Skip the tourist trap. We’re asking locals and well-versed folks only for their edit of the secret spots they visit time and time again.
Many people have the wrong idea about Monaco, says Erin Deering, co-founder of swimwear brand Triangl and founder of just-launched fashion label Deering. She and her then-partner moved with their two-month-old to Monte Carlo, Monaco in 2015. They had looked at many cities but landed on Monte Carlo as what Deering says was a “Why not” move and went on to live there for 3.5 years.
“People think it’s the flashiest place on Earth,” Deering says. “It actually has more of a country town feel and can be quiet a lot of the year. It also has a very cold winter. It isn’t hot all year round.”
She describes Monaco — roughly the same size as New York City’s Central Park — as a picturesque country town full of billionaires and says the best way to experience it is by walking. You’ll easily stumble on restaurants, bars and things to do — it’s too small of a place to hide anything. That’s part of its beauty, she says.
Here, Deering shares her favourite things to do and places to eat and stay in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
The Best Restaurants in Monaco
Nobu
One of Deering’s favourite Monaco restaurants is Nobu inside the Fairmont Monte Carlo. Like other Nobu restaurants, it serves traditional Japanese dishes with South American spices.
“Nobu is always a crowd pleaser and safe bet,” says Deering. “I order the little sushi tacos, lots of sashimi and the chocolate fondant. The vibe is a real mix. As it’s a known name, it’s an easy choice for tourists.”
Amu
Deering also likes Amu within the Fairmont Monte Carlo. It has indoor dining and a summer terrace overlooking the Mediterranean and serves Italian and French Riviera food. Deering recommends you go for lunch.
“It’s simple fare, but great views,” she says. “Go when they have the buffet.”
Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac
Deering also recommends Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac, a restaurant in Hotel Metropole. Open since the 1920s, the restaurant has two Michelin stars. Deering describes it as fancy but fun.
“Order a glass of Ruinart, have a salad and don’t forget the fries,” she says. “Hotel venues are always a fun vibe all over the world. There are always interesting people with interesting stories.”
The Best Things to Do in Monaco
Visit the Monte Carlo Beach Club
“The Monte Carlo Beach Club is an expensive day out but it’s so chic and makes you feel like you’re in a movie,” says Deering.
Opened in 1928, the beach club is only accessible to members and guests of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel, Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo and Hotel Hermitage Monte Carlo. The beach club has cabanas, a heated Olympic-size seawater pool and water-based activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. It also has waterfront venues Le Deck and Club La Vigie Monte Carlo.
“The buffet at the Monte Carlo Beach Club is iconic,” says Deering. “I always get the simply grilled prawns in copious amounts of butter.”
Watch the Grand Prix
One of the best times to visit Monaco is when the Grand Prix is on. Held on the Circuit de Monaco since 1929, it happens annually in late May or early June. Deering says it gives Monaco a vibe like no other and though it only lasts four days, teams start preparing for it in January.
“This is actually a massive inconvenience for the city as they start closing sidewalks and putting up bollards and walls everywhere,” she says. “When the GP is on, it’s all parties and it’s all in. Or if you’re a local, you most likely leave for the duration.”
The Best Hotels in Monaco
For where to stay in Monaco, Deering recommends Hotel Hermitage or Hotel de Paris, which gets you access to the Monte Carlo Beach Club.
“We’re talking old-school five-star,” says Deering. “They’re old-fashioned so it’s all about the service. They are both in the heart of Monte Carlo.”
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