Monaco: Limited in Size, Overflowing in Cultural Wealth

Since one of the most poignant real-life fairy tales of the modern era played out in Monaco, it's no wonder that this legendarily posh principality identifies itself as something out of a fairy story. Stroll the streets and mingle with aristocracy; dine in fabulous restaurants where celeb chefs like Joel Robuchon preside over Michelin-starred kitchens; or splurge on luxurious spa treatments. Definitely set aside some time for sightseeing, because Monaco's attractions are lovely, diverse, and sometimes unexpected.

There are many gardens in Monaco. One of the prettiest ones open to the public is the Jardin Exotique de Monaco, a botanical garden located on a cliff above ancient caves where archaeologists discovered prehistoric dwellings. Below the Jardin Exotique, the Observatory Grottoes contain some eye-catching and bizarre-looking stalagmites and calcareous rock formations.

Monégasque National Holiday, Monaco

When night falls on this scenic principality on the sparkling Mediterranean, the world’s most daring and dazzling pyrotechnics get to work in a summer competition to win the rights to produce the lightshow for the country’s November Monégasque National Holiday. The best seats for the show may be in the gardens of the Prince’s Palace, also a great place to catch outdoor performances by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic through the summer.

Photo Credit: Monaco harbor (Digital Stock)