Monte Carlo

Since March 2003, Hercules Port has developed fresh commercial activity by receiving cruise ships. Previously, vessels generally had to anchor off Monaco, restricting passenger movement, or berth at Quai des Etats-Unis if they measured less than 100 metres.

After a 500-yard walk from the pier, stairs and a lift reach the Old Town, Monaco-Ville. Other Monte Carlo sights stand 0.5 to 1 mile from port, and taxis are normally available beside the pier. Monaco is very hilly, although numerous lifts and escalators help. Be sure to collect a map.

When every dock is occupied, passengers may need to use tenders. Rough weather can instead require a call at Villefranche.

Carry the printable map with you.

The cruise calendar appears at the bottom of this page. Rade means passengers will tender, while Dique means the ship will dock.

Spacious beaches, sophisticated hotels and energetic nightlife make this tiny territory a favourite jet-set retreat. The Grimaldi family has held it for nearly 700 years, and a treaty with France preserves Monaco's independence while the Grimaldis govern the principality. This fashionable enclave has only about 50,000 residents and occupies less space than New York's Central Park, yet contains some of the world's costliest property. Monaco is also recognised for a gentle climate, magnificent landscapes, luxury hotels and attractive beaches. Its four districts include La Condamine and Fontvieille...

Most attractions in Monte Carlo and Monaco-Ville must be reached on foot, and the terrain is steep almost everywhere.

Experience the Casino's glamour and elegance in ornate surroundings. European gaming rooms for Roulette, Trente and Quarante open at 12:00 p.m.; slot machines start at 2:00 p.m.; and private rooms begin gaming at 4:00 p.m. Entry costs 10 euros, a passport is needed to play and formal clothing is compulsory. Do not miss the Exotic Gardens. Perched on a steep cliff above Monte Carlo, Jardin Exotique contains flowering plants, palms and cacti. Its winding path zigzags downhill through the garden, requiring an energetic climb back to the exit...

Reach the gardens from the bus stop where the pier meets the main road. No. 2 services run every 10 minutes to the final stop, Jardin Exotique. Adult tickets cost €2 each way; pay the driver in cash and change is available. Museum National des Automates & Poupees Autrefois holds an absorbing assortment of 18th- and 19th-century dolls and mechanical figures, displayed magically within a seaside village. In Old Monaco, the Oceanographic Museum is celebrated for a marine-life section ranked among Europe's finest...

Palais Princier, or Prince's Palace, is an essential old Monaco-Ville sight. The guard changes every day at 11:55 am, making that a good time to visit. Daily guided palace tours usually run around the clock. While there, walk over to view the harbours on both sides, as well as the attractive port outlook. The views are marvellous. "Carabiniers" guard the palace and stage a special ceremony each day at 11.55AM.

Trips from Monte Carlo reach favourite surrounding destinations including Nice, Eze and St. Paul de Vence. Merely driving one of the scenic Corniche routes is a highlight.

Hop-on/off buses begin directly at the cruise terminal.

Medieval Eze occupies a slim rocky summit above the Mediterranean Sea like an eagle's nest. Ruins of its 12th-century fortified castle, demolished in 1706, still crown the old walled village. The castle grounds contain the famous Jardin Exotique. From the 429 m summit, visitors can enjoy a good coastal view, although there is a charge.

Take the bus to Eze.

Many international trains stop at Monaco-Monte Carlo (SNCF) station. Rail provides a quick connection between the Principality and Côte d'Azur destinations from Cannes to Menton. Regular Nice services take about 25 minutes. The nearby station is easy to find by asking for directions, and coastal railway journeys are an attraction themselves.

Designer shops around Place du Casino, rue des Moulins and Galerie Metropole sell stylish clothing and beautiful jewellery. Certain stores close for lunch from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Monaco uses the euro as its local currency.

Monaco follows French law, but only when doing so benefits it.

French is official; Italian, English and Monegasque are also spoken.