If you’re reading this post, we know why: you’ve started having Monaco dreams. We understand. We’re right there with you. And we want to give you some more specific activities to dream about tonight.
Gambling
If you know anything about Monaco, you know it is often called the playground of the rich. That’s because one of the principality’s main attractions is The Monte Carlo Casino, a landmark of massive proportions. The Palais Garnier Opera House (as it’s also called) will blow you away before you even walk through its doors.
The casino requires photo identification (you have to be 18 or older) and will normally charge you €10 to enter the public areas. However, if you bring your Monte Carlo Bay Hotel room key they will waive the fee. The casino is open to tours and groups from 9am-12pm and the building reopens at 2pm for gambling. In the main casino hall, the minimum you can bet is €5 and the maximum is €2000, but if you move your gaming to a private room, that minimum bet doubles and the maximum cap is, well, removed.
Sunning
Bring your floppy hat and your tanning oil, because relaxing by the pool is exactly what you’ll want to do while in Monaco. This little country borders France’s and Italy’s sunny coasts, and basically the entire place has an ocean view. With 2.38 miles of coastline, you could walk the entire length of the country and hear waves the whole time. Exploring harbors and eyeing million-dollar yachts will entertain you for hours. On the east end of the country’s coastline you’ll find the most popular beach, Larvotto. This is a wonderful swimming site for bathers of all ages—there are railings to help walkers that go right up to the water, there are lifeguards on duty, and a jellyfish net keeps errant stingers away from the shore, so the crystal clear water is reserved for human enjoyment without safety concerns. We recommend bringing chairs and shoes to Larvotto, since the beach is composed of pebbles instead of sand. The waterfront is buzzing with activity almost 24/7, but the best time to hit the beach is actually in the morning while everyone else is still sleeping off the night before!
Driving
If it’s the Prix you came to see, we’re excited to guide you over to fiaformulae.com, where you can buy your tickets to the 2019 Monaco E-Prix taking place on May 11th! See some of the world’s most elaborate—and expensive—electric vehicles battle it out for this year’s title. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time (go, run, now!) and are only €30, no matter which Grandstand you select—a few with a view of the pits are still available! View the video below to get a closer look at the previous race!
Exploring
There is so much to see and do in this tiny principality, from architecture tours to trolley rides to night clubs! One thing we’re planning to put on our personal itinerary is the Exotic Garden of Monaco: a beautiful botanical paradise of weird plants you won’t see at the nursery. Stroll through forests of man-sized cacti and dozens of different species of succulents growing in every crevasse and crack of the path. If unusual plants aren’t to your taste, the Japanese Garden is tranquil and colorful and opens at 9am.
