With a “home base” in Antibes, a small laid-back yachtie town in the South of France, I spent a full week moving around the French Riviera (and Monaco) by train, sampling different towns every other day. My day trip to Monaco was my favorite by far, and it earned its place on my “MUST RETURN” list. What would I do if I became a multimillionaire? Buy a place here.

Fun Fact #1: 1 in 3 who reside here are millionaires, and there are 38,000 residents in total.
Fun Fact #2: Zero-income tax is one of the biggest reasons why richest of the rich come flocking to Monaco. What’s that saying: “The rich get richer?”

1. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

While Monaco is often lumped into the cluster of towns creating the French Riviera (because France borders the country on three sides), it’s actually its own independent state and not a part of France. Monaco, officially The Principality of Monaco, is a small sovereign city-state and country located on the French Riviera. Huh? Think of Vatican City and Washington D.C. Same deal, but along the Mediterranean coast.

Fun Fact: This micro-country is one third the size of New York City’s Central Park.

2. PRINCE’S PALACE OF MONACO

This beautiful fortress located on the top of the hill is a key landmark and official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. Take the local bus (No. 2) up the hill to reach the Palace grounds (or jump on the big red Hop-on Hop-off Tour). If you hang around at 11:55 a.m you’re privy to a local show of pageantry with the changing of the guards.
After touring or simply admiring the Palace, glance downward into the surrounding harbors. Then take a stroll through the serene royal gardens where you’ll see people picnicking in the shade.

3. RUE DES REMPARTs

The BEST VIEWS of the city can be found from this street overlooking La Condamine and the Monte-Carlo Harbor. These are the million-dollar postcard views you see of Monaco. Pristine blue water, palm trees, mega yachts, and tranquility. My travel mate and I stood along the concrete ledge for a good hour admiring the gorgeous view and taking about a hundred photos. Even in the August 98 degree heat it was well worth it.

4. SAINT NICHOLAS CATHEDRAL

A short walk from the Palace, St. Nicholas Cathedral has altar pieces dating back to the 1500s. Although it's not as impressive as the churches and cathedrals in Spain and France, you should see this piece of history when you’re in the area.

Fun Fact: Older generations flock here because it contains the grave of Grace Kelly (former American actress-turned-Princess).

5. Colorful Strolls

All around the Palace there are narrow streets containing the most beautiful colored houses, quaint eateries and street vendors. Wander through these delightful corridors and notice how immaculately clean (AND BEAUTIFUL) each one is. In Monaco, the “5 second rule” becomes “the 10 minute rule!”

6. Monte-Carlo Harbor

Take a walk along this famous harbor while admiring the super yachts pulling in and out, and fantasize about being on one. Throughout the day you’ll see teams of yachties wiping down and polishing these homes on water while passengers disembark (think Below Deck Mediterranean). The real wealth of Monaco is reflected here and it’s a level of luxury I had never seen in person—I found it absolutely mesmerizing. They’re real MVPs.

7. MONACO’S PUBLIC POOL

Located in the Monte-Carlo Harbor, this Olympic sized public pool is beautiful, inexpensive, and the perfect way to cool off while touristing. Bring a change of clothes and 5 euros to float around while watching the yachts roll in.

8. CASINO DE MONTE-CARLO

Bond, James Bond. While many know this beautiful casino from Never Say Never Again and GoldenEye, it’s also home to the local opera and ballet. And while I’m no gambler, this is the classiest casino I’ve ever set foot in—and thankfully no part of it screams “Vegas”. Visitors can tour for free from 9 a.m. to noon, but it officially opens for gaming at 2 p.m. During gaming hours you must dress to impress or your entrance will be denied. Outside of the Casino are pretty gardens where you can lounge and relax.

Fun Fact: If you want to stay at Hotel de Paris (next to the Casino), you’ll have to get in line behind a long list of celebrities.

9. THE SHOPPING

With your shoulders, back, and chest out, walk a little taller...into the various high-end shops near the casino. Pretend you just won BIG, try some things on, drink the champagne, and indulge in the fantasy of being boujee. I found myself seconds away from purchasing a too-expensive handbag until I reminded myself that I was on a 2 month tour of Europe, and THAT was all I could afford.

10. LARVOTTO BEACH

This free public beach is one of Monaco’s most popular, and it’s only a short walk from the Monte-Carlo Casino. Like many beaches along the French Riviera, this is a pebble beach, so bring a thick towel or (two) for laying out!

11. DO YOU HAVE A NEED FOR SPEED?

Monaco hums with of the engine sounds of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, Aston Martins and just about every other exclusive car you can think of. And at any street corner you can sit and watch them fly by—and photographers do! For the average Joe (like me), it was as if the money signs were clanging in my head as each car passed by—cha-ching, cha-ching.

Fun Fact: Filling up these pricey gems will cost you - the gas prices are close to $7 a gallon!

FOR THE FOODIE:

12. EQVITA:

After suffering from the heat I was happy my travel mate found this adorable eatery that had the best coffee and wholesome lunch. We had a 3 course lunch of deliciousness and I exited a happy woman. Oh, did I mention it was Vegan (and I’m not)? Yeah, it was that good.

Other things worth seeing: Princess Grace Rose Gardens, Oceanographic Museum, and the Jardin Japonais.

Monaco: Welcome to the good life...