Musée Océanographique

The Oceanographic Museum was founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I. The internationally-known oceanographer Jacques Cousteau was once the facility's director. Visitors can view tanks housing 4,500 fish. The building's ornate interior is very impressive.

Palais du Prince

Visitors can watch the changing of the guard at the 13th-century Prince's Palace just before noon every day. The flag of the Grimaldis flying from the top of the palace tower indicates that the Prince is at home on that day. Visitors may tour the grand state apartments. Also in the palace is a museum that contains some of the Emperor Napoleon's personal effects.

Musée National

The National Museum, on the Avenue Princesse Grace, contains, among other things, a collection of 18th- and 19th-century dolls and mechanical figures.

Gardens

Monaco has a number of impressive public gardens, including Parc de Fontvieille and the Princess Grace Rose Garden, located near the port. The rose garden, dedicated in 1984, contains more than 4,000 rose bushes. Near the casinos is the Jardin Japonais, the Japanese Garden, which contains a Zen meditation area. The most impressive garden in the principality, however, is the Jardin Exotique, the Exotic Garden, with more than 7,000 kinds of cacti and succulents from around the world.

Beaches and Swimming

There are two beaches in Monaco, each of which has private paying sections where visitors can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas. Those who want to swim rather than sit in the sun may enjoy the Stade Nautique Rainier III, an olympic-sized outdoor pool located at the port.

Grand Prix Automobile de Monaco

On a Sunday afternoon in May of each year, the streets of Monaco are turned into a racetrack as the principality plays host to the Grand Prix Automobile de Monaco. The race, which has been held since 1911, is known for its sharp curves and steep hills. Drivers must complete 78 laps of the 3.328-kilometer circuit. As many as 150,000 spectators view the race each year.

Other Celebrations

The principality is host to an International Circus Festival in January of each year. The International Fireworks Festival takes place every year in July and August. The feast day of Monaco's patron saint, Sainte Dévote, is celebrated on January 27. Monaco's National Holiday is Nov. 19.