Monte Carlo Nightlife

Monte Carlo has a cool nightlife scene - and that's not only casinos filled with would-be millionaires, but also huge nightclubs popular with hipsters from the city and beyond.

Monte Carlo Casino itself, place du Casino, is a popular night-time haunt - you don't need to be a millionaire to play the slot machines though there is a minimum spend. Livelier bars include the Chip and Castle, 42 quai Jean Charles Rey, Flashman's, 7 avenue Princesse Alice, and McCarthy's, 7 rue du Portier, while Black Diamond, 11 avenue Princesse Grace, and Le Point Rouge, 11 rue du Portier, are a touch classier with a lounge ambience.

There are a sprinkling of nightclubs too. Choose from The Living Room, 7 avenue des Speluges, the Legend on the same street at number 3 and the rollicking Star 'N' Bars, 6 quai Antoine 1er. A lively new arrival is Moods, place du Casino, a bar and live music venue that has already attracted some big international names.

Monte Carlo is not one of Europe's cultural hubs, but a decent array of performances grace the city, especially during the summer months, at a sprinkling of venues. Under the guidance of Jean-Christophe Maillot, the Monte Carlo Ballet Company (tel: 9216 2420; website: www.ballets.mc) has been internationally acclaimed. The Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra (tel: 9310 8500; website: www.opmc.mc) is also highly regarded and offers lunchtime concerts and spectacular performances in the courtyard of the place du Palais in summer. Opera lovers can also enjoy the Monte Carlo Opera (tel: 9806 2828; website: www.opera.mc).

The Grimaldi Forum (tel: 9999 2000; website: www.grimaldiforum.com) is one of the most popular venues for a variety of live performances and there are also productions at the Theatre du Fort Antoine. If a cinema is what you are looking for, head for Le Sporting, place du Casino (tel: (08) 9268 0072; website: www.sportingmontecarlo.com).

For details of current events contact the local tourist office at 2A boulevard des Moulins (tel: 9216 6116; website: www.visitmonaco.com).