View of the harbor of Monaco 

Race week in Monaco

The glam and gold of the town’s biggest weekend can be in your reach

The upcoming Monaco Grand Prix weekend is one of the most fasci­nating events of the year. The Principality of Monaco is one that conjures up a larger-than-life image — F1 drivers, supermod­els, billionaire entrepre­neurs, celebrities, gold-diggers, high-rolling gamblers rubbing shoulders in super-yachts, star-studded nightclubs and casinos. Good times.

This is after all, the country with the highest concentration of Ferraris in the world. It’s not uncommon to see a Lamborghini parked behind a Bentley behind an Aston Martin behind a Rolls Royce.

This small but significant principality nestled in a nook overlooking the Mediterranean, at the south of France and near to Italy, is the world’s second smallest country after the Vatican and has been run by the Grimaldi family since 1297.

Since the first casino was built here in 1863, and with the subsequent abolition of tax, it has become both playground and residence for the international jet set.

HSH Prince Rainier III reigned with flair until his death in 2005, marrying iconic American actress Grace Kelly and putting Monte Carlo on the map. Now it’s his eco-minded son, Albert II, who runs this immaculate sovereign state: Dynamically and impeccably well-run, the streets are clean and crime-free, the gardens bountiful and lush, and its green credentials pioneering.

If you’re intimidated by the glamour and glitz, you might be surprised to find that a trip to Monaco is more affordable than you might think. In fact, many of the great things about Monaco are free: the 300 days of sunshine a year, the beaches and the sea and the harbor fireworks displays every 10 days or so for most of the year.

Its compact size makes it the perfect destination for a leisurely vacation away as you can explore the whole country by foot. There are 73 outdoor public lifts, escalators and travelators to glide you up and down the steep hills, between the high-rise apartment blocks and the pretty pink villas.

There’s also tons to do here without stripping your bank account. Take a trip up to the ‘Rock’ to see the changing of the Royal Guard at the Palace at 11:55 a.m. and take in the views toward France and Italy. Tour the state apartments while you’re up there, then stroll to the Princess Grace Rose Garden and enjoy the scent of more than 4,000 roses, before you check out the Oceanographic Museum.

You also don’t have to spend a fortune if you want to go out here; there are plenty of regular bars, but make sure you experience the spots that are uniquely Monaco.

HSH Prince Albert recently opened an intimate concept bar located under the iconic Café de Paris called Moods, which offers live music and DJs playing jazz, blues, soul, electronic, acoustic, salsa, reggae and classical. It’s designed as a chilled out preclub for the legendary Jimmy’z, Monaco’s celebrity-filled nightclub located just a walk away from the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel.

The hotels have some of the best bars, including the Columbus, owned by F1 driver David Coulthard, which serves the Princess Grace cocktail — rose syrup and champagne — and has a relaxed atmosphere.

For a different kind of view, fork out for a drink on the terrace of Café de Paris, where you can spend the night admiring the people — and their cars arriving at the casino.

This city has its share of upmarket restaurants, but it’s also possible to have a delicious dinner for about $16 on the seafront or try the $34 weekday lunch menu at the Quai des Artistes right on the harbor. It’s next to the Rascasse bend and the perfect spot for peering into the F1 paddock during the Monaco Grand Prix. For tasty and innovative fish and seafood dishes and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere, treat yourself to dinner at Le Cosmopolitan (7 rue du Portier). Be sure to try the tasty octopus and artichoke salad.

The Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco