Book the best 5 Star Luxury Hotels in Monte Carlo

Located along the French Riviera, Monte Carlo is one of the most glamorous destinations in Europe. From its stunning Mediterranean coastline to its iconic casino, it's no wonder why so many people flock to this destination every year. But what can you do and see while you're there? Where to stay? What should you eat? We've put together this comprehensive Monte Carlo travel guide to answer your questions and more! So, let's explore what this beautiful destination has to offer. 

History  

Monte-Carlo is located at the foot of the Maritime Alps on the French Riviera in the Mediterranean. The charter, which allowed a joint stock corporation to build a casino, was issued by Prince Charles III (Monaco) in 1856.

The casino opened in 1861, and the surrounding area was named Monte-Carlo five years later. Monte-Carlo became a lavishly designed playground for the wealthy. The casino also includes an opera house. Monaco visitors can use the gambling tables. Besides, high-rise apartment buildings and hotels have replaced many of Monte-Carlo's beautiful villas.

Monte Carlo is a destination reserved for the elite, wealthy, and famous, with 30 percent of its residents being millionaires. Nevertheless, it has been a popular tourist spot for over 150 years.

Best Time to Visit 

Monaco is blessed with a Mediterranean climate that allows constant sunshine and mild winters. However, the best time to visit is early fall. This is because it's warm and dry here. It is also possible to save money on accommodation if you go during the winter off-season.

Places to Visit and Things to Do 

These are some of the best things to do and places to visit in the area. 

Casino Monte Carlo 

This is a great place to enjoy Monte Carlo's most exciting activities. Many scenes from the James Bond movie GoldenEye were shot at this location. Casino Monte Carlo has something for everyone, regardless of whether you like gambling. Besides, the atmosphere is so inviting that you'll want to try it, no matter how you win or lose.

You can also play various casino games, such as blackjack or punto banco. But you have the option to choose the one you love the most. Dress professionally before you go to Casino Monte Carlo.

Prince's Palace 

This is the official residence of the Grimaldi family. It was initially built as a German Fortress in 1191. Each day, there are guided tours here. Also, check out Prince Rainier III's classic cars collection.

Larvotto Beach 

Exploring Larvotto Beach is another exciting thing to do when in Monte Carlo. This attraction is trendy. It is a place where everyone feels energized and revitalized. Larvotto is also the best place to be if you're in Monte Carlo and want to enjoy the natural beauty of the ocean.

Larvotto Beach offers both private and public areas. Visitors can hire loungers from the private beach club. The fascinating artificial beach offers everything tourists need - including imported fine gravel and sand.

Port de la Condamine 

It is easy to fall in love with the incredible views of Port de la Condamine. Built-in 1926, the port de la Condamine was designed to house many luxurious yachts. It is also a popular tourist destination that has seen large crowds. Tourists from all parts of the world keep coming to this place. To enjoy delicious snacks, there are cafes and restaurants that you can visit while visiting this area.

Jardin Exotique 

This is the perfect place for anyone looking for fun activities. Jardin Exotique is where you can explore exquisite gardens with the best cactus collection and the world's most giant succulent. It is a great place to spend time with family, friends, and colleagues. Visitors can also enjoy a serene environment before the ocean and soak up the natural beauty.

Sainte-Devote Chapel 

Sainte-Devote Chapel in Monte Carlo is another beautiful place you can visit during your trip. Visitors love this unique spot of Sainte-Devote Chapel in the valley of Gaumates. It is a tranquil place that captures their attention. Each year, they hold a traditional ceremony on 26 January based on the area's history. The ceremony involves the lighting of a boat at nightfall.

Culture and Customs 

The arts and culture play a role in Monte Carlo. As a painter adds color to his painting with subtle touches, Monte Carlo's vision of the art and science of living includes simple contacts like gambling, luxury, fashion, and sports. While Monte-Carlo is a long-standing symbol of residence, it offers an increasingly artful way to live.

Monaco is a dynamic platform for all arts. Moreover, many of these artists, who have been here since the Belle Epoque era, are reinventing themselves. Dance is one example. The Ballets de Monte-Carlo are famous for performing on the most prestigious stages in the world.

You can discover their creations at the Monte-Carlo Opera. Music is both contemporary and classical. Besides, there are very few nights in Monaco without music. All of this is performed by some of the most renowned living artists.

What to Eat 

These are some of the best foods to eat in Monte Carlo.

Tomates a la Monegasque 

This is a traditional Monaco dish. This dish comprises stuffed tomatoes and includes tuna, mustard, and mayonnaise. It also contains hard-boiled eggs and tuna.

You can remove the tomato tops, the pulp, and the seeds. First, they wash the tomatoes with salt. They then mix the pulp with the eggs, tuna, mayonnaise, herbs, and other ingredients and stuff them into tomatoes. After cooling the fridge for a few minutes, you can serve the tomatoes with their tops on.

