10 Things to do in Monaco

05/06/202505/06/2025

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.

The Beach Club Monaco

10/05/201710/05/2017

When you mention Monte Carlo and Monaco to people, images of flashy designs, rich and famous and fast cars come to mind. But for me it is different. Of course those elements are there but for me, Monte Carlo (the main part of the province on Monaco) is a gate way to the Cote D’azure and many fun night clubs!

This is my forth visit to town and each visit it feels like home as the surrounds become more familiar. I find the locals very friendly and very accommodating for my high school French.

I have never had a problem with people being rude or not trying to understand me. Quite the opposite, many go out of their way and are almost flirty in nature…

I am in town for the boat show and to network for my art works.

A friend is staying at the Monaco Beach Club and suggests “hanging by the pool” which in my sleep deprived, slightly hung over state sounds heavenly.

My first experience with the hotel is overwhelming. They treat me like a princes and attend to all my needs. The breakfast buffet is simple and adequate and can be consumed overlooking the water.

After breakfast we decide to relax on the terrace (verandah) and watch life go by. Which in this case is watching super yachts bob around on the horizon as helicopters come and go, bringing in guests and supplies.

A few swimmers come to the waters edge and swim out, laughing and giggling and enjoying the serene waters.

I muster a few water colours and the sun beams down on the alcove we find ourselves in.

Beside the hotel is a bluff that is rarely used. I go exploring.

Offering some of the best views of Monte Carlo I find the bluff a childhood delight. I scale up and down it’s little walk ways and lose myself in time day dreaming about making this location home.

All in all the Beach Club Monaco is a world class hotel, offering world class views, with easy access to the beach or the 50 meter pool. The rooms are stunning and clean, the staff exemplorary and the interiors very Monte Carlo and chic. I highly recommend staying here if you can afford it .

Night Clubs in Monaco

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Sass Cafe

The Sass Cafe is FUN!

Great food is served, an awesome wine list and DJ music the club usually kicks off after 11pm.

Perched along the Avenue Princes Grace opposite the Grimaldi Forum.

Twiga Monaco

Sporting a wonderful club on the fringe of the Cote D’azure is Twiga. Hire a booth, hang out in the shisha bar, have a dance on the club’s dance floor, Twiga is an exclusive world class night club.

Buddha Bar

Everyone knows about the Monaco Buddha Bar. With a mix of locals, tourists and ” others” who offer paid services, you can have a pretty good time at Buddha Bar.

I seem to find myself here every visit – the outdoor area is good, the indoor club area fine and well, it’s just central and a good meeting place.

You will find it on the Italian side of the casino.

Le Meridien Beach Plaza

Underneath Le Meridien is the fun and accommodating Amber Summer. Open 24 hours, it is the place to go to late in the night. You can grab a cocktail, a dance or a warm blanket.

La Rascasse

Situated down on the docks in the lap of the palace is La Rascasse. I have had a few fun nights here but it can get very rowdy and isn’t as sophisticated as the other options. Great fun with a crowd.

Nikki Beach Monaco

This is a fun place and always great for a relaxing drink under the stars. You will find your way up to the salacious lounges through the casino. I have had a few BIG parties at Nikki Beach, with people jumping in the pool and very much like a scene out of a movie. Other nights it has been quiet. Definitely worth a look and drink.

Musee de l’ oceanigraphy and Palace Monaco

06/01/201725/01/2017

There are a few touristy things to do in Monaco.

Many of them a “must when in Monaco”.

I highly recommend the On and Off Bus with the audio and a trip to the palace and Musee de l’ oceanigraphy.

The bus gives you a good lay out of the land, and takes you to key points.

The audio (in many different languages explains the history of the Monagese, the Monach, the grand prix and takes you to heaps of fun venues.

I have been to Monte Carlo a few times but this is the first time to the Musee l’ Oceanigraphy. You know thinking I had seen all the aquariums in the world!

This was amazing.

Patting sharks.

Incredible coral reef fish.

A turtle called Rani.

The jelly fish display is wonderful.

You can visit the Musee and Palace by foot by simply walking up the hill, or stopping off on the on and off bus.

