The Principality of Monaco, with its world-famous casino, the most expensive yachts, chic boutiques and restaurants, is synonymous with luxury.
And yet there is a way to spend a few days in this dwarf state associated with France and located on the coast of the Ligurian Sea without much damage to your pocket.
Here are some tips that will help you avoid unnecessary expenses, unless you are heading to Monaco with a tightly packed wallet.
A high-rated hotel in Monaco can easily cost several hundred or even thousands of euros per night. Nevertheless, accommodation that can accommodate up to four people is offered by the Airbnb accommodation booking service at a price from 170 to 250 euros per night. By dividing the cost between the members of the group, such accommodation becomes quite affordable. To save money, you can also stay in the French commune of Beausoleil, bordering Monaco. Two nights will be enough to see all the sights of the principality. The Principality of Monaco is the second largest state in the world after the Vatican in terms of area and the smallest in the world with a coastline. The area of Monaco is only 2 square kilometers, and the population is about 38 thousand people, which makes the principality the most populous country on the planet. A walk through the streets of Monaco, famous for its frequency, is fascinating: they offer enchanting views. Admire the luxurious boats in the port of Hercule, spend a day in the sun on Larvotto beach, walk along the route of the urban Formula 1 highway and the Boulevard of Fine Arts. It is also worth visiting the Cathedral of Monaco.
There are many options. If your legs get tired, do not hesitate to take the bus, which will cost only two euros. For 5.50 euros, you can also purchase an online ticket for 24 hours. One of the main tourist attractions of the Principality of Monaco is the Princely Palace. The official residence of the Grimaldi family stands on the flat top of a rocky cliff that rises 60 meters above sea level. This is an ideal place for a little immersion in the history of the state.
Inside the palace, many beautifully decorated rooms will take you to different eras, from the construction in the XIII century to the era of the Italian Renaissance and the Great French Revolution.
You will be enchanted by the courtyard of the prince's palace, Baroque architecture and paintings by famous painters. The audio guide is included in the price of the tour, which is 10 euros. You will be told about the history of the formation of the principality and the role of the Genoese Grimaldi family. The Princely Palace today is the residence of the ruler Albert II, his wife Princess Charlene and their two children. A real surprise for the traveler will be a visit to the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, located a few minutes' walk from the Princely Palace. The building houses a large aquarium and an impressive exhibition dedicated to the history of exploring the seas and oceans.
It is noteworthy that Prince Albert I devoted his entire life to oceanography, founding the Oceanographic Institute in 1906, at which a museum was opened. An adult ticket worth 25 euros will give you access to both buildings, the palace and the museum, which can be visited within one day.
If you have other interests, for the same price you can explore the collection of the prince's personal cars.
Monte Carlo, the most famous area of Monaco, with its famous haute couture houses, shops of exclusive wines and delicacies, is world famous for its casino. It was here that episodes of James Bond films were filmed - Casino Royale, Never Say Never and Golden Eye.
One of the most respectable gambling houses in the world is the main attraction of the Principality of Monaco. It is to him that it owes its fame and wealth. The Palace of Excitement, located in the heart of the square, which impresses with its luxurious architecture, opens its gaming tables from 14:00. And in the morning, the casino is open for excursions.
The entrance fee is 19 euros. At the same time, the gambling establishment "for seed" provides the visitor with a loan for slot machines in the amount of 10 euros.
The luxurious halls of the Monte Carlo casino were honored with their money and presence by Prince Napoleon, writer Alexandre Dumas, composer Jacques Offenbach, German Kaiser Wilhelm II, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and many others.
And the Russian grand dukes even brought safes with gold coins here.