Monte Carlo travel guide

Phrase Book

Monte-Carlo, like Monaco, has a spectacular Mediterranean climate, boasting roughly 300 days of sunshine a year. July and August are the hottest months, while spring and autumn are the best times to visit, as temperatures are milder.

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport

A good place to get into the swing of things is Le Bar Américain where the upper-crust mingle and socialise with their Champagne and cocktails in hand, while a jazz trio belts out some upbeat tunes to get you in the mood. But on a perfect warm summer's evening there's no better place to watch the sun go down that at the hip and trendy Sea Lounge where party people meet over a cocktail or two by the water's edge in Monte Carlo Beach. The Living Room and the Black Legend are popular nightclubs where anyone wanting to get their groove on can dance the night away, while lively bars like the Ship and Castle or Black Diamond are more upmarket and many come here to pose and be seen. Jimmy'z on avenue Princesse Grace is place to go where you can don your favourite party outfit, slip into those killer heels and dance the night away with Monte-Carlo's beautiful people.

If live music is what you're after, visit Moods on place du Casino, which has already attracted some big international acts while Sass Café is another hot spot for live music, lots of dancing and a rip roaring good time. Or if jazz is more your thing, head to the Blue Note to get your groove on! For a quieter and more sophisticated night out, the Grand Théâtre de Monte Carlo is the place to go to see international ballets and other productions as well as the Ballets de Monte Carlo. Mention the resident opera company, and the symphony, while the Monte Carlo Opera also draws hundreds of visitors to its world-class performances.

One of the most glamorous cities in the world, it's not surprising the shopping in Monte Carlo is both exclusive and expensive. Be sure to bring your 'flexible friend' along because its sure get have a good workout on a shopping trip in Monte Carlo. With some of the most exclusive designer brands in the world and top notch boutiques selling haute couture, the streets of Monte Carlo are a dream come true for shopaholics and, although many of the shops can be found in most other major cities across the globe, there's something special about shopping here. For big names like Gucci, Armani and Versace, head to Avenue des Beaux-Arts, under the Hotel Metropole. The Cercle d'Or (Golden Square) comprises Avenue Monte-Carlo, Avenue des Beaux Arts and Les Allées Lumières and even though most travellers will only be able to afford to window shop, it's still worth a visit. Head to the Place du Casino for the best selection of jewellery stores, while the pedestrianised Rue Princess Caroline is one of the city's more popular shopping areas and attracts tourists and avid shoppers by the dozen. The Fontvieille Shopping Centre boasts 36 shops, while malls such as Les Allées Lumières, the Metropole and the Principality are also good for a day of shopping, with restaurants and cafés for weary shoppers to rest their legs and refuel. And for those who are on a very tight budget, head to Monte Carlo's Condamine Market in the Place d'Armes where shoppers can stop to view the luxurious yachts in the docks and pick up some cheaper souvenirs such as F1 memorabilia and souvenir number plates.

Monte-Carlo has an efficient public transport system, with five bus lines. An excellent way to save money is to buy the Daily Tourist Pass, which at a flat rate, allows unlimited travel all day. A series of elevators also operate to transport visitors and residents up and down the steep streets of the city. Perhaps the best way to explore the city, however, is on foot.