Monaco is for the rich and famous. But also for those, who dream of being rich and famous. The mini state on the Mediterranean is like one big Club Med (drinks are not included). Most people don’t stay in Monaco but do it as a daytrip from the French or Italian Riviera. The present territory of the Principality of Monaco covers 195 hectares (1.95 Km"), 31 of which have been entirely reclaimed from the sea!

The population is close to 30.000 more than 83% of whom are foreigners; Monegasques number about 5.000. The official language is French but Italian and English widely spoken and understood. There’s also a Monegasque language (a very colorful dialect) used by the old nationals but also again studied in the schools of the Principality.

The Catholic religion is the state religion, freedom of worship, however, is guaranteed by the Constitution. The national holiday is celebrated on 19 November. The sovereignty of Monaco is today indisputable, undisputed and internationally recognized but it has not always been so, as its history demonstrates. You can best wander around in the city instead of taking the bus.The unit of currency is the French Franc.

Grand Prix and other events
In mid May of each year the Formula 1 Grand Prix auto race tears through the streets of Monaco focusing world attention on the principality. It is the best of times and the worst of times to visit. It’s the best if you have everything confirmed well in advance love crowds and can tolerate some inconvenience. It’s the worst if you don’t and can’t. In either case don’t plan on doing any “normal” sightseeing that week. The Grand Prix is in our opinion one of the most exciting spectator sports in Europe (and the people watching doesn’t get any better either). If you can’t find a room in May there is a consolation prize: The Rallye Monte-Carlo a less-known but no-less-exciting race draws top drivers in January. Monaco prides itself in bringing world-class entertainment to its citizenry and your concierge may be able to get you a ticket to special events. (Pick up the tourist board’s bimonthly “agenda” and the season calendar produced by La Societe des Bains de Mer upon arrival.) The Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo often imports well-known guest conductors and soloists and is a fine orchestra in its own right. The Opera de Monte-Carlo and Ballets de Monte-Carlo are also well worth seeing and popular French singers and musicians perform frequently. A lecture series on the arts called “Le Musee Imaginaire” draws scholars from a number of disciplines. Top-name designers often hold soirees featuring their latest contributions to haute couture with proceeds going to charities (this is probably your best bet to see one of the members of the royal family who as cosponsors promise to attend). Performances are held in several venues the best of which include Salle Garnier (the Opera House) the Princess Grace Theatre the Rainier III Auditorium of the Monte Carlo Convention Center (excellent acoustics) and the Courtyard of Honor at the Prince’s Palace. Not all attractions are high-brow: A circus festival is a major annual event as is a fireworks festival. The Monte Carlo International Tennis Championships are held in the spring and the waterfront of the Port de Monaco is lit up with carnival rides and attractions every November. And from June until the end of September an open-air cinema shows films in their original language (with French subtitles) every evening at 9:30 (on the Larvotto peninsula).

Prince's Palace
One of the most rewarding in-use palaces you can visit. Though you only see a portion of the grounds they haven’t held back the good stuff (the throne room and main courtyard are in particular quite majestic). The tour is relatively short—35-40 minutes—and it’s only offered June-October. Also in the palace is the Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs and Collection of the Palace’s Historic Archives. Monaco may be the only nation that still has a soft spot for Emperor Napoleon I (remember it was he who restored the Grimaldis to power after the French Revolution) and his memory is honored with thousands of items relating to the First Empire. The rest of the palace archives consist of historical documents attesting to Monaco’s independence various Monegasque medals (and foreign medals awarded to Monegasque princes) guard’s uniforms etc. It is closed in November. In front of the palace every day at 11:55 am (all year long) is the changing of the guard. As a rule we don’t care much for these types of ceremony—you have to have a real love for pomp and circumstance to be impressed that grown men can follow simple commands synchronously. This version though it adds a military band does little to change our opinion. In Monaco-ville.