Monaco Travel Guide

Monaco OVERVIEW

Monaco is yet another proof that size doesn't matter. Too small for a longer stay, it's definitely a worthwhile outing alternative to frizzling at Cote D'Azur, especially that it takes less than an hour to traverse the country's width on foot. Translocating up and down the hills is no big deal either as a system of free public elevators runs day and night to save you a good deal of legwork. If you reckon it has too much of a claustrophobic feel, choose towering steps or shiny escalators to get a bird's eye view of the glamorous principality.

Thrusted between the Mediterranean coast and the foot of the Southern Alps, Monaco not only caresses with its mild climate but also pleases the eye with a diversified landscape and entertains with a wide palette of highlights. Once the Grand Prix sees green light, nothing in the sporting world can compare to the sheer elegance of Formula One's most prestigious race and the spick-and-span streets of Monte Carlo turn into a supersonic spectacle with moaning engines, glowing breaks, and smoking tires in leading roles. If gambling is your thing, you couldn't have ended up better. When the race is over, you too may get a taste for celebrity life in a world-class casino (Note: inadvisable if you don't have a celebrity wallet), and if you happen to be lucky, head right for the marina and get spoilt for choice. Should it be a jinxed day, however, you can just hope for the future and, meanwhile, see how the Grimaldis live royal style in Monaco-Ville. Step into St Nicholas Cathedral, marvel at the remarkable collections of the Oceanographic Museum, and soak up pure exoticism in the Botanical Center.

Ok, Monaco is not a budget destination, but if you think of all those parties, fashion shows, and what follows, opportunities to bump into creme de la creme , you'll be more willing to loosen your purse strings. Enjoy!