Monaco isn’t just about yachts and casinos. At night, the streets of Monte Carlo pulse with a different kind of energy - one where top models, influencers, and fashion insiders gather after dark. If you’re wondering where to spot them, you’re not alone. Every season, models from Victoria’s Secret, Chanel, and Sports Illustrated slip into Monaco’s most exclusive venues, not just for work, but to unwind. And yes, you can meet them - if you know where to look and how to behave.
Le Bar Américain at Hôtel de Paris
Don’t let the name fool you. Le Bar Américain is one of the quietest, most elegant spots in Monaco where models go to escape the noise. It’s not a club - it’s a lounge with velvet booths, crystal glasses, and a jazz trio playing live. Models like Bella Hadid and Gigi Hadid have been spotted here after fashion week events, sipping gin tonics and talking with photographers. The key? Dress sharp. No sneakers. No hoodies. A tailored blazer or a little black dress works. Staff recognize regulars, so if you’re not a guest of the hotel, show up after 10 PM when the crowd thins. Don’t approach immediately. Wait for a natural moment - a shared smile, a nod. A simple, “I loved your campaign last season” goes further than asking for a photo.
Club 55 - The Beachside Secret
Club 55 isn’t technically in Monte Carlo, but it’s only a 10-minute drive along the coast. This beach club turns into a hotspot after sunset. Models from Milan and Paris fly in for the summer, but many return in December for the New Year’s Eve crowd. It’s less about flashing cash and more about vibe. You’ll see models lounging on daybeds, barefoot, in linen dresses, laughing with stylists and agents. The trick? Get there before 9 PM. The place fills fast, and the front door is guarded by a team that knows who belongs. No reservations? Show up with someone who’s been before. Bring a bottle of champagne - not the cheap stuff. A magnum of Dom Pérignon is the unofficial entry fee. Don’t try to flirt. Just be present. If a model talks to you, it’s because you didn’t try too hard.
Blue Bay - Where the Real Action Happens
If you want to see models dancing, not just posing, Blue Bay is your spot. Open since 2018, this club sits right on the harbor, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a DJ who plays everything from house to French indie. Models from agencies like IMG and Next come here after parties at the Yacht Club. You’ll see them in crop tops, ripped jeans, and chunky boots - not the gowns you see on runways. The crowd is mixed: bankers, artists, and a few celebrities. The rule here? Move with the music. If you’re standing still near the bar, you’re invisible. Get on the dance floor. Don’t stare. Make eye contact, then smile. If someone invites you to join their table, say yes. If not, move on. No one likes a stalker. And yes, you can buy a round. But don’t buy one for a model you just met. Buy one for your group. Let her notice you by accident.
The Prince’s Palace Rooftop Events
Every December, the Grimaldi family hosts a private charity gala that spills into the palace gardens. It’s invitation-only, but models often get in as guests of designers or brands. You won’t find it on Instagram. You won’t find it on Google. But if you’re connected - even loosely - to the fashion world, you might get a whisper. Local stylists, PR assistants, and boutique owners sometimes have extra invites. Ask politely. Don’t beg. Say, “I work with a small fashion brand - is there any way I could be put on the list?” If you get in, don’t try to impress. Don’t flash your phone. Just enjoy the view of the Mediterranean under string lights. Models here are tired. They’re not looking for attention. They’re looking for peace. Be quiet. Be respectful. That’s how you earn their trust.
Why Most People Fail to Meet Them
Most people think meeting top models in Monaco is about money. It’s not. It’s about timing, presence, and silence. You don’t need a VIP table. You don’t need to pay for a bottle service. You don’t need to be rich. You need to be calm. You need to understand that these women are working professionals. They’re not there to be chased. They’re there to rest, to connect, to feel human. The biggest mistake? Asking for a selfie right away. The second biggest? Talking about your “connection” to fashion. You’re not a designer. You’re not a photographer. You’re just someone who admires their work. That’s enough.
What to Wear - The Monaco Model Code
Models notice what you wear - not because they’re shallow, but because they’re trained to. A bad outfit screams “tourist.” A good one says, “I belong.” Here’s the simple rule: dark colors, clean lines, no logos. A black turtleneck, tailored trousers, and leather boots. Or a silk slip dress with a wool coat. Avoid anything that looks like it came from a souvenir shop. No fake gold chains. No oversized sunglasses at night. No baseball caps. Monaco doesn’t care about your brand. It cares about your taste. If you’re unsure, ask yourself: Would this look out of place in a 1960s French film? If yes, leave it behind.
When to Go - The Best Nights
Monday and Tuesday are dead. Wednesday is for locals. Thursday is when the fashion crowd arrives. Friday and Saturday are packed, but that’s when the most models show up. Sunday is quiet again - unless there’s a gala. The best nights are the ones you don’t plan for. If you’re in Monaco during Fashion Week (late January or early September), your odds double. But even in December, you’ll find them. The key is to be there between 11 PM and 2 AM. Before 11, it’s all business dinners. After 2, it’s the cleanup crew.
What to Say - And What Not to Say
Don’t say: “You’re so beautiful.” They hear that 100 times a day.
Do say: “I saw your campaign in Tokyo last year. The lighting was insane.”
Don’t say: “Can I get your number?”
Do say: “I’m in town for the art fair. Do you know if the Nouveau Musée is open this week?”
Don’t say: “Are you here for the Grand Prix?”
Do say: “I heard you worked with Karl Lagerfeld. What was that like?”
Models remember how you made them feel - not what you asked for. Be curious. Be humble. Be real.
Real Stories - What Actually Happens
Last year, a 28-year-old architect from Berlin met a model from São Paulo at Blue Bay. He didn’t say a word for 20 minutes. He just watched her laugh with her friend. Then he asked, “Do you ever get tired of being photographed?” She looked at him, surprised, and said yes. They talked for two hours. He didn’t ask for a photo. She gave him her email. Two months later, he got a message: “I’m in Berlin next month. Coffee?”
Another time, a student from Lyon bought a bottle of wine at Club 55 and left it on a table with a note: “For whoever needs a drink after a long day.” The model who found it posted a photo of the bottle - no face, no name - with the caption: “Sometimes kindness is the most beautiful thing.” That post got 300,000 likes.
These aren’t fairy tales. They’re real moments. And they happen when you stop trying to be noticed - and start being present.
Can I just walk into these clubs and meet top models?
Yes, but not like a tourist. These venues are open to the public, but they’re selective. Dress well, arrive after 11 PM, and don’t push yourself forward. Models notice quiet confidence more than loud requests.
Do I need to spend a lot of money to meet them?
No. You don’t need to buy a bottle of champagne or pay for VIP access. Many models hang out at places like Le Bar Américain or Blue Bay without spending much. What matters is how you carry yourself - not your wallet.
Are top models in Monaco during December?
Yes. While the peak season is summer, many return in December for New Year’s Eve parties, charity events, and quiet getaways. The city is less crowded, and models often prefer it.
Is it okay to take a photo if I meet one?
Only if they offer. Never ask. If they smile, gesture, or say “go ahead,” then take it. If they look away or hesitate, don’t. Respect is more valuable than a picture.
What’s the best way to start a conversation?
Talk about something real - a show you saw, a place you visited, a book you read. Avoid compliments about looks. Instead, ask about their work: “What was the most unexpected part of your last campaign?” Most models appreciate being seen as professionals, not just faces.
Meeting top models in Monaco isn’t about luck. It’s about showing up the right way - calm, curious, and respectful. You don’t need to be rich. You don’t need to be famous. You just need to be human.
