Nestled between Nice, France and the Italian Riviera, the city-state of Monaco is nothing if not a playground for the rich. It’s home to the most expensive real estate in the world. That makes sense when you learn that 30% of Monaco’s residents are millionaires. There’s plenty to see and do here, even if your income is slightly more modest. If you’re looking for an exotic getaway in the Mediterranean, read my tips and tricks below. You’ll be prepared to make the best of what Monaco has to offer before you go.
Monaco is part of the famed French Riviera, the coastline stretching from Italy through the Southeast corner of France. French and Italian are the languages of choice for this region, but most people in Monaco also speak English. That makes it friendly for people like me who aren’t polyglots (multi-lingual). The local currency is the Euro. You can visit for up to 90 days with a passport and a Schengen visa.
Monaco doesn’t have an international airport. The closest airport to fly into is in Nice, France, about 45 minutes away by bus. I was happy to be on solid ground again after the eight-hour flight from New York. I watched the French coastline pass by through the bus window before crossing into Monaco. It’s also an easy train-ride away from nearby travel hubs if Monoca is just one stop on your longer visit.
Monaco is divided into four main districts: Monte Carlo, Fontvieille, La Condamine, and Monaco-ville.
- Monte Carlo is where you’ll find the famous casino, the opera, and Monaco’s only public beach.
- Fontvieille is home to the Louis II Stadium, the Princess Grace Rose Garden, and the top museums.
- In La Condamine, there’s a famous market and the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit.
- Finally, Monaco-ville is where the Prince’s Palace is located along with most of the government offices.
You won’t find a US Embassy there though, or anywhere else in Monaco. That’s because there isn’t one. For embassy services, you’ll need to access the US Embassy in France.
After checking into the hotel and having a quick shower, I was starving! The restaurant Le Limún is attached to my hotel and I was able to make last-minute reservations. Monaco’s proximity to the sea means you’ll find plenty of fresh seafood on the menu. I opted for a light sea bass ceviche. The local dish is called Barbagiuan. It’s a deep-fried pastry filled with chard, onions, cheese, and ham. And if the hotels in Monaco are two rich for your blood, it’s easy to find hotels literally across the street in France for half the price. Book ahead, regardless because rooms fill up fast.
When dining out in Monaco, here are several important tips to remember:
- Always get a reservation! If you want a proper meal, you won’t get into restaurants without a reservation. Unless you’re opting for fast food or street vendors, ask your hotel’s concierge to help you book.
- Dress to impress. Ignoring the dress code will prevent you from accessing any of the nicer restaurants and casinos. Most places don’t allow backpacks, shorts, or sneakers. Roaming shirtless or shoeless anywhere off the beach will earn you a fine from the city, but shorts and a t-shirt are perfectly fine for checking out the amazing views or skyline from outside.
- Tip selectively. Be prepared for a 10-15% service charge on your bill. You’re not expected to leave a tip for your server, but for doormen and porters, a €5 gratuity is standard. French VAT applies to all purchases in Monaco.
- Don’t overpour. In Monaco, alcohol is for sipping, not chugging. Never fill your own glass, wait to drink until everyone is served, and only fill glasses halfway if you don’t want to offend the locals.
After lunch, I felt refreshed enough for a stroll. Almost everywhere you go in Monaco is safe, even if you’re traveling solo. That’s due to the high level of policing and hundreds of CCTV monitors watching the streets. It’s also a safe area for LGBTQ and female travelers (although you’ll have to return to Nice to find the nearest gay bar).
I elected to travel by foot for my first evening in Monaco. Driving here is, well, insane. More people commute to the city than live here, so traffic is a problem. Don’t even think about trying to drive during the Formula 1 races as it’s impossible. Technically, you can drive here if you have an international driving permit, but I’m not that brave.
That night, I went over my Monaco bucket list:
The Prince’s Palace (Monaco-ville) — Monaco is a constitutional monarchy governed by Prince Albert II. The palace is his official home. It’s also an incredible museum filled with Renaissance frescoes, tapestries, a throne room, and a mirror gallery. It’s only €10 to get in, but it’s not wheelchair accessible. You’re not allowed to take pictures in the palace, so save the selfies for outside. Be sure to drop by the area for the best panoramic view in the city even if you don’t want to enter the palace.
Princess Grace Rose Garden (Fontvieille) — Grace Kelly was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars back in the 1950s. Many don’t know that she was also the Princess of Monaco. This garden and many other sights in Monaco are named after her. It’s a traditional English garden with a Mediterranean twist featuring hundreds of varieties of roses.
Monte Carlo Casino (Monte Carlo) — For any James Bond fan, this is the quintessential casino in Monaco. Entry is restricted by age and hours, so it’s best to check with your hotel for details and the dress code.
Oceanographic Museum (Monaco-ville) — This world-class aquarium and research center has sharks, corals, turtles, and other sea life. The interior resembles an opulent Baroque-style hotel instead of a fish tank, clinging to the cliffs over the sea.
I managed to hit four out of four on my visit. None of them let me down. If anything, I wanted more time to visit the museums and countless Catholic churches.
Monaco is unforgettable, especially if you love to people-watch. Even the locals, who call themselves Monegasques (pronounced mon-uh-gasks), are dripping with jewels and designer labels. Post up at one of the cafés and enjoy a rose beer (brewed with berries) while you watch the world’s elite strut their stuff. Or stroll along one of the world’s most expensive streets — Avenue Princess Grace — on your way to Plage du Larvotto, Monaco’s only public beach.
So pack your passport and your finest outfits, and book your trip to Monaco. Just be sure to look your best and respect the local customs and you’ll have an amazing trip!
Author:
Roy Huff is a Hawaii-based best-selling author, peer-reviewed research scientist, and teacher. After overcoming significant childhood poverty in the US mainland, he moved to the islands and hasn’t looked back.
Despite his challenges, which include a family stricken by mental illness and the loss of a father to HIV/AIDS, he’s earned five degrees, trained on geostationary satellites for NASA’s GOES-R Proving Ground, and has written numerous bestsellers.