Columbus Monaco
Monte Carlo, Monaco[view map]
Local restaurants
On Quai Jean-Charles Rey, Waterfront is a place to see and be seen for Mediterranean food. Book in advance. Further along on the same Quai is La Salière (+37 7 92 05 25 82) which is a top spot for Italian fare. Or, a little further along the road, try the Ship & Castle (+37 7 92 05 76 72), just moments from the Columbus. It is an English-style pub that’s open until midnight. Zebra Square on Avenue Princesse Grâce (+37 7 99 99 25 50) is a short taxi ride away, worth a visit for the panoramic sea views and outdoor seating. During high season, book a table on the balcony for a sea view. Also there is the Sass Café (+37 7 93 25 52 00) with its velvet surroundings and intimate atmosphere, renowned for its Monégasque and Italian cuisine overlooking the water – and, as with most of Monaco’s hotspots, it’s glossy clientele. La Chaumière on Boulevard de l’Observatoire (+37 7 93 01 77 68) is set in an exotic garden, where the food is cooked on an open fire. Le Louis XV on Place du Casino (+37 7 92 16 29 76) is right next door to the Casino de Monte Carlo. Restaurant Monkey on the pedestrianised Rue Princesse Florestine (+37 7 93 25 60 30), is good for lunch or a low-key supper. Le Point Rouge on Rue du Portier (+37 7 97 77 03 04) is a dressy spot for an Asian-fusion dinner. La Rose des Vents on Plage du Larvotto (+37 7 97 70 46 96) specialises in fish and has its own private beach area – perfect for those hot summer days. Le Saint-Benoît, on Avenue de la Costa (93 25 02 34), overlooks the port, offers great views of Grimaldi Rock and serves French cuisine.
Local bars
Zebra Square, on the top floor of the Grimaldi Forum, Avenue Princesse Grâce (+37 7 99 99 25 50), is a lounge bar and restaurant that’s great for modern French tapas, pre-dinner drinks or glam late-night DJ bar activity.Local cafes
Café Grand Prix on Quai Antoine (+37 7 93 25 56 90); Café de Paris on Place du Casino (+37 7 92 16 20 00), and Le Sporting on Avenue Princesse Grâce (+37 7 92 16 20 00), where summer concerts feature stars such as Diana Krall and Julio Iglesias, and you can gamble glamorously after 22h.Nightlife
Restaurant Point Rouge is attached to a small, intimate club, all red and black. To sit at a table you have to buy a bottle, which will set you back €210 but gives you unlimited soft drinks. Very well-known, and very expensive. The Saturday Night Fever-vibe of Jimmy’z (+37 7 92 16 22 77) on Avenue Princesse Grâce is old hat for some and fun for others, especially those in a big group. Café Style bar, overlooking the harbour, is where the stars go. Stars n Bars on Quai Antoine is full of sports,movie and music memorabilia thanks to visits from pop stars and racing drivers. Club Karement is still one of the new kids on the block, and the spot where everyone wants to ensure their name’s on the guestlist – it’s where the Amber Lounge goes on, in the Grimaldi Forum on Avenue Princesse Grace.Worth getting out of bed for
Viewpoint From the exotic gardens, and from the square in front of the Prince’s Palace.
Arts and culture In the Fontvieille Harbour, it’s worth visiting the Prince of Monaco’s private collection of classic cars (www.palais.mc).
Something for nothing The changing of the guard,every day at 11h55, at Place du Palais.
Shopping The main retail area is around Boulevard des Moulins and in the Metropole Mall; folk with simple sartorial tastes may find what’s on offer overly glitzy and glam. If you fancy shopping in San Remo instead, you can charter a helicopter to Italy for the day through Heli Air.
And… Treat yourself to a mud or seaweed bath at the Monte Carlo Thalassotherapy Centre and Spa (+37 7 92 16 40 40).
If you want to see the Grand Prix, make sure you book at least two years in advance as most of the hotels are filled by the racing teams.