How to enjoy a visit to Monaco – without going broke

‘Budget’ and ‘Monaco’ aren’t words that are usually seen next to each other, considering that the tiny principality on the Cote d’Azur is home to more billionaires per square metre than anywhere else in the world.

However, it is possible to enjoy a break on the cheap in this place dripping with money.

For a start, just strolling around – which is easy, it’s only 2.02 square km in size (the second-smallest sovereign state in the world, after Vatican City) – is great fun, with so much crammed into such little space.

Watching the procession of Ferraris, Porches, Maseratis and the like glide past is certainly something to behold, as is the sight of Port Hercule with its super yachts. There are lovely gardens in which to stroll and landmark buildings to admire, as well as the Formula One track to walk along, plus some surprisingly affordable restaurants and bars.

Just don’t get tempted to try to emulate James Bond by having a flutter in the Monte Carlo Casino, otherwise your plans for a cheap break will be blown right out of the beautifully turquoise Mediterranean waters that are always in the background.

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Where to stay

The Novotel Monte Carlo has a central location, along with very comfortable rooms, a small gym, sauna, steam room and outdoor pool.

The cheapest accommodation is outside Monaco. Aparthotel Adagio Monaco Monte Cristo, despite the name, has a