48 hours in… Monaco

One of the most exclusive cities on the Mediterranean coast is Monte Carlo, in the principality of Monaco. In this wealthy city-state, you'll stumble upon a famous global citizen at every street corner, who has their residence in this tax haven. A city full of exclusive superyachts, expensive cars, and gleaming white dream palaces.

If you travel by train, you can alight at two levels at Monaco station. In the hilly principality, it's smart to start at the top and slowly descend to the harbor. Directly outside the station is a spot that offers a beautiful view of the world-famous marina and the many exclusive apartment blocks with sea views.

A must-see is the Casino, which enchants visitors with a magnificent square. You can also marvel at the many super-luxury cars that often parade in a queue. Classic convertibles do just as well here as gleaming new Bugattis and Ferraris. For motorists, it's fun that you can drive your own car partly on the Formula 1 street circuit. Keep your speed in check, because the fines for speeding are not lenient.

Extreme superyachts

For boat lovers, a walk along the harbor is a must. There, extremely luxurious superyachts lie fraternally next to faded fishing boats. Both types are worth taking a closer look at. A tourist attraction is the Jardin Exotique, opened by the legendary Princess Grace. The garden, with a view of the azure sea, houses a large collection of rare exotic plants. If the weather is less favorable, it is worth visiting the Oceanographic Museum. It has a large number of magnificent aquariums with bizarrely beautiful fish. The roof terrace offers a spectacular view of the sea, which is especially nice when the sun is shining.

Tax-free shopping

In Monaco, you shop tax-free, but that doesn't mean it's cheap. The word expensive is actually an understatement here. Along the harbor, there are plenty of shops to buy beautiful, but also extremely expensive items. There are hardly any cheap shops, although there are some supermarkets that charge normal prices. On Avenue Monte Carlo and Avenue des Beax-Arts, you'll find exclusive clothing brands like Prada, Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton.

Around the casino, exclusive jewelry and watch shops are housed everywhere, such as those of Cartier, Bulgari, and Chopard. Regular shops like the Carrefour for daily groceries can be found in the Fontveille shopping center. In La Condamine, Rue Princesse Caroline is the most famous shopping street, and on Place des Armes, there is a fruit and vegetable market from early in the morning. On Quai Jean-Charles Rey near the harbor, a flea market is held on Saturdays.

Events

Many events are organized in Monaco, such as the Monaco Boat Show, the Monaco Circus Festival, the Formula 1 Grand Prix race, and the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament. During events, the otherwise so civilized Monaco is often a madhouse. All restaurants are overbooked, superyachts and smaller boats are anchored in the harbor, and people even sleep in places where it is otherwise strictly forbidden, such as under bridges and on the pebble beach. Parking is almost impossible in the principality during events.

Staying overnight in Monaco

Hotels

In Monaco, the Hotel de Paris is known as one of the best hotels in the world. But of course, that comes with an elite price tag. Those without a top budget can go to the equally well-located Novotel, which charges prices of 200-250 euros per room. Except around the Boat Show or Formula 1. Then everything is sold out far in advance and prices skyrocket.

Campsites

Camping la Ferme Riola

La Ferme Riola is a terraced campsite in the forests of the Alpes-Maritimes (30 km from Monaco). You camp under olive trees, on small camping pitches. There is a sports field (including volleyball) and cycling enthusiasts can indulge in the cycling routes that the campsite has collected. The campsite has an outdoor swimming pool, a recreation room, a covered barbecue area, and a pétanque court. Wifi available.

Route de Sclos 5309
F-06390 Contes
www.campinglafermeriola.com

Camping Le Val Fleuri

Small family campsite with terraced pitches. With a playground, heated outdoor swimming pool, and a paddling pool. The campsite has a park-like layout, with beautiful pitches in the shade of trees. 14 km from Nice and 35 km from Monaco.

Chemin du Vallon des Vaux 139
F-06800 Cagnes sur Mer
www.campingvalfleuri.fr

Camping Domaine Ste Madeleine

Camping Domaine Ste Madeleine is a small campsite 4 km from the village of Sospel (30 km from Monaco), in the Alpes-Maritimes region. The terraced campsite has pitches in both the shade and full sun. The higher pitches are ideal for tent campers; the lower part is perfect for caravans. Many sporting opportunities in the area, such as canyoning, hang gliding, paragliding, mountaineering, and mountain biking.

Mercantour National Park, Route du Moulinet
F-06380 Sospel
www.camping-sainte-madeleine.com

Large selection of campers and caravans

Looking for a camper or caravan to go on a city trip to Monaco? Our website offers a large and up-to-date selection of campers and caravans.View the offer here