Buddha Bar is one of those rare global brands that actually delivers on its promise. I’ve been going for years to the original Buddha Bar in Paris which was closed for renovations in 2023, and reopened with an updated interior and new boudoirs that added even more to the amazing atmosphere. It has remained a favourite, so arriving at Buddha Bar Monte Carlo, I was curious to see how it would translate in a destination as polished and particular as Monaco. It doesn’t disappoint.
Set just moments from the Casino de Monte Carlo, the location is exactly where you want to be, right in the heart of everything yet, once inside, it feels completely removed from the outside world.
The signature elements are all here with the high ceilings, rich textures, warm lighting, and of course, the giant Buddha presiding over the room.
What I particularly love about the Monte Carlo venue is the upstairs dining room. Sitting above the main floor and looking down onto that enormous Buddha gives you a completely different perspective on the space. It feels slightly more special, but still very much part of the energy below. Eating in the more casual bar area is an experience in itself and sometimes I am more in the mood for that to the more formal dining.
And then there’s the music. This is where Buddha Bar has always excelled. The soundtrack builds gently over the evening, starting relaxed and atmospheric, then deepening into that signature lounge-meets-house rhythm that carries you through the night. I confess to having many of the original CDs from my Paris visits, and, yes, I did buy a new one at my Monte Carlo visit.
The terraces are another highlight. On a warm evening, they offer the perfect contrast to the drama inside, lighter, more relaxed, and ideal for settling in and letting the night unfold at its own pace. These set this venue apart from the Paris one and it’s good to experience all the different moods in the different spaces within one location.
Getting there
Buddha Bar Monte Carlo is located a short walk from the Casino de Monte-Carlo and is easy to reach from most central hotels. Valet parking is available, and its central location makes it a convenient stop before or after other plans.
