and "Goldeneye." It was also the inspiration for the casino in Ian Fleming’s first Bond book, "Casino Royale."

Recent visitors said the casino is a must-see when you're in Monaco, citing its grand decor, variety of gaming options and plentiful people-watching as prime reasons you'll enjoy your visit. Some travelers did note the casino was on the small side, compared to the sprawling casinos of Las Vegas.

Prince's Palace

• Find Tours & Tickets
• Historic Homes/Mansions
• 2 hours to Half Day

This lavish Monaco-Ville palace is home to the prince, of course (it’s in the name after all). The royal residence has sheltered the Grimaldi family (of the 13th century) and Prince Rainier III and his lovely wife, Princess Grace (of the 20th century). Today, Rainier’s son and heir, Prince Albert II, calls the Palais du Prince home. The palace also features a changing of the guard daily at 11:55 a.m. Many recommend at least stopping by to see the exterior of the palace on your Monaco vacation, even if you're not up for a tour of the state rooms. Travelers also say the views from the nearby terraces are impressive. Some said the changing of the guard is nothing special.

The state apartments are typically open from March through October; you can tour the rooms for 8 euros (about $9) for adults and 4 euros (around $5) for children.