Regardless of the time you have in Monaco, every minute is gold (or diamonds)!
Monaco is a small sovereign country. It has its own monarchy and is encapsulated by France on either side. French is the native language but English is spoken in everywhere.
The strip itself is only a couple of kilometres long and approx 1km wide from the ocean up to the hill. Or Le Rocher as it is known to locals.
I joke with my friends that you have to be a mountain goat as there are many stairs and maps are deceiving. You need sensible shoes, most locals wear flats, and some stamina. Fortunately there are many escalators and lifts. I try to take advantage of these short cuts and even if you take them, you will still walk up a lot…
After many trips here my breath is still stolen wandering the streets around the Casino and by the marina, marvelling at the beauty that money really can buy.
Considered the rich man’s play ground there certainly is a lot on offer if you have a fat cheque book. Alas, most of my favourite activities don’t require millions to participate but certainly leave you feeling richer and wealthier for the experience.
These are my favourite things and no doubt there are many more.
- Larvotto Beach
- A drink on the balcony of the Fairmont Monte Carlo
- Sitting at Cafe Paris watching cars arrive in front of the casino
- Boat watching
- Musee de Oceanographics de Monaco
- Walking around the palace area
- La Marche Monaco
- Metropole Shopping Centre
- Beach clubs
- Night Clubs
1. Larvotto Beach
This is one of my favourite beaches in the world. For a variety of reasons. It is not a sandy beach more a small pebble/shell beach. This means you don’t carry around pesty sand all day if you want a swim then wish to dine out afterwards.
The beach is enclosed so if you are worried about the bigger fish you are OK. There are no predatory sharks however in the South of France. You will see big fish off this beach and it is great to go snorkelling if you have younger children.
The beach is patrolled – which some people like. For me, being ablle to swim 300meters in one direction on a flat ocean is superb and much better than swimming in a chlorinated swim pool. This to me is its real draw card.
You can swim to two pontoons not far from the beach and bath or simply enjoy the escapement of units behind you.
There are a variety of shops and restaurants along the foreshore. Some expensive, ,others more reasonable. Back towards the casino is the Jardin Japanoise – a nice little garden that you can sit in and relax.
2. A Drink at the Fairmont
Monaco is infamous for it’s casino and attached to is a hotel called the Fairmont. There are many options inside the Fairmont to have a drink, including a roof top pool and dining area called Niki Beach. On this trip I chose to have a French Chenin Blanc watching the moon rise for the balcony. It is a great place to regroup and acknowledge the efforts it took you to get here.
The wines are not cheap however you are also served some nibbles, usually olives, lava beans and nuts.
3. Cafe De Paris and car watching
For many this is their bucket list. Sitting at the famous cafe beside the casino watching the spectacular cars come and go. You don’t have to line up for a seat and can just drift around Infront of the casino which many people do. Don’t feel ashamed to take photos of the car – everyone is doing it.
4. Boat watching
Whether you like boats or not, the super yachts are a much adored outing for myself and many others. You can get up close and personal to these boats.
In the past, I have attended three Monaco Yacht Shows which is held the last weekend in September. It is certainly an eye opener and after being fortunate to have partied on some of these boats, I can assure you they are every much as luxe as they look on the outside to the inside. In fact, I liken many of them to floating art galleries, housing incredible sculptures, art works and textiles and finishings. If you have the opportunity to get on one of these boats, scoop it up.
There is a little ferry that does port crossings and also a fun activity giving you the perspective of being on the water.
5. Le Musee de Oceanographique de Monaco
On the hill near the palace is an aquarium that is world class. The building itself is fantastic with a former prince highly engaged in marine biology and preserving the seas. On the top floor is an interactive 3D display which I thought was very cool. In the past they have had aquariums where you can touch and handle marine life. Open hours are here.
This time I arrived late and thought they may give me a discount, which they didn’t. It was a bit disappointing as I only have 30 minute before they shooed me out. Alas, a good experience anyway.
6. Walking around the palace & port
Wandering around the port area is very pleasant with lots to see and do.
If you wander (more to the nice side) you can ascend to the top of the hill above Port Hercules where the Monachy reside. The guards can be seen doing a change of guard and are a spectacle in themselves. Cannon balls and guns can be seen along the old wall as can many sculptures and tributes to Princess Grace Kelly.
7. La Marche Monaco
This happy little market has food, clothes, flowers and trinkets. Found near the Santa Maria cathedral it operates on 5 days of the week.. Inside the Marche are a couple of seafood places, hot roast meals and two bars. You will also find a large health food shop inside. It is cheaper to eat at the markets like this, rather than only eating at restaurants which can be pricy in Monaco so if you are on a budget make your way here.
8. Metropole Shopping Centre
I really like this shopping centre. It has designer clothes, swim wear, a range of other services (beauty etc) and a food court down stairs. This is where the Monageuse shop and it does feel great – looking at clothes and other items. If it is hot outside it offers a welcome haven from the dry heat. Even if you don’t like shopping this centre is worth a drift by.
9. Beach clubs
There are many beach clubs in Monaco and attached to some hotels. It is customary to pay for a beach chair at clubs, but most of the ones at Monaco are free to use but they expect you to dine/purchase drinks there. The image here is from Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
Niki Beach Club onto of the Fairmont is reasonable and has great views on Monaco.
10. Night Clubs
Being seen is a big thing in Monaco. I personally do not go there for that, but many do.
The clubs vary from a pub/sit down style at Monaco Brassier to Rascasse, Jimmys or Buddy Bar. This trip I went to Amazonica which is upstairs from Cafe De Paris and has a fun fit out. It is expensive though with a cocktail being 25-30 Euros. But definitely wonderful service and a bit of a splurge!
Leave comments on your favourite experience in Monaco.
