Monte Carlo Travel Guide
Monte Carlo sits on a salubrious sliver of land along France’s beautiful Mediterranean coastline and has become a haven for the rich and famous thanks to its tax laws and enviable location.
It may be part of the pint-sized Principality of Monaco but metre for metre, Monte Carlo has more star power than anywhere else in the world with the likes of Roger Moore, Bono and Lewis Hamilton all residing here.
While the strikingly pretty architecture undoubtedly plays a part, what Monte Carlo is really about is money. And for those who have cash to splash, there’s plenty of choice – whether it’s browsing upmarket boutiques, chancing luck in the glitzy casino or partying on the fabulously glamorous yachts crammed into Monte Carlo’s natural harbour.
Away from the waterfront, there’s plenty to see, not least in Monte Carlo proper, not least in the winding old alleys and ancient churches that are to be found away from the glitzy gambling clubs. Further along the coast is the Rock of Monaco, home to capital Monaco-Ville, whose borders mingle with those of Monte Carlo. Here, jet set yachts and designer stores give way to romantic old streets, all overseen by the towering Prince’s Palace of Monaco.
The palace is home to the Grimaldi rulers of Monaco, latterly Prince Albert II, his wife Charlene and their twin children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabrielle. Compelling though the exploits of the Monegasque royals are it’s the exploits of the Formula 1 drivers who descend each year for the Monaco Grand Prix that really put the principality on the map.
Walking around the narrow streets it seems implausible that such a race could be staged here, but organisers annually defy the limitations of this compact city to host one of racing’s most prestigious events. And that sums up Monte Carlo: impractical and unconventional, but hugely entertaining.
It might not look like it, but Monte Carlo is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with evidence of occupation dating back to the Stone Age. The first real settlement came during the Iron Age, with the Ligurian Monoikos setting up home and giving Monaco its name.
In 122BC, the Romans arrived, defeating local tribes and incorporating the territory into the Maritime Alps. Julius Caesar is even said to have sailed from Monaco to fight in Greece. In 1162, the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa granted dominion of Monaco to the Republic of Genoa, sparking street battles between the warring Genoese parties of Ghibelline (who were loyal to the emperor) and Guelph (who sided with the pope).
In 1215, the Ghibellines built a fortress on the Rock of Monaco to assert their authority on the region. However, in 1297 Guelph Francesco Grimaldi disguised himself as a monk, entered the castle and captured it, founding the ruling dynasty that continues to hold power to this day. The Grimaldis also acquired nearby Menton and Roquebrune, using them to begin a campaign of pirate-style raids on English towns, helped by the French.
But their plundered riches attracted invaders, with the Grimaldis forced to see off attacks from Genoa and Spain, most notably in 1612 when Honore II Lord of Monaco had to enlist the services of French troops to expel marauding Spaniards from the principality.
Since then Monaco has been under the protection of France, with the exception of the French Revolution when it was actually annexed by its neighbour. The royal family were arrested, their wealth disappeared and the Prince’s Palace was turned into a prison. Monaco was wiped off the map until the Treaty of Paris in 1814 re-established the principality and returned it to the Grimaldi family.
In 1918, the Treaty of Versailles strengthened relations with France, who agreed to defend the principality’s independence, sovereignty and territory. In return, Monaco agreed to exercise its rights in mind of French interests. A new constitution was signed in 1962 and forms the basis of Monaco’s monarchy today.
James Bond makes the first of many visits to the glamorous Casino de Monte-Carlo the film Never Say Never Again (1983).
The Romans built the surviving Trophy of Augustus in 6 BC to celebrate their victory over the tribes of the Alps.
The actress Grace Kelly became Princess of Monaco in 1956 when she married Prince Rainier III.
The crowds in Monte Carlo can be suffocating during July and August, although they are worth braving for the glorious weather and annual
Summer Festival.
If you don’t like jostling for space with tourists then time your visit for
spring or
autumn when the weather is warm but the streets far quieter. May’s Grand Prix weekend is the exception, when the world and his wife descend on the city.
Getting around Monte Carlo
Due to its size, Monte Carlo is easy to get around. With a decent map, energetic walkers could see all the main attractions by foot in one day, although that would be a laborious exercise as the city is a hilly place.
