How I Spent less than 24Hours in Monte-Carlo,Monaco

Monte-Carlo is arguably the most well-known ward in Monaco, since it houses the infamous Monte-Carlo Casino. If you have only 24 hours or less in Monaco, follow my guide to get the most from this pocket of the principality! After waking up to a gloomy morning in Milan, I rented a car and decided to head south toward the sunshine, the only challenge was that I had a flight to catch back to Washington D.C. the very next afternoon…

Brunch: 9.30am-11am

You might be within the buzz of Monaco, but you are still on Mediterranean time, which means a lazy brunch to start the day. There’s only one place in Monte-Carlo for your first meal of the day and that’s Café de Paris! It has a great location right on the Casino square and it’s the perfect way to people-watch your way into your morning in Monte-Carlo. The food is French/European, tasty and not eye-watering expensive.

A splash of art: 11am-12pm

Nowhere is far in Monte-Carlo, and right behind Café de Paris is a collection of little galleries that are well worth visiting. Hardly ‘little’, though, as they contain fantastic collections of world-renowned art and exhibitions. Opera Gallery Monaco was such a great place to get a feel for Monaco and the arts.

Super yacht sights: 12pm-1pm

Get back out into the sunshine and head down to Port Hercules. This is Monaco’s only deep-water port and so this is where all the flashy boats come to stay. Walk around the port from the Monte-Carlo Ward all the way to the Monaco’s old town, easily visible, perched on a rocky headland in front of you. Quai Etats-Unis is a good vantage point from which to spot Monaco-Ville and other landmarks.

The Prince’s Palace in the Place du Palais : 1pm-2pm

The Palace is the heartbeat of Monaco, and a must visit! A stunning building which is guarded by the Royal Guards and they are changed with the usual pomp every day. There is a whole section devoted to Grace Kelly and her famous meeting with Prince Rainier. The throne room and the duke of York’s rooms were my favorites.

The Private Collection of Antique Cars of H.S.H.

Prince Rainier III: 2pm-3pm

This is a private collection as opposed to a museum, and the display of around 100 cars makes easy going, interesting viewing even if you’ve got little interest in cars. It’s well laid out with minimal reading, so it was easily covered in an hour. Started by Prince Rainier III and continued by his son Albert, it’s comprised of mainly vintage cars (the first Mercedes with butterfly doors), some horse drawn carriages, a handful of F1 and rally cars, and more modern stunners such as an amazing Bugatti Veyron. Please note that the collection is located on Terrasses de Fontvieille, not at the Palace.

Place a bet: 3pm-5pm

The Monte-Carlo Casino is the main landmark and attraction of Monte-Carlo and indeed the whole of Monaco. The Casino opens at 2pm, so for those of you who are just keen for an experience, head there for opening, get a couple of hours out of the sun, and enjoy the opulence and feeling like James Bond.

A spot of shopping: 5pm-6pm

The Métropole Shopping Center is quite a delight. Of course, all of the shops are high-end, so if you’re browsing on a budget you might find it tricky, but even so, the interiors are gorgeous and very ‘Monte-Carlo’. It’s the perfect place to amble in opulence at the end of your day in Monte-Carlo. By end, I mean the last stop before the drinks and dining begins…

Sunset drinks: 7pm-9pm

Monte-Carlo has a pretty incredible setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea for as far as the eye can see. It wouldn’t be a break without kicking back and having an afternoon drink, would it? Head to Saphir 24, the bar of the Fairmont Monte-Carlo Hotel in Monaco, for one of the best views in the principality. There is only glass separating you and the ocean: no better place for an afternoon drink and relaxation.

Wine and dine: 9pm-Late

After watching the sunset with a drink in hand, it’s time to get some evening food. Depending on your budget, there is a wide range of high-end restaurants, but also a good choice of more affordable ones, too. For spectacular views out over Monaco, and the Mediterranean cuisine that boasts to be under 500 calories per plate, then book a table in advance at L’Hirondelle. I was heavy into my CrossFit wave at the time so this was the PERFECT place! After dinner I did a bit of bar hopping at Nobu and Buddha Bar. I grabbed a quick nap at the Hotel Hermitage before it was time to head back to Milan for my flight back to the US. Everything that I had ever heard about Monaco and the French Riviera was true. It’s a beautiful place with beautiful people. I can’t wait to go back! Monaco Grand Prix, anyone?