Monaco on the French Riviera is a city-state where heritage and modernization meet perfectly.
Planning a trip to Monaco is easy. However, choosing the most splendid experiences from the hundreds of prestigious and glamorous hotels, restaurants, cafés, and shopping malls is no easy feat.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to a luxurious time in Monaco.
The Most Famous Casinos in Monaco
The iconic Casino Square has undergone recent renovation. Designers and architects have used sustainable design to restore the square to its former glory. It is now the rendezvous point for tourists, travelers, and residents who share a love for casinos and games.
You can check out the lush landscaping that provides ample space for pedestrians, but also preserves the original Formula 1 race course.
Le Casino de Monte Carlo
Le Casino de Monte Carlo adds luxury to the experience of gaming. That may be one reason Le Casino de Monte Carlo has become associated with the image of James Bond. Nothing spells out sophistication and elegance like a spy in a Brioni suit.
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Decked with antique bohemian crystal chandeliers, Le Casino de Monte Carlo is the perfect example of Beuax-Arts architecture. The establishment is also home to the Opéra de Monte-Carlo and the Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo office.
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The famous casino not only offers an evening of fun and games but a chapter of Monaco’s history. The 157-year-old establishment has seen the rise and fall of empires. Le Casino de Monte Carlo is not just a tourist haunt. It is a legend that has attracted the attention of Hollywood directors and producers. It has been the filming location of several James Bond movies, Ocean’s Twelve and Condorman.
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Casino Café de Paris
The Casino Café de Paris is a 2-minute walk from the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Café de Paris was formerly known as Café Divan. It was built under the supervision of Charles III and Francois Blanc.
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After multiple restorations in the 1930s, Casino Café de Paris was finally renovated in late 1980s. It is a brilliant specimen of Belle Époque architecture. It strikes nostalgia in the hearts of those who have spent more than a few afternoons at the Parisian bistros.
However, the interior of the casino is nothing similar to the 19 th and 20 th century Parisian architecture. It is modern, sleek, and innovative. It is no wonder that the Casino Café de Paris is known for its collection of unique slot machines.
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The Casino Café de Paris terrace is quaint and relaxing. It offers a panoramic view of the Casino de Monte-Carlo gardens.
Monaco’s Luxury Hotels
Monaco is famous for pushing the boundaries of luxury living. Hundreds travel to Monaco every month from every corner of the world to experience its ultra-high accommodation standards.
Whether you are staying in Monaco for a few days or weeks, you need to find the right hotel with all the amenities you desire. Here are the 3 best places to stay in Monaco that we love.
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
It has cultivated a rich history and culture since 1864. Prince Charles III, Francois Blanc, and the Société des Bains de Mer de Monaco transformed a land covered in olive and lemon trees into an architectural splendor.
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After more than 150 years, the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo underwent a 4-years and $280 million renovation before reopening in 2019. Michelin 3-star Louis XV and Michelin 1-star Le Grill, Le Bar Americain are now the crown jewels of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
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The ornate architectural style of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has drawn tourists and movie-makers alike over the last few years. Iron Man 2, Monte Carlo, and two James Bond movies feature this famous hotel.
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Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo
Located in the heart of Monaco on French Riviera, the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo flaunts a palace style Belle Epoche architectural style. Nicholas Marquet along with Gustave Eiffel built the hotel in 1890 and 1896.
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Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and the Monaco Harbor. It has found its place among the elite palaces along with the Hotel Metropole Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort.
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Hotel Metropole
Hotel Metropole was founded in 1886 by the Monte-Carlo company. Hotel Metropole now sits proudly on the land that was once owned by Pope Leon XIII.
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In 1988, the hotel reopened as Le Metropole Palace. Famous French architect Jacques Garcia renovated the entire hotel in a palatial Belle Époque style. The grand opening was attended by Prince Rainier, Prince Albert, and Princess Stephanie.
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In 2003, the hotel again experienced a massive renovation and it finally reopened in 2004 as the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo. It was renovated and reopened a final time in April 2021. Hotel Metropole remains one of Monaco’s defining Belle Époque architecture masterpieces.
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Dazzling Shopping Centers:
If you love haute couture and world-renowned designer brands then Monaco is the ideal shopping destination for you. From high-end boutiques to bustling street markets, you can find it all in this city-state.
