SEELE’s Guide to Monaco

The colorful ambience of Montecarlo | Photo Credit: Clive Kim

Our guide to Monaco touches on the top 4 places to visit in Montecarlo

Monaco is one of those places that’s a dreamy place to visit, especially for Americans whose very own Grace Kelly moved there to be a princess. While it may not be on everyone’s must visit list like a London or a Paris, it’s still a place that’s thought of to be glamorous and elegant. And, we’d argue a place that must be experienced. The nice thing about Monaco is that you don’t have to stay the night there. A whole day is just fine, and taking the train in from Italy or Cannes is very easy. Here are our top places to visit in Monaco:

Monaco is a city of of many residential buildings | Photo Credit: Jakubzerdzicki

The Marina is a relaxing placed, filled with yachts | Photo Credit: Zoe Jackson

Le Louis XV

The Le Louis Dining Room | Photo Credit: pmonetta

A three-star Michelin dining experience, the Le Louis XV restaurant is the only place in Monaco where you can dine on haute cuisine. Located in the Hôtel de Paris, the restaurant under the culinary direction of Alain Ducasse. H.S.H Prince Rainier III entrusted Ducasse with the restaurant, and challenged him to obtain 3 Michelin stars within a three-year period, after becoming executive chef. Ducasse won three stars, becoming the first hotel restaurant to be awarded this honor.

With the Mediterranean as the backdrop of Ducasse’ and his partner chef Dominique Lory’s culinary skills, will give guest a quality experience, filled with vivacious flavors from the sea, a lightness to the menu offerings, and a richness to the cuisine. Whether you sit inside or out, the ambience will be captivating. The outside terrace overlooks Place du Casino and inside you’re surrounded by ornate gold trim work and frescos.

Jardin Exotique

The Exotic Garden across from the Monaco Casino | Photo Credit: Vincent Gerbouin

Translated as the Exotic Garden in English, it’s one of the most serene outdoor spaces in Monaco in the Fontvieille area, known as the modern area of Monaco, outside the historic center of the city. The garden is overlooking a steep cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea with lush vegetation and views. With plants from the US, Mexico, South American and Africa, it’s not only exotic, but cultural. The garden has an observatory cave with stalactites and stalagmites. The cave was once lived in by pre-historic humans, and every hour tours can be arranged until the garden closes.

Opera de Monaco| Monaco Casino

The Monaco Casino | Photo Credit: SEELE

On the Place du Casino, the Monte-Carlo Opera House is a lavish building located in the square and in on the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Surrounded by palm trees and overlooking a glamorous fountain, it offers supreme views of the Sea. Designed by Charles Garnier and built in 1878, the famed architect also built the Paris Opera House, to which you can see similarities between the two. For over a century, opera, musicals, and ballet performances have taken place in the ornate building. It was a favorite place of Princess Grace of Monaco, who championed the arts. The opera season begins with an annual gala opening in September and runs from October through April.

Walk around the Monte Carlo 

Monaco is known for its stair-filled alleyways, which makes for some good cardio | Photo Credit: Arzum Kaya

Photo Credit: Lazar

.234 square miles, Monte Carlo is the capital of Monaco. Walking around the small area brings a view-filled walk with luxury shops, restaurants, churches, and hotels. Every other car is a luxury car waiting to be shown off as Monte Carlo is a destination for the rich to flaunt their wealth. Composed of three neighborhoods: La Rousse/Saint Roman, Larvotto/Bas Moulins, and Saint Michel, you can walk through and take in the architecture and scenes.