Last updated on January 03rd, 2023
Monaco has an excellent reputation for being the hub for wealthy heirs, oligarchs, jet-setters, corporate bankers, politicians, capital holders, and tax exiles. It is the second smallest state in the world after the Vatican in Rome and covers just over two square kilometers.
Recent data shows that Monaco has 37,308 inhabitants. There are nine administrative districts in Monaco: Les Moneghetti, La Condamine, Fontvieille, Monaco City (nicknamed the ‘Rocher’ – The Rock), Larvotto, Ravin Sainte-Dévote, La Rousse, Jardin Exotique, and Monte Carlo. Located east of The Rock is Monte Carlo and is the most famous district. Some luxury places to stay in Monaco have on-site casino and offer the best views from luxurious suites.
Monaco is wonderfully compact and home to a diversity of inhabitants from different backgrounds socially and has many things to offer. Monaco has a fabulous aquarium, gorgeous and elegant architecture, palaces, and many fancy restaurants and clubs. Here, the ostentatious display of wealth is considered as virtue and does not shock anyone.
What’s the best area to experience the city for the first time, tourists, what’s the best district for swimming and the beach, gambling or where to stay on a budget? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Monte Carlo Monaco.
What is the Best Area to Stay in Monaco?
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): Monte Carlo & La Condamine (City Centre)
In summary, Monaco is a small place but still offers a diversity of neighborhoods, which in turn provides very different feels and vibes. While La Condamine is more traditional, Monte Carlo is all about money and luxury. Monaco is the subject of many dreams that go way beyond its border and has become the epitome of luxurious and tasteful living, with spectacular views over the Mediterranean Sea.
One of the top things to do in Monaco is to hit the casino in Monte Carlo, as well as visit the opulent Café de Paris. La Condamine is also another great place to visit and stay. It has a traditional market for various local delicacies that attract hungry visitors.
Recommended Hotels in Monaco
- Best Luxury Hotels in Monaco
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo • Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo - Best Great Value – Top Rated Hotels
Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort • Port Palace - Best Cheap Hotels in Monaco
Hôtel Columbus Monte Carlo • Hôtel de France - Best Holiday Apartments for Rent
The Princess Monac’home • Monte Carlo View
Where to stay in Monaco for swimming & the beach?
Larvotto Beach, Plage Marquet Beach, Cap d’Ail are famous beaches close to the Monaco border. You can also opt to stay in Menton, home to several beaches.
Which are the most famous casinos in Monte Carlo?
Monaco is home to four casinos, all operated by the same company. You can spend some Euros and win big at Monte-Carlo Bay Casino, Casino Café de Paris, Casino de Monte Carlo, and Sun Casino.
Where to stay in Monaco on a budget?
A few minutes’ walks from Monaco is a small French town of Beausoleil. Prices here are a little bit cheaper. Although you won’t be in Monaco, you will be a few minutes’ walks away. Beausoleil is the best place to stay when looking for cheap places to stay in Monaco.
The 6 Best Areas in Monte Carlo Monaco for Tourists
1. La Condamine & Port Hercule
The district of La Condamine is located north of Port Hercules and offers luxurious hotels and apartment accommodation. It is Monaco’s bustling shopping haunt. Once you are through with your shopping spree in its high-end classic boutiques, fill your shopping basket at the daily market in place d’Armes. La Condamine is where Formula 1 races of the famous Monaco Grand Prix takes place in May and Monaco Yacht Show, which takes place in September.
The Port of Hercule is significant too. The port has a string of bars and restaurants, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The Michelin-starred restaurants, casinos, and boutiques of Monte Carlo are only a short walk away. The eye-catching Yacht Club de Monaco that was designed by a British architect, Lord Norman Foster, resembling a boat’s shape, is also worth a look. Port Hercule is very famous.