Gnocchi 

You can describe gnocchi as bite-sized puffs made of cooked potato. This traditional dish will be a surprise to many. These fluffy pillows are served with shellfish caught on the Monaco coast with a buttery sauce or a light tomato-cream sauce.

Alain Ducasse, a chef, serves his gnocchi at Le Louis XV in Monte Carlo. The restaurant features fresh truffles in season. This makes it one of the most famous Italian dishes.

Socca 

They use a chickpea flour, water, and olive oil to make La Socca. It also contains salt and pepper. The dish is very similar to farinata, but it's pretty delicious!

Fougasse 

Fougasse is a sweet, small-sized orange-flavored bread that goes along with hazelnuts. The Fougasse is traditionally in Monaco's colors, red and white. Coated aniseed grains make it. It will keep well, and you can freeze it.

Pan Bagnat 

The Pan Bagnat is a traditional Monegasque sandwich with many flavors. It uses olive oil, tomato juice, anchovies, and other ingredients. These flavors dissolve into the bread and soak in for up to twenty-four hours. Besides, you can fill the sandwich with any combination of vegetables. Monegasque residents love this dish and enjoy it over long lunches at Riviera or on picnics. This dish is also a Monaco favorite. Just one bite will reveal the reason.

Salade Nicoise 

La Salade Nicoise consists of fresh tomatoes, anchovies, and olives. The choice of using seasonal, easily accessible materials is what makes it unique. The taste is very satisfying.

Crepe Suzettes 

Crepe Suzettes is a delicious crepe of powdered sugar and Grand Marnier cream. This is an authentic French delicacy. 

Daube 

The daube is a rich and tasty dish. It is a beef stew seasoned with wine and various herbs. Traditional daube must traditionally be prepared the night before it is served. You can also get the variation with lamb cooked in white wine.

Where to Stay

These are some of the best areas to stay in and around Monte Carlo. Around the Monte Carlo Casino you will find belle époque hotels like the Hôtel de Paris. Monte Carlo Bay is the place for beach hotels like the Beach Plaza.

La Condamine & Port Hercule 

La Condamine is a neighborhood north of Port Hercules that offers luxury hotels and apartments. It is Monaco's main shopping district. You can finish shopping at its high-end boutiques and shop at Place d'Arme' daily market. Moreover, La Condamine is where Formula 1 races occur at the Grand Prix. This takes place in May.

Several bars and restaurants make up the vibrant atmosphere in Port of Hercule. In addition, you can walk to the Monte Carlo boutiques, Michelin stars restaurants, and casinos. Port Hercule also has a lot of fame.

Monaco's wealthiest residents keep their yachts there throughout the year, making it extremely difficult to get a port berth. Furthermore, the Grand Prix and Monaco Yacht Show challenge finding a place for berths.

Larvotto 

Monaco's beautiful weather is what attracts tourists to the country. Like the locals, you can unwind on the Mediterranean's crystal-clear water banks. These beaches are between the Grimaldi forum Convention Center and the Grand Casino.

Larvotto Beach has artificial sand. But you will love walking on it. They brought all of the sand from abroad for your enjoyment. You can also find both private and accessible areas at the beach. Besides, you can enjoy refreshments, snacks, umbrellas, and other amenities if you pay for exclusive beach club access. There are also several cafes and restaurants at the beach's eastern end. In addition, the children will enjoy a safe and well-managed play area. Several top Monaco hotels are also close by. 

How to Get Around 

A bus is the best way for you to move around Monte-Carlo. It's difficult to walk on uneven terrain or in the summer heat. You can also use seven public elevators or escalators to negotiate the city's steep slopes. Besides, there is also Monte Carlo's bus service. It takes you on five routes that cover the city. You can buy tickets at the bus stop, newsstands, and shops around the city.

Moreover, they use the "Bateau Bus," a motorboat that crosses Monaco Harbor from one side to another, to transport people from Monte-Carlo and Old Town. It is also ideal to cruise amongst the yachts.

You can also rent a bicycle from the Auto-Moto-Garage on Rue de Millo. In addition, you can rent an electric bike for cruising along Monte-Carlo's scenic coastline roads. Taxis are also readily available.

How to Stay Safe 

Monaco, on the whole, has one of the most potent police forces and the most extensive police presence worldwide on a per capita and per-area basis. However, reports suggest that counterfeit Euros circulate among the people who live in this paradise. So, check to ensure that cash received from vendors is authentic before you accept any.

Monte Carlo has meager chances of you being robbed or otherwise scammed. Because Monaco has such a wealthy community, it is unlikely that anyone will attempt to deny you. However, it is essential to be cautious with your cash and not show off your wealth.