Promenade Monte-Carlo Shopping
The Monte-Carlo Shopping Promenade is presented by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer as Monte-Carlo’s prime luxury shopping destination.
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The opening of the One Monte-Carlo district has taken the Monte-Carlo Shopping Promenade to new heights. It is a new district with ultra-modern living spaces that also houses some of the world’s top designer brands.
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At Promenade Monte-Carlo Shopping you will be greeted by the biggest name in high fashion, perfumes, and jewelry. Many of these luxury labels have decked their boutiques in artwork, sculpture, and interior décor as a homage to the rich culture and history of Monaco.
Métropole Shopping Center
Right opposite the Casino Gardens you can find the Métropole Shopping Center. The luxury shopping destination has been around since 1980. The current décor reflects its history as well as the contemporary styles that draw hundreds of luxury brand aficionados from across the globe.
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The Metropole Shopping Center is a dream in pristine marble floors and accents, and crystal chandeliers. Each nook and cranny of this shopping center spells out grandeur and sophistication in the true sense. The interiors evoke a 1980s nostalgia that’s difficult for anyone to ignore.
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The Métropole Shopping Center is home to high-end designer boutiques that offer bespoke luxury products ranging from shoes and handbags to home décor.
Most Luxurious Restaurants in Monaco
When in Monaco, it’s always difficult to pick the right restaurants for a short stay. There are so many amazing and reputed restaurants and cafés that unless you have an itinerary you can’t fully experience the flavors of Monaco.
Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris
Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris is a 3 Michelin star restaurant. Alain Ducasse and Emmanuel Pilon are the two masterminds behind the menu of this restaurant.
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The restaurant is unique in every way possible. The Riviera and la dolce vita have served as inspirations for this restaurant.
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Le Louis XV sources the fresh ingredients from the local fishermen and farmers of Monaco which means the produce is always fresh and endemic to Monaco. The freshness adds to the Mediterranean cuisine.
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You can browse their restaurant menu and lunch menu before you make a booking. Word to the wise, book weeks in advance, because getting a reservation always takes time due to the global fame of Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris.
Elsa
Elsa is one of the most romantic restaurants on Monte-Carlo beach. On top of the amazing view, Elsa uses 100% organic ingredients and wild-caught fish to prepare the star dishes.
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The waterfront restaurant recently received a complete makeover by India Mahdavi.
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The décor is refined and eclectic, just like their food. Seasonal and local cuisine is Elsa’s specialty. So, if you are interested in exploring the local flavors at an Ecocert level 3 certified restaurant, Elsa should be on top of your list.
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Le Grill
Le Grill is a popular star-studded restaurant at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Apart from the sunroof and Terrance seating options, Le Grill offers one of the most authentic Mediterranean cuisines and a grill kitchen.
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The menu is the creation of Dominique Lory, who worked with Ducasse for over 10 years at the 3-starred Le Louis XV. The menu of Le Grill is the perfect balance between tradition and modern cuisine. It is where creativity and philosophy meet to create the most amazing culinary experience.
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Le Grill is extremely popular among celebrities. Jonathan Cheban was spotted at least once at Le Grill in 2018.
The Best Spa in Monaco:
After all the shopping and restaurant hopping, you will need a soothing massage. You should splurge on giving yourself the utmost luxurious massages, skin treatments, facials, and hydro therapies. Here are the two top spas in Monaco that offer it all .
Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo
Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo is your one-stop shop for fitness, health, wellness, and relaxation. When the weather is clear the heated pool offers a grand view of Monaco and the beach. The panoramic view of the pristine blue sea and white sand heal the soul.
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Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo spells out true luxury. Although it’s a much recent addition to the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel, the grandeur and royal feel extends effortlessly to the Thermes Marins Spa.
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The 6,660 sq meter facility is the perfect combination of hospitality, innovation, and lavishness. Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo is the destination for taking a healthy break in the heart of Monaco.
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Spa Cinq Mondes
The Cinq Mondes Spa combines tradition and authenticity with beauty rituals and face-body treatments. It is a 900 sq. m facility that is luxurious and peaceful.
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Wrapped in warmth and comfort, the Cinq Mondes Spa at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort is both sophisticated and relaxed. It is the ideal blend of modern technology and heritage. The Cinq Mondes Spa is the perfect extension of the palatial Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort in Monaco.
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