Monaco, the glitzy jewel of the French Riviera, is the spot for famous jetsetters to enjoy the good life. Think world class yacht harbors, resorts, casinos and a vibrant nightlife. Although renowned as a playground for the wealthy, you don’t need to be rich and well-known to enjoy a night in Monaco. 
The principality of Monaco is the second smallest country in the world; only beat by Vatican City. At just 3 miles long and .5 wide, it is the size of NYC’s Central Park. This micro-state is nestled between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by the French Riviera to the west and the Italian Riviera to the east.
Arrive in the late afternoon to explore the Royal Palace and Old Town, then stay to watch the sun set over the prestigious sea of yachts in the bay. Finish off the night with the privilege of rubbing elbows with the rich and famous in the Monte Carlo Casino. I had the honor of glamming up to celebrate my 24th birthday out in the opulent city!
The elite few land in Monaco by helicopter or yacht, rather by private plane – the nearest airport is in France. For the less fortunate among us (cough… non-millionaires) catch a bus or train from Nice which takes 45 minutes and is a steal at just 1.50€ each way. The views from the Corniche are quite spectacular on the way in so grab a window seat if possible.You can hop off at various stops along the route: Place d’Armes, right before the tunnel, for Old Town, The Rock, the Palace or the Classic Car Museum. Place de Moulins for the Japanese Gardens, the beaches and the Grimaldi Forum. The Port for super-yachts, bars, Olympic-sized public swimming pool (ice skating rink in winter) and shopping. Monte Carlo for the tourist office, top hotels, opera house, jewelry stores, haute couture, Metropole shopping center, and of course casinos! If you stay on the bus you will end up in Menton, the final stop on the Côte d’Azur before ItalyMonaco is divided into four areas: Monaco-Ville, the old fortified city on the Rock which includes the Prince’s Palace, Cathedral and Oceanographic Museum; the Condamine, or port quarter packed with restaurants, shops, entertainment and a local market; Monte-Carlo, the business and recreation district; and Fontvieille, a man-made waterfront area for recreation.
Rocher de Monaco or The Rock is the heart of old Monaco and the home of the ruling Grimaldi family. Towering over the city, this area makes for the best views of Port Hercule and Monte Carlo. The Rock is reached either by elevator or by walking a series of ramps and stairs. The 19th century, Roman-Byzantine-style, Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée or Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the burial place of the former royalty of Monaco. A whopping 90% of Monaco’s population identify as Roman Catholic.Pictured above is the Monaco Government building. Although Monaco is a sovereign state with its own flag and national anthem, the principality’s status is unusual. It is not a member of the European Union, yet participates in the EU customs territory for simple border crossing and uses the euro as its currency.
Stroll through the colorful alleys of Old Town, always bustling with locals and visitors, itching for a bite to eat or a bit of retail therapy.
Monaco is also home to the annual Grand Prix, a Formula One motor race held each Mat on the Circuit de Monaco. Beginning in 1929, as part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport it is considered one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world. As difficult as it is to imagine cars racing through the narrow streets, with many elevation changes and tight corners, it makes for one of the most demanding courses. Monaco is one of the richest nations in the world, with the most millionaires per capita. It is estimated 50 percent of the world’s super yachts visit the coast each year. Luckily there is no income tax because Monaco has the most expensive housing costs in the world.Monaco’s weather is temperate throughout the year. It enjoys mild winters, with 48 degrees minimum, and pleasantly warm summers with July and August temperatures around 78 degrees. Summer heat is tempered by fresh sea breezes and boasts a whopping 300 days of sunshine each year!
Monegasques, natives of Monaco, are a minority in their own country. With a population of 32,020 (6,089 Monégasque citizens) only 19% are Monégasque, 32% French, 20% Italian. With a life expectancy of almost 90 years, Monaco has the world’s longest life span and has highest population density in the world. A person born in a foreign country but resident in Monaco is a Monacoian. There is a long waiting list for Monégasque citizenship.Oceanographic Museum, founded by Prince Albert I, an esteemed oceanographer, was designed as a Palace dedicated to Art and Science. It includes an interactive aquarium featuring the Mediterranean and tropical marine ecosystem. The Shark Lagoon and Turtle’s Island on the panoramic terrace, the offers visitors a unique learning experience to respect, love and protect the oceans. Entry is 14 € for adults, 7-10 € for kids.Place du Palais or Princely Palace, the official residence of the Prince of Monaco. Show up at exactly 11:55am to witness the changing of the guard takes place. The public rooms are open to visits from April through October.
The Grimaldi family came to power in 1331 and still hold the reigns all these years later, the oldest ruling house in Europe! American actress, Grace Kelly married Prince Ranier III in 1956. Their son Albert II is now ruler of Monaco.Hercules Port hosts luxurious yachts and cruise ships galore and has been in use since ancient times.It’s time to test your luck at the slots of the marble and gold Grand Monte Carlo Casino, a lavish example of belle epoque architecture. It’s easy to tell you’re getting near to the square as expensive Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, and Aston Martins are flaunted. The most exclusive rides will be parked right at the casino’s doorstep.
Profits from the casino are the ruling Grimaldi family’s—and Monaco’s—primary source of income, as the principality levies no income tax. In 1848, revenues from the casino were originally meant to save the royal family from bankruptcy, after the loss of tax revenue from Menton and Roquebrune, which declared independence from Monaco. The casino was originally disguised as a health spa to avoid criticism from the church.
Although anyone can enter the main hall of the Casino, to simply set foot in the gambling rooms–even the slot machine room–requires you to be at least 18 years old, pay an entrance fee of 10€, and to present a passport (to keep Monégasques out, as they are prohibited from setting foot in the casino)Once inside, you have a choice of games: low stakes slots and poker machines, or high stakes tables with maximum bids of 30,000€ or more. Slot machines, blackjack, English and European roulette, and 30/40 entertain in the main gaming room, Salle Europe , and other Salons Ordinaires . The Salons Privés , where the James Bondesque pros play, offer European roulette, blackjack and chemin de fer. James Bond visited the casino in Never Say Never Again and GoldenEye. Admire the Place du Casino, with beautiful fountains and Jardins du Casino, or stay in the 5-star Hôtel de Paris, or dine in the famed Café de Paris on the northeast side. On the sea side, the Grand Théâtre is home to the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. For a more laidback atmosphere, Sun Casino has affordable minimum bets and a casual dress code.
Enjoy sitting in the lap of luxury of Monaco for a night. Be sure to dress in glitz and glam and you will fit right in! #blessed