Activities

o       Monte Carlo Casino- Built in 1878, the Monte Carlo Casino is an architectural masterpiece. Its marble-paved atrium is surrounded by 28 Ionic columns in onyx. The opera auditorium, known as the “Salle Garnier”, is decorated in red and gold and is filled with sculptures. The “gaming rooms” feature stained glass windows, beautiful decorations and sculptures, and bronze lamps. The casino is open daily to adults over 18. Men should wear a jacket and tie and visits should not be longer than 40 minutes.

o       Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium- This beautiful building was inaugurated by Prince Albert I in 1910. It houses two floors of amazing marine fauna, either stuffed or in skeleton form, models of Prince Albert’s ships, and craftware made from original products of the sea. The building itself is 279 feet tall and took 11 years to construct. It was built with 100,000 tons of stone from La Turbie. The basement of the building houses the aquarium, where 4,000 species of fish and over 200 families of invertebrates call home. The aquarium is an authority on the presentation of the Mediterranean and tropical marine ecosystem. The most recent exhibit is the “Shark Lagoon”, which displays the colors and inhabitants of a coral reef. In the Conference room on the ground floor, films and exhibitions are regularly presented. The top floor houses the museum’s restaurant, “La Terrasse”, which looks out over the Principality of Monaco and the Italian Riviera. The museum is open daily at hours which vary with the season. Admission is EUR 11.00 for adults and EUR 6.00 for children ages 6-18.

o       The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra- The orchestra was established in 1863, but really came into it’s own with the opening of the Garnier Palace in 1879. The orchestra became known as the National Orchestra of the Monte-Carlo Opera until 1979, when it was renamed the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. There have been many great conductors this century who have led music there, including Richard Strauss, Toscanini, Leaonard Berstein, and Lorin Maazel.

o       Opera of Monte-Carlo- The Opera of Monte Carlo was created in 1879 and has become world-renowned as a promoter some of the most beautiful voices in Europe. The Opera has performed works by authors such as Bizet, Franck, and Massenet, who all wrote works especially for the Moneguasque Opera. 

o       Tours- There are several interesting tours to take while in Monaco that will give you an insight into the background and culture of the area. The Design and Architecture Tour specializes in promoting the beautiful architecture that is in Monaco. The tour showcases the Casino and its surrounding glory, the beautiful hotels in Monaco, such as the Hotel Hermitage, the National Museum and Collection of Dolls and the Automats of Yesteryear, and the Le Meriden Beach Plaza. In the Flora and Fauna Tour, you will take in the beauty of the Jardin Exotique where plants cascade down rocks. You will also visit the Observatory Caves, the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology, and Fontvielle Park. Next you’ll visit the Oceanographic Museum, the Saint-Martin Gardens, and the Japanese Garden. There is also an Old Town Tour that highlights the vaulted passageways and interesting sights of Old Town Monaco. You’ll spend the day taking in the wonders of the Prince’s Palace, see the changing of the guards, and eat lunch on the Palace Square.

o       Spas- There are several spas around Monaco, all which serve the same purpose: to relax and pamper you. The world-renowned Les Thermes Marins de Monte Carlo specializes in seawater treatments and therapeutic massage. They also feature a wholesome, dietetic menu at their restaurant, L’Hirondelle. At the Hotel Mirabeau, you can experience the tranquility of their Jacuzzis with treatments that highlight the use of soothing oils and local products like olive oil, basil, and lavender. The beauty rituals at Les Cinq Mondes can do everything from sooth and relax you to invigorate you. Across the Monaco harbor is the Fleur de Peau Institute, which offers the finest services and specializes in massages and facials. At E’Spa, you’ll experience three levels of ultra-modern fitness facilities and dedicated therapists that have been trained to pamper.

o       Sports- Monaco has something for everyone in the sports department. No matter if you want to lie by the pool or take up a game of squash, your needs will be met. The public beach in Monaco is the Larvotto Beach, but there are also a number of private pools and beaches at the hotels. For deep-sea diving, head over to the Diving Club of Cap d’Ali. They organize diving sessions and are located just outside of Monaco. For general fitness, you can workout at the Physical Beauty Center, the Columbus Tonus Center, or the Monte Carlo Gym. If golf is your game, you’ll love the Monte Carlo Country Club located on the lower slopes of Mont Agel. If mini-golf is more your speed, check out the Princess Antoinette Park. For fishing, sailing, or sailing classes, contact the Monaco Yacht Club. Skiing is available at the nearby Alps. Heli Air Monaco organizes day trips and will bring you to ski stations such as Chamonix or Alpes d’Huez. Tennis enthusiasts can play tennis, squash, or badminton at the Monte-Carlo Country Club.