When the sun sets over the Mediterranean and the lights of Monte Carlo flicker on, one place becomes the heartbeat of Monaco’s nightlife: Cafe de Paris is a legendary nightclub and bar nestled beneath the Monte Carlo Casino, known for its high-energy atmosphere, celebrity sightings, and non-stop dancing until dawn. Also known as Cafe de Paris Monte Carlo, it opened its doors in 1929 and has been drawing the world’s most glamorous crowd ever since.
What Makes Cafe de Paris Different from Other Monaco Bars?
Most clubs in Monaco are sleek, quiet, and exclusive-designed for VIPs sipping champagne in dim corners. Cafe de Paris isn’t like that. It’s loud, bright, and unapologetically fun. The moment you walk in, you’re hit with a wall of bass, flashing lights, and a crowd that doesn’t care if you’re a billionaire or just visiting for the weekend. There’s no velvet rope culture here-just pure, unfiltered energy.
It’s not just a bar. It’s a full-blown nightclub experience with live DJs spinning everything from house to disco to hip-hop, often with surprise guest performers. The dance floor never empties. Even at 3 a.m., people are still jumping, clapping, and singing along to classics like "I Gotta Feeling" or "Uptown Funk." You won’t find quiet jazz nights or slow cocktails here. This is where you go to lose yourself in the music.
The Setting: Under the Casino, Above the Rest
Cafe de Paris sits directly beneath the Monte Carlo Casino, accessed through a discreet entrance on Place du Casino. The interior feels like a 1970s disco crossed with a modern nightclub-mirrored ceilings, neon signs, and velvet booths that glow under purple and gold lights. The walls are lined with vintage posters of old Hollywood stars who once danced here: Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, and even Princess Grace.
There’s no pretense. No dress code beyond "don’t show up in flip-flops." You’ll see tailored suits next to ripped jeans, diamond necklaces beside backpacks. It’s the kind of place where a tech founder from Silicon Valley might end up dancing next to a Formula 1 driver who just won the Grand Prix. The atmosphere is electric because it’s real-no filters, no staging, just people having a great time.
Who Shows Up at Cafe de Paris?
You don’t need an invitation. But you do need to know when to show up. Weekends are packed-especially Friday and Saturday nights. If you’re coming during the Monaco Grand Prix, expect lines stretching down the street. Even locals who’ve lived here for decades say they’ve never seen it quieter than 1 a.m. on a Saturday.
It’s common to spot celebrities. In 2024, a video went viral of a surprise appearance by Italian singer Elodie, who jumped on stage during her hit "L’Alba." In 2023, a group of NBA players from the Miami Heat were spotted dancing with locals after a game. You won’t always see them-but you’ll feel them. The energy shifts when someone famous walks in. The music gets louder. The crowd leans in. And then, just as quickly, it goes back to normal. No fanfare. No selfies. Just another night at Cafe de Paris.
Drinks, Bites, and the Real Cost
Drinks here aren’t cheap, but they’re not outrageous either. A cocktail runs about €20-€28. A bottle of champagne starts at €350, but you can get a decent gin and tonic for €18. The bar keeps a solid selection of French wines, Italian sparkling, and classic cocktails with a modern twist. The mojito is a favorite-fresh mint, real sugar, and just the right amount of rum.
Food? Yes, they serve it. It’s not a restaurant, but the snack menu is surprisingly good. Think truffle fries, smoked salmon crostini, and mini burgers with caramelized onions. You won’t come here for a full meal, but if you’re dancing for hours, you’ll want something to soak up the alcohol. The kitchen stays open until 2 a.m., and the staff never rush you. They know you’re here to have fun, not to eat and leave.
When to Go and How to Get In
Arrive after 11 p.m. If you come earlier, you’ll just be waiting. The real party starts around midnight and peaks between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Lines form outside by 10:30 p.m. on weekends. You can skip the line if you’re on the guest list-but don’t count on it. Most people get in without one. Just be polite, dress nicely, and don’t show up drunk before you even walk in. The bouncers aren’t harsh, but they’re sharp. They’ve seen it all.
