Mark Ford
Welcome! It’s a pleasure to have you here searching for Monaco travel tips. Fabulously wealthy and gilded by history, the Principality of Monaco lies on the French Riviera in Western Europe. Smaller than New York’s Central Park, this graceful destination is bordered by France and the sparkling Mediterranean sea.
With ancient streets full of exotic cars, a natural harbour filled with super yachts and a glittering royal legacy, Monaco is a tiny relic of medieval Europe that has made itself at home in the 21st century. It draws the rich, the famous and those seeking the kind of lifestyle usually only found on the silver screen. There is no glamour quite like the old world style still to be found under the soaring chandeliers of Monaco’s magnificent Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Although it is open for tours during the day, the real James Bond magic begins here as the sun goes down and the roulette wheels start to spin. This architectural masterpiece, with its wickedly decadent Opera Hall was dreamed up by the wife of Prince Florestan the first in the late 19th century, as the royal family teetered on the edge of bankruptcy. International visitors are still lured here by the balmy weather and a calendar packed with star-studded events.
Monaco is served by Nice Airport located around 30 kilometers from Monaco. When searching for Monaco travel tips there are two direct options that connect Nice Airport with the city of Monaco. Let’s look at the fastest, best and cheapest options so that you can plan your Monaco experience ahead and get there most comfortably.
Taxi
Flights to Monaco
The most comfortable way of getting into Monaco from Nice Airport is by taxi. The ride takes around 30 minutes and costs $90. Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal and will get you door to door directly to your destination.
Bus
The express bus #110 leaves from the airport every half an hour and will get you into Monaco from Nice Airport in around 35 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket windows at the airport for the price of $22.
Train
The cheapest way is by getting a train from the St Augustin station located within walking distance from Terminal 1 at the Nice Airport. The train costs $5 and will get you from the airport to Monaco in around 35 minutes.
Monaco is only 4 kilometers in total and although it is quite hilly, it’s a very walkable city. When searching for Monaco travel tips there are a number of options to get around town if you don’t have a car or plan to rent one. Let’s have a look at those right now.
Cars in Monaco
Walking
Monaco is not a large city, being the second smallest state in the world you can easily walk around the city, although it is quite hilly. Walking the whole city will take you a little more than an hour.
Bus
Monaco’s bus system is excellent with modern, clean and efficient buses getting you around the city. A single ticket costs €2 and a daily pass costs €6.25 and can be purchased by the bus driver.
Bicycle
The Monabike is an electric bicycle that can be rented at stalls around the city. To go from one station to another costs just €1, but a monthly subscription gets you unlimited use for just €6. The battery on the bike lasts 20-25 kilometers and is a great way of getting around Monaco.
Taxi
There are plenty of taxi ranks located in Monaco along the major landmarks. Be aware that during busy periods the demand for taxis can proceed the number of taxis available.
Although Monaco is mostly known for its jet-set lifestyle and being a hub for famous people, it’s not all about expensive living and when searching for Monaco travel tips hosts a number of options for regular travelers to stay. The exception being when the one time of year when the Monaco Grand Prix is being hosted and the city fills up with tens of thousands of people. Then, it’s impossible to find a place to stay for a reasonable price. But we’re focusing on the rest of the year and the best places to stay in Monaco, so let’s look at that now.
Monaco City is the oldest part of the city, the historical center of Monaco. Home to many of Monaco’s political and cultural institutions such as the Prince’s Palace, the town hall, government buildings, courthouses, prison, cathedrals and the National Council. The narrow streets of Monaco city are lined up with luxurious shops, restaurants and picturesque buildings.
Monaco
Recommended Hotel: Aparthotel Adagio Monaco
Monte Carlo is located east of Monaco city and is the most famous area of Monaco. Here you’ll find the casino, palaces and luxury boutiques. The display of wealth is considered a virtue here and a stay here is pricey, but if you want a luxurious experience in the center of Monaco, between beaches and the port of Condamine, this is the place to be.
Recommended Hotel: Hotel Novotel
La Condamine is located in the north of Port Hercules with plenty of accommodation and great restaurants. This is also the home to high-end shopping boutiques and majestic buildings showcasing up and down the hilly streets. Have a look at the daily market in Place d’Armes and when the Formula 1 grand prix comes around every year in may, this is where it’s at.
Recommended Hotel: Hotel Cosmopolite
Monaco’s food culture is largely influenced by the french, being a country nestled around France. When searching for Monaco travel tips and looking beyond the obvious luxurious restaurants that are lined up in the city – there are a couple of special food experiences that you can only have in Monaco that we’re going to have a closer look at now.
Monte-Carlo Gastronomie. Photo: Groupe Caroli
Monte-Carlo Gastronomie is a massive food exhibition that takes place every november. With over 100 french and european producers gathering to offer their produce to taste and buy. Live demonstrations from the chefs as you can inhale the delicious atmosphere and taste everything from champagne, caviar to truffles and seafood. An event worth planning your trip around
Elsa is a 100% organic vegetarian food experience near the Monte Carlo beach and offers some of the best healthy foods that you can’t even imagine. For €48 per person you’ll get an extensive menu accompanied by the incredible view of the sea.
La Condamine Market the local market in Monaco offers fresh produce such as vegetables, fruits, coffee and is less Ferrari and more old Monaco. Here you can taste street food such as a crepe made with chickpea flour called ‘socca’. This is a nice place to stroll around and soak in the local culture of Monaco.
Brasserie de Monaco has been around since 1905 and offers great food along with its own boutique brewing serving red and white colored beer bottles as an homage to the Monaco colors. Biere de Monaco is served in four different varieties and you can enjoy it at the restaurant accompanied by the tasty food.
Prince’s Palace
Monaco Casino
Accreditation: vagabrothers
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Mark Ford – Founder of Plus1Travel.com – For More Travel Tips > Go Here