Monaco on a Budget
Yes, you did read the title right – Monaco on a budget! It's just not possible is it? That's what I thought when I arrived in Nice but staying so close to a place that I'd only ever heard about, I couldn't resist doing the touristy thing and checking out the glitz and glamour that Grace Kelly brought to this chic state for myself.
Did you know that Monaco is its own country? Although they do speak French, it’s not actually part of France and this tiny country on the French Riviera is apparently the most densely populated country in the world.
So, what are the cheap things to do in Monaco? Here's my top pick:
Window shop
If you can't afford the price tags (and lets face it, who can?) just browse the windows lovingly at the pretty garments instead. If you don't want to come back empty-handed there is a souvenir shop by the casino where you can pick up casino chips cleverly disguised as lighters – a great gift.
Watch the changing of the guards
This may be the closest you will ever get to the home of the Prince of Monaco and his lovely wife (remember the controversial wedding?) The changing of the guards takes place every morning in front of his palace on the ‘rock' of Monaco.
Gaze at the yachts and pretend you own one
There’s two ports: Fontvieille with views of the Monaco Cathedral and Port Hercule where the cruise ships dock. The Old Town offers great views at night of the harbour and the twinkly lights of the yachts below.
Have a flutter in the casino
There’s three to choose from: Sun Casino, Cafe de Paris, but it just wouldn’t be a trip to Monaco without having a bet in the Monte Carlo casino would it. The machines cost €1 for each game and although I lost €5, my friend actually walked out €10 up!
Walk on the Grand Prix Track
Famed for its street racing track, the Monaco Grand Prix is held here in May each year (don't visit during this time though unless you have money to burn). The starting point for the race is Boulevard Albert which runs along the waterfront.
Meander around the medieval village of Monaco-Ville
Or take the bus no 112 for a visit to Eze, an ancient fortified village with a 12th century castle. There are two stops on the bus so make sure you choose the highest point or you may find yourself walking the steep steps for the view.
Walk around one of the gardens
If you need some serenity then take some time out in the Japanese garden or the Princess Grace Rose Garden to immerse yourself in nature.
Cheap accommodation in Monaco
Hmm…there isn't really, so if you're on a budget then I recommend staying in Nice. It's only an hour away on the bus and has a range of accommodation such as hotel rooms with a beach view or cheaper hostel beds. You can catch the bus or the train into Monaco from there. I stayed at Villa Saint Exupery Beach for 1 night and Hostel Baccarat for 2 nights who even held a free champagne evening for all their guests!
Cheap food in Monaco
Buy lunch at the supermarket. It is the cheapest way to eat here and they have a chilled counter where you can buy salad pots. There’s also a bakery at the entrance and a pizzeria which sells the biggest pizzas I've ever seen for an absolute bargain. If you do decide on a sit down meal, a main meal will cost anything from €10.
If you're spending time on the French Rivieira, I definitely recommend spending at least a day here. It's not my usual choice of place but what can I say except that on this occasion...I was definitely a tourist!
* Search for flights, trains and buses in Monaco
I travelled from Florence to Nice on Busabout where I met some amazing people to explore the nightlife of Nice. The Old Town has fab nightlife and there’s no cover charges for most of the bars which have dance floors. There is nightlife in Monaco but check the train times coming back to Nice.
Checking out the yachts and wonder at their sometimes quite ridiculuous names is real fun, you´re absolutely right about that! The time we spent in the port definitely belongs to one of my best memories of Monaco. Loved the Japanese Gardens, too — great place to rest for a while, have a snack r something, and just chill out sitting on a rock next to the pond.
Exactly. I’m so glad you enjoyed it there too 🙂
I agree, I am currently planning my next trip to Monaco and reading as many guides as I can. I will be spending a bit of time at the Monaco Yacht Show which takes place next week and found this guide useful – http://www.oceanindependence.com/monaco-yacht-show – a free wander around the show is bound to make you feel like a part of the stunning city!
Well, I cannot wait to hit Nice and Monaco! Tell me, in summer what do they wear? I’m doing a camping tour through Europe prior to my own time in italy and malta and I’m curious about clothing 🙂 I love to dress nice so will need an idea what to pack, and BTW LOVE YOUR WEBSITE, as I travel solo all the time 🙂
Thanks! I visited in the autumn but it was still really warm. People dressed in jeans, shorts and normal casual wear in Nice. In Monaco they were slightly more chic. Have a great time.
Hello Lisa
I just found your blog, im now super excited about Monaco, because yes..im going to see the F1 race, it’s a dream, so…
Im from Brazil and I hope i can be ok there whitout speaking french…that s possible? Is ok for a girl to walk alone there – Nice, Monaco, Eze…
Thank u!
Hi Jana, I only knew a few phrases of French – enough to order meals and ask directions etc. Download an app so that you have access to the basics. Nice and Monaco seemed safe enough for a girl travelling alone. You’ll love it! So jealous of seeing Formula One. Have an amazing time 🙂