When you think of Monaco, your mind instantly conjures up images of luxury yachts and A-list celebrities spending their summers strolling around the Med. Something which, to ordinary people like you and I, can seem unattainable and out of reach. But, what if I told you that Monaco can be done on a budget - well in this blog I’m going to help you uncover your own trip to Monaco. Complete with tips on places to stay, things to do in Monaco and eateries that provide food and drink that allows you to live like the superstar you are, on a budget you can afford. Because why should the celebrities of this world get all of the fun?
Budget Accommodation Tips
Ok so, Monaco without a doubt is incredibly expensive when it comes to accommodation. But, don’t let that stop you from visiting there. Our top tip when it comes to visiting Monaco is to stay on the outskirts and make day trips into the place itself, where there are plenty of things to do in Monaco. Booking accommodation in the likes of Nice or Cannes allows you to live the life of luxury in Monaco throughout the day, all whilst staying in accommodation that doesn’t break the bank.
Top Tip:
Visit during off-peak season:
Plan your trip of things to do in Mondao between November and March (avoiding Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays) for the biggest savings on accommodation and flights.
Getting There
So, let's talk about getting to Monaco. Well, first of all, you might be surprised to hear that you don’t actually need your passport to cross the border from France into Monaco - though, if you’re anything like me and enjoy collecting stamps in your passport, make sure to bring it along and pop into the tourism office to get your stamp and make your trip official.
Luckily, Monaco is really accessible - with options to get there by train, drive or, even the number 100 bus from the port into the centre. The bus is really budget friendly and we’d recommend grabbing a seat on the right hand side so that you can take in the views of Monaco’s coastline as you make your journey into the centre.
Top Tip:
Book train tickets in advance:
Getting to Monaco is easy if you’re travelling from Paris to the French Riviera, booking TGV high-speed train tickets 3 months in advance can save you 50% or more with PREM tickets.
Budget Friendly Things to Do in Monaco
So, let’s talk about things to do in Monaco. If you’re going to Monaco, you want to experience as much as you can with the budget and time that you have available. Before you set out your plans, it’s worth catching a ride on the hop-on, hop-off tour bus to navigate your way around and cherry pick the places you want to visit most if you’re limited on time.
We’ve curated a list of must see things to do in Monaco along with some tips and tricks on how you can keep costs down along the way:
- Casino de Monte Carlo
You can’t go to Monaco without experiencing the infamous Casino de Monte Carlo which forms a significant part of Monaco’s identity - a true icon. As you step into the opulent entrance, you can sense the poise and luxury that you’re surrounded by. Here, you can get free entry into the main gallery, so you don’t need to spend a penny. Or, you can buy entrance tickets into the main casino from the front desk, but if you’re keeping costs down - simply staying in the foyer offers a real taste of the decadence there.
Top tip! - Arrive early if you want to get instagrammable photos without the crowds. And, dress from the occasion - whilst there’s no strict dress code, during the day, they are stricter in the evening so make sure you dress appropriately.
- Monte-Carlo Harbour
After visiting the Casino, another of the things to do in Monaco is to take a stop at the Monte Carlo Harbour. This harbour is home to some of the world’s most luxurious yachts - believe me when I say that it is quite simply jaw dropping. Head to the waterfront to get a great view of the old town - here you’ll find plenty of food and drink places to sit back and relish the scenery. It’s something you have to experience to believe. And again, wandering through the harbour won’t set you back any cash at all, so go at your own leisure and drink it all in.
- Prince's Palace of Monaco
Another on the list of favourite things to do in Monaco is the Prince’s Palace, which forms the official residence of the Prince himself - offering you a glimpse into Monaco’s royal heritage. The best time of day to go is during the Changing of the Guard which takes place at 11.55am every day and doesn’t cost a penny to witness!
- Oceanographic Museum
From this exquisite aquarium-come-museum you can experience stunning views of the
Mediterranean that borders Monaco’s coast, as well as witness the extensive aquarium and marine life exhibits that they have on display. You can get your day pass for a reasonable €12.00.
- Jardin Exotique
The Jardin Exotique is a stunning garden in Monaco that hosts a huge variety of succulents from around the world - all with Monaco’s breathtaking views forming the backdrop. At a reasonably priced entry of €7.50 for adults, you can snap some enviable shots from the various viewpoints around the garden and Observatory Cave.
Places for Food and Drink in Monaco
Eating and drinking out in Monaco can be where you spend a lot of your holiday money, but luckily for you, we’ve come up with a few budget friendly options to satiate your appetite, whilst keeping the costs down.
Brasserie De Monaco - whether you’re sitting in the terrace or at the foot of the brewing room vats, you can enjoy a laid back atmosphere at Brasserie De Marco. Plus, take full advantage of their Happy Hour which runs from 6-8pm, where you can get drinks for half price!
Valentin - offers you a cosy Italian vibe that sits in the central shopping area. With a fresh seasonal menu, you can dine in style but on a budget - experiencing some great food and drink in Monaco.
L’Epi d’Or - is a local French bakery that offers traditional French pastries, cakes and sweet treats; allowing you to indulge in local delacises for the price of a snack.
They do say “money makes the World go round”, but that doesn’t always mean that you need to spend all your money to go around the World. Visiting some of the World's most exclusive countries needn’t come with the price tag of a second mortgage - you can enjoy your trip to Monaco, live the life of the rich and famous and do it all on a shoestring budget. All you need to do is plan ahead, be thrifty and utilise the tips we’ve set out for you. From roads lined with luxury cars, marinas filled with billionaire yachts and security to the maximum; Monaco oozes money, but your bank balance doesn’t have to.
Monaco FAQs
Is Monaco part of Italy or France?
Monaco is actually neither part of Italy nor France. Monaco is a sovereign city-state and microstate, meaning it's an independent country with its own government, laws, and monarchy.
Where is Monaco?
Monaco is located on the Mediterranean coast of Western Europe, bordered by France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea on the fourth. It's situated about 15 kilometres east of Nice, France, and very close to the Italian border. So, it’s understandable why people can get confused since it’s in such close proximity to both nations.
Is Monaco expensive for food and drink?
Monaco can be expensive for food and drink, though there are ways to manage the costs. You can save money by following the tips in this guide as well as shopping at the local markets and doing your research in advance.
What currency is used in Monaco?
The official currency of Monaco is the Euro.
Do I need cash in Monaco?
Like anywhere in the modern world, it’s hands to have cash available. Whilst you don’t necessarily need to carry large amounts of cash, having some on hand can make your trip smoother. So, try to use a mixture of payment methods - even if only for reassurance in case your payment card isn’t an accepted payment method.
Top tip: Remember to inform your bank of any travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards whilst in Monaco.
What is the capital city of Monaco?
Monaco is a unique country in that it doesn’t exactly have a capital city. Being the second-smallest independent state in the world, Monaco is in fact a sovereign city-state. Meaning that the entirety of Monaco (as a country) is just one city.
What do people go to Monaco for?
People visit Monaco for a variety of reasons, as it offers a unique blend of luxury, culture and entertainment. One large pull that Monaco has in particular though, is the Formula 1 Grand Prix which attracts thousands of visitors annually.