I love the walk up to the palace, it weaves along the dramatic coast line and brings you closer to the wonderful area that it really is.

Today I am keen to do one thing – give Prince Albert one of my paintings, but visiting the musee and palace become a wonderful distraction and experience.

The Palace (home of the Grimaldis) is a world famous landmark. For over 500 years the family have lived in the castle which is also a palace. You can take a tour through the palace and see where Louis the King lived and how they experienced life. I was quite overwhelmed with the grandeuse of the palace, the gifts other countries had given to the family over the years and the fact it is still functional today.

Still used for entertaining and formal ocassions you walk along the marble tiles where many world dignaturies have walked, brushing along the curtains as they do. It brings home to me that we are all one species, one people.

I am informed to contact the soldiers, to pass my modest gift to Prince Albert. They take me to his body guards who sign me in and then graciously take me gift. The assure me that Princes Charlene and Prince Albert will receive my paintings and note. A note that read simply as a piece of gratitude. Monaco is one of the safest places in the world, with CCTV on every corner, the whole town is under surveillance. As a women, I appreciate the safety it offers.

After visiting the palace I wander to the Oceanicgeographic not really expecting much to be honest. I few weeks ago I had been to Seaworld on the Gold Coast, which is somewhere I have been going to for years with the kids. Seaworld has a wonderful aquarium and interactive pools with animals that I was pretty sure I wouldn’t be impressed. Well, I didn’t have any expectations. I was blown away!

Turn out the musee is very interactive – you can pat sharks, get close to large tanks and the jelly fish display is surreal.

I discovered many fish I had never seen before, was excited by the jelly fish display and got to talk with Rani the turtle (yes I talk with turtles)!.

It is a wonderful aquarium and museum and I think any visit to Monaco, especially if you have 2 days should include a visit.

And to my painting for Prince Albert – I am waiting an email from him, saying he has received it. I would dearly love to draw the royal family, or draw one of their favorite scenes and have it hung in Monte Carlo. Or maybe i will be their naturopath if not artist.

The Monaco Yacht Show 2016

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The Monaco Yacht Show is one of the best in the world.

It’s the only one I have been to out of the big ones. The biggies being: Fort Lauderdale, Miami, now Hong Kong, Cannes and Monaco.

The super yachts of the world, (apparently 75% are based in the mediterranean) are in town.

This is my third show and I love attending to get inspiration for my paintings and drawings.

I also like to hangout out with FUN people and Monaco has a knack of drawing “lovers of life”.

It’s so much fun.

The boats are incredible. They are not just boats.

They are mini museums.

They are nautical genius.

They are STUNNING!

I love them, the scene, the people that go for it and Monaco.

I think my photos will tell a better story than my words.

Flying a helicopter into Monte Carlo – the best!

31/03/2016

Definitely one of those moments in my life when I thought ” I have made it!” is when I caught a helicopter into Monaco.

This is the company I flew with Heli Air Monaco.

Funny, as with most things in life, experiencing these things are only ever a belief away.

So I have (for most of my life) asked the questions like “why not?”

Helicopter Monaco — Catching a helicopter to Monaco is the only way

Why not fly a helicopter into Monte Carlo? It is quick (only seven minutes), it is the same as a taxi (approx 130 pounds) and is way sexier.

I loved it.

From arriving in Nice (customs are really friendly in Nice which is a pleasant change) it is about thirty minutes until your door step in Monte Carlo.

Disembark, easy luggage collect, and taken to the helicopter. On you jump, and disembark in Monte Carlo.

Monaco is surreal.

Boasting some of the world’s most expensive and glamourous coast line it is nothing short of stunning and breathe taking.

I always pretend to be Grace Kelly’s when I arrive in Monaco. It’s like a European Hollywood but with style (sorry down town LA).

The province of Monaco wrapped by France on one side and Italy on the other. Stretching deep into the sky is a monolith known as The Rock of Monaco. It is spectacular and I am sure many lose themselves in the imagination, just like me when they visit there.

Monaco monolith — The beautiful face of The Rock of Monaco

I imagine that anything and everything is possible.

I am sure I change the way I walk, the way I talk and the poise I bring to the day. I really step it up and love the slinky walks and smiles. I pretend to be a local Monegasque and I love it. I feel I am.

