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There’s no need to go to bed before dawn in Monte Carlo when you can go to the grand casino or swanky nightspots next door, like the Buddha Bar or the exquisite Bar Américain at the Hôtel de Paris.
Nightlife
Casinos
Casino de Monte-Carlo.
The bastion and landmark of Monte Carlo gambling is, of course, the gorgeously ornate Casino de Monte-Carlo. The main gambling hall is the Salle Européene (European Room), where you can play roulette and Texas Hold ‘Em, while the slot machines stand apart in the Salle Blanche (White Room). These rooms and the Salle des Amériques (Blackjack) open at 2 pm, and have a €10 admission fee. Bring your passport, as you have to be at least 18 to enter. | Pl. du Casino | 377/98–06–23–00 | www.casinomontecarlo.com.
Sun Casino.
Described as the “most American” of all the casinos in the principality thanks to a more extensive range of gaming tables, the Sun Casino is part of the Fairmont Monte-Carlo. While you can’t hit the tables until 5 pm (4 pm on weekends), slot machines open daily at noon and entry is free (you must be over 18 and snappily dressed). Don’t be surprised to cross paths with women’s poker champion Isabelle Mercier, a true fan of Sun Casino. | 12 av. des Spélugues | 377/98–06–12–12 | www.montecarlosuncasino.com.
Dance Clubs
Jimmyz.
Dominating the club scene, Jimmyz boasts an edgy reputation that reaches far beyond Monaco. This legendary disco at Sporting Monte-Carlo is not for lightweights: the year-round partying is as serious as the need to be seen, so if surgically enhanced faces and body parts upset you, then stay at your hotel. Note that the club doesn’t even open until 11:30 pm. | Sporting Monte-Carlo, Av. Princesse Grace | 377/98–06–70–68 | fr.jimmyzmontecarlo.com | Closed Mon. and Tues., Oct.–Apr., and Wed. Oct.–Mar.
Performing Arts
Concerts
Salle des Etoiles.
SBM’s Le Sporting, a summer-only entertainment complex on the waterfront, has a roof that opens up to the stars and fireworks, perhaps justifying the €150 ticket for the Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival or the €1,000 Red Cross Gala—although the celebs are also part of the draw. Where else can you see Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, Elton John, Rod Stewart, or Duran Duran in a sit-down dinner venue for 700 people—with valet parking? The Salles des Etoiles is open year-round, but hosts concerts and events May–September. | Le Sporting, Av. Princesse Grace | 377/98–06–36–36 | en.sportingsummerfestival.com.
Opera
Opéra de Monte-Carlo.
In the true spirit of the town, it seems that the Salle Garnier Opera House, with its 18-ton gilt-bronze chandelier and extravagant frescoes, is part of the casino complex. The designer, Charles Garnier, also built the Paris Opéra, so we are talking one fabulous jewel box. On display are some of the coast’s most significant performances of dance, opera, and orchestral music. | Pl. du Casino | 377/98–06–28–28 | www.opera.mc | Ticket office Tues.–Sat. 10–5:30.