Your Guide to a Swanky Trip to Monaco

Is there a more stylish, swanky travel destination in Europe than Monaco? Not in our book. This French Riviera country, the second smallest country in the world, is a destination unlike any other. Covering an area of just 0.8 square miles and home to little more than 40,000 people, Monaco, and particularly Monte Carlo, where the hub of the action takes place, has become famous for a level of grandeur and sophistication that you won’t find anywhere else.

Whether you’re a Formula One lover or just enjoy a touch of the high life, there’s much to love about Monaco. Here’s what you need to know to have an extravagant trip that lives long in the memory. 

Visit During Late Spring/Summer

Monaco is a year-round city, which means you can book your trip for any time of the year and expect to have a good time. However, if you’re looking to have a great time — and why not? — then we’d recommend planning your trip for late Spring or Summer.

Why? Because that’s when Monte Carlo is really in full swing. You can relax by the pool, take a sunny walk along the water, or attend the millions of events that take place during the warmest months of the year. You’ll pay slightly more because it's the high season, but if you think your trip to Monaco might be a one-time thing, then you deserve to see it when it’s at its best. 

Choose a Swanky Hotel — or Stay in France

First of all, we should tell you that if you’re looking for affordable accommodation in Monaco, then you should stop. They don’t exist. There are less than fifty hotels in Monaco (compare that to London, which has nearly 1500), and none of them are cheap. 

If you can, we’d recommend splurging on a swanky hotel. Monte Carlo knows how to do luxury hotels, and staying in one can really help give you a feel for the city. However, if that’s beyond your budget, then remember that affordable hotels near Monaco exist. If you cross the border and head into France, you’ll find accommodation that is much more manageable, cost-wise — and you’ll still only be a few hundred meters from the action. 

A Night at the Monte Carlo Casino

It’s rare that you see a casino on a list of things that people must do when they’re visiting a destination. But then again, most places aren’t Monte Carlo Casino, which is widely regarded as the most elegant casino on the planet. You’ll need to show your ID to get in, and make sure that you dress smartly — you’ll be turned away if you’re wearing casual clothing. Once inside, it’s all about the games. Newcomers will find that playing roulette provides the most straightforward playing experience, though it’s worth visitors from the United States playing at a site that offers the European version of the game before visiting since there are subtle differences to American roulette. Entry costs €18, though that includes €10 of playing vouchers. 

Round It Off With a Luxury Dinner 

The Monte Carlo Casino is located next door to the two best hotels in Monaco, which are also two of the best hotels in the world. If you didn’t have money in the travel fund to stay at Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo or Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, then you can still get a taste of the high life by going to one of the onsite restaurants you’ll find in both hotels. At the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, you’ll find five restaurants, including the Michelin-Starred Pavyllon Monte-Carlo. The Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo has three restaurants, including the 3-Michelin-Starred Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris, which might just provide the greatest dining experience of your life. 

After dinner, take a stroll along the luxurious waterfront, and see for yourself why this corner of Europe continues to attract the rich and famous.