Helicopters, casinos and sea views… How to spend 48 hours in Monaco
You don't have to be Grace Kelly or a Formula One driver to get a taste of this sovereign state's high life
WHETHER it's flying in on a helicopter, placing bets at the Casino de Monte-Carlo or munching on yellow tail sashimi that takes your fancy, Monaco has got it all.
But don't be fooled, you don't have to have mega-bucks to live like Princess Grace for 48 hours...
Arrive in style
Monte Carlo, Monaco’s largest city, is full of the rich and famous, so why not arrive like a superstar in a chopper?
Hop on an , which is the closest international airport to the city state of Monaco.
Then board a .
It takes just seven minutes and you’ll have transport waiting in Monaco to whisk you off to your hotel.
#Lifegoals
Have a flutter
Embrace your inner Bond villain and dress up to visit the .
Pass the Lamborghinis outside and crystal chandeliers inside to get to the tables and maybe win your fortune (don’t forget your photo ID).
People-watch at Café de Paris opposite or browse the ’s designer stores housed in spaceship-like domes.
Smell the roses
Take a trip to the Princess Grace Rose Garden, a memorial to Hollywood actress and former Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly.
It’s a spectacular sea of 8,000 beautiful rose bushes.
Meanwhile, in the Japanese Garden expect to find a serene atmosphere with waterfalls, carp-filled ponds, picturesque mini bridges and Zen gardens.
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Feel the need for speed
Monte Carlo is famous for its Grand Prix held in May, but the 100 classic cars at the Monaco Top Cars Collection Museum, entry £6, are always worth a visit.
The cars belonged to .
Or find your sea legs at nearby Port de Fontvieille, which offers views of sapphire-hued waters and shiny yachts.
Find Nemo
Glimpse life under the sea at the , which is perched on a cliff by Avenue Saint Martin.
The various aquariums house everything from tropical fish to sharks and sea turtles. Entry costs £12.50.
Five minutes away is the , with its silk-clad walls, mirrored rooms and marble floors. Plus, this 800-year-old former fortress is still home to the royal family.
Entry costs £7.
Dine like a King
Head to the for amazing views and desserts to die for, from £34 for two courses.
Looking for a more casual lunch?
Sample local dish barbagiuan – a deep-fried pasty that’s stuffed with spinach, ricotta and ham – for £4.29 at .
Come evening, feast on yellow tail sashimi, £32, caramelised Chilean sea bass, £30, or poached lobster, £32, at half-Japanese, half-Thai restaurant .
Or devour Kobe tacos with jalapeño salsa, £25, and black truffle mash potato, £16 – yes, that’s expensive for mash, but trust us it’ll be the best mash of your life – at .
Then with your food coma in full swing, walk the few minutes to , a hotel with sea views from the balcony, an outdoor pool and spacious doubles from £121 a night.
Plan your trip at .