Monte Carlo: the name alone is enough to conjure up images of Grace Kelly, James Bond, super yachts and the super rich. This compact neighbourhood in the Principality of Monaco has, for years, been known as a playground for Hollywood A-listers, sports superstars and millionaire tax exiles.
However, if you think you need a seven-figure bank balance just to buy a coffee on Casino Square or book a room for the night, think again. Of course, there are some hideously expensive places in Monte Carlo, but it’s entirely possible to explore the magic of the area without breaking the bank.
Places to stay
Sure, if you insist on staying at the Hotel de Paris, you’re not going to get much change back from £500 for an overnight stay. However, there are more modestly priced hotels that still score high in terms of location, comfort and service.
For example, the Hotel Versailles and Hotel de France are both close to the market square and the harbour, and are only a 15-minute stroll from Casino Square. Rooms here are far more palatable at £140-£170 per night, but you’ll need to book well in advance. Alternatively, book a hotel in nearby Nice. There are options to suit all budgets, and the one-hour bus ride costs next to nothing and takes you along one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world.
Things to do in Monte Carlo
No trip to Monte Carlo is complete without a visit to the world’s most famous casino. There is a €17 entry fee if you want to head into the main casino area, but it’s well worth it to appreciate the sheer grandeur. Alternatively, you can get a good look without paying a penny from the reception area – simply visit free-spins.org to get your gambling fix for an even more cost-effective solution!
There are numerous other attractions in Monaco that won’t set you back any more than similar venues in comparable major cities. For example, the aquarium is one of the best in Europe, and only costs around £10 for an adult ticket. Best of all, though, are the nights out. Thanks to Prince Albert’s determination that culture should not be elitist, a ticket to the ballet or the opera is only around half of what you’d expect to pay in London.
Where to eat in Monte Carlo
Once you’ve taken a look at the casino, you’ll probably be tempted to pause at one of the cafes on Casino Square and indulge in a little people-watching or supercar-spotting. However, while doing so over an over-priced cappuccino is one thing, you might wish to stay away from this tourism hotspot when it’s time for dinner.
Venture into the side streets and you’ll be faced with an array of family-run restaurants and pizzerias offering freshly cooked food and friendly service. Pizzeria Monegasque on Rue Terrazzani is a popular choice for its huge wood-fired pizzas, which only cost around €12.
Wherever you decide to visit while in Monte Carlo, there’s no denying that this vibrant little neighbourhood is a wonderful destination to explore and, who knows, perhaps you’ll even manage to hunt down a few hidden gems!
Have you ever been to Monte Carlo? If you have any tips for other tourists, please feel free to jot them down in the comment box below.