Monaco is the second smallest country in the world and is located on the French Riviera. Most people have only seen it on television, where it is often billed as a getaway for the rich and famous. The colorful buildings make it beautiful, and the pure luxury of all makes it a paradise for anyone who is ready to spend a few bucks. Luckily, though, you don't have to be a millionaire to enjoy Monaco - you just have to keep these three tips in mind to make the most of your trip.
If You Want to Save Money, Book a Hotel in the Next Town
As we mentioned in the introduction, Monaco is a fantastic destination for those who have lots of money to throw around. It is a great place to spend your cash (and maybe earn it back at one of the many casinos), but if you are like me, you probably don't want to spend all your money on a hotel reservation. If you are feeling thrifty, cross the French border and head into the city of Beausoleil. It is close enough to Monaco to make commuting a non-issue, and you can find some really great deals on hotel rooms here, since it isn't in the middle of all the glitz and glamor. If you really want to treat yourself like royalty, though, you can't beat the luxurious hotels in Monaco, such as the Fairmont and the Meridien, which has a private beach.
Know When to Visit
While Monaco is beautiful all year round, there are certain times of the year when the weather is just perfect. Most people visit in May and June, when it is a great temperature for being outside and walking the hilly streets, but April and October are said to be pleasant months here as well. April offers guests the opportunity to take in the annual arts festival, and May is time for the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix. That being said, the summer months are usually the best for tourism, but you can save on hotel prices and other reservations by booking a trip here in the off-season, namely winter. It all depends on what you want to get out of your trip.
Visit Attractions Early in the Day
Monaco may be a small country, but it has a ton of interesting sights to see. The best time to visit these sites (especially the ones that are most popular with tourists) is early in the morning. Many travelers note that if they got to an attraction in the early morning hours, they pretty much had the whole thing to themselves, which is what every traveler hopes for. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that many of the surrounding stores don't open until at least 10 a.m., so be sure to check online or ask around to make sure that the thing you want to do is open and available early. Also keep in mind that the roads are a bit tough to walk here in places and there are a lot of stairs to climb, so no matter what time you plan to make your visit, be sure to factor in extra time for getting there.