Due to its fame, Monaco’s very wealthy residents park their yachts there all year round, which makes it very difficult to get a berth at the port. Indeed, finding a berth becomes a phenomenal task during the Monaco Yacht Show and Grand Prix. The other top tourist attractions to visit in La Condamine are Le Nouveau Musee National, L’Orangerie, Marché de la Condamine, Jardin Exotique de Monaco, and Zoological Gardens.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Port Palace
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hôtel de France • Ambassador-Monaco
2. Monte Carlo City Centre
The middle of Monaco encompasses Monte Carlo, the home of Café de Paris and Casino, and this is where the majority of fine restaurants, designer boutiques, luxury hotels, and exclusive bars and nightclubs are.
Whether you are looking for a beach and spa holiday, a luxury city break, the casino experience, you will find that Monte Carlo caters to all this with its beachfront resorts, historic quarters and vibrant centers. The district of Monte Carlo is very central and is situated between the port of Condamine and the beaches, stretching its arms towards the sea.
At the central of Monte Carlo lay the prestigious casino, an entertainment and gambling complex opened by Charles Garnier in 1879. With its gilded pillars and frescoed ceilings, the casino has been the Principality’s great source of income. One of the most famous casino clients is James Bond, as often associated with the casino in movies and novels. Dress code is stringent, sneakers are not allowed, and children under 18 years are forbidden. Adjacent the Place du Casino, are luxurious hotels and cafes, and this is where the Hotel de Paris is. Established in 1864, the hotel is a favorite place where the elite meet. This district offers the best places to stay in Monaco.
- Best Hotels (Luxury): Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo • Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Novotel Monte-Carlo • Monte Carlo View (Apartment)
3. Larvotto (eastern area of Monaco)
Tourists to Monaco come to enjoy the country’s pleasant weather at the Larvotto most beloved Beaches. Just like the natives, pass the time unwinding on the banks of the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. The beaches are between the Grimaldi Forum Convection Center and the Grand Casino.
Larvotto Beach is artificial, and you will enjoy strolling on fine pebble sand. All the sand comes from abroad, brought for your relaxation. The beach holds both exclusive and cost-free regions. In the event you are contended to pay for access to the exclusive beach clubs, you will enjoy provisions such as drinks, snacks, towels, sun loungers, and umbrellas. There are several cafes and eateries along the road behind and at the eastern tip of the beach. There is also a well managed shadowy playfield for kids. There are several top Monaco hotels located nearby.
- Best Hotels (Luxury): Le Méridien Beach Plaza • Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
4. Cap d’Ail (nearby Monaco)
The translation of Cap d’Ail is Garlic cape, although the luxuriant Mediterranean vegetation of palms, cactus, pines and flowering plants is far more abundant than garlic. Because of its proximity, those who work in Monaco have made Cap d’Ail, a sort of bedroom community. It is spectacular during the day but very quiet at night.
Mala Plage is one of the best Cote d’Azur’s beaches, and its seaside walk stretches to Monaco. Along the way, you will come across the Belle-Empire villas built in the 19th century to house royalty, financiers, and prosperous artists. Some of the famous names that wintered at Cap d’Ail include Edouard Herriot, Sacha Guitry, Greta Garbo, and Winston Churchill. There are a total of six gardens and parks, the best being Sacha Guitry Park. The park has spectacular views over the sea.
It is easy to find the Plage Marquet beach, which is a small public beach by the port. By descending steep steps from Combattants-Afrique-Nord, you find the best beach in town center known as Plage Mala beach. The beach is fringed by pines, with cliffs on either side, and the setting is stunning. A combination of tiny smooth pebbles and sand slopes down on the water where waves are rare.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Le Quai Des Princes (with Pool) • Riviera Marriott Hotel La Porte De Monaco (with Pool)
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel Miramar • Hotel Restaurant Edmond’s
5. Beausoleil (nearby Monaco)
Overlooking the coast, Beausoleil stands at the doorway of Monaco. The town is known for its major attractions, such as the little Montmartre staircase, the remarkable Belle Epoque architectural heritage, the famous Riviera palace, the Exotic garden, the unmissable Changing of Guard, and the Oceanographic Museum.