For the less energetic, Monte Carlo’s public transport is fairly cheap and easy to use. There is no metro or tram in Monte Carlo but the state bus company
Compagnie des Autobus Monaco
Telephone: +377 9770 2222
Website: www.cam.mc operates the city’s six routes.
You can buy tickets at many newspaper kiosks or on board. As well as single tickets, carnets of six or 12 tickets are available, along with passes for one, two, three, four or seven days. Bus stops offer GPS information on the location of the bus and the time left before its arrives. There are also seven public escalators and elevators (all free) that help negotiate the steep slopes of the city.
You can hail taxis on the streets, and there are two main taxi stands open around the clock at the avenue de Monte Carlo and the railway station. and you’ll find a reputable company
Taxi Monaco Prestige
Telephone: +377 9315 0101
Fidelity VTC
Telephone: +337 5566 0735
Ensure the meter is either switched on or agree a price in advance for all journeys. Taxis are a fairly expensive way to get from A to B however.
Monte Carlo’s heavy traffic can be infuriating and intimidating. Driving around the city has its obvious advantages for Formula One aficionados however, who can follow in the tyre marks of their heroes. Slow-moving traffic and expensive parking aside, the city’s roads are well signposted and smooth.
Monte Carlo’s inclines make cycling around the city fairly hard work. If you’re feeling fit, cycling around Monte Carlo can be a rewarding experience though, and there are plenty of lycra-clad cyclists peddling around the city, so you’ll be in good company. Some of the more devoted have been known to time themselves doing laps of the famous Grand Prix circuit. You can hire bikes from
VIP Rent A Bike
Address: Palais de la scala, 1 Av. Henry Dunant.
Telephone: +377 9350 1878 with walk-in office in Monte Carlo
Website: www.vip.mc
MonaBike
Address: 2 Bd des Moulins.
Telephone: +377 9770 2215
Website: www.monabike.mc
Benefit from Travoley’s great deals available all year round for a seamless car hire experience in Monte Carlo. Travel your way by choosing from our collection of brand new cars. Whether you are looking for car rental in Monte Carlo as part of a vacation, or renting a car for a special event, you will be sure to find a car to suit your needs from our wide range of economy and luxury models.
In order to hire a car, drivers must be at least 21 years old, depending on company policy. All drivers without an EU licence must carry an International Driving Permit.
Our simple booking system makes it easy to reserve online before you go, offering flexible short- and long-term rental, all at great prices with no hidden charges, so when you arrive all that’s left is to discover the best of this exciting city.
In partnership with Get Your Guide
Book popular activities in Monte Carlo
Things to see in Monte Carlo
Attractions
- The Private Collection of Antique Cars of Prince Rainier III
This superb exhibition of cars is a private collection left behind by the late Prince Rainer III. There are more than 100 vehicles on display, including Ferraris, Rolls-Royces, a Mini, a Citroën 2CV and a Lexus, which was used for the wedding between Prince Albert and Princess Charlene in 2011.
Address: Les Terrasses de Fontvieille, Fontvieille.
Telephone: +377 9205 2856
Opening times: Daily 10:00-18:00.
Website: www.palais.mc
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
The historical heart of the principality, Monaco-Ville sits atop the dramatic Rock of Monaco and offers stunning views of the city. Ancient history seeps out of every stone of this beautiful old town, which seems a world away from the flash cars and millionaire yachts associated with Monte Carlo.
Address: Monaco-Ville, Monaco-Ville.
Opening times: Daily 24 hours.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
- Palais Princier de Monaco
At the heart of Monaco-Ville is the Prince’s Palace, the ornate former residence of the Grimaldi family. Constructed in the late 13th century, this sumptuous building takes visitors on a journey through seven centuries of local history. Watch for the changing of the guards outside the palace daily at 11.55am.
Address: Place du Palais, Monaco-Ville.
Telephone: +377 9325 1831
Opening times: Daily 10:00-18:00.
Website: www.visitepalaisdemonaco.com
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Clinging like a barnacle to the Rock of Monaco, the Oceanographic Museum is housed in a stunning building that looks directly out onto the Mediterranean. This Aladdin’s cave of marine paraphernalia is home to the world’s first submarine, some incredible whale skeletons and an aquarium with more than 4,000 fish species.
