MONACO MARVELS: A DAY IN THE GLAMOROUS PRINCIPALITY

MONACO MARVELS: A DAY IN THE GLAMOROUS PRINCIPALITY

Embarking on a journey to Monaco feels like diving into a realm where opulence and culture intertwine seamlessly. My love for French culture has been an enduring affair, nurtured through countless moments spent savoring the arts, indulging in exquisite cuisine, and strolling through the enchanting streets of Paris. Having only experienced the vibrant allure of the French capital, the prospect of exploring a new area of this beautiful country was very exciting!

The mere mention of Monaco immediately brings images of the glittering French Riviera, where every corner is dripped luxury. In this post, I’ll share some recommendations for a day well-spent in Monaco—from the glittering allure of the renowned Monte-Carlo Casino to the timeless charm of the old town. Join me on this journey as we unravel the marvels of Monaco, where every cobblestone seems to whisper tales of a bygone era, and every moment promises a fusion of rich cultural experiences and the exquisite beauty of the French Riviera.

WHAT TO DO

Monte-Carlo Casino: Playground for the Elite

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Monte-Carlo Casino, symbolizing Monaco’s elegance and prestige. You can explore the lavishly adorned gaming rooms, try your luck at the tables, or simply absorb the atmosphere of this legendary establishment. Don’t forget to overlook the breathtaking Casino Square and views down to the water. It’s the perfect place to see people coming and going and the fabulous cars.

Here’s info on how to gain access:

From 10AM to 1PM: Visit the Casino de Monte-Carlo with or without an audiotour (€18)

From 12PM onwards: The Salon Rose Restaurant and the Atrium’s artistic attractions. (No cost to visit the restaurants outside of the cost of dining)

From 2PM: Visit the gaming rooms (gaming tables and slot machines) and bars. 

Casino de Monte-Carlo, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco, montecarlosbm.com

Café de Paris: French Culinary Delights with a View

Adjacent to the casino, savor a delightful meal at Café de Paris, a historic brasserie that has been an integral part of Monaco for over 150 years. If you’re anything like me, French food is my absolute fave and I go weak for a good French white wine. I personally enjoyed a glass from Domaine LaRoche, steak tartare, escargot and frites. My go to dishes.

Relish your favorite French dishes on the terrace, providing a prime vantage point to observe the glamorous world passing by in Casino Square including the fancy cars. Or you can take your meal inside at the bar to immerse yourself in the opulent ambiance while sipping espresso or a glass of champagne. It’s a lively atmosphere of this iconic café. Who knows maybe you’ll be seated near someone famous or a poshy pooch, like I was.

Want to branch away from the casino? Take your pick! There are 12 Michelin starred restaurants in Monaco. I would recommend getting a reservation, even during the slow month of January it was hard to get into restaurants without planning ahead. You can find the list of Michelin restaurants here.

Café de Paris, 98000 Monaco, cafedeparis.com

Downtown Monaco: Luxury Shopper’s Paradise

Once you’ve enjoyed a leisurely lunch, explore downtown Monaco, where luxury shopping beckons. You can wander through the Carré d’Or district, renowned for its high-end fashion boutiques and designer stores. Stroll along the chic streets and discover the latest trends from international fashion houses or pick up unique souvenirs. I was personally tempted by Goyard. I’m dying to own a bag from them or Fauré Le Page. Sadly, I did not get one this trip.

Want to plan ahead for your purchases? Check out this shopping guide here.

Old Monaco: A Journey Through History

I think Old Monaco might have been one of my favorite moments on my trip. After venturing up the hilled walkway from Place de Armes my breath was completely taken away (and not just by the climb). The views are completely going to be imprinted on my brain forever.

Once you reach the top of the hill known as the Rock of Monaco, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. You can visit the Prince’s Palace, witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and relish in panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Make sure you take the time to wander through the enchanting narrow streets of Old Monaco, discovering historic landmarks, including the Monaco Cathedral where Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco is buried and the Oceanographic Museum. I kid you not, this place feels like it’s out of a fairytale and it’s a must see when in Monaco.

Tips & Tricks

I explored Monaco on a day trip from my home base of Nice, France. Located less than hour away it makes the perfect afternoon to explore. While Monaco was wonderful, I’d recommend making Nice your starting point for many side trips. You can explore the perfumery in Èze, visit the gardens in Menton, see the red carpet in Cannes. It’s the perfect central point. Here are some more tips:

Use Public Transportation.

Utilize Monaco’s efficient public transportation system including buses and trains, to navigate the city and nearby areas easily. It’s a cost-effective way to explore. The 607 bus from Nice will drop you directly in front of the Monte-Carlo Casino with a beautiful ride along the coast (make sure you get a window seat)! When you’re finished for the day it will pick you up at the bottom of the hill from Old Monaco at Place de Armes. An added bonus is that the bus takes credit cards so no need to worry about cash or tickets.

Plan your visit to Monaco to coincide with events.

You can plan your visit around Formula 1 Grand Prix or cultural festivals to maximize your experience if that’s important to you. However, it’s still enjoyable to go during the downtimes if you don’t like crowds, but in January when I visited some shops are closed for vacation and have limited hours. 

Embrace Monaco’s upscale atmosphere by dressing smartly.

Many establishments, especially in the evenings, have a dress code that reflects the city-state’s sophisticated ambiance. If you’re just going for the day to explore, don’t feel the pressure to dress up. Casual works too!

Explore by foot.

Monaco is relatively small, so take advantage of the pedestrian-friendly layout. Walking allows you to discover hidden gems and some intricate details.

Book in Advance.

Whether it’s for dining, tours, or tickets to events, booking in advance ensures you secure your spot. This seems to be a post-COVID trend everywhere and definitely important for those key can’t-miss spots.

Monaco, with its fusion of glamour and history, offers a captivating experience for every traveler. From the excitement of the casino to the charm of Café de Paris, luxury shopping downtown, and the historical allure of Old Monaco, it promises a day filled with unforgettable moments in a setting of timeless elegance.