There’s no cover charge unless there’s a special event. During the Grand Prix or New Year’s Eve, they might charge €50-€80, but that includes a drink. Most nights? Free entry. The money you spend is on drinks and maybe a bottle if you’re feeling fancy.
Why It’s Still the Heart of Monaco’s Nightlife
Monaco has dozens of luxury lounges, rooftop bars, and Michelin-starred restaurants. But none of them feel alive the way Cafe de Paris does. It doesn’t try to be elegant. It doesn’t need to be quiet. It’s a place where people come to forget who they are for a few hours. A banker turns into a dancer. A lawyer becomes a singer. A tourist from Ohio ends up dancing with a French model who just moved to Monaco last month.
This is why it’s survived for nearly a century. It’s not about the money. It’s not about the name. It’s about the feeling. When the lights dim, the music swells, and the whole room moves as one, you realize why people keep coming back. It’s not just a club. It’s a moment. A memory. A night you won’t forget.
What to Do After Cafe de Paris
If you’re still wide awake at 5 a.m., head to La Terrasse for sunrise coffee and croissants. Or walk down to Port Hercules and watch the yachts glow in the morning light. Some people take a taxi to the Prince’s Palace and sit on the steps, just watching the city wake up. Others call a friend and say, "That was insane. Let’s do it again tomorrow."
There’s no rush. Monaco doesn’t sleep. And neither does Cafe de Paris.
Is Cafe de Paris Monaco open every night?
No, it’s not open every night. Cafe de Paris operates mainly on weekends-Friday and Saturday nights. Sometimes it opens on Thursday during peak season (May to September) or around major events like the Monaco Grand Prix. Always check their official Instagram or website before heading out, as hours change seasonally.
Do I need to book a table at Cafe de Paris?
You don’t need to book a table for the main dance floor. But if you want a booth or a VIP area with bottle service, it’s smart to reserve ahead. Tables start at €500 and include 2-3 bottles of champagne and a dedicated server. Walk-ins can still enjoy the bar and dance floor without a reservation.
What’s the dress code at Cafe de Paris?
There’s no strict dress code, but smart casual is expected. No flip-flops, shorts, or sportswear. Men should wear collared shirts or stylish tops. Women often wear dresses or chic separates. You don’t need to look like you’re at the opera, but you should look like you care. The bouncers are fair-they’ve seen everything, and they know the difference between trying too hard and just being yourself.
Is Cafe de Paris safe for tourists?
Yes, it’s very safe. Monaco has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. The venue is well-staffed with security, and the crowd is mostly tourists and locals who are there to have fun, not cause trouble. Just keep your valuables close, avoid flashing cash, and don’t follow strangers into side rooms. Otherwise, you’re fine.
Can I take photos inside Cafe de Paris?
You can take photos, but don’t use flash or try to film the entire crowd. Many people are there to enjoy the night, not to be on your feed. If you’re taking a selfie near the bar or dance floor, keep it quick. Staff won’t stop you, but they’ll give you a look if you’re blocking the path or being disruptive. The best photos are taken from the balcony overlooking the dance floor-quiet, stylish, and full of energy.
How late does Cafe de Paris stay open?
It usually closes at 5 a.m. on weekends, but sometimes runs until 6 a.m. during special events like New Year’s Eve or the Grand Prix. The music fades slowly, and the lights come up gradually. There’s no rush to leave. Many people stay until the very end, sipping coffee or just sitting quietly as the night winds down.
Final Thought: It’s Not Just a Night Out. It’s a Monaco Experience.
Cafe de Paris isn’t just another club. It’s a living piece of Monaco’s soul. You don’t go there to see the stars-you go to become one, even if just for a few hours. The music, the lights, the crowd-they all come together in a way that feels impossible elsewhere. It’s messy. It’s loud. It’s perfect.
If you’re in Monaco and you want to feel what the city really is when the sun goes down, skip the quiet rooftop bars. Skip the overpriced champagne lounges. Go to Cafe de Paris. Dance like no one’s watching. Even if they are. Even if they’re famous. Just dance.