Address: Avenue Saint-Martin, Monaco-Ville.
Telephone: +377 9315 3600
Opening times: Daily 10:00-19:00.
Website: www.oceano.org
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
This stunning collection of flora claims to be the largest rock garden in the world. Studded with exotic plants, the precipitous rock face gives visitors an explosion of colour and pungent aromas. There is also a museum housing archaeological finds from the surrounding area and a cave 60m (197ft) below.
Address: 62 boulevard du Jardin Exotique, Monaco.
Telephone: +377 9315 2980
Opening times: Daily 09:00-19:00.
Website: www.jardin-exotique.mc
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
- New National Museum of Monaco: Villa Paloma
Tucked away in a magnificent Italian-style garden, the stately Villa Paloma is thought to have been built by an American from 1913. Today it makes up the New National Museum of Monaco, along with Villa Sauber, and it hosts two temporary exhibitions annually, which focus on contemporary art, architecture, fashion and design.
Address: 56 boulevard du Jardin Exotique, Monaco-Ville.
Telephone: +377 9898 4860
Opening times: Daily 10:00-18:00.
Website: www.nmnm.mc
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Monte Carlo’s Catholic cathedral may not be as grand or imposing as other examples in Europe, but it is worth visiting because this is where the Grimaldi family crypt is housed. It’s also where Princess Grace, who was tragically killed in a car crash in 1982, is buried.
Address: 4 rue Colonel Bellando de Castro, Monaco-Ville.
Telephone: +377 99 99 14 00
Opening times: Daily 09:00-18:00.
Website: www.diocese.mc
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
It may be one of the world’s most famous casinos, but don’t be blinded by the gold glinting and belle époque glamour – many a high roller has lost to the house. Those that aren’t having a flutter still need to pay to look around the elaborate atrium. There’s a strict smart dress code for the impressive gaming lounges.
Address: Place du Casino, Monte Carlo.
Telephone: +377 9806 2121
Opening times: Daily 14:00-04:00.
Website: www.montecarlosbm.com
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Created to keep alive the principality’s olive-growing traditions, this park in the lofty Les Moneghetti district has olive trees that are several centuries old as well as a mini golf course and children’s play park. As well as being a lovely place to picnic, it’s also a great place to watch the sun set.
Address: 54 Bd du Jardin Exotique.
Telephone: +377 9330 9212
Opening times: Daily 08:30-19:00.
Website: www.visitmonaco.com
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Address: 2A boulevard des Moulins, Monte Carlo.
Telephone: +377 9216 6166
Opening times: Mon-Sat 09:30-17:30.
Website: www.visitmonaco.com
Helpful staff here can dispense information as well as hand out maps and brochures. They can also arrange tours and accommodation, alongside excursions outside the city.
Things to do in Monte Carlo
- Bag a ticket for Opéra Monte Carlo
Even in one of Europe’s flashiest cities
Opéra Monte Carlo
Telephone: +377 9806 2828
Website: www.opera.mc is a stand out building.
Spectacular and highly ornate, the theatre has been staging operatic performances since 1879. The Opera has played host to Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo in the past, so book early for these highly-sought after shows.
- Enjoy a truly dramatic performance
For a performance with added drama, bag a ticket at
Théâtre du Fort Antoine
Telephone:
+377 9325 3227
Website: www.theatrefortantoine.com
The venue stages outdoor productions in July and August in a stunning open-air amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean. As well as performing in the theatre itself, the participating companies runs street shows throughout Monte Carlo.
- Hold on tight with a spot of tubing
Skim across the Mediterranean on a doughnut. No, not the sugary type, but a rubber one being pulled by a speedboat. Hold on for as long as possible before you take the inevitable plunge into the warm waters of the Côte d’Azur. For even more inflatable fun try
MC WATERSPORTS
Telephone:+336 0793 4949
Website: www.mc-watersports.com
- Race around the Grand Prix circuit in a supercar
Monaco is synonymous with two things: money and fast cars. For an unforgettable experience, combine the two and jump behind the wheel of a luxury Ferrari.
