Monaco is one of the most expensive and luxurious holiday destinations in the world, but how long should you spend visiting this super-wealthy micronation?
As Monaco is a super-small nation, you can see all it has to offer inside of three days, but if you want to really soak up the atmosphere of the Rivieria, you should aim for at least a week. However, a weekend can often be enough to enjoy the casinos, restaurants, and the wealth of Monaco.
Read on to learn more about Monaco and what the tiny nation has to offer.
A Rich And Prolific Nation
Monaco is the world’s second-smallest nation, covering a total area of just two square kilometers. It’s dramatically small in size, but boasts immeasurable wealth, and has one of the highest GDP-per-capita rankings on the planet.
There are more millionaires residing in Monaco than in any other place in the world; it’s estimated that one third of Monaco’s citizens are super-rich. It has been a playground for the wealthy since the mid-twentieth century, and today, it’s a glittering jewel on the French Riviera.
It has a remarkably low population, with less than forty thousand people claiming permanent residency in the country. It’s easy to understand why Monaco’s economy is majorly driven by tourism and outside influences.
Although the history of Monaco stretches back more than two thousand years, it didn’t become a popular destination until after the Second World War. It was occupied by the Italian Army in 1943, and a fascist administration was put in place.
However, following the liberation of Europe, Monaco was returned to its rightful owners, and the small nation began rebuilding its reputation. Throughout the 1960s, many developments occured in the country’s government, legal, and financial systems that further heightened the nation’s profile.
Since 1869, Monaco’s government has refused to claim income tax from any of its residents; these citizens are also exempt from paying capital gains or wealth taxes. It’s a practice that the country adopted in order to attract a wealthier population – something which has certainly suceeded.
Modern Day Money
Today, Monaco is one of the safest, cleanest, and most luxurious holiday destinations on the planet. It’s littered with fast cars, sumptuous casinos, and enjoys the warm and sparkling climate of the Mediterranean.
It’s a favored vacation destination for the super-rich elite of the world, and celebrities are often spotted roaming the hyper-clean streets. Although, you don’t need to be dramatically wealthy to stay in Monaco for a few days.
In fact, that’s the prefered duration for those looking to take a break away in a luxurious and picturesque settings. It’s said that you can see all that Monaco has to offer across a three day stay.
As it’s so small, there’s almost no traveling involved, and you can walk from one side of Monaco to the other in around fifty minutes. On your way through the country, you’ll come across destinations like the Casino Monte Carlo, Monaco’s most iconic gambling house.
Although Monaco is very small, there’s still plenty to do; you can take in a sightseeing tour to capture it all, or just explore the nation at your own pace. There are boat trips, private car experiences, dozens of restaurants, and attractive shopping districts to discover.
At the lowest end of the spectrum sits a day trip, which usually occurs when a person is taking a vacation in a nearby French city, such as Nice. It’s a short distance to Monaco by car or bus, and you can spend a few hours enjoying the more important areas of the micronation.
Ultimately, it is a very expensive place, and even if you can find more affordable accomodation, the cost to eat and explore Monaco can still be substantial. There are ‘free’ things you can do in Monaco, such as lounge on the beach or explore the iconic harbor, but you don’t really go to Monaco to save money.
There are many travel experts who have taken a two-day trip into Monaco and sampled as much as possible, offering positive and sparkling reviews. It’s a testament to the density of the nation, which, although small, still has plenty to offer to those who venture across its borders.
However, if you want to really drench yourself in the atmosphere of the Riviera, and you have enough money, the sky is the limit. If you want to stay in Monaco for two weeks, catch a Grand Prix, and gamble at the Casino Monte Carlo, then you’re more than welcome.