Monte Carlo Monaco - Only 1 Day There (what to see)

I am not a big fan of Monte Carlo BUT the Palace and the small museum is nice. The grounds makes for some nice views. And the aquarium is worth a visit. Might consider catching the train to Nice or Villfrance

Unless you're really into F1 motor racing or casino gambling Monte isn't great. Probably the best thing to do is enjoy a meal at an outdoor cafe on the main promenade and do a bit of 'celeb spotting'( Dolphin Verte is reasonably priced and well located ). If you're a connoisseur of luxury motor vehicles you're going to enjoy Monte. There are more Rolls Royces, Ferraris and MV Augusta motorcycles than any other corner of Europe. I have to admit that one day in Monaco was enough for me. Maybe I'd enjoy it more if I could afford the lifestyle.

Another vote for the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium. Take a bus to Eze-le-Village and then go on by bus to Nice. If you're an art lover, see the Chagall Museum and the Matisse Museum. Take the train back to Monte Carlo.

When I worked in the Cote D'Az I hated putting in at Monte Carlo because there was nothing to do. The aquarium is wonderful, also if you haven't seen it before all the mega yachts are fun to look at.

I agree to get out of town, go Ville Franche, Menton, or Antibes. The train station is very convienient. If you can't get out of town, just wander. Some of the houses, apartments, and cars are kind of neat to look at not to mention window shop in all those designers.

Keep in mind on your cruise that towns where cruise ships stop are geared around cruise shops. The restaurants and shops cater to them and are less real-life than say, the town next door. Deep water ports where cruise ships can come are not as attractive to private yachts and as such people on those will seek out other small ports. But I think the best part will be the view.

Have fun

Just outside the aquarium is the little red "tourist" train. The hour-long tour gives a great overview of the entire town and was quite enjoyable.

Yes, the stores are pricey but it's fun to look (and I'm NOT a shopper). We ate a lovely restaurant along the raceway blvd (they have to remove their outdoor seating deck to accommodate the "track" during the race) where we had a wonderful dessert called PanneCotta (sp?), which according to our waiter was "like creme brulee but it's not." He was right, and viva la difference! We found the people to be friendly, and we quite enjoyed our day there.

Ville Franche sur Mer won't disappoint you either. Dine at Le Nautic for delicious food, great harbor view and souvenir print. If you plan to wade or swim, make sure you have water shoes or sandals because the beach is not sand; its small, sharp pebbles can do a number on your feet. Check out the internet bar run by a British couple (up the steps and around the corner from Le Nautic).

Enjoy!!!

Tammy, If you want to visit the cathedral where Princess Grace is buried, you must dress conservatively, no shorts and shoulders covered. I was wearing shorts and a sleeveless shirt. Guess who was denied entrance?