As you stroll along the streets, Beausoleil thrives with a variety of attractive and pleasant places to discover during your stay. One of the striking examples of things to admire is the beautiful Rivira palace and the magnificent Bella Epoque. The daily market in the town center will provide you with a wide variety of fresh produce. The Saint Joseph Sanctuary will fill you with wonder with its stained glass windows. A rich culture is exhibited by monthly exhibitions at the municipal art gallery, with a rich and varied program at the Michel Daner.
For nature lovers, you can explore the Devens sports complex or take the path up to Mont des Mules. Just 10 minutes from the beach, Beausoleil provides a whole range of tourist services from local transport, shops, accommodation, cultural and sporting events, and other leisure activities. It’s the perfect town for budget travellers whishing cheap places to stay in Monaco.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Odalys City Beausoleil les Hauts de la Principauté (Aparthotel) • Aparthotel Adagio Monaco Monte Cristo
6. Menton (nearby Monaco)
Menton is a coastal town close to the French border with Italy on the Cote d’Azur. It has a fine climate compared to the rest of the French Riviera. The mountains behind the town protect it from the cold northern weather and make the town attractive to visitors in summer as well as in winter.
As you explore, you will see many attractive gardens perfect for a promenade. Most tourists will start on the coast, which has a traditional harbor, a pleasure port, and a beach. Along the narrow streets of the old town, you will find historical monuments like the Chapel of the White Penitents and the Basilica Saint-Michel.
Menton has won prices for its beautifully maintained gardens, parks and streets lined up with orange trees. In the Jean Cocteau Museum, you can see a good collection of ceramics, mosaics, and artworks. Attractions in the neighbourhood include the medieval villages in the inland such as Eze and Gorbio and the Roya valley to the north.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Princess Et Richmond (Beachfront) • Best Western Plus Hotel Prince De Galles (Private Beach)
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel Pavillon Imperial • Ibis Styles Menton Centre
Best Places to Stay in Monte Carlo Monaco
There are so many great places to stay in Monte Carlo Monaco, but we have three places that we can certainly recommend. Here we’re going to recommend you our favorite luxury hotel, mid-range hotel, and cheap hotel.
Best Luxury Hotel in Monaco: Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
This internationally renowned luxurious hotel sits at the heart of the action of the Casino square. The hotel is home to three world’s premier restaurants, Le Bar American, Le Grill, and Le Louis XV. It offers guests an unparalleled experience with its ultra-personalized service and contemporary interiors.
Le Louis XV takes Riviera cuisine to an exquisite level with its mouthwatering flavors and flawless execution. Le Bar American is the Place to mingle while enjoying live music and timeless cocktails. Le Grill has a famous rotisserie known all over the world and a sliding rooftop. They have a private garden where they serve the a la carte breakfast, making the experience unmissable.
Best Mid Range Hotel in Monaco: Port Palace
Port Palace is a mid-range boutique hotel in Monte Carlo overlooking Port Hercule, at the center of Monaco’s Yacht Show and Grand Prix Circuit. You can go shopping in Monaco’s wide range of nearby luxury stores. The famous Monte Carlo casino is a few minutes’ walks from the hotel.
Restaurant La Mare serves fresh seafood, and guests can dine on the terraces overlooking the marina. From the hotel, you can get straight to the port where yachts are parked or enjoy the site from the hotel window.
Best Cheap Hotel in Monaco: Hôtel de France
If you are looking for cheap accommodation in Monaco, then the Hotel de France is the place to be. The hotel is in La Condamine shopping area, less than a few minutes’ walks from Port Hercules, the famous Monte Carlo Casino, and The Prince Palace.
From the hotel, you will find restaurants, cafes, and bars within a 5-minute walk. Nearby attractions include Jardin Exotique de Monaco, Grand Prix, and the private collection of Antique Cars of H.S.H Prince Rainer III.
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