As one of Europe’s main playgrounds for the rich and famous, it’s no surprise that Monaco offers up a dazzling selection of nightclubs and nightlife. With stunning Mediterranean views and interiors that are the very definition of opulent, Monaco’s chic and sophisticated bars and clubs are plentiful.
Le Bar Américain, situated in Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, is a Monaco institution. There is always live jazz or swing floating around the plush tables, and new cocktails to sample from a menu that constantly reinvents itself. Away from the principality’s main nightlife pockets, this is the bar to go to if you’re seeking an intimate evening or for a special occasion soirée. A beautiful terrace supplies view of the Mediterranean Sea, or you can choose to enjoy the evening menu (served until 1am) at the interior bar, which is draped in rich furnishings and lighting.
The party at The Living Room often goes on until dawn. Overlooking the Monte-Carlo Casino gardens, this premier nightclub in Monaco is the place to be seen any night of the week. A light food menu is on offer, accompanied by an extensive drinks list. The terrace, which is heated all year round, is a highlight so head here when the venue opens its doors at 11pm, then go inside for the long-haul DJ sets that start at 11:30pm.
Jimmy’z is arguably the iconic club of Monaco. It’s been delighting party-goers since 1971 and, after a complete makeover in 2017, it’s more popular than ever. The outside space is what makes this venue so enchanting; circular canopies of glass are suspended over open air seating and the floating Summer Bar sits outside on its own lagoon. As the sun goes down, the sound system cranks up and the whole club is bathed in a reddish-pink glow.
Twiga Monte Carlo moved its location to Monaco in May 2018 and now occupies the second floor of the Grimaldi Forum. With uninterrupted views over the Mediterranean thanks to its privileged position in the principality, Twiga Monte Carlo is a restaurant, lounge and shisha bar by day (well, until 1am) and an exclusive club by night and into the next dawn.
Formula One fans might recognise La Rascasse as the name of the most famous bend of the Monaco Grand Prix track. La Rascasse is also a bar and club, and one that comes alive as the sun goes down. There are DJ sets each night as well as DJ battles once a month on either a Friday or Saturday. The atmosphere is a lot more laid-back than some other bars in Monaco, and night owls flock to this corner of town to enjoy after-work drinks, concerts and clubbing.
Blue Gin Bar by day with magnificent Mediterranean views | Courtesy of Hotels.com
Blue Gin has one of the dreamiest views in the principality. Known as the ‘waterfront’ of Monaco, relax on their calming terrace, which has unobstructed views of the Mediterranean, and watch the sun set towards Italy with a cocktail in hand. Situated within the famous Monte Carlo Bay Hotel And Resort, this well-loved cocktail bar is open until 2am all nights of the week except Sunday, with DJ sets at the weekend.
Brasserie de Monaco, which is located right on the quay at Port Hercule, has been on the brasserie scene since 1905 and in 2016 it evolved to become a boutique brewery, creating patriotic red and white designed bottle beer. A laid-back bar-restaurant in the day and a chilled watering hole until 2am with music, Brasserie de Monaco makes for a (slightly) more casual evening than many other bar options around.
