The 10 Best Bars in Monte Carlo

With large windows overlooking the stunning sea, and chic, ocean inspired decor, Saphir 24 perfectly encapsulates Monte Carlo’s waterfront beauty whilst providing excellent customer service and an impressive menu of drinks and cocktails. Situated within the glamorous Fairmont Hotel, the bar remains open 24 hours a day, allowing guests to enjoy both an afternoon high tea with a champagne cocktail, and a beer and a sports match in the evening. 12, Avenue des Spélugues, Monte Carlo, Monaco. + 377 93 50 65 00 Saphir 24 at The Fairmont| Courtesy of Saphir 24

Sass Café is a venue of alternating ambiences. In the early evening it is an intimate dinner spot where guests can listen to live piano music and eat world class cusine. By night it becomes an animated nightclub, where a resident DJ plays dance music until the early hours. Sass is a glamorous destination with an opulent interior, and has been the top Monte Carlo pick for stars including Will Smith, Beyonce and Jay z. Diners are implored to dress to impress before arriving here. Come prepared to watch the splendid sight of champagne and sparklers passing by every few minutes. 11 Av. Princesse Grace, Monaco. +37793255200

Founded in 1905, Brasserie de Monaco‘s purpose was to create a range of Monaco-brewed beers using organic, local malts, for a distinctive and original taste. After closing for a 30 year hiatus, the brewery reopened it’s doors in 2008, and has since become a drinking hub for locals and tourists alike.Their home brewed alex combine traditional brewery flavors with authentic craft beers, making their products interesting, innovative, and most importantly, delicious. Be sure to try the Pils de Monaco for a light beer with a slightly spicy taste.

Situated next to the world-famous Casino de Monte-Carlo, Le Tip Top is one of the neighborhood’s hidden gems, serving affordable food and drink in a laid-back atmosphere. They offer a range of wines and spirits, as well as a number of Belgian beers on tap, a perfect compliment to the fresh French and Italian inspired cuisine served here all day. Le Tip Top an excellent place to start or end your night in Monte Carlo. 11 Avenue des Spélugues, La Condamine, Monaco.+37793506913

With its elegant polished wood furniture, soft lighting and refined charm, Le Bar Américain evokes the air of a 1920s speakeasy fit for the characters of an F.Scott Fitzgerald novel. One of several bars owned by the award-winning Hotel de Paris, this venue is chic and stylish yet simultaneously low key, creating a real ambience of old school glamor. For music fans there are live performances every night from local bands and pianists, so you can enjoy your drink whilst listening to some smooth Jazz and Blues.

Not for the faint-hearted, La Rascasse is renowned in Monaco for its late nights and loud music. If you want to dance until 5am, listen to eclectic mixes of RnB and electronic music, revel under the bright lights and leave covered in multicoloured confetti, then this is the place for you. For the full La Rascasse experience it is advised to arrive late, as the real clubbing doesn’t kick off until around midnight. This is when the dinner service ends and the speakers are raised to full volume. For a quieter drink you can enjoy an aperitif on their airy terrace from 4pm, when drink prices are also lower. 1 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000 Monaco. +37798061616 Budhha Bar © olaftan/Flickr

Set in a former 20th century concert hall, Bar Buddhaboasts a rich architectural heritage and a thriving party scene to boot, coming alive during the Grand Prix and staying busy all year round. The high ceilings and the Asian themed interior give the place an exotic feel, and the variety of different bars and areas create a mixture of casual and clubby atmospheres. Be sure to check out the Happy Lounge, Buddha Bar’s lounge area and terrace, especially from 6pm-8pm Tuesday to Saturday when their signature cocktails are cheaper. Place du Casino, Monte Carlo, Monaco. +37798061919

As an extension of the popular fish restaurant Quai des Artistes, Bar du Quai is set within a large canopy and prides itself on allowing its customers to drink outside all year long. Situated on Port Hercule, home of the Monaco Yacht Show, the surroundings are impressively glamorous, whilst the mismatched furniture and interesting artwork give the place a simultaneously homely feel. Serving fresh oysters and tapas all night, Bar du Quai is a great place to enjoy a bite and a glass of wine on a chilled out Monte Carlo evening. 4 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco.+377 97 97 97 77 © Matthew Peoples/Flikr

After a hard day of sightseeing, what could be better than unwinding on the stylish terrace of one of Monaco’s best cocktail bars, watching the yachts cruise by on the Mediterranean sea. Situated within the famous Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort, The Blue Gin is open in the early evening for aperitifs in its futuristic style bar. It is also a popular destination for night time revellers out to drink and catch up with friends, or tourists wanting to play billiards in the games room. Try their signature Le Purple cocktail for a refreshing mixture of cranberry, raspberry, lime and vanilla flavours.

This relaxed bar, restaurant and jazz lounge lies right on the beach on Avenue Princess Grace. La Note Bleue‘s trendy terrace stretches right across the water front, providing stunning sea views. Central, moderately priced, and boasting live music and regular concerts from Monaco’s best musicians, this place is a summer haven popular amongst both tourists and Monaco residents. Be sure to stop by for an aperitif before sampling a few items from their delicious tapas menu. La Note Bleue, Av. Princesse Grace, Monaco. +377 93 50 05 02