Grand Prix Monaco Billet
Telephone: +377 9315 2600
Website: www.acm.mc have the keys and offer passenger tours as well as the chance for drivers to tackle the famous Monte Carlo circuit themselves.
- Take a look around the grand Casino de Monte Carlo
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
Casino de Monte Carlo
Telephone: +377 9806 2121
Website: www.casinomontecarlo.com is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
See inside the interior, which brims with rococo ceilings, marble columns and grand chandeliers. For those with some cash to lose, the venue has roulette, blackjack tables and slot machines. Entry requires a jacket.
Monte Carlo tours and excursions
Monte Carlo tours
Heli-Air Monaco offers spectacular chopper tours above the principality and further afield if you want to sightsee in style. You can even zip off for a spot of skiing in the Alps in winter. Naturally, they don’t come cheap.
Telephone: +377 9205 0050
Website: www.heliairmonaco.com
If you don’t fancy puffing and panting your way up the steep gradients of Monte Carlo then you can always take an open-top bus tour. The hop-on, hop-off service has 12 stops in total and takes you around all the key sights plus parts of the Grand Prix circuit.
Website: www.monacolegrandtour.com
Monte Carlo excursions
The resort of Menton lies 8km (5 miles) east of Monaco before the Italian border and is a sleepy affair compared to Nice. There’s a promenade and green parks on hand for idle strolling, and plenty of pavement cafés and restaurants to enjoy afterwards. Its best visited during February’s La Fête du Citron, when floats made of lemons and oranges wind through the streets.
Telephone:
+33 4 9241 7676
A short, scenic train ride from Monte Carlo is Nice, France’s fifth largest city. Situated along the Côte d’Azur, 14km (9 miles) west of Monaco, this lively city has been one of the Med’s most fashionable resorts for centuries. It has much to offer by way of art, history and architecture.
Telephone:
+33 892 707 407
Website: www.nicetourism.comShopping in Monte Carlo
Monaco might not charge its citizens income tax, but the idea that this makes it some sort of tax haven for shoppers is a popular misconception; in fact consumers pay nearly 20% VAT on goods here. Add this to the luxury brands crammed into Monaco’s designer boutiques and that makes for an expensive shopping experience; some of the price tags dangling on the clothes are jaw dropping, while the malls themselves look like palaces. In contrast to the posh boutiques and designer labels, Monaco still hosts vibrant markets, and there are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs.
The most chic clothes shops in Monaco are in Monte Carlo’s so-called Golden Circle next to the casino. Designer brands such as Hermès, Christian Dior, Gucci and Prada jostle for shop space in the small streets of avenue Monte Carlo, avenue des Beaux-Arts and the allées Lumières. You’ll also find high-end jewellers such as Bulgari, Cartier and Chopard here.
Less exclusive are the 200 odd outlets that make up La Condamine. This retail zone is situated near the port and is home to high-street brands and independent shops, which are scattered around a market square at the junction of rue Grimaldi and rue Princesse Caroline.
It might come as a surprise, but despite Monaco’s air of exclusivity, the good old-fashioned market is still alive and well in the principality. Traditional Mediterranean markets are held daily at La Condamine and avenue Saint-Charles. Vibrant stalls sell regional produce and crafts each morning.
Le Metropole is probably the most exclusive shopping centre in Monaco. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by air conditioning, acres of marble and porters, which immediately suggest you’re not going to find a TK Maxx inside. And you’d be right because this shopping centre, which is situated underground near the casino, is home to over 80 boutiques specialising in luxury items. The more affordable Fontvielle shopping mall is located near the quay and houses over 30 shops selling clothes, electronic goods, CDs and furniture.
As a rule, shops open daily 10:00-19:00. With the exception of Monte Carlo’s designer boutiques, most retailers stay open on Sundays. Souvenir shops ply their trade from dusk until dawn throughout the week, while daily markets trade between 06:00 and 14:00 (although it’s best to arrive early if you want to take advantage of the fresh produce).
If you’re looking for souvenirs, head over to the winding old streets of Monaco-Ville. Here you’ll find a host of touristy shops selling anything from tasteful keepsakes to tacky knick-knacks. Grand Prix paraphernalia such as F1 caps and model cars are ten-a-penny, although there are some more tasteful souvenirs lurking behind the Ferrari T-shirts.
