Berman-MonacoBlog

Monaco: The Glamorous Metropolis of the Elite

By Michael Berman

8/23/15

Beginning with the reign of the irrepressible Princess Grace, Monaco has

been a favorite destination of tourists from around the world as well as a

residence for the very wealthy. Famous for it’s royal history, the sovereign city/

state is also known for international yachting competitions and for the legendary

Grand Prix, an international car racing show drawing crowds of Europe’s most

beautiful and well-heeled people. A visit to Monaco will open your eyes to

unimaginable success and glamour. Monaco has been the setting of many

movies, including To Catch a Thief, directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring the

actress and princess-to-be Grace Kelly. May in Monaco is the most bustling time

to come, with the Grand Prix. However, tickets are expensive and you might want

to get them far in advance or consider coming to Monaco in the mid to late

summer instead.

Sightseeing in Monaco

If you’re a royalty buff or just a casual onlooker, Vieux Monaco is definitely

worth checking out. Walk along the steep but scenic roads to the Grimaldi Palace

to watch the changing of the guards and maybe even indulge yourself in a royal

sighting. Vieux Monaco is a great place to take out your camera and snap some

pictures of the dramatic, panoramic views Monaco has to offer.

The Monte Carlo Casino is another landmark to put on your list. While you

must pay an entrance fee to gamble in the casino and the minimums are quite

high, it is worth a visit simply to see the beautiful marble sculptures and the gold

and marble atrium. Positioned between the French Alps and the ancient villages,

the location is stunning.

Walking through Monaco, you cannot miss the beautiful Monte Carlo

harbor. Pristine in its cleanliness and crowded with multi-million dollar yachts, the

harbor is a symbol of the Monaco lifestyle, which is all about drinking expensive

champagne by the sun-soaked, clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Walking along the harbor gives you the feeling of indulgence.

Dining in Monaco

There are many options for dining in Monaco. At Blue Bay in Monte Carlo,

you can sit outside and watch the skyline while you enjoy the fresh fish that is so

characteristic of the Mediterranean. There is also Restaurant Joel Robuchon de

Monte Carlo, elegant and luxurious with fantastic cuisine. For an option that

might be less pricey, try Valentin, a café style restaurant with generous portions

of delicious food. Try the Friday night tapas!

Shopping in Monaco

One thing is for sure; there is no shortage of upscale shops in Monaco.

From Chanel to Hermes, Monaco has every high fashion boutique you could

possibly imagine. If you’re looking for high-end shopping in Monte-Carlo, do

check out Le Metropole. Featuring ornate crystal chandeliers and marble spiral

staircases, Le Metropole is truly the place to do some damage to pocketbook. It

is also right around the corner from Hotel de Paris and the Monte-Carlo Casino.

Walking around this area makes you feel like you’re in a James Bond movie.

If you’re able to get tickets, the Grand Prix is the place to be in May.

Watching Formula One cars race up and down the streets of Monaco is a rare

thrill. It is perhaps Monaco’s best-known and most popular event. Whether you

watch it from the outdoor seating section of a restaurant, on board a yacht, or

along the streets, the Grand Prix is not to be missed.

Monaco is the place to be if you want a taste of the high life in the French

Riviera. Even if you’re a casual observer, you can’t help but be impressed by

fantasy of Monaco. Add it to your list of places to visit in the Cote D’Azur.

Leave a Comment

What was your favorite sight to see in Monaco? Did you se the Grand Prix? What

was your favorite dining experience?