Monte-Carlo
Home to the famous casino and F1 race track
Monte-Carlo is where the world’s richest people come to fritter lavish amounts of money - just look at the cars parked in Place du Casino to get an idea of the clientele.
Monte-Carlo is a district of the Principality of Monaco; high profile residents include Shirley Bassey, Bono, Mohammed Al Fayed, Mick Hucknall, and many other famous celebrities. It would come as no shock that it's also home to its fair share of F1 drivers and tennis players such as Jensen Button, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, David Coulthard, Novak Djokavic, Daniil Medvedev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas amongst many more.
Place du Casino is at the heart of Monte-Carlo and is dominated by the Salle Garnier which houses the casino and the opera. Adjacent to the casino entrance is the Café de Paris on one side and the luxurious Hotel du Paris on the other.
If you win big at the casino you won’t have any shortage of places to spend your money; Monte-Carlo has practically every big-name designer store within minutes of each other - Chanel, Hermes, Balenciaga, etc - and they are all handily listed on the street signs, so that you can find exactly what you're looking for. There is also the Le Metropole shopping centre nearby which houses luxury brands such as Kenzo, Hugo Boss and Swarovski.
Monte-Carlo is easily accessible, being right on the Nice-Ventimiglia train line. If you prefer to fly in, you’ll be pleased to know that Monaco has its own heliport.
History & Culture in Monaco
Believe it or not, Monte-Carlo’s current extreme wealth comes from a background of near financial ruin.
During the 1850’s Monte-Carlo was suffering greatly from the loss of Menton and Roquebrune to the French, they no longer had their main incomes from olive and citrus crops and were almost bankrupt. However, Charles III of Monaco noticed that a small number of German towns were doing quite well out of casinos, so he permitted one to be built in Monte-Carlo to help boost the economy - and the rest is history.
Sights & Attractions in Monaco
Sights in Monaco
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Jardin Animalier, Monaco Ville
Located in Monaco
These zoological gardens were established in 1954 and house a collection of over 250 species of animals, from hippos to black panthers and lemurs.
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Jardin Japonais (Japanese Gardens)
Located in Monaco
Fulfilling Princess Grace of Monaco's desire to have a Japanese garden in Monaco, this spectacular space is enjoyed by thousands of people each year.
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Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology
Located in Monaco
The area around the Cote d'Azur is rich in prehistoric artefacts, many of which can be found in this fascinating museum.
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Oceanographic Museum
Located in Monaco
Sovereign Prince, scholar and explorer, Albert I of Monaco, devoted his life to the Principality forces as well as scientific investigation. This museum showcases his passion.
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Le Jardin Exotique de Monaco
Located in Monaco
Monaco's exotic garden was opened to the public in 1933. In its prestigious, open-air setting, it brings together a wide variety of succulent plants.
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Saint Nicholas Cathedral of Monaco
Located in Monaco
The cathedral of Monaco is dedicated to the Virgin, although popularly known as Saint Nicholas because of the church that previously stood on its site. The current building was built in the 19th century.
Dining in Monaco
If you go behind the Salle Garnier you’ll find a long walkway that goes along the harbour and there are many cafés and restaurants underneath it on the quayside. The atmosphere is chic but relaxed and most of the bars do not have a dress code - you can call in for a drink any night of the week and there will often be live music or DJs playing.
Restaurants in Monaco
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La Maree Restaurant
Located in Monaco
'Fish chic' restaurant in Port Hercule that is located on the sixth floor of the Port Palace Hotel, overlooking the marina.
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Brasserie du Cafe de Paris
Located in Monaco
With Belle Epoque style windows, recalling the old Parisian bistros, the building creates a bright and friendly atmosphere.
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Nobu Restaurant
Located in Monaco
Recognized worldwide for his amazing cuisine, mixing traditional Japanese dishes and South American spices and aromas.
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Metropole Monte-Carlo Restaurant
Located in Monaco
Located in Hotel Metropole, this restaurant is lead by Executive Chef Christophe Cussac. It holds two Michelin stars.
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Le Vistamar Restaurant
Located in Monaco
Orchestrated by Chef Joël Garault, this chic restaurant offers delightful gourmet seafood.
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Hostellerie Jerome Restaurant, La Turbie
Located in Monaco
Chef Bruno Cirino prepares Mediterranean dishes that carefully showcase the flavours of local produce. A light and creative cuisine that you can enjoy in their elegant dining room with vaulted ceilings and frescoes or their shaded terrace overlooking the sea.
Things to do in Monaco
A day at the spa is certainly one way to enjoy your time in Monte-Carlo. There are plenty to choose from and you might even be lucky enough to sneak at peek at some celebrities while you enjoy your seaweed wrap.