Consumers can expect to pay nearly 20% VAT on goods purchased in the city.
Restaurants in Monte Carlo
Although eating out in Monte Carlo isn’t what you’d call cheap, it’s easier to find affordable cuisine here than in some of the other Côte d’Azur resorts. Prices in some of the city’s exclusive restaurants are eye watering, but you can find some reasonable restaurants in the romantic old streets of Monaco-Ville. The Monte Carlo restaurants below are grouped into three pricing categories:
Expensive (over €100)
Moderate (€50 to €100)
Cheap (up to €50)
These Monte Carlo restaurant prices are for a three-course meal for one with a bottle of house wine or equivalent.
Expensive
Cuisine: French
Perched on the eighth floor of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Grill offers an exceptional panorama of the Principality as far as the Italian coasts. An unmissable address, appearing in our selection of the best restaurant in Monaco, which for decades has been weaving emotional memories with guests, while creating strong emotions for those who discover it.
Address: Pl. du Casino, Monaco.
Telephone: +377 9806 8888
Website: www.montecarlosbm.com
Cuisine: French
At the heart of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, a legendary bar: Le Bar american. Two closely linked destinies that share the same idea of pleasure and elegance. Wood, velvet, patinated leather armchairs, refined lighting: the American Bar at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo unfolds its glamorous and unique score. There is something here that you can’t find anywhere else: a special charm, a jazzy atmosphere, a romantic je ne sais quoi. To enter this timeless place is to push open the doors of the imagination. That of a palace bar which has hosted some of the biggest stars in the world.
Address: Pl. du Casino, Monaco
Telephone: +377 9806 3838
Website: www.montecarlosbm.com
Cuisine: French
Legendary chef Alain Ducasse is the man behind the signature restaurant at the Hôtel de Paris. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant serves up some of the finest food in Monte Carlo and the service is exceptional. Not surprisingly, prices are astronomical, but the dining room and food presentation are godly.
Address: Place du Casino, Monte Carlo.
Telephone: +377 9806 8864
Website: www.montecarlosbm.com
Moderate
Cuisine: French
Pierre Baldelli and his family opened the restaurant Chez Pierre in April 2022. It offers traditional French cuisine with an international influence in a discreet and cozy atmosphere. It offers a traditional French cuisine with an international influence in a discreet and cozy atmosphere. Chez Pierre is located in the Metropole Shopping, a stone’s throw from Place du Casino.
Address: Metropole Shopping Level 2, 4 Av. de la Madone, Monaco
Telephone: +377 9992 0792
Website: www.chezpierremontecarlo.com
Cuisine: Italian
A culinary gem in the heart of Monaco. With its warm ambience, delicious cuisine and impeccable service, La Piazza is the ideal place to enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic experience. open non-stop from 12pm to 10:45pm 7 days a week.
Address: 9 Rue du Portier, Monaco.
Telephone: +377 9350 4700
Website: www.la-piazza.mc
Cuisine: French
Tip Top belies its salubrious location near the Casino and serves reasonably priced Mediterranean dishes (well, for the Riviera at least). Little wonder it’s so hard to get a seat here, although your patience will be rewarded by jovial service and decent-sized portions in this cosy, Formula 1-themed restaurant.
Address: 11 avenue de Spélugues, Monte Carlo.
Telephone: +377 9350 6913
Website: www.tiptop.mc
Cheap
Cuisine: Mediterranean
This lively restaurant is on one of Monaco-Ville’s cosy cobbled streets and offers up fairly inexpensive set menus. The chefs aren’t reinventing the wheel with their cuisine, but diners can expect tasty pizzas, pastas and salad in a warm and friendly environment. There’s plenty of seating outside as well.
Address: 6 Rue de l’Eglise, Monaco
Telephone: +377 9990 7093
Website: www.le-saint-nicolas-restaurant-monaco.fr
Cuisine: Italian
Ideally located at the bottom of the pedestrian street, Rue Princess Caroline, La Bella Vita is an authentic Italian brasserie with a warm and friendly atmosphere. La Bella Vita welcomes you with its fresh products, salads, pizzas, pasta, meat and fish, not forgetting its vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes to delight everyone. La Bella Vita also offers a take away and delivery service.
