Monaco is recognised as the second smallest country in the world, with only the Vatican City trumping it for 'petiteness'. With its wealth of extravagant entertainment and rich royal history, it's really quite tough to see it all in 24 hours but it is possible. Since it is a bit of an up-and-down destination with yacht-filled ports at the bottom, the Old Town and Monaco Ville situated at the top, and the swanky Monte Carlo Casino and several luxury hotels nestled somewhere in between, our top tip for spending time in the Principality is to embrace and learn to love the elevators.
Take advantage of every elevator or escalator you stumble upon, even if you sometimes want to go in the opposite direction! Your feet will thank you. Start your day off with some tasty food at Stars'n Bars diner located at Port Hercule marina. The sight of all the super-yachts bobbing in the water is a spectacle in itself and it isn't every day that you get to sip your morning coffee whilst listening to the gentle lapping of water against the yachts moored nearby.
This American-style restaurant might sound a little unauthentic but this is precisely where you'll find the Monaco locals as they head for their early morning breakfast meetings and pre-shopping coffees. For picturesque shopping, then head on over to the Condamine Market which is held daily at Place d'Armes. The charming Chocolaterie de Monaco which supplies to the Royal Palace is located in this area, so you could snap up some posh chocolates or some pretty tins of loose tea for gifts to take home.
Now the private home of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, it is mostly closed to the public but you can take a tour of certain parts of the building such as the main courtyard and the Throne Room.
It's worth going up to the palace simply to take in the breathtaking views of the Monaco harbour and the patriotic changing of the royal guards which takes place every day at If you are in a more adventurous mood then you could opt for a fusion of Japanese cuisine and South American spices at the trendy Nobu Restaurant , situated in the 4-star Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel.
