I love luxury travel, and I love my dog even more. Many people think that a trip to the tiny, glitzy Principality of Monaco is for humans only. However, I found that Dog Friendly Monaco is very real if you know the rules.
I recently spent time exploring this beautiful place with my furry friend. It was an experience filled with sunshine, high-end meals, and quite a few surprises. Monaco dogs live a very fancy life. So much glamour. Such small spaces. It is a unique world.
Entry into the country is usually smooth if you have all your papers ready. I did not have to deal with any quarantine because I followed every rule. If you forget something, your pet might be sent home or even put down. Therefore, I recommend you talk to your vet at least two months before your trip.
Plus, if you are coming from a country outside the EU that is not “listed,” your dog might need a blood test to check for rabies antibodies. This test can take three months to process. Gradually, the list of requirements grows, so stay organized.
Moving Around the City
Monaco is very hilly. I found that my legs got tired quickly while I was walking the steep streets. However, the city has a great system of public lifts that take the strain out of the climb. These lifts are a lifesaver when you have a dog with you.
Additionally, the bus network is the best way to get around if your Ferrari is in the shop. There are six main bus lines that cover the whole area.
The bus rules are quite specific. I noticed that small animals can travel for free if they are in a bag no bigger than 45cm. Larger dogs like mine are allowed too, but they must be on a lead. I had to pay for a ticket for my big dog. A single ticket on the bus costs €2.
However, if you buy it in advance at an office or online, the price drops to €1.50. You can also get a one-day pass for €5.50. I usually used Line 5 or 6 to get to the Larvotto area.
Regional buses like Line 100 to Nice or Menton have different rules. My dog had to wear a muzzle on those longer trips. Also, I sometimes had to pay for a seat for him if the bus was crowded. First of all, always carry exact change if you buy tickets from the driver. Later, I found that the night bus is great for late dinners. It runs every 30 minutes until 00:30 on weekdays and until 04:00 on weekends.
Finding a Place to Sleep
I wanted to find the best dog friendly hotels monaco has to offer. I chose the Le Meridien Beach Plaza for our stay. This hotel is very welcoming to pets. They allow dogs of any size, which is great for people with big breeds. I had to pay an extra fee of €18 per pet, per night. It is worth it for the comfort and the view. There are about 13 hotels in the city that allow pets, so you have plenty of choices.
Similarly, many people use Airbnb or Vrbo to find a place to stay. If you go this route, the pet fees depend on the owner of the property. I prefer hotels because they often have a “canine concierge” to help you out.
They make sure you get a room that is actually pet-friendly. On top of that, some places give you a guarantee that the pet fee will not be higher than the price you saw when you booked. Finally, I always call the hotel a few days before I arrive to double-check their policy.
Dining in Style
I was very impressed by the dog friendly restaurants monaco scene. You do not have to leave your dog behind when you go out for a nice meal. Most places are happy to see a well-behaved dog. However, I always call ahead to ask, especially for the very fancy spots. Some of the most famous places do not allow dogs inside. For example, the Yacht Club and the Automobile Club are off-limits for furry guests.
I visited some amazing gourmet spots where my dog was treated like royalty. Here are some of my favorites:
- Lobby-Lounge Restaurant & Bar: This is inside the Fairmont Monte Carlo. It has a great view of the sea and is open all the time. I loved their signature burgers.
- Castelroc: This place has been around for four generations. It specializes in local food from Monaco. The terrace has a view of the harbor and is shaded by old pine trees.
- Giacomo: This is a stylish pizzeria right on Larvotto Beach. They use Neapolitan ovens. My dog loved the breeze while I ate fresh fish.
- Neptun Monaco Beach: This is a very luxurious spot with an infinity pool. It has a chic vibe. They serve salads, pizza, and meat dishes.
- Metcafe: I went here for breakfast. The dishes are designed by famous chefs. It is a very elegant setting for a snack.
- Izakaya Cozza: This restaurant mixes traditional recipes with Japanese culture. They have amazing sashimi.
- Moshi Moshi: This is an intimate sushi bar. They combine Japanese and Mediterranean food. I highly recommend the black cod.
- Caposushi: They use traditional Japanese techniques with local flavors. They have a great wine list too.
- Maya Mia: This is a charming Italian spot for lunch. The pasta is homemade.
- Caffe Milano: I loved the seafood here. I ended my meal with coffee and homemade ice cream.
Additionally, I learned about a business that makes fresh, human-grade food for dogs in Monaco. They deliver meals made of meat and veggies right to your door or hotel. This is so much better than processed kibble. I think it is wonderful that even the dogs can eat like kings here.
Parks and Beaches
A trip to the beach is usually the first thing on my list. However, I found out that dogs are banned from almost all beaches in Monaco. Larvotto Beach, which is the main one, has a strict “no dogs” rule.
It is a beautiful spot with a 300-meter promenade, but your pup cannot touch the sand. There is one tiny area near the harbor where dogs can go for a swim, but it is not a real beach. It is rocky and not very comfortable for humans.
I spent most of my time in the parks instead. Monaco is a compact city, but it has some nice green spaces. You must keep your dog on a leash in most places. There is a 300 euro fine if you do not pick up your dog’s poo. I saw bins with free waste bags all over the city, so there is no excuse.
Here are the best spots for a walk:
- Princess Antoinette Park: This park has a secure area where dogs can play off their leashes. It is one of the few places where they can truly run free.
- St. Martin’s Gardens: Part of this garden near the Oceanographic Museum is a designated “canine zone”. Dogs can relieve themselves here.
- Fontvieille District: This area has several small parks and paths that are great for dogs. I found a canine zone behind the ticket office at the Chapiteau.
- The Rock (Monaco-Ville): The high ground offers scenic walks with great views.
- Larvotto Promenade: While you cannot go on the beach, the walk along the promenade is perfect for a stroll.
Though many parks allow dogs, some are totally off-limits. I could not take my dog into the Exotic Garden or the Princess Grace Rose Garden. I always checked the signs at the entrance to avoid a fine.
Professional