One really expensive small country!

-Prince Rainer's palace. Not much to do. It is similiar to many other European palaces and has a changing of the guard around 11:30 daily. I found it boring. Certainly NOT Buckingham Palace.

-Casino. The grand Casino that is famous charges to enter and has a dress code. We skipped that. A plebian casino has opened nearby, but doesn't have the same history or aura.

-Thermes Marins. This is a spa/health club that is attached to the two most expensive hotels in Monaco. We were encouraged to get some 'treatments' which included a back massage, whirlpool/jacuzzi, 'underwater shower', and an algae wrap. The cost was 770FF per person, but really worth it. My wife and I lounged around in white terry cloth robes and swam in a heated pool full of Medditerean Sea water that was pumped from the bay. Marvelous experience and the only reason I would return to Monaco.

Quick Tips:

The SNCF runs through Monaco. The only stop is in Monte Carlo and the train station is built into the side of a mountain so you can exit through 2 different tunnels depending on if you want to go to the casino or palace.

Unless you've never seen a changing of the guard or the inside of a casino or palace, skip Monaco. It is incredibly expensive and the sites aren't worth the time and money. It is the playground of the world's rich and famous, but you probably won't see anybody. Unless it is on your 'must see' list, skip Monte Carlo

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking is the quickest. A bus system does run through Monaco, but it stops frequently and the traffic is horrible! Walk and enjoy the sea breeze, view and people watching.

Absolutely DO NOT DRIVE in Monte Carlo. It only has one main road and is filled with tour buses, citizens, and tourists. Take the SNCF from neighboring Nice or Italy.

My wife and I peaked our heads in, but we arrived too late to get a spot. During the summer, the beds are given out on a lottery system. Numbers are distributed by 9 a.m. and the drawing is at about 11 each morning. The inside looks like any other HI hostel. I didn't see anything special.

I would skip this because even if you stay (cost 90FF), you will have to eat in this very expensive city.

The only reason I could understand for visiting Monte Carlo is to visit this fabulous spa/resort. My wife and I went there on a recommendation from some fellow travelers. They were searching for a back massage while on the French Riveria and this was the only place they found. WHAT A LUCKY FIND! The Thermes Marins is a spa for the rich and famous. My wife and I (traveling on a tight budget) felt like paupers in the prince's castle. This spa offers many things, but their specialty is 4 'treatments'.

My wife and I received an algae wrap, hydrotherapy massage in a juccuzi, back massage with warm water and oils, and an underwater shower (standing in water with someone using a showerhead to spray you down).

While at the spa, you are given a big fluffy white terry cloth robe to lounge around in. After your treatments are finished you are welcome to use the weight and fitness center or use the pool (filled with warmed Med. Sea water). The best part was that the entire experience cost us 770FF each. So for about 110 USD, we had a phenomenal experience that we wouldn't have had in the US.

You will need to call to make a reservation a day or so ahead so they can schedule your 'treatments'. The spa is attached to the Hotel Paris if you are unable to get the phone number.

According to some of my fellow travelers, this was a really cool aquarium. My wife and I didn't see it because the entrance fee is 60FF (about $9 each) and after spending a large sum at the Thermes Marins, we decided to pass.

However, this aquarium has a living coral reef and every known species in the Mediterranean Sea. If you like marine biology or that stuff, this is probably for you.

The Salon Ordinaire has a 50FF cover charge and the Salon Prives has a 100FF cover charge. You must be over 21 to enter either of these sections.

Overall, I don't see the reason for going to the Casino, but folks do. It accounts for around 5% of Monaco's revenue.

The Jardin Exotique is full of catci and other desert like plants. It wasn't that exciting, but the views are fabulous. The entry price is 41FF. Check with the TI for hours because I believe they are much less in the winter. It is a cheaper option and we enjoyed the walk in the sun. Don't stop in Monte Carlo for this garden, but if you are there, it isn't a bad way to spend the afternoon.