Monaco has a complex reputation among its visitors due to its richness versus being the second smallest country in the world. The country is a dream destination with luxury stores, custom made cars around the streets, and yachts all along the sea. The main reason for Monaco’s charm among millionaires is that the country does not take income tax from its citizens. So, can only millionaires enjoy the beauties of Monaco? Absolutely not. In contrast to all the luxury, Monaco has budget-friendly activities for everyone! We will prove a trip to Monaco on a limited budget is not an impossible dream.
Here is our guide for you to explore Monaco on a budget!
Food & Drinks
Although all the fine-dining restaurants and the famous clubs, you can buy food & drinks on a budget in Monaco. First, it would be best to consider the bakeries and markets for the cheapest options. They serve cold and hot dishes like sandwiches, sushi, and salads.
- For a drink, look out for happy hours from around 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Eating in the evening is more expensive.
- The region surrounding the harbor and street Grimaldi, as well as Place d’es Armes, is the cheapest place to eat and drink in Monaco.
1- Cooks is located at 10 Princesse Charlotte Boulevard. Customers can order from the counter once the items have been prepared on site. This quaint eatery is small and specializes in take-away. Cooksmonaco.com has the menu as well as additional information.
2- Valentin is a small restaurant located in the shopping areas in Monaco. They serve budget-friendly and delicious food. Because they use the freshest foods, the menu varies regularly.
3- The Casino Supermarket is an excellent place to take your meal and enjoy the view of luxury yachts from the port. They offer sandwiches or salad and sushi, baked goods, and pizza.
4- Piamu u Frescu serves a variety of excellent and inexpensive dishes, including homemade meals, sweets, and pancakes, which are among the restaurant’s most popular items. It is located on Saint-Michel Avenue. Although the restaurant is modest, it does offer a charming little terrace with seating.
Accommodation
Accommodation is a serious issue that you should consider while on a budget. Monaco has myriad hotel options when it comes to expensive ones, but here are some budget-friendly hotels and apartments in Monaco. Annual average prices for one night are 110-150 Euros. Definitely consider the price changes according to season/off seasons times.
It is good to remember that it is illegal to park overnight or wild camp in Monaco. Also the country gives permission for parking to motorhomes only in the daytime. Due to the restrictions of Monaco, most motorhomers use Nice to stay and park.
Another chance to explore Monaco on a budget is staying with locals! There are many communities that serve the opportunity to connect travelers with the locals where they are planning to travel. Locals open their houses to travelers for them to stay, plus some of them are completely free! The most essential thing to consider is to mention yourself as detailed as possible so you can find common aspects with your host, and spend better time. This is a very preferable way to live a local experience.
Tip!
Consider the go on a day trip from Nice and stay in a hostel for the most cost-effective lodging.
Transportation
- Public transportation connects the areas, with the bus being the most cost-effective option.
- You can take the train by adding a few euros to your budget.
- The best way to travel around Monaco, though, is on foot! Monaco is only about 4 kilometers long, so you can simply walk around the entire country. You can cross the country in less than an hour. There are even walking tours in Monaco.
1- Trains run every 20 minutes or so during the week, from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. On the SNCF website, you can check the actual departure times.
2- The city’s transportation system is relatively well linked. To check if the bus will be helpful for you, go to their website and look at their routes and timetables.
3- You can simply rent bikes to cycle around the city, like in most cities. More information and a helpful map displaying all of the bike stations can be found on their website.
Cultural Activities
Old Town and The Prince’s Palace of Monaco
The Prince’s Palace of Monaco is located in the Old Town, home to many of the city’s most famous attractions. Furthermore, the area’s golden pedestrianized alleyways are a joy to explore. If possible, schedule your visit to coincide with the Changing of the Guards, which takes place every day at 11:55 a.m. and is free to view from Palace Square. Plus, you can take photos of that unique experience for free.
Monaco Cathedral
The Cathedral of Monaco is a Roman-Byzantine style structure built in 1875. It is also known as St Nicholas Cathedral. One of the most important facts about this cathedral is that the tombs of former princes of Monaco are in the building. Episcopal throne, high altar, and the Louis Bréa painting are just some of the exciting features of the cathedral. It is a worth considering deal because there is no entry fee.
Oceanographic Museum
The Oceanographic Museum is a part of the Oceanographic Institute that shares ocean knowledge around the world. The museum includes over 4,000 species living in the Mediterranean and tropical seas. It is a distinct activity to experience in Monaco.
Monaco Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice)
The Monaco Palace of Justice is one of the most beautiful buildings in Monaco and worth a photoshoot. The gray stone used for this building is the same stone used for the city’s ramparts.
Fun-to-do Activities
Larvotto Beach
Larvotto Beach is one of the most famous and marvelous beaches around the world. It has an excellent location near Monte Carlo. The best thing about the beach is that it is free-to-public. You can enjoy the beach while sunbathing on Monaco’s coast.
Jardin Exotique
The Jardin Exotique is a breath-taking exotic garden. It has an excellent opportunity to experience the view of the bay of Monaco while walking in an exotic garden. It is located between Nice and Menton. The sea views are heartwarming and worth seeing. The French and Italian Riviera make the Jardin Exotique a more must-see place.
Stade Nautique Rainier III
This Olympic-sized outdoor seawater pool, located in the heart of Monaco’s port district, features diving boards and a curving water slide. In the winter, it transforms into an ice rink.
Monte Carlo Casino
Monte Carlo Casino is a significant landmark in Monaco. Since the 1920s, casino culture has developed in the country. The place even hosted several James Bond movies. Due to it can be expensive to experience a casino on the inside, visitors can enjoy the ambiance around the building.
Tête de Chien
Tête de Chien is a 550-meter-high granite promontory near La Turbie, Alpes-Maritimes, France. With a perspective over the Principality of Monaco, it is the highest point on the Grande Corniche route.
Window Shopping
For those who want to explore Monaco on a budget, window shopping is one of the most sensible options. While catching the luxury fashion, getting around between famous brands` shops makes you feel like Monaco millionaires.
Monaco Grand Prix
Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious activities in Monaco history. The Formula One race has been held each year since 1929. The race engages attention globally and has massive importance on the country’s advertising. The Monaco circuit is the world’s shortest Grand Prix track, yet it has the greatest ratio of billionaires per meter! Race seasons can be expensive to visit, but offseasons are suitable for seeing the route and the race track.