Monaco Local Guide

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Map Markers

To help you get a full persepctive on where you will be staying in Monaco we have marked all Thomas Cook Sport hotels and hospitality venues on the above map using pointers."

Monte-Carlo Casino and Opera House

It was built in 1893 by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera House. Its marble paved atrium, surrounded with 28 Ionic columns made of onyx, gives access to the Opera Hall which is entirely decorated in red and gold, with bas-reliefs and sculptures.

Oceanographic Museum

With its international reputation for excellence, this exceptional museum is dedicated to marine science and oceanography. Its collections of marine fauna collected by Monaco's pioneering Navigator Prince Albert 1 are both invaluable and unique.

Monaco Cathedral

Built with the stark white stones from La Turbie in 1875, this Roman-Byzantine-style building houses the burial places of past sovereigns, including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.

Prince's Palace

Guardian of an ancient tradition, this Palace located in a unique setting upon the "Rock" of Monaco,was built on the site of a fortress erected by the Genoese in 1215.

Fort Antoine

This early XVIII century fortress, built on the northeastern tip of Le Rocher "the Rock," is now used as a marvelous outdoor theater with a capacity of some 350 spectators in tiered seating built in a semi-circle.

Useful Information

Monaco at Grand Prix time epitomises everything that’s great about Formula One racing: speed, glamour, passion, noise and a hint of danger because the cars are never to far away from the barriers.
The Principality has a lot of history in its own right, with the Grimaldi Family having reigned supreme since 1297. Celebrities flock to the race like bees to a honey pot because it’s the worlds most glamorous sporting event. To name a few that have visited in recent years; actors Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Hugh Grant and Liz Hurley, football star Roberto Carlos and Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich.

Quick Facts

Climate: Monaco averages 300 days of sunshine per year. Spring brings the strong wind of Le Mistral but slightly warmer days, and in summer the temperatures can reach 27°C
Population: 30,000
Currency: Euro
Language: The official language is French but in practice Monaco is trilingual in French, English and Italian.

Local Customs

Tipping: Unlike in neighbouring France, tipping is not the norm because most restaurants and taxis add 10% onto their bills as a matter of routine
Dress code: Though topless bathing is fine on the beach, appearing anywhere else in Monaco bare-chested, barefoot or wearing swimsuits will soon invite the attention of the police.
Casinos: If you want to play at a casino you need to be over 21 and have your passport or national identity card with you. Minimum dress code for gentlemen is a sports jacket and tie. There is no specific code for ladies, but you might want to observe arrivals the night before to check out what the competition is wearing.