Monaco

A tiny principality on the Mediterranean, only about two square kilometres in area, yet it packs the Prince's Palace, the Monte Carlo Casino, the Oceanographic Museum and the Formula 1 circuit into steep slopes and a harbour that can be measured on foot. It is a city-state for "half a day of highlights + one day at a slow pace".

History: The official language of Monaco is French, with Italian and English also widely used; the currency is the euro. The Grimaldi family has been closely linked with Monaco's history since the end of the 13th century, and the Prince's Palace is still the head of state's residence; the changing of the guard at noon each day is open to the public. The Oceanographic Museum was founded by Prince Albert I and is linked to the tradition of marine research; the Monte Carlo Casino, built in the 19th century, is one of the symbols of the principality's shift from military fortress to tourism and services. The Monaco Grand Prix circuit uses city streets, and during the race each year transport and accommodation across the whole city tighten sharply. Legend: A legend about the principality's origins is widely told: in 1297, François Grimaldi disguised himself as a monk, tricked the city gate open and seized the fortress. This is a later, widely circulated legendary version, the details are to be verified, and it should not be taken as literal history.

• The Prince's Palace and changing of the guard (Palais princier de Monaco) — the noon change is free to watch; parts of the palace open seasonally.
• Monte Carlo Casino Square (Casino de Monte-Carlo) — the exterior and square are free to see; entry for visits and gambling has separate age, document and dress requirements.
• Monaco Oceanographic Museum (Musée océanographique de Monaco) — the old cliffside building, combining an aquarium with marine exhibitions.
• Exotic Garden (Jardin exotique de Monaco) — a viewpoint over the whole city and harbour, with a cave inside the garden to visit.
• A city walk along the F1 circuit (Circuit de Monaco) — walk it section by section along the harbour, tunnel and hairpin; some sections close during race periods, subject to official announcements.

Monaco has no civil airport of its own; Nice Airport in France is most commonly used, about 20 minutes by train to Monaco–Monte-Carlo station, or by airport bus or taxi. Intercity rail along the Côte d'Azur connects Nice, Menton and towards the Italian border. Within the city, walking is the main mode and everywhere is reachable on foot, but the slopes are very steep, so make good use of the public lift and escalator system. City buses (CAM) cover all districts; single and day tickets are both on the order of a single-digit number of euros and can be bought on board or at ticket points; exact fares and routes are subject to official announcements. There is also a solar-powered water bus (Bateau Bus) across the harbour, good for a short ride. Taxis are few and expensive, and for short trips walking plus bus is often faster; driving yourself is very likely to jam during races and peak season and parking is expensive, so it is not recommended as the main way to get around the city. Fines for travelling without a ticket or illegal parking start at tens of euros, subject to official announcements.

• Red Line: The casino gaming area requires visitors to be at least 18 and to show valid documents, and those whose dress does not comply may be refused entry; do not photograph others without permission in casinos and private places; do not go bare-chested in public places or walk away from the beach in swimwear, as offenders may be fined.
• Taboo: The traps outsiders most easily fall into: (1) wearing shorts, slippers or flip-flops to an evening session at the casino or a fine restaurant — daytime sightseeing can be casual, but change into formal dress for the evening; (2) talking loudly in hotels, casinos and residential areas, or chasing and photographing celebrities or public figures, which easily causes offence in privacy- and quiet-conscious Monaco; (3) assuming cards are accepted everywhere and carrying no cash at all — small purchases and tips still need cash in reserve.
• Good Manners: On entering a shop, say "Bonjour / Bonsoir" in French first, then switch to English; give up seats to older people on public transport and avoid loud phone calls; service charges are mostly already included in the bill, and for good service a tip of 5%–10% may be left at your discretion; in churches, cover shoulders and knees and keep quiet.

Monaco applies Schengen entry rules, and entry checks are mostly completed on the French side; the euro is in general use and credit cards are widely accepted; during major events such as the Grand Prix and the yacht show, book rooms months in advance and allow extra travel time; in summer, public beach areas are limited and some beaches are paid clubs, so confirm in advance; security across the territory is good, but still watch your belongings in crowds at major events.