Recommended Places

Monaco's Hidden History Beyond The Glitz

Monaco City, Monaco 
Monaco, a tiny city-state on the French Riviera, is best known for yachts, billionaires, glamorous casinos, and the Grand Prix. But it’s also a treasure trove of history, archeology, culture, and art.
What I like about it: * The winding cobblestone streets lined with old stone buildings and gardens. * The history. Its fortress-like location has been inhabited since the Paleolithic, and it was an important port for ancient Greece. * The Rampe de la Major – a scenic route that brings you to the Gateway to the Rock, an imposing 15th-century entrance just steps from the palace. What I don’t  like so much: Monaco is small (smaller than Central Park). So, there is a limit to what you can do there. I’ve been there twice and enjoyed it both times. But since I’m not a Grand Prix fan, I have no burning desire to go back.