It should be noted that staying at any hotel in Monte Carlo is quite expensive. Even spending a day in Monte Carlo, with the casinos and shops selling high end merchandise would, with such enticements, send any travel budget reeling. The original kingdom of Monaco-Ville on the Rock, however, is not necessarily expensive at all. It sets high amid fortressed walls and cannons, and is home to the Palace of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of the Grimaldi family, where the symbolic Changing of the Guards still occurs hourly. Monaco Cathedral offers a great respite to feel connected, and amid continual ceremonies, one can pay respect to the entombed Grimaldi Royalty, including Princess Grace’s tomb. The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium offers a wide variety of sea life from the Mediterranean. Returning below the rock to the Center Commercial de Fontvieille, the Jardin Animalier, or the Monaco Zoo, is an extended petting zoo with several varieties of primates and a hippo or two. All the activities mentioned, with the exception of the zoo and aquarium are free and the latter two are only a nominal charge.
Make reservations at any less affordable hotel in Nice, France. Nearby, Antibes may be slightly cheaper and may be worth investigating.
Fly into the Nice International Airport in France and secure a taxi to the hotel. Since this will be considered a French Riviera vacation, enjoy all the pleasures the coast has to offer.
Secure a train to Monte Carlo. France offers a light rail system all along the coast and tickets can be reserved or purchased at the Antibes or Nice station. Most hotels are within walking distance from the station. Ticket prices are extremely affordable.
Travel to Monte Carlo which is less than an hour away. Once exiting the station walk immediately toward the fortress and inevitably toward its eastern side.
Stop at Place d’ Armes: a shopping plaza, for nourishment and souvenirs, and mostly inexpensive.
Take the Avenue de la Porte-Nueve and access the ramp leading to Monaco-Ville.
Enter the courtyard before the palace and sightsee. Wait several moments for the Changing of the Guard; quite the pageantry in sharp blue uniforms. The ceremony is free.
Follow the western cliff to the Ruelle Sainte-Barbe which leads directly to Monaco Cathedral.
Enter the Cathedral and light a candle for a loved one, respect any current mass, and visit the grave of Princess Grace. The cathedral is free though a tithe is recommended.
Continue south on what is now Avenue Saint-Martin toward the Oceanographic Aquarium. This is a major Monaco attraction. Pay the nominal fee and enjoy the experience.
Spend as much time as possible within the narrow streets of old town where shops offer unique and affordable gifts and the dining fare is excellent.
Return to Monte Carlo and circle around the rock to the Center Commercial de Fontvieille and the Jardin Animalier. It is well worth the minimal entrance fee to watch exotic animals frolic along the cliffs above million dollar yachts in the Port de Fontvieille.
Shop and dine at the Center Commercial de Fontvieille where a three story McDonalds can economically feed any family. Pigeons will attack for fries on the third level.
