Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world after the Vatican, and with a population of over 38,600…
Times visited: 1
During my summer travels through Southern Europe in 2019, I paid a visit to the tiny principality of Monaco. Much like my fascination with exclaves and geographic quirks, I’ve always been intrigued by microstates. So even though Monaco didn’t offer the kinds of experiences I usually seek out on my travels, I couldn’t resist the chance to see it for myself. Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world, and with over 39,000 residents packed into just 2,02 km², it’s also the most densely populated. Not to mention one of the wealthiest – over 30% of the population are millionaires. A surreal statistic, really.
I based myself in nearby Nice, where accommodation was far more affordable, and opted to visit Monaco as a day trip. While I usually prefer to dive deeper into the places I go, I figured one day was enough. Monaco is known for its luxury, extravagance, and high-stakes gambling – none of which align with my interests. In truth, it was the first time I ever travelled somewhere just to “tick a box.” As I entered Monte Carlo – the flashiest district of all – it was immediately clear that I had stepped into a playground for the ultra-rich. High-end boutiques lined the streets, and tourists in designer sunglasses were flocking to the famous Casino de Monte Carlo. Meanwhile, I shuffled along in my hiking boots and scruffy backpacker gear, feeling completely out of place. It wasn’t long before I made a quiet exit.
I headed up to Monaco-Ville, the old town perched on the Rock of Monaco. Here, I finally found a glimpse of charm: narrow streets, colourful historic buildings, a royal palace, and sweeping views over the sparkling marinas. This side of Monaco was more my pace, and I was glad I made the effort to explore it.
Still, Monaco left me feeling conflicted. It may have satisfied a curiosity, but it also became my least favourite country in Europe – perhaps even in the world. The unapologetic celebration of wealth and capitalism was hard to overlook, and for me, a little unsettling to witness so openly.