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The uniqueness of Monte Carlo is unlike anything else found in the world. It lies within the principality of Monaco in a small area of France's coastal region bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The only independent state smaller than Monaco is the Vatican, but its small size certainly does not mean it is sleepy or lacking in activity. On the contrary, Monaco has become a vital part of the European economy thanks to luxurious tourist attractions as well as very favourable tax laws for businesses setting up shop in the principality. Monte Carlo is the dominant city in Monaco; in fact, all of Monaco is extremely urban with very few open spaces or wilderness spaces.
For many gamblers, Monte Carlo represents the pinnacle of casino and gambling facilities. The city actively cultivates and encourages this perception by creating some of the most luxurious and resplendent casinos in the world. As a result, Monte Carlo is a playground for the wealthy and one of the most glamorous locations for travel and vacation explorations. But if you do not count yourself among the super wealthy, this does not mean you cannot enjoy a wonderful vacation experience in Monte Carlo.
It is well worth taking the time to walk through one of the opulent casinos just to soak in the tremendously lavish designs and decorations. For instance, you can explore parts of the Casino de Paris without paying an entry fee as long as you are over the age of eighteen. At the Monaco Casino you can also explore the luxurious interior for a fee of approximately 10 euros per day. While this may seem a bit steep to just walk around and look, it is definitely money well spent because the experience of being in such luxury and splendour is unlike any other you will ever have.
Beyond the famous casinos, though, lies a Monte Carlo filled with historic sights and wonderful scenery. Because the city is surrounded by steep and rugged hillsides, the view from the harbour is gorgeous and the view from the tops of the hills is nothing short of spectacular. There are plenty of places to stroll in and around the harbour, with many people getting a lot of pleasure from looking at the fancy cruise ships and ultra-luxurious yachts owned by the rich and famous people who frequent Monte Carlo. You could easily spend an entire day exploring the harbour front and never have a moment of feeling bored.
Other excellent attractions in and around Monte Carlo include the Palais Princier and the Jardin Exotique. The Palais Princier (Prince's Palace) is home to the monarchy and a spectacular place to visit. You can take a guided tour of the palace itself, but one of the most amazing sights is the daily changing of the guard. It certainly rivals any similar ceremony performed anyplace else in Europe. If you want to see some spectacular outdoor sights then plan to visit the Jardin Exotique. This amazing place is filled with rare and interesting plants from all over the world, easily seen on the well planned walking tour throughout the grounds. The land is quite steep, creating multiple micro-climates well suited for a huge variety of different plants.
Travel to and from Monte Carlo is not as straightforward as other major European cities, primarily because the principality is so small. The Cote-d'Azur International Airport in nearby Nice is the closest airport that does have numerous flights to other major cities, but not as many as other much larger airports. Other popular travel options for getting to and from Monte Carlo include rail service through either Italy or France or renting a car and driving in on the several excellent highways from those countries as well.
Wiki:- Monte Carlo
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