Monaco, is there anything to do?
 

I will be going to Monaco this summer and will be staying in Eze for a couple of days, but will be going to Monaco. Are there any historical sites, or sites of interest? How about shopping and dining? Anyone have any ideas? Please advise and thanks.

Nah,

There is no reason at all for going to Monaco.

You can look it up to see if I am right.

Molvania, not too far to the East, would be a much better destination.

((I))

visitmonaco.com

Lots for me go a fair amount mostly on business with the Prince.Pretty central area expensive lots of folks from other countries live tax free there its main claim to fame.Easy to
lose mooney at the casino there and get ripped off on food hotels so be careful. Nice though Nice or SanRemo a little more affordable.

qwovadis - can we have a translation into English please?

Monaco is worth a look because it is Monaco - check out the Royal Palace area and yes world-famous casino where the world's rich and famous wager huge sums - check out the Mouse That Roared Changing of the Guard daily in front of Royal Palace.

There is a sweet seaside few-mile walk from Monaco west to Cap d'Ail train station - great walk - hop train back to Monaco or to Nice - really one of the very prettiest strolls anywhere - totally isolated from the generally over developed coastline elsewhere - just you and the deep-azure-hued sea and the dreamy picture etched in your mind of the Riviera - a rocky coast with signature cypress trees clinging to the rocks that tumble down to the shore - there are isolated swimming places but do not be shy - you may well see some skinny dippers here - well in any case you need not take your swimming suit to bathe here. A flat two-mile or so stroll along the French Riviera you dream of but really do not see much elsewhere these days in this generally highly developed coast.

Not really worth a trip when there are so many other more interesting places nearby. Get more input by using the search function at the top of this page.

I would have said no to Monaco too, but have just heard from friends with a car-mad son, who loved seeing the corners and curves as viewed during the Grand Prix, and he really enjoyed Prince Rainier's collection of vintage cars.

I forgot to add, they also said that eating out, even in the humblest of establishments, cost alot. They enjoyed a picnic on the harbour, looking at the vulgar boats.

Depends... if you really want to see Monaco... why not? I have been 3 times over the years and it's a pleasant enough looking place. The Oceanographic Museum is apparently very good though it holds no interest for me.

Indeed it can be expensive. We had a harrowing train commute from Nice where we were crammed into a train on a hot day. We collapsed into chairs at the first cafe we came too with a view of the harbour... 22 euros for 2 cokes and a beer! So have some cash with you! LOL

But if you've always wanted to go don't let the naysayers put you off. My wife has a fascination with Princess Grace and has enjoyed the 2 visits I've done with her.

If you want to see it; go! Look at the cars outside the casino, windowshop, go and see the Palace and Musee Oceanographic and maybe there's something interesting on at the Grimaldi Forum; lunch on the terrace there overlooking the harbour is very pleasant.

It's not everyone's cup of tea, and I wouldn't spend a week there, but there are worse places to spend a day!

I think I have always been fascinated with Princess Grace and are we able to visit the palace? That would be interesting. Also is the Musee Ocenographic interesting?

Sites - palace, changing of the guard, cathedral. Casino but only at night. There is also an oceanographic museum but I have not been so cannot recommend.

Shopping - generally no but depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for furs or big diamonds it's as good a place as any. If you're looking for locally crafted housewares, then no. You could also buy a mug with a picture of the Prince and Princess.

Dining - there is a reasonably priced and informal restaurant way up the hill, very close to the Botanical Garden. Decent food and interesting view. Otherwise, no, unless you are hungry after shopping for those furs and big diamonds.

Not exactly a site, but if you are using the Nice airport, you can take a helicopter to/from Monaco. Not expensive and very cool.

We've spent a few hours there on 3 different trips and always enjoyed it. Although we were not impressed with the casino, we loved the tour of the Palace, walking through the various gardens, strolling along the shore, and looking at the gorgeous yachts in the harbor.

The Oceanographic Museum was interesting but old in the way things were displayed. I guess after all the new aquarium type museums in the world, this was a bit of a disappointment for us.

A place we really enjoyed was "Stars & Bars" restaurant, right on the harbor. It's an Aussie, casual (in food, not in price) place. Sitting outside at night was magical with all the lit up yachts, and some amazing cars in the area. Must reserve for outside---we stopped during the day and reserved for that night. You might even see a celebrity, it's a very popular place. To us the inside is a sports bar and has a game room where you can drive the Grand Prix course, if you're into that sort of thing. I see TA has some bad reviews lately (we were there the last time maybe 5 yrs ago.) We went for the view and were not disappointed. If we are in the area, we will visit again. In our experience, the burgers were overpriced, but great.

I've been there on several occasions and left after about 10 minutes. Nothing of any interest there for me except ocean views, which I can see in plenty of places that don't cost $20 for a cup of coffee. I have no interest in celebrity sightings or casinos, so maybe I'm missing something.

I think Monaco is beautiful--- casino, palaces, fancy cars. also it has great sandy beaches. its good for a day trip. here is a link for top things to do. http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel...co-TG-C-1.html

If you have time, I would highly recommend Nice itself and St Paul de Vance. If you are short on time and do not have a car, there are local tours that take you to these cities.

Eze is a fairy tale! have a great trip!

Has a few things to see and do - but is basicaly a palyground for the rich and everything is priced based on that. We have gone to the casino several times for a hoot. Yes, you need to be well dressed to get in - and we like looking as the incredibly wealthy people from the yachts in the harbor - in designer gowns and jewels - lose their money (and we lose the modest sume we have set aside) - and pretend we are in a James Bond flick for a little while.

If you don't want to spend big $ - stay away.

The only thing I regret NOT doing the last visit to Monaco was taking a Ferrari ride along the Grand Prix route. We did take one of those tourist trains... you know, one of those deals where you hope nobody you know sees you! LOL But it gave a good overview of the miniature country and the day was hot so it saved a lot of walking.

and besdies Monaco visit Monte Carlo as well!

I love Monaco. It is ritzy and glamorous. It has incredible shopping and wonderful retaurants. That being said, I have only been able to shop during extreme sales (end of season) and the restaurants we have been to there pretty much break our food budget for a year ($600.00 per dinner for two with a view of the harbor).

The people watching in Monaco is unsurpassed for me. But that is something I enjoy. They have (or had) a great pool down at the harbor. The Prada store is wonderful but the best sales are at Celine.

The casino is pretty neat as well, not as chi chi as it used to be but still fun. Just bring your money and a suit.

Eze is wonderful also (the 3rd most expensive meal I have ever had and it was lunch). Great views and fun shopping.
Have a wonderful time.

This is the menu for Café Llorca at the Grimaldi Forum. http://www.cafellorca.mc/pdf/carteresto.pdf

For lunch they have a starter and main course of the day with a glass of wine or 1/2 mineral water for 22 euros. That is really not bad, and the food is good, with a great view of the harbour.
I would easily spend that here in Belgium, even in an average restaurant.

Thank you all for your comments