It was a sad day when the historic Brasserie de Monaco stopped brewing beer in 1972. Happily, with a little help from Prince Albert II, production was restarted in 2008 and drinkers can now sample a fine selection at the brewery's sleek bar. There's a even great beer garden too.

A giant Buddha gazes benevolently over this classy lounge bar housed in an old concert hall, where excellent sushi accompanies expertly mixed cocktails. Things get pumping later in the evening thanks to the resident DJs, or you can relax on the two sprawling terraces when the weather is warm enough.

If Monte Carlo's bling personality gets too much, then McCarthy's is just the perfect tonic. This traditional Irish boozer is fun and friendly, serving reasonably priced drinks until the small hours of the morning. There's plenty of Guinness and Irish whiskeys to sup on, plus live sport on TV and the odd band.

If you can get past the highly selective door staff, you've made it to Monte Carlo's premier nightclub for celebrity spotting. Jimmy'z is the stuff of legend – particularly when the Formula 1 circus rides into town. Its resident and guest DJs keep the bubbles flowing until well after the sun rises.

This down-to-earth bar and diner also professes to be a club, and while the jury is still out on that one, you can't argue with the port views, generous happy hour and DJs spinning the vinyl at the weekends. It's also home to an impressive collection of sporting paraphernalia.

Probably the liveliest place to party in Monaco, the Living Room doesn't get started until 2300 and then you're in it for the long haul as DJs ply their trade until sunrise. The music is eclectic; expect to hear anything from Latino beats to live music in the piano bar.

Black Legend has established itself as one of Monaco's premier live music venues. The lounge-bar-cum-club is the place to be if you're a fan of blues, jazz and black American music. Situated near the port, it's open seven days a week and serves very good food in the adjoining Red restaurant.

A cosy café by day and loud live music venue by night, La Rascasse is fun, unpretentious and one of the city's best places to shake your booty. Happy hour kicks off proceedings with discounted drinks, before DJ sets and live bands take revellers through into the small hours.

The piano bar at the Hôtel de Paris exudes sophistication, class and elegance, where live jazz is on offer every evening. All right, so cocktails cost a minor fortune, but the atmosphere makes up for it in its refined ambience where the clientele is as handsome as the décor.