Monaco is one of the most glamorous and expensive places in Europe. This tiny principality is home (and tax haven) to the rich and many more see it as their luxury playground. So is it worthwhile or even possible for us lesser mortals to visit?
It’s certainly well worth your while – I first experienced the place as a child and yet it still retains its magic all these years later.
And yes, it’s perfectly possible to visit when you’re on a limited budget (unless you’re planning to spend your evenings gambling everything you own at the casino). After all, ‘ordinary’ people work there too – someone has to make the beds and clean the houses of the rich. Others have to work in shops, tend bar, cut the grass … if they can live well in Monaco then so can you.
As far as accommodation is concerned, there are one or two hotels with lower prices but I’d recommend that a) you stay a little further away from Monaco itself and travel in to enjoy it or b) stay in an Airbnb. There are many double rooms and small apartments available that will cost you less than a cheap hotel elsewhere. See a few examples below.
As you can see some of these places sleep four people so are without doubt a bargain. In most cases too you’ll have a friendly host who is available to help you and tell you about some great budget places you can go to eat.
And believe it or not, there are two McDonalds in Monaco! That should help your budget considerably. I don’t like the fact that this American chain has made its way to Monaco but you can certainly eat for cheap! But you’ll also find some local bars, pizzerias and cafes that will be very reasonably priced. This can especially be the case if you go at happy hour (usually 6 to 8 pm) when drinks are cheaper and there are usually great food deals.
Remember too that there are several supermarkets in the area so for a truly cheap meal buy some crusty bread, some local cheese, a little fruit and a local bottle of wine. Enjoy a picnic.
Walking is absolutely the best way to get around. It has the great advantage of costing you nothing and you’ll see more of the area when you’re travelling on foot. (So be sure to wear comfortable shoes). Buses are cheap in Monaco too, with tickets only costing a couple of Euros so use them if you need to.
Luckily there are so many things to see in Monaco that are free to behold!
McDonald's
McDonald’s
McDonald's
McDonald’s
Brasserie de Monaco
Brasserie de Monaco
La Rascasse
La Rascasse
ARTICLE BY:
Jackie
JJ is originally from the UK and has lived in South Florida since 1994. She is the founder and editor of JAQUO Magazine. You can connect with her using the social media icons below.