Monte Carlo

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Small Wonder

An August 2000 trip to Monte Carlo by EriksA1

You would expect the Principality of Monaco would hold simple people, simple things, since it is small and not really a world power. Oh, how wrong you are. It is a rich nation, and a cultural crossroads in the French Riviera. A great day trip if you are staying in the nearby cities of Nice or Cannes.

  • 5 reviews
  • 1 story/tip

Small WonderBest of IgoUgo

Overview

I enjoyed eating at the Monaco cafes and looking at all the richest people's boats! Pretended they were mine haha, also looking at the Ferraris in the Ferrari dealers.

Quick Tips:

Prepare to be humbled! The fast paced big money cars, the huge yachts in the harbour, the pricey menu items, the fact you have to pay to go to the public bathrooms, all of this seems to humble the greatest of men. So bring lots of cash and credit cards even if you are only staying a little while.

Best Way To Get Around:

There is no better transportation around Monte Carlo than walking. You get to take in the blue skies, the blue waters, the cruise ships out at sea, the sunshine. Also parking can be difficult to find in some areas so your best bet is to stick to the sidewalks.

Monaco CafesBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

The fabulous French cuisine carries over the border to the tiny country of Monaco. Enjoy a wide array of pastas and meat, salads etc. I personally liked the spaghetti pesto and the salade de tomates et mozzarella, which is simply slabs of fresh mozzarella cheese and tomatoes, you can add balsamic vinegar or olive oil. Very good! They are a little pricey, but you pay for great atmosphere (outdoor seating available) and food. If it was this good for just lunch, I would invite you to try their cuisine at dinner.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by EriksA1 on January 25, 2001

Monaco Cafes
Throughout Monaco Monte Carlo, Monaco

BoatingBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Boats in Monte Carlo port"

If you are lucky enough to own a boat in Monaco, or know someone who does, I envy you! I'm not sure that there are rentals, but I wouldn't doubt it. Imagine just sailing around the riviera coast in the Mediterranean, looking out into the sea knowing that Africa is right there ahead of you. There are also huge, and I mean huge, cruise ships that are always docked in Monte Carlo, so go and find out information from your travel agent.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by EriksA1 on January 25, 2001

Boating
Throughout Monte Carlo Monte Carlo, Monaco

FerrariBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

I am a big car guy, and for all of you car guys out there, the French Riviera has the swankiest cars out there. It was cool to visit the Ferrari dealer in Monte Carlo, just to look at these beauties. If you don't want to go to the dealer, just look around, there should be tons of Ferraris in Monaco! You don't have to be serious about buying, just stroll in and have a look. It is fun to appreciate the wealth, and also you don't get to see Ferraris everyday. Also a good car dealer (but expensive cars) city is London.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by EriksA1 on January 25, 2001

Ferrari
Monte Carlo Monte Carlo, Monaco

Monaco ShopsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Shopping in Monaco I didn't get to experience a lot. I just went into a few tourist shops; you know tee shirts, postcards, etc. But if that is what you want it is a good place. Also I have heard that there are boutiques with the expensive brands. If you cant find what you are looking for, try going to Nice or Cannes, about 20 minutes away. Just strolling in and out of little shops is fun though, and like I mentioned in another entry if you are in the market for an expensive foreign car, Monaco is the place to go.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by EriksA1 on January 25, 2001

Monaco Shops
Throughout Monaco Monte Carlo, Monaco

Special Events in MonacoBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

If you are planning to go to Monaco, check with someone to find out if there are any special events going on. There is the Monaco Grand Prix car race, when I was there, there was a pre Olympic track meet in the big athletic arena. The World Music Awards was held there too. Plan ahead if you want to go to these so you can either get tickets, or know that there will be limited parking in some spots. The best way to get around anyway is walking.

About the Writer

EriksA1
EriksA1
East Amherst, New York

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