Monaco-Your advice....
 

We'll be driving to Monaco from our Riveria base (St Paul de Vence). We'd like to spend a few hours there. Where is auto parking? What sights would you suggest and a people watching cafe that won't cost my daughter's college tuition.

In the center of town where the Casino and Hotel de Paris are located there is an open cafe - it might even be called Cafe de Paris - you can't miss it. And there are some cafes down near the Marina, but I can't recommend any in particular. Both are good people watching spots.

As to parking - and it's been a few years since I've been - but recall a parking structure near the road leading up to the Palace; but also directly opposite the Casino, underground below the gardens is a parking garage. There should be signs. Haven't the slightest idea what the cost of parking would be at either.

Monaco is oh so small, smaller then Central Park in NYC, that it's easy to walk wherever, but it is also very hilly. From the lowest points at the Marina up to the Casino and further up to one of the main shopping streets, is about 7-levels of hills. Be prepared to walk. If not, you can certainly walk along the beach area and near the Monte Carlo Grand Hotel.

You can certainly go up the hill (by bus or you can walk - you can't drive up there) to the Old Town, where the Palace is located as is the Cousteau aquarium and church where Princess Grace and the rest of the Grimaldi family are buried.

Go into the Information/Tourist office and ask for a map of the "country" - it's actually a principality!

Monaco, is a prettier Birminham with boutiques. Unless you have interests in becoming a tax exile, or a grand prix driver, forget Monaco, it's an attractive dump.

Hello JeriB, I''ve read several of your posts and it sounds like you are taking a trip similar to ours. We haven't been to the area for two years so we are really looking forward to it.

The outdoor cafe sandi mentioned in Monaco is a great place to sit and have a drink as you just watch it all and enjoy. They make a very potent margarita! I think you could order something to eat (which we did as otherwise we wouldn't have been able to stand up) and I seem to recall people having desserts also. There is also an indoor restaurant. The cafe is on the left as you face the casino. There is underground parking right in the center in front of the casino. I can't recall the cost of parking or the drink, but it was definitely worth it.

Enjoy your trip!

Jeri, we drove in from Nice and found reasonable public parking at the "top" of the principality and walked down into town and to the palace. The parking costs increased the closer to the marina and casino you got! We were somewhat disappointed in the whole place but certainly judge for yourself.

Thanks for your insights. Would love to hear from other Fodorites too!

Last time we were there, we also drove around the top until we found a parking space (it took forever, but we weren't in a hurry) and then walked down to the marina to some unassuming little place and had a cool drink and watched all the gold-pocketbooked ladies go by. I find Monaco almost spectacularly underwhelming, but I'm glad we've seen it, and you probably will be too.

My only time in Monaco, also from a base in St Paul, we took the train from Cagnes sur Mer (you can park your car at the station or take a taxi down). The train ride is spectacular as the train tracks hug the coastline (closer than the road). Then no parking problems :) Monaco is very vertical though, set into a mountain. I remember trekking up & down & looking for elevators that turned out to be stairs. #o

The general sightseeing is the palace, gardens &amp; the ocenaographic museum &amp; <i>do</i> go into the Hotel de Paris to look around. It's amazing. Try to dress well on the day you go there.

I agree with StCirque about it being somewhat underwhelming, but glad I saw it once.

JenB:
We went to Monaco two years ago while staying at Villefranche-sur-mer(at the Hotel Welcome) simply fabulous hotel. wWe parked in the underground garage across from the casino. I don't recall the price but I don't think it was memorable,HOWEVER, we had lunch at the Cafe de Paris on the left as you face the casino. It was the greatest lunch of our trip,AND the most costly meal of the two weeks in France(of course we had a bottle of great wine in addition to the food). Have a super time.

My husband, daughter and I just want to see Monaco, once. We're fascinated by the smallness and the steepness and the glitz. So we're committed, thanks for all your tips. Does anyone know where there are elevators? I have a bit of a foot problem.

my daughter an i went there for a quick espresso and a croissant 30e w/ tip. there is a really nice cafe across from the casino. there aren't really many people during the day to people watch with.

JeriB - Elevators - Unless others have been built, the one I remember is directly across from the beach (where you are at the lowest level in Monaco). On the opposite side of the boulevard that runs along the beach, there is a Musee de Puppettes (do forgive my spelling or correct name) of automated dolls and toys. At that intersection walk thru that street and way down on the left are two large elevators.

These elevators take you up thru the mountain to about the 5th level, a major street with lots of clothing shops and small food markets. You come up at about the furthest east point of that street, so walk left along the street. You'll be about 2-levels above the Place de Casino/Cafe de Paris.

Again, it's a good idea to get a map which should (I hope) indicate this elevator and any others.