The Princely Palace, Palais des Princes, is beautifully situated at the top of a cliff with a magnificent view of the new harbour, Port de Fontvielle, and on the other side, the suburb of Fontvielle, where the industrial park is located and the large stadium where the major club AS Monaco FC is based. The palace dates from the 16th-17th centuries, but the towers date from Genoa's occupation in 1215. In the summer, when the prince is not in the palace, you can visit the throne room and state rooms. There is a changing of the guard in front of the castle every day from 11.55-12.00.
From the castle square you can head into the old town, Monaco-Ville, which is extremely interesting with narrow, winding streets and a wealth of restaurants, cafés and shops, most of which are souvenir shops. Inside is the old, majestic cathedral from 1884 in neo-Romanesque style with Byzantine ornaments. Attention is drawn to the Grimaldier Tombs, where princes and princesses are buried, including the late Prince Rainier's wife, former American film star Grace Kelly, who tragically died in a car accident in 1982.
The vast marina, Port de Monaco, is an amazing sight, especially in the evening when the marina is brilliantly lit up and the illuminated cruise ships and large yachts are like floating palaces.
One of the main attractions in Monaco is the Musée Océanographique, one of the best aquariums in Europe. One of the most interesting features is the basement floor, which houses 4,500 fish from the world's oceans (450 different species) in 90 aquariums, each of which is modelled on the fish's natural environment. From the museum's roof terrace you can admire the view of the Italian Riviera on one side and the French Riviera on the other.
In the heart of Monte-Carlo, you'll find some magnificent buildings including the great casino, Hôtel de Paris and Hôtel Hermitage. This is also where you'll find the famous Café de Paris, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while watching life unfold on Place Casino. If you want to experience the atmosphere, arrive in the evening when the really rich flock here and the big cars are lined up in front of the Casino.
An important event is, of course, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, where the centre of Monaco is transformed into a racetrack with spectator stands on the side. It takes place immediately after the Cannes Film Festival at the end of May.
