Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world after the Vatican, and with a population of over 38,600…
Times visited: 1 (1 day in 2019)
During my summer travels in Southern Europe in 2019, I visited the tiny nation of Monaco.
Similar to my interest in exclaves and the like, I’ve always been fascinated by microstates. So even though Monaco doesn’t offer much of what I’d usually travel for, I just had to go there.
Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world, and with a population of over 38,600 in an area of just 2,020 km2, it’s the most densely populated country in the world! And it’s also one of the wealthiest countries with over 30 % of the population being millionaires.
For my visit, I based myself in nearby Nice as accommodation there was a lot cheaper than in Monaco. Although I usually like to explore my destinations in depth, I decided that a day trip would be sufficient as Monaco is known as the state of luxury, extravagance and gambling, none of which interests me. For the first time ever, I travelled to tick a box.
Entering Monte Carlo, the poshest neighbourhood, it was obvious that Monaco is the rich people’s playground. The area is home to luxury shops and the world-famous Casino de Monte Carlo where all the tourists go to gamble. I, on the other hand, felt so out of place in my hiking boots and scruffy backpacker clothes that I soon left and went to the old town instead.
Monaco-Ville, the old town, is located on the Rock of Monaco and is full of colourful old buildings, a royal palace and gorgeous views of the marinas. I liked this side of Monaco and was glad I made the effort to go up there.
But with Monaco, I found my least favourite country in Europe, maybe even in the world. Capitalism thrives there and to me that was disturbing to watch.
