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By Siri Campbell
What is so enchanting about a place that has captured the imagination of so many for so long? For me, it is the quality of life in a Principality that has kept its wonderment while always modernizing. Amid the backdrop of the antiquity of the Prince's Palace, an international crowd enjoys the many marvels of a metropolis. There is something for everyone, just a short walk away, and a world away from the ordinary.
Monaco is one of the world's most desirable destinations, because you can sample everything in just a couple of days. Drive the length of the country in 10 minutes, take one of the frequent busses, or just kick up your heels and walk. Whatever your interests, you will find something to thrill you in Monaco.
Day One
For some local color start off in the Condamine market at one of the cafés or bars. Order a café au lait and a melt-in-your mouth croissant. Next, cross the street and take the Rampe Major up to the Palace square. This area is referred to as the Rock, or the Old Town, and contains most of the scenic attractions including the Prince's Palace. The changing of the guard takes place at precisely 11:55 a.m. each day in front of the main gate.
If soaking up old medieval atmosphere has given way to hunger, then it must be lunchtime. At the Castleroc restaurant, you can feast on rock salt sea bass and sample native Monegasque specialties like Barbagiuan. If you like Italian cuisine then Pinocchio is the spot, known for their wafer thin Parma ham and melon. For those on a budget there are plenty of good-value restaurants in the Old Town offering 'al fresco' dining. But if you are in a hurry to see more sights, then try one of the many sandwich shops which offer traditional baguettes, Pan Bagnat tuna salad on a bun, Italian panini, or focaccia.
After lunch head for the famous aquarium in the Oceanographic Museum, home to more than 90 tanks of rare species of fish, and the living reef. Children will love the Invisible Ocean Micro Aquarium shows. Outside the Museum, sit in a secluded spot of the St. Martin gardens, facing the sea, and enjoy the solitude and aromas of magnolia and eucalyptus. When it is time for a late afternoon libation, there is no better place than the Café de Paris in the Casino Square to bask in the sunshine. If you're looking for something more chic, proceed to the bar in the Hôtel de Paris. For a romantic rendezvous try the bar at the Hôtel Hermitage or the Bar du Soleil behind the Casino, where the last rays of sunshine are to be found.
Back to the hotel to 'rest up' for your big night out in Monte-Carlo. There is plenty of time to dine in one of the renowned restaurants ranging from Tex-Mex to Thai. After dinner catch one of the Cabaret shows or other cultural events, or try to break the bank at the famous Monte-Carlo Casino. Then off to Sass Café piano bar to mix it up with other revelers. For those with lots of energy, then it's on to the hot-spot in Monaco, Jimmyz's which doesn't get started until after midnight. The late, late nightspots are Cherie's, the Rascasse, and the Living Room.
Day Two
For those of you who saw the sunrise on the beach, you'll no doubt be sleeping in. But for those who decided to opt for an early night, you can explore other parts of the Principality. If you love gardens, then stroll down past the Monte Carlo Grand Hotel to the recently installed Japanese Garden or take the bus to the Exotic Garden with hundreds of beautiful cacti and fantastic views or visit the Princess Grace Rose garden in Fontvieille, that has 3,500 varieties of roses. In fact, Monaco's public gardens make up 20% of its land mass. For lunch try one of the portside restaurants around the Fontvieille harbor.
After lunch, car enthusiasts will want to see H.S.H. Prince Rainier III Classic Car and Carriage Collection, the Prince's personal collection of vintage cars. For those of you, who are into shopping, check out the fashionable French or Italian designer boutiques along the Boulevard des Moulins or atop the Casino Gardens. Chocoholics will not want to miss the Chocolaterie de Monaco on Rue Bioves. For a nice little porcelain souvenir you should visit the Manufacture de Monaco; or for locally made handcrafts, the Princess Grace Foundation's Boutique du Rocher would be the perfect shop for moderately priced souvenirs of your vacation in Monaco. If you are not sure what you are looking for, the Metropole shopping center has a little bit of everything.
At the end of your all too brief stay you will be left with memories of a multifaceted Monaco. Its history, culture, beauty, glamour and mystique will draw you back, as it did with me.
About the Author:
Siri Campbell came to Monaco like most people do - as a visitor - and decided to stay. Now she lives the fairy tale everyday. She is the author of "Inside Monaco," the only comprehensive guide to Monaco. You can visit the web site www.monaco.mc/inside/.
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