Monaco is not as expensive as you think. There are lots of small restaurants that offer great food at great prices. Try Planet Bar, in Place Des Moulins for lunchtime food or an early evening aperitif. Zia Theresa in the Metropole centre serve wonderful genuine Italian food and is one of the best places for coffee.
Monaco Insider Tip 2
Keep cool in the city
In the centre of Port d'Hercule you'll find the swimming pool complex made famous by the Grand Prix circuit. Even on the hottest summer days it's quieter in the early mornings and they always keep a lane reserved for strong swimmers. It is worth knowing that after 1.00pm entry, sunbeds and parasols are all half price.
Monaco Insider Tip 3
Free Parking
Boulevard des Suisse is free to park on if you are lucky enough to find a space. Unlike many other big European cities there are still places where you can park for free, so cruise around and read the signs, if there are no markings then yes, it's real, free parking. The spaces marked 'Payant' mean that you will have to pay per hour but the rates are really reasonable and the two hours of lunchtime are free.
Monaco Insider Tip 4
Varied Prices
There are lots of underground car parks so finding a space is never much of a problem but the rates can vary so it's worth checking the signs. Some, but not all, offer the first hour free, but again, check the signs. Only Monaco or Nice registered cars are allowed drive up into the Old Town but it's a pretty walk and there are regular buses to take you up too. Purchase your tickets on board.
Monaco Insider Tip 5
Local knowledge
One of the cheapest cafes in Monaco is in Place Des Moulins. it is little more than a kiosk but the seating area is laid out around an old Olive Mill and beautifully manicured gardens. Here you can pick up a cafe for 1 euro and huge french baguette sandwiches for 3 or 4 euro as well as salads, snack food, beer, ice cream and drinks. It's not Cordon Blue but it fills a gap without hitting your wallet.
Monaco Insider Tip 6
Great Food, reasonable prices
As a guide, the café's on Port d'Hercule are not good quality and are expensive, delve into the back streets of Condamine to find better. Casino square is naturally very expensive but a cafe in Hagen Daas cafe in the park is cheaper and just as pretty. Monaco beach area and Boulevard d'Italie have 'low bling factor' cafe's and restaurants for relaxed pizzas and salads.
Monaco Insider Tip 7
Vouchers on offer
Check out the tourist desks in Nice airport. You'll find lots of leaflets and information on what's going on in Monaco and also free street maps. The Monaco tourist office print little booklets, keep an eye out for them as they sometimes have money off offers printed inside for local attractions or events. Even off your helicopter trip from the airport.
Monaco Insider Tip 8
Keep it real
If you are renting a luxury apartment, an amazing villa or a stunning home on the French Riviera it doesn't mean that you won't need to stock it or that you want to pay huge prices to do so. Visit the markets in Place d'Armes for fresh produce or Carrefour Supermarket in Fontvieille for the best variety and price.
Monaco Insider Tip 9
Grand Prix week in Monaco
This is one of the best times to be in Monaco for sheer spectacle and atmosphere, unlike anything you will find anywhere else in the world. You will need: water, sun cream, hat and ear plugs as a bare minimum to get though the day in comfort.
Renting Holiday Accommodation in Monaco
If you are interested in renting a holiday home or vacation villa in Monaco and want to start looking at what is available to rent then please use the search facility at the bottom of this page or click on 'Browse Rentals' in the menu system at the top of the page on the left. You will find luxury apartments, holiday rentals and great villas, we hope you find something you like and have a happy holiday.
This fully furnished two bedroom apartment has spectacular panoramic views over the principality of Monaco and the Mediterranean Sea. Located right in the heart of Monte Carlo, this apartment offers every conceivable amenity right on its doorstep.
This 1 bedroom apartment is suitable as an extravagant pied à terre for those who appreciate the best of life. Located in the heart of the Principality of Monaco, most conceivable luxuries are within a short stroll.
A fresh, spacious 2 bedroom apartment with balconies offers wonderful sea views over Monaco and the deep blue Mediterranean sea. Close to shops, markets and Monaco beach and within easy walking distance of all of Monaco.
"Monaco is upping the ante this year with new restaurants, bars and nightclubs, all in the same year. Port Hercule has seen new restaurants and bars open right along the sea wall with the Brasserie offering a cool watering hole and Black Legend funking up the night club scene with a discreet club playing Motown and soul music.
Boutique hotel 'Ni' has also added to it's stable with a trendy Ni tapas bar restaurant near the Casino and Larvotto beach and also an uber cool new concept nightclub right beside the famous Formula One tunnel.
Now there are more places to see and be seen in Monaco and Monte Carlo."
"The Port area is looking good in Monaco these days. It always seemed like a non event but now there are some new bars and restaurants it is a lot more interesting down there. La Tartine is good, we had mixed service and food but I liked it for the atmosphere anyway."
"There is a fabulous new restaurant and nightclub open in the Port of Monaco called Black Legend. It's a club with a music policy that features literally; Black legends. They play only Motown, Soul and Disco. It's a lot of fun and really well designed and run."
"New bars and cafes in Monaco Port. There is ongoing redevelopment in the Port Hercule, Monaco's main marina, look for the new restaurants, bars and a beautiful French patisserie where boat workshops used to be."
"Monaco at Christmas is a children's fairytale town dressed up in a beautiful scene from a Disney movie.
The main central area in the port is transformed by the building of hundreds of tiny timber houses and shops and are all decorated with snow and surrounded by living snowy pines.
The effect is magical and if you want to see Monaco at it's best don't miss this Christmas village and the champagne and oyster New Years party in the Christmas Village Town Square."
"For a really great full-on summer party night in Monaco here's your must-do list. All this is around Larvotto beaches within 400m of each other. 1. Pint of Guinness (or two) in McCarthys Irish Bar near the beach. 2. Classy apero (or three) in Zebra Square in the Grimaldi Forum. 3. Cross road to Sass cafe for stylish but cheesy dancing and slightly older crowd. 4. Choose to re-cross road to Karement club (U30's) or proceed to Jimmyz. 5. If Sass was unleavable and you still want more by 3am, go the The Living Room near the Casino but make sure that the girl you're dancing with is actually a girl....or... 6. Try full on hard core club Legend next door. 7. Head for the Meridian for full breakfast. 8. Catch early train back to Nice or wherever."
Bedrooms: 4