Things To Do in Monaco
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
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Monaco & Monte Carlo by Night, from Monaco
Located in Monaco
Witness the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo after dark.
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Sunset Luxury Motor Boat Trip
Located in Monaco
This two hour cruise departs from Monaco to take you on a stunning sunset cruise on the Cote d'Azur.
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Cannes & St Tropez Luxury Motor Boat Trip
Located in Monaco
Departing from Monaco, on this trip you'll enjoy a full day of cruising along the French Riviera, visiting Monaco to Cannes to Saint Tropez and the beautiful bays and coves.
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Cote d'Azur Luxury Motor Boat Trip
Located in Monaco
This boat trip departs from Monaco and can run for 2, 3 or 4 hours - so you can choose whether you want a quick spin along the coast or a more extended trip.
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Private Sightseeing Tours
Located in Monaco
A wide selection of guides and tours of the French Riviera covering famous destination such as Monaco, Antibes, Cannes, Nice and Saint-Tropez. You can also experience the Italian Markets in San Remo and Ventimiglia as well as enjoy wine tasting and culinary tours.
Nightlife in Monaco
The place to be seen is the Café de Paris, right next door to the casino it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During the day it is a popular place for tourists to sit on the shaded terrace with an ice cream, but after dark it fills up with people celebrating casino wins with champagne cocktails and partying on the open air dancefloor. Other glamorous nightspots include Jimmyz and Buddha Bar, both nearby.
Bars & Clubs in Monaco
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Crystal Bar & Terrace
Located in Monaco
Sit back in this lounge and take in the magnificent views across the Mediterranean, Port Hercule and the Rock of Monaco, while luxuriating in the atmosphere of exclusivity.
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Saphir 24 Bistro Lounge, Restaurant & Bar
Located in Monaco
The relaxed atmosphere and sublime vista make it the perfect spot to enjoy, 24 hours a day, according to your rhythm and fancy...
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Brasserie du Cafe de Paris
Located in Monaco
With Belle Epoque style windows, recalling the old Parisian bistros, the building creates a bright and friendly atmosphere.
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Horizon Rooftop Restaurant & Champagne Bar
Located in Monaco
Views over the Principality's legendary Opera House, Prince's Palace, and Casino - against a backdrop the azure splendour of the Mediterranean.
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Bar Americain
Located in Monaco
The Hôtel de Paris' fantastic cocktail bar and lounge oozes old world class. It has a cosy, elegant low-key ambiance, with big leather armchairs, sea views and live music from Doctor Gabs' piano.
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La Note Bleue Beach Club
Located in Monaco
A private beach where you can relax and enjoy a lounger, have your feet in the cool blue waters, or enjoy the cooling mist on a sunbed.
Where to stay in Monaco
Accommodation in Monte-Carlo is undeniably high-end; the suited and booted doormen spend their days valet-parking everything from Ferraris to Bentleys.
Hotel de Paris is the most renowned establishment, right next to the casino and has featured in two James Bond films to date.
Nearby is the Hotel Hermitage with its grand Belle Époque architecture, the lobby of which was designed by Gustave Eiffel, and you also have the Fairmont Monte-Carlo with rooftop pool and Nobu restaurant.
Hotels in Monaco
Hotels in Monaco
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Port Palace Hotel
Located in Monaco
With urban elegance, chic interiors and just steps away from the casino, boutique shopping and the legendary F1 Grand Prix circuit, this hotel is a gem in the heart of Monaco.
Price: €6,250
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Metropole Monte-Carlo Hotel
Located in Monaco
In 2004, the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo was refurbished to keep it in tune with its time, but has kept all its spiritual qualities to uphold its concept of luxury.
Price: €11,112
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Monte-Carlo Bay Resort & Hotel
In a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, this hotel offers you a whole new experience of a legendary destination.
Price: €19,094
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Eza Chateau Hotel, Eze
Located in Eze
Exquisite and intimate, the rooms and suites of Château Eze cling to the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze, a thousand-year-old Medieval village more than 400 metres above the Mediterranean Sea.
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Hermitage Hotel
Located in Monaco
Overlooking the Mediterranean, the Hôtel Hermitage cultivates elegance at its highest level.
Price: €18,375
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Hotel de Paris Hotel
Located in Monaco
Elegant and exclusive hotel in the centre of Monaco, ideally located right in front of the casino.
Price: €53,288
Directions
Alongside the Monte-Carlo Grand Prix, this part of Monaco hosts some of the most glamorous sporting and no-sporting events on the French Riviera. Show jumping, tennis, art, fashion, and some of the world's top music acts and DJs.