Shopping in Monaco is as you'd expect - an array of the world's most exclusive brands. There are fashion boutiques galore, many of them in the luxury hotels. But there are shops like Zara too, so it's not all mega-bucks.
Jewellers and the Swiss watch brands cater for the wealthy residents and visitors. If you are shopping seriously, it's worth dressing for the part. Fortunately, for Customs purposes, Monaco counts as part of the EU.
For more mundane shopping, a trip over the border in to France is likely to be both necessary and easier on the pocket. With less than a square mile of land in Monaco, there's just room for a Carrefour at Centre Commercial de Fontvielle, but not much else.
Near the Port, in La Condamine, is Rue Grimaldi, a busy shopping street. More touristy items are to be found on the Rock, where there are many shops selling souvenirs, clothing and local crafts.
There's a heavy concentration on Grand Prix items in some shops. Most do seem to be a cut above the normal tourist tat and many visitors seem to wear the Grand Prix gear around the time of the race itself. Most of the shops are in the narrow streets leading off the Palace square on the Rock.
The Boutique du Rocher in Avenue de la Madonne is the official boutique where you can buy local arts and crafts. Again, there's some decent quality material compared with souvenir shops in most resorts.
Many of the museums also have interesting shops with more specialist items on offer. For example, at the Musée des Timbres at des Monnaies, the Stamp and Coin Museum, you can buy a set of current Monégasque stamps and boxes of coins, both those that are currently in use and collectors' items.
It hits you the minute you arrive in Monaco - the place is packed with luxury cars. Everyone seems to drive a Bentley, a Ferrari or Porsche. Monaco, of course, has some amazing car dealerships. Most of the luxury brands are represented although the eye-watering prices will mean this is a fantasy car-buying journey for most. If you are buying seriously, make sure you check out all the Monaco regulations for buying and registering a car in the principality.
Monaco harbour is home to some of the finest yachts and cruisers in the world. There's a lively trade in new and used vessels with some of the big names represented in Monaco. Camper & Nicholsons International and Sunseeker are both in rue Grimaldi while Simpson Marine, dealing with sales and rentals of luxury yachts, are at 7 rue Suffren.