Monaco is a city-state located on the French Riviera. It is known for having one of the wealthiest populations in the world and for its high costs of living, not to mention it can be an expensive place to visit, though it is possible to explore Monaco on a cheaper budget depending on the cost of eating out, transportation, accommodation, and entertainment choices.
Enjoying a coffee in Monaco can vary in price depending on where you go. A regular cappuccino on average costs around €4.00, though the cost can range from €2.00 to slightly under €8.50.
Monaco is small in size at only two square kilometers, making it the world’s second-smallest independent state after the Vatican. Though it may be small, it offers a variety of attractions for visitors to explore, not to mention a range of enticing places to enjoy a coffee.
Where to go for coffee in Monaco
Whether you’re looking for your first cup of the day or somewhere to sit and relax during a busy day of sightseeing, Monaco offers a variety of cafes and coffee shops to choose from. Some will be more expensive than others depending on their location, so it’s worth considering whether you want to prioritize budget or convenience to attractions or central Monaco.
Visitors who want to enjoy a caffeine pick-me-up for slightly less should consider venturing off the beaten path where prices will be cheaper. Exploring the quieter coffee shops and cafes also provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in day-to-day living like the locals do, as opposed to more tourist-focused locations.
Cafes and coffee shops in the busier areas of Monaco will be more expensive but will offer the convenience of easier access to various attractions, not to mention the buzz of this popular destination itself. However, since Monaco is small, even if visitors opt for coffee shops or cafes outside of the main areas, it’s straightforward to get to attractions afterward, even on foot.
Popular attractions in Monaco
One of the most famous attractions is the Casino de Monte-Carlo, which in addition to a casino offers an opera house, ballet performances, and a range of restaurants and bars. Another popular attraction is the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco (Musée océanographique de Monaco), which is an aquarium and museum of marine sciences.
One of the most popular annual attractions is the Monaco Grand Prix which is held in May each year. Additionally, even when the Grand Prix is not held, motoring enthusiasts can still indulge their passion by walking the Grand Prix circuit.
Sightseers may want to explore Monaco-Ville, which is also known as The Rock and is Monaco’s Old Town. Here visitors can also see the Prince’s Palace and Monaco Cathedral, also known as Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate or Saint Nicholas Cathedral.
Also well worth seeing is Monaco’s harbor and the grand and luxurious vessels within it. Visitors can enjoy an inexpensive harbor crossing via the solar-powered Bateau Bus which runs regularly and crosses the harbor in four minutes.
Enjoying Monaco on a budget
The hotels in Monaco are expensive, so those who are looking to save money on accommodation may want to consider staying in nearby Nice in France. Much cheaper accommodation is available here and Monaco is easily accessible from Nice by train in 25 minutes or by bus which takes about an hour but follows a beautiful coastal route.
While visitors can walk around Monaco, it’s also well worth making use of the local bus service which is cheap and regular. The unlimited one-day pass is just €5.00 and includes access to the Bateau Bus.
Taxis are expensive so it’s best to stick with the local public transport or to use a train or bus to travel from and to Monaco if staying outside it or making the trip from Nice Airport.
It’s also possible to dine out in Monaco without spending a lot of money, with breakfast usually costing less money than lunch or dinner. Visitors may want to explore dining options in the Old Town or around the area which is surrounded by the rue Grimaldi and the harbor for pleasant and reasonably priced places to eat out.
While Monaco may be one of the wealthiest places in the world, enjoying its attractions and a local coffee or two doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.