There is a lot to do in Monaco and some world known events such as The Monaco Grand Prix (in May every year) and the Monaco Boat Show (something I love attending).

Boats and helicopters Monaco — Helicopters on boats in Ports De Monaco

Outside of those events there are a wonderful range of concerts, football matches, operas and the like. In fact Monaco is a very social country that comes to life at night.

Five must-try restaurants globally

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Restaurant eating can be an experience in itself.

Often I reflect fondly on town and place because of the restaurant experience.

Atmosphere, food, service and views are all aspects that go into making the restaurants below some of my favs world wide.

These are a few of the restaurants that ignite my taste buds and sensations :

La Rose Des Vents on Larvotto Beach, Monaco

La Rose Des Vents, Monaco

The great appeal of this restaurant for me is the fact it is on a beach in Monaco. It is accommodating (I have turned up straight from the beach) and or as glitzy as you want.

The food is delicious and I only have seafood when I go there. Terrains, kebabs, fresh seafood. It is all devine and delish! Check it out here.

2. Frogmore’s Creek, Tasmania, Australia

Set outside of Hobart in Tasmania on a vineyard is a wonderful restaurant called Frogmore’s. I have had the pleasure of eating there twice and each time has been mind blowing. This is a more extensive blog about it and their website here. Fly down to Hobart just for lunch!

3. Rae’s on Wategos, Byron Bay, Australia

Wategos Beach Break — Julian Rocks off Wategos

Overlooking arguably one of the best beaches in the world is Rae’s on Wategos.

It’s a perfect for a long lunch with a great conversationalist or friend. You will be served scrumptious delights, not overly large which is good, and fantastic wines.

4. The African Queen, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France

The day we turned up here was a story in itself. Winding down the steep curved road cut into the French coast line, overlooking the vast ocean and cote’d azure we stumbled across The African Queen.

Chilled Champagne, delicate cerviche and the most amazing desserts, The African Queen could win alone on food. But it also has a magestic out look and relaxed atmosphere.

This definitely goes on one of my favorite restaurant’s list.

5. Chez Gado Gado, Bali, Indonesia

A simple, comfortable restaurant by the ocean in Seminyak. The food is great, abundant and refreshing breeze is worth traveling for. I have had a few meals at Chez Gado Gado and all have been worthy. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night you should book in advance.

Let me know your favourite restaurants in the comments and I will try to visit them 🙂

The Cote D’azure Eating Frenzie & Monaco Glamour

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Eating along the Cote D’Azure is as much about the views, the air and the magnificent charm and its one of those places where I pretend I am some one famous. Why Not?

I am fortunate to have been to Monaco a few times and it is everything people rave about and more.

It’s grandeur, friendliness and sheer beauty is spectacular. I am a huge fan and adore going there!

My average day in Monaco is relaxed at the start and glitzy at the end.

Helicopter ride into Monaco- the only way to travel from Nice to Monaco

Slow waking ups… a swim in the cote D’azure (Larvotto Beach)… a late breakfast and coffee then home to change. I seem find myself eating at La Rose des Vents sur la plage du Larvotto (beach) regularly.

Usually I don’t make too much of an effort back home but in Monaco I rise to the occasion. I really frock up and really enjoy it.

Nice clothes, make up, taking time to groom – it’s actually quite fun. (And essential in Monaco).

Lunches are always fun and there are many fantastic places to indulge. French food, Italian nibbles, all with a Monagese influence. Seriously I don’t think I have had one bad meal in Monaco- it’s always good!

monaco drawing 2 — Painting over looking Bay de Monaco

Monaco is a independent principality and it’s history has always fascinated me.

Stories about Grace Kelly and princes and casinos and glamour have held my fairy-tale intrigue for years and I love the fact that now I am a “grown-up” I can go and play out my own little fantasies. Even if they are to simply dine along the Cote D’Azure pretending to be royalty or someone special!

For two years I have been in Monaco for the boat show painting. It is the best eye opener in the world, full of insightful interesting people… and big toys!

These are some of my drawings that I have done while being there.

painting in larvotto — Water colour Larvotto

Viva Monaco! Until we meet again