As the sun goes down on the Principality, Monaco is transformed into a vibrant nightlife hub full of great places to unwind and catch up with friends after a day of work or sightseeing. Here is the Monaco Life guide to the best spots for after-work drinks and Happy Hour specials, all with a laid-back atmosphere.
One of our favourite places with a casual vibe is the Trinity Cocktail Club and its sister venue, Trinity Pub, on the Rue du Portier. Both are popular among locals for the friendly atmosphere and well-crafted cocktails. There are some delicious gourmet offerings on the menu too, so be prepared to settle in for the evening!
With two Monaco locations—one on Boulevard des Moulins and another in Palais de la Plage—Cova is a more elegant place to head for after-work drinks. Every Thursday, starting at 5pm, Cova hosts an aperitivo hour featuring live music.
An iconic Monaco staple is the Café de Paris. This legendary address in the heart of Monte-Carlo is always abuzz with activity and should be high on your list if you’re wanting that classic Monaco experience.
The Bar Américain at the Hôtel de Paris takes it up a notch again. This glamorous locale is known for its old-world elegance, and the bar offers expertly crafted cocktails, an upscale ambiance and live music to complete the refined experience.
Located a stone’s throw from the Casino de Monte-Carlo, Buddha Bar runs a ‘Spicy Hour’ from 6pm to 9pm every day of the week, except Mondays and Sundays. During Spicy Hour, much of the menu is offered at a lower price than usual. Buddha Bar combines an Asian-inspired food and beverage selection with an eclectic music mix, offering a laid-back atmosphere in a stylish setting.
For a more scenic option, Blue Gin is hard to beat. Set right by the seafront on Avenue Princesse Grace, this stylish bar offers stunning views over the Mediterranean. Known for its inventive cocktails and trendy ambiance, Blue Gin is a go-to spot to relax and take in the sea air after a long day.
Meanwhile, down in the Port Hercule area, wine lovers will find their haven at Wine Palace, a sophisticated address near the Yacht Club de Monaco that boasts an impressive wine selection and a large terrace overlooking the marina.
Newly opened this summer, the Bar du Quai des Artistes is another inviting spot to enjoy a drink along the port. The marina sparkles with the lights of the many yachts moored here by night, and the bar and its terrace are ideally situated to make the most of this unique setting.
Nearby is La Brasserie de Monaco, which offers a 50% discount on beer and drinks by the glass from 6pm to 8pm daily, except during special events. Known for its relaxed and casual atmosphere, the venue is home to a microbrewery that produces a range of craft beers. The pub-like space also shows major sporting events on big screens, including AS Monaco matches, making it a favourite among sports fans in the Principality.
Also on Port Hercule, La Rascasse runs a daily Happy Hour from 6pm to 8.30pm, with 50% off all drinks.
And finally, if your office is located in Fontvieille, the Ship and Castle is a welcoming pub option for those seeking a relaxed, after-work setting. Known for its easygoing environment and classic pub drinks, it’s an inviting spot for unwinding with colleagues or friends over a beer.
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Main photo credit: Monte-Carlo SBM