Address: 21 Rue Princesse Caroline, Monaco.
Telephone: +377 9350 4202
Website: www.virtually.mc
Cuisine: French
Meaning ‘picnic basket’ in the local dialect, this intimate and inexpensive restaurant in Monaco-Ville serves up a delicious selection of regional specialities including octopus and savoury pastries known as barbajuan. It also plates up the usual suspects (seafood, pizza and pasta), which are best enjoyed on the rather romantic terrace.
Address: 14 Rue Comte Félix Gastaldi, Monaco
Telephone: +377 9798 2040
Website: www.ucavagnetu.comMonte Carlo Nightlife
Compared with other parts of the Riviera, the nightlife in Monte Carlo is more subdued with only a smattering of pubs, bars and discos. Though you don’t need to be a millionaire to play the slot machines in the casino, it helps if you look like one as it has a smart dress code in place. Monte Carlo is not one of Europe’s cultural hubs, but it does have a decent array of performances, especially during the summer months.
Bars in Monte Carlo
It was a sad day when the historic Brasserie de Monaco stopped brewing beer in 1972. Happily, with a little help from Prince Albert II, production was restarted in 2008 and drinkers can now sample a fine selection at the brewery’s sleek bar. There’s a even great beer garden too.
Address: 36 route de la Piscine, La Condamine.
Telephone: +377 9798 5120
Website: www.brasseriedemonaco.com
A giant Buddha gazes benevolently over this classy lounge bar housed in an old concert hall, where excellent sushi accompanies expertly mixed cocktails. Things get pumping later in the evening thanks to the resident DJs, or you can relax on the two sprawling terraces when the weather is warm enough.
Address: Place du Casino, Monte Carlo.
Telephone: +377 9806 1919
Website: www.montecarlosbm.com
The Cocktail Club is a welcoming and refined area like an invitation to take your time and enjoy both an authentic and upgraded tasting experience. Here, customers will be told about the products and their provenance, the stories of the recipes and the several influences which inspired the Trinity imaginary and menu. It’s an ode to live and eat consciously.
Address: Larvotto, 7 Rue du Portier, Monte Carlo.
Telephone: +377 9325 8767
Website: www.trinitybar.com
Clubs in Monte Carlo
If you can get past the highly selective door staff, you’ve made it to Monte Carlo’s premier nightclub for celebrity spotting. Jimmy’z is the stuff of legend – particularly when the Formula 1 circus rides into town. Its resident and guest DJs keep the bubbles flowing until well after the sun rises.
Address: 27 avenue Princesse Grace, Monte Carlo.
Telephone: +377 9805 7068
Website: www.fr.jimmyzmontecarlo.com
Nicknamed the “Waterfront” of the Principality, the Blue Gin offers a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean all year round thanks to its heated terrace. Cozy and cozy inside, open and maritime outside, it is one of the essential lounge bars, with a creative selection of drinks and a food menu designed by Chef Marcel Ravin. On the music side, resident DJ Nicolas Saad is on the decks live from Thursday to Saturday.
Address: 40 Av. Princesse Grace, Monaco.
Telephone: +377 9806 0360
Website: www.montecarlosbm.com
Come and discover Le Before Monaco, A place where time stands still. A place where before and after merge. Come to Before Monaco to unwind. A magical place on Port Hercule which has only one purpose: To escape. Come escape to Before Monaco, Share an aperitif with colleagues and/or friends in a good musical atmosphere.
Address: 6 Rte de la Piscine, Monaco.
Telephone: +377 9990 8030
Website: www.beforemonaco.mc
Live music in Monte Carlo
This grand, famous opera house which opened its doors in 1879 features ornate architectural details. Opéra de Monte-Carlo has established itself as one of Monaco’s premier live music venues. The lounge-bar-cum-club is the place to be if you’re a fan of blues, jazz and black American music. It’s open seven days a week and serves very good food.
Address: Pl. du Casino, Monaco.
Telephone: +377 9806 2800
Website: www.opera.mc
A cosy café by day and loud live music venue by night, La Rascasse is fun, unpretentious and one of the city’s best places to shake your booty. Happy hour kicks off proceedings with discounted drinks, before DJ sets and live bands take revellers through into the small hours.
Address: La Condamine, Quai Antoine 1er, Monte Carlo.
Telephone: +377 9806 1616
Website: www.larascassemontecarlo.com
It is with renewed pleasure each year that we meet for a new season under the starry sky of Fort Antoine, a 2024 edition dedicated to theater and music. New this year, the program gives pride of place to music with several concerts: the season opening will take place on July 2 with an evening of guitar and Corsican songs proposed by Fred and Nico Dumani, artists from Porto-Vecchio.
Address: Av. de la Quarantaine, Monaco.
Website: www.theatrefortantoine.comMonte Carlo Food And Drink
Food In Monte Carlo
Socca is a popular street food in Monaco. It’s a thin pancake made of chickpea flour and cooked on a griddle.
Modern ratatouille uses tomatoes as a foundation for sautéed garlic, onion, zucchini (courgette), aubergine (eggplant), bell pepper, marjoram, fennel and basil. Instead of basil, bay leaf and thyme, or a mix of green herbs like herbes de Provence can be used.
Pissaladière is a French Provencal tart or pizza made with caramelized onions, Nicoise olives and anchovies. The Principality of Monaco is about 3 square miles in size, and wedged between France and Italy. The Monaco version of a Pissaladière adds tomatoes to honor their Italian influence.
While traditionally from the port city of Marseille, Monaco has put its spin on this dish, using the freshest catch from the Ligurian Sea. Bouillabaisse combines various types of fish, shellfish, and vegetables, simmered with saffron, fennel, and other aromatic herbs.
If anyone can make an amazing salad out of canned tuna, it’s the French. Nicoise Salad is probably the best known version, made with potato, beans, tomato, lettuce and olives, and finished with a lemon dressing.
Porquerolles Red. A type of red mullet fish that is a delicacy in Monaco, commonly prepared.
The path for chocolate enthusiasts leads to the renowned Chocolaterie de Monaco, a local institution founded in 1920 that received a prestigious recognition in 1999 when it was officially granted the title of “Patented Supplier of the Prince’s Palace” by Prince Rainier III.
Drink In Monte Carlo
Experience the unique taste of the Monaco Spritz, the signature drink of the Principality, or indulge yourself with one of the cocktails designed by the best mixologists of Monaco. Discover the secrets behind this elegant liqueur.
If notability cannot be shown, the article is likely to be merged, redirected, or deleted. A Monaco is a beer cocktail that is popular in France, made of equal parts lager and carbonated lemonade along with a dash of grenadine, and is best enjoyed cold.
The vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin B, and minerals in lemon may help to improve your acne, oily skin, blackheads, and dandruff. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help to prevent cell damage caused by oxidative stress, which can enhance skin health.
Espresso is a rich, concentrated coffee drink. A shot of espresso is different from an “ordinary” cup of coffee mainly in the way it’s prepared. The beans are ground very fine and packed tight, then pressurized water is pulled through them to create a small serving of full-bodied, flavorful coffee.
Monte Carlo Hotels
These days Monte Carlo, or the name at least, has spread to include most of Monaco. What the name stands for is glamour and wealth, and Monte Carlo got the wealth, and then the glamour, from its casino, which really saved Monaco, the world’s second smallest country, after it lost its olive and citrus groves in the 1850s and was shrunk down to its present size. Nowadays the casino is just one opulent building among many, but the area around it is still definitely one of the best places to stay in Monte Carlo. Here you’ll find numerous gorgeous five-star hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants and incredible Mediterranean views. And if you stray a bit further from the casino you’ll find even more of them. All the way down to the coast, where you’ll find hotels with private beaches or strips of coastline as well as Michelin stars and views.
Monte Carlo is pocket-sized but it isn’t a pocket-friendly destination, however it is very sunny, and a fantastic place to come to give yourself a bit of a treat: rub shoulders with the owners of the elegant super-yachts parked up at Port Hercule, live like the other half for a bit!
Just remember that this is an incredibly busy little place especially during the peak summer months and during the annual Grand Prix. So if you want to guarantee yourself a bed in one of the best places to stay in Monte Carlo, do your homework and plan well ahead.