Garnier facade
Ornament and statues.
Fruitpunchline — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Thank You (25 Millions ) views from Fresno, USA — CC BY 2.0 · Thank You (25 Millions ) views from Fresno, USA — CC BY 2.0 · Rüdiger Stehn from Kiel, Deutschland — CC BY-SA 2.0
Monaco's most famous square and its glamorous showcase, in the heart of Monte Carlo, ringed by Belle Époque buildings of the late nineteenth century, above all the Casino and Monte-Carlo Opera building, the historic Hôtel de Paris and the Café de Paris. The main building went up in the 1860s, and the French architect Charles Garnier, designer of the Paris Opera, added the elegant opera hall in 1879, with an ornate facade, towers and statues, making it an architectural symbol of Monaco and Monte Carlo. In front of the building are terraced gardens with fountains, flowerbeds and palms, and some of the world's most luxurious cars pass through the square as visitors gather to photograph them. In the evening the facades are lit and the square looks like an open-air stage. Strolling the square and gardens is free at any time. Entry to the building itself is restricted to adults and charged, and opera performances need separate tickets. Evening is the best time to visit.
Ornament and statues.
Fountains and palms.
An open-air stage.
Place du Casino, Monte Carlo district, Monaco
Japanese GardenA peaceful oasis on the seafront in Larvotto, a traditional Japanese garden open5 minutes walk4.5
Port HerculeMonaco's main harbour, a deep basin between the old Rock and Monte Carlo, lined 7 minutes walk4.9
Larvotto BeachMonaco's main public beach, on the eastern seafront in Larvotto, with clear blue11 minutes walk4.4
Oceanographic MuseumA stately palace of the sea built into the cliff of the Rock directly above the 12 minutes walk4.4
The Rock (Le Rocher)Monaco's old town, set on a towering rocky headland jutting into the sea some si14 minutes walk4.7Yes, the square and gardens are open and free; entry to the building is adults-only and charged.