After racing his silver Aston Martin DB5 down the hairpin turns of the Alps, the iconic James Bond goes in for the bold kiss in “Goldeneye” while overlooking one of the sexiest cities in the world. From the elegant architecture to the allure of the exotic cars, high stakes and mega yachts, Monte Carlo will condition anyone to believe these desirable indulgences are everyday necessities.
Gawk in the harbor at yachts that seem bigger than some Hollywood mansions or take in the views from the infamous Place du Casino where high fashion designer boutiques enclose the wealth and beauty that is the Monte Carlo Casino and Hotel de Paris. The sun beats down as the candy apple red Ferraris zoom past the tall and tan supermodels handing over their daily shopping damage to the hotel concierge. It’s scenes like this that make me question whether I’m on the set of an action-packed blockbuster with perfectly coiffed actors or on a luxury vacation in one of the most amazing places on earth. 
Whether you are going for a long weekend of gambling, yachting and sophisticated mischief or are merely taking a day trip to explore, this magnificent city offers endless thrills for the inquisitive traveler.
Arrive in Style
By car: In true French Riviera style, rent a classic convertible coupe and take it to one of three scenic routes running from Nice to Monte Carlo. Drive down the Basse Corniche—Highway 98— which runs along the shoreline about 165 feet above the Mediterranean Sea and passes through Villefranche as well as the entrance to Cape Ferrat, also known as the Peninsula of Billionaires. The Moyenne Corniche, the newest of the three routes, is significantly higher in elevation (about 1,550 feet above sea level) with beautiful views of the quaint hillside villages and towns that are happily tucked out of the way. The last scenic route is the Grand Corniche, which is the highest of the three roads, and has great panoramic coastal views.
By Helicopter: Fly into this lavish city by way of helicopter and take in everything from the beautiful beaches and small villages to the throng of notorious skyscrapers and palace-like buildings confirming your arrival. It is not only a chic way to travel but also extremely quick and relatively inexpensive. Prices range from 100-300 euros and include transportation from Nice airport to the heliport (a few minutes drive) as well as transfers from the Monte Carlo Heliport to your desired hotel/resort.
By Yacht: Make a grand entrance by arriving in the classiest way of all: on a yacht. There is nothing quite like soaking up the sun and sipping champagne on the bow of a mega yacht while seamlessly making your way to the Monte Carlo Harbor. Whether you’re coming in from the South of France, Italy or another Mediterranean paradise, this form of transportation is by far the swankiest and is sure to turn heads.
Shop luxury clothiers
Stock up on classic timepieces, bespoke suits and stylish accessories at the Le Carré D’Or shops. These stores include the hottest international designer labels including: Prada, Chanel, Dior, Hermes, Rolex and more. For shopping off the streets, head to the Metropole Gallery which hosts over 80 boutiques and has luxurious decor as well as an enormous period chandelier, making this a very high-class shopping experience. After doing massive shopping damage, feel guilt-free as you window shop at all the luxury car dealerships showcasing all the newest and most exotic cars on the market.
Try your hand at poker
Now that you are dressed to the nines and look the part of a high-rolling, trendsetting Monacan, strut over to the Monte Carlo Casino and test your luck with a game of poker or black jack. Risk it all in hopes of a glorious win or simply watch the high-stakes tables in all their intensity. Dressed to the dapper and strict dress code of the casino, you too can now utter the words that were so famously stated in that casino: “The name’s Bond, James Bond.”
Perfect your Cote d’Azur tan lines
Grab a chaise lounge or throw out a beach towel and soak up the sun at Larvotto Beach located in the Northeast side of the city. Tiny pebbles seem completely tolerable compared to the stone-like beaches of Nice and Cannes. The entire strip is filled with high-end seafood and Mediterranean restaurants to graze and nibble at throughout the day. Enjoy the warm weather by taking a fresh dip in the ocean with your fellow scantily clad sunbathers, for a relaxing and entertaining activity.
Lust over classic sports cars
Drool over a great collection of vintage cars at the Museum of Antique Automobiles. This museum, located at the Terraces de Fontvieille, which hosts more than 100 classics of various makes and models and was previously owned by H.S.H Prince Rainier III of Monaco. From a 1903 De Dion Bouton to a 1935 Packard, there is no better place to show your appreciation for the art of vintage sports cars and coupes than in a museum in Monte Carlo.
Expand your cultural horizons
Attending a show at the Opera de Monte Carlo is completely an experience in and of itself. This cozy theatre (only 524 seats) was commissioned by the Grimaldi family to add depth and culture to the gluttonous adult playground and showcases beautiful classical music and ballet. It also puts you shoulder to shoulder with some of the most affluent individuals in the world. So get dressed up and head over to the Opera to stimulate your creative and cultural senses to balance out a city so well known for its superficial glitz and glamour.
Have a drink at the Black Legend
Enter this night club and you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled back in time to the days of Studio 54. This 1970’s Manhattan-style restaurant and nightclub plays homage to some of the best funk, R & B, motown, soul and jazz music from the seventies onward. This well rounded restaurant— with French, Spanish and Italian cuisine —turns into a club after midnight, with cover bands, DJs and solo artists who specialize in making you get down by playing hits all night long. During the warmer months, chill out on the beautiful outdoor terrace, a perfect and discreet place to sip a sinful cocktail and gawk at the mega yachts, since the patio backs up to the harbor.
Where to Stay
Hotel Hermitage
Located on a cliff over looking the harbor, this exceptionally luxurious Belle Époque palace is slightly off the beaten path and every bit as fabulous as the city it resides in. The warm Mediterranean colors diffuse graciously into the gold accents and white marble floors, making the building feel more like a work of fine art than a touristy hotel. Thanks to a recent facelift, there are now 278 rooms—including 25 suites, 52 junior suites and nine diamond suites— with a large handful of these rooms boasting sea-facing balconies. For a little peace and quiet with tranquil views, Hotel Hermitage is a wonderful option that is close enough to the casinos and action, yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle to really feel like you’re on vacation.
Hotel de Paris
The grand exterior of this iconic hotel confirms the city’s devotion to true glitz and glamour. From the Belle Époque columns and structures to the constant queue of exotic cars purring inline for the valet, this hotel is considered the crown jewel of hotels in Monte Carlo. Feast on a champagne brunch on your balcony overlooking the Place du Casino or dine in the three Michelin Star Le Louis XV restaurant, with cuisine from the celebrity chef Alain Ducasse. The hotel’s incredibly extravagant wine cellar is also very impressive with hundreds of thousands of wine bottles, both French and international.
Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
This oceanfront hotel is bright and chic and offers a nice break from all the hype found near the big casinos. Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort is located on its own secluded peninsula, offering privacy and a smart yet casual environment. The neo-classical architecture differentiates this hotel from the others and boasts a modern Roman-inspired pool to lounge by when the sun gets too hot. This hotel is also known for the infamous Jimmy’z: a wild nightclub and bar that is a must when looking for a place to party.
Whether it’s high rollers, high stakes or high hopes, Monte Carlo is a dreamland filled with beautiful people, fast cars and a fabulous way of life. 
