This month, experience a luxurious trip to Monte Carlo and have a sophisticated New Year celebration in its quaint lanes and grand destinations.

The extravagance that is Monte Carlo.

Widely known for its elegant buildings and opulent way of living, Monte Carlo is the largest ward of Monaco, a European city-state bordered by France and the Mediterranean Sea. Literally translates as “Mount Charles”, this district of Monaco is the central hub and most visited of all places. This is mainly because Hotel de Paris, Opera de Monte Carlo, and the ever famous Monte Carlo Casino are located in the area.

Situated near the casino square, Hotel de Paris has an estimated 99 rooms and 83 suites all found within its four-floored structure. Each of the rooms and suites offers a unique view of the picturesque area; whether it is the view of the city, the sea, the courtyard, or the casino. It is also connected to the Thermes Marins Monte Carlo, a spa and indoor swimming facility dedicated to health, beauty, and wellness. Moreover, Hotel de Paris also has restaurants serving sumptuous cuisine. These restaurants are the Le Louis XV and the Salle Empire as well as a wine cellar containing the most lavish wines.

Meanwhile, Opera de Monte Carlo which opened in the year 1879 showcases exceptional performance. It is also called Salle Garnier after its architect and designer Charles Garnier.

Monte Carlo’s Grand Casino

The highlight of any Monte Carlo trip is the iconic Grand Casino. It has made a name all around the world not only for its grandeur but for the many individuals who visit the area and gamble like never before.

Delight in a night of gambling, party, and booze with the different amenities found within The Grand Casino complex. Among the most popular are the slot machines located in the gaming rooms of Salle Renaissance and Salle des Amériques; the table games of Salle Touzet Nord and Sud; the private gaming terraces of Salle Blanche & Terrasse as well as the Salle Médecin complete with table games of Trente et Quarante, English and European French Roulette, Punto Banco, Black Jack, and Texas Hold’em Poker. Moreover, Salle Europe, Salle Blanche, and Salons Super Privés offers a bar and lounge for its gamers to relax and quench their thirst after a game.

Relish a fancy dinner at The Grand Casino’s two famous restaurants namely; the Salon Rose Restaurant and the Le Train Bleu Restaurant. These two restaurants offer each their own delicacies as well as extravagant interiors.

Outside the complex, visitors can also visit the Café de Paris, the Sun Casino, and the Monte Carlo Bay Casino which offers a much more casual setting in their gaming terraces and private rooms.

Around and within Monaco-Ville and Larvotto Area

While Monte Carlo is the most visited area in Monaco, other iconic landmarks can also be enjoyed outside the district. Among these popular edifices are the Prince’s Palace and the Oceanographic Museum located in Monaco-Ville quarter and the Japanese Garden found within the Larvotto region.

Monaco-Ville, or affectionately called as “The Rock”, is located south of Monaco. Often confused as the city-state itself due to its name, Monaco-Ville is just among the many districts of Monaco.

Visitors can roam around the iconic landmarks of Monaco-Ville. First among these is the Prince’s Palace and serves as the official seat of residence of Prince Albert II, the current prince of Monaco. Exterior features of the palace include the Baroque styled entrance designed by Louis I; the wide courtyard with its horse shoe-like main staircase; the Serravalle defensive tower; the chapel built in honour of St. John the Baptist; and the Saint Mary’s Tower standing majestically on the eastern side of the palace. A statue of François Grimaldi is seen within the palace premises.

Meanwhile, the interior of the Prince’s Palace displays various state apartments each with its own unique style. A few of these apartments includes the Gallery of Hercules; the Mirror Gallery designed after Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors; the Blue Room where the portraits of the Grimaldi Family are hanged; and the Mazarin Room designed as an elegant bedchamber for Louise d’Aumont-Mazarin. Further, visitors can also enjoy a trip to Prince Rainier III’s collection of antique cars located at Terrasses de Fontvieille. The museum holds over a hundred classic and sports cars.

A few walks away from the Prince’s Palace, visitors can have a day with the sea creatures of the Oceanographic Museum. Home of over 400 sea species, the museum offers not only sight-seeing tanks but also a shark lagoon, a turtle island, to the Mediterranean and tropical sea aquarium. Aside from these, the museum has in its premises a nursery for the reproduction of sea creatures and the conservation of their natural habitat as well as a lecture for their “Our Ocean” campaign against marine litter and pollution.

Tourists may also fancy a cup of tea in the Japanese Garden located at the Avenue Princesse Grace in Monaco’s Larvotto district. A perfect place to meditate and escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this park offers an outstanding replica of a Zen garden with lake, waterfall, brook, and hill.

Starting the year right!