This was my first time being in Monaco and I honestly had no idea what to expect. Before the guided tour and witnessing it, I knew that Monaco was known for being lavish and extravagant...
Little did I know that my experience actually would exceed my expectations and vision.
At the beginning of the tour, our guide mentioned a few facts that I want to share with you so that you have a better idea of how millionaire residents of Monaco live.
Roughly 1 in 3 people in Monaco are millionaires.
A small apartment in Monaco will cost you upwards of $2 million, so if you plan on living in Monaco you should start saving now!
Residents of Monaco do not have to pay direct taxes which was mandated by the government.
There are only about 9,000 Monaco natives out of 38,000 residents total. When they began the constructions of the casinos, the government made the 9,000 natives agree to never step foot into a Monaco casino because it was seen as addictive.
Monaco is the second smallest country, right behind the Vatican City.
Whether you go directly on a yacht itself or you climb up to the top of the hill to see it, the Port de Fontvielle is a must see for amazing views of all the gargantuan yachts and stunning view of Monaco. Over 50 years ago, it used to be just a strip of sand. Now it serves as a marina where yachts, sailboats, and other boats can peacefully anchor because of the location and protection of the eastern rocks.
Port de Fontvielle
If you got lucky at the casinos or just want to splurge on one item, Avenue Princesse Grace is the best place to go in Monaco. While it only covers about 1.5 miles, it holds a spot as one of the most expensive streets in the world. Unfortunately all I could do was window shop, but it was mind-boggling to gawk at that many designer stores, all conglomerated on one street.
Dior and Cartier stores on Avenue Princesse Grace
My friends and I booked an AirBnB a few nights in advance for this sunny Saturday, so we split off from the group when the tour was over. Our AirBnB was not listed as being in Monte-Carlo, rather in Beausoleil, but it was still only a five minute walk to the center of Monte-Carlo. If you are of age and wish to stay where the party scene is, I would suggest to stay in Monaco rather than Monte-Carlo because Monte-Carlo is more so high-end casinos and luxury stores.
If you plan on going to any casino in Europe,
MAKE SURE TO BRING YOUR PHYSICAL PASSPORT!
Casinos scan and check your passport, so therefore a copy of your passport will not grant you access into the casinos.
Other than the opulent casinos, Monaco also hosts its incredible Aquarium and Oceanography Museum right near the center of town. This aquarium was built in 1910 and has consistently remained a popular tourist attraction for its wide alluring exhibition range and detailed scientific information. If you are a student, make sure to bring your student ID because you get a reduced rate of only 10 euros!
At one of the upper levels the Aquarium has an outside turtle exhibit that is absolutely breathtaking. The turtles are encased in an all glass tank that allows the turtles to gaze out into the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. I was in awe at all the hues of blues within the tank and the ocean.
Though my wallet could afford very little, I had an amazing time exploring the Principality of Monaco because I got a taste for how the rich lived. Most people can only dream to visit this millionaire's playground and I am so grateful that my program, CEA, was able to take me there.
I created a 'travel guide' of sorts for Monaco that includes some places to eat as well as the history of the Principality. Feel free to take a look at the link below!
Comments