What to do in Monte Carlo?
 

Can anyone give me some advice on what to do with our 3 days of leisure in Monte Carlo. We will have 2 teens with us.

Is there a beach close by?

Monte Carlo can be very expensive. Think about taking the train to Nice to explore the old town, Vieux Ville, and walk along the Promenade des Anglais. Nice has a long beach, but it's composed primarily of pebbles. For sand, head to Juan-les-Pins (which your teens should like), Antibes, or Cannes.

To be honest unless you are thrilled looking at lots of modern buildings or going into the tourist casino (which requires no fee or dressy attire), I would take Underhill's advice and take a look around and hop on the train to Nice.

Visit the Oceanographic Institute (managed by Jacques Cousteau), the Grimaldi Palace, the Cactus Garden. Rent a car and drive the Corniches. See La Turbie and Eze Village. Drive to Nice and explore the city (lots of activities). Spend some time at one of the beaches (maybe jet-skiing?). Explore the lobbies, bars, and restaurants of some of the world-famous hotels in Monaco (Hotel de Paris), Nice (Hotel Negresco) and Cannes (Carlton, Majestic). Visit the places of the well-known movies. So many things to do.

Drive or take public transport to Grasse, visit the perfume factories, see the fields of blossoms. Monte Carlo -- as others have told you -- offers little. It's a crowded place, no good beaches, really nothing for teens to see or do. Its principal function is a tax-avoidance haven for the idle rich.

While it is certainly more "glitzy" and has more modern buildings than any other cities on the Riviera, I'm not sure some of the other posters are talking about the same place where we once stayed for three days. In addition to the Oceanographic Center and Aquarium,which is fascinating, there is a really great car museum (the private collections of Prince Ranier), and lots of water sport activities. You can go sailing off the coast or snorkel. There is a very nice beach along the eastern part of town (better than the rocks of Nice, in fact). The old city up on the "cliffs" is rather charming. The state rooms and other parts of the Palace are open to viewing. There are a number of other museums including a supposedly famous one of dolls and animations, and a Napoleon museum.
It has lots of nightlife and cultural events including open air cinemas in the summer, and fairly frequent concerts.

Many may like Nice or Antibes or other towns better, (and I probably do as well) but it shouldn't be dismissed so quickly as nothing to see or do!

And as for leaving Monte Carlo to go all the way to the "ugly" city of Grasse, I guess to visit a touristy perfume factory, it sure would not be my idea of a wise thing to do. But of course, different people have different interests.

Thank you!

The Jacques Cousteau museum sounds lovely. Monte Carlo is really a rest stop for us; 1/2 way on our trip.

My husband works for Fairmont Hotels so we are staying at their hotel in Monte Carlo and just wanted a few things to do.

Mainly we are there for rest and to hang at the pool.

I didn't know the Fairmont so had to look it up -- ah, the old "Loews". What a spectacular spot. I hope they give you a deluxe harbor king suite. If so, you may never leave. We had a wonderful meal on the roof there one night under the stars.

Do go up to Beausoleil one day if you can tear yourselves a way. Have a great time.

Neopolitan...thanks for the restaurant info.

We used to live in Canada and our friend who is bi-lingual is now working in Monte Carlo and living in Nice with her husband and two teens. Wouldn't that be spectacular for a few years?

Thanks again,

I stay at this hotel every year for the Grand Prix. You are a very short walk from Cafe de Paris, which is lovely to sit and people watch from. The cars driving by are spectacular too - keeps me occupied for hours! I imagine this might amuse your teens for a while too.

I always enjoy Monte Carlo, I hope you do too.

Angela

Thank you Angela.

Another restaurant recommendation is the Grill Room at the top of the Hotel de Paris, food and service is excellent - but the view - it is spectacular!!!

Angela

Hmmm. You do know that Beausoleil is a town up on the hills, not the name of a restaurant? Not sure that was clear from either my comment or your response.

Neo, yes I knew that, I just reread my post and it sounded confusing also.

I was referring to the restaurant in the hotel.

Your teens may enjoy Stars N Bars, they will meet kids their age I suspect.

http://www.starsnbars.com/en/

And I believe Princess Stéphanie was at one time a part-owner of Stars N Bars, if she isn't still, and frequently stops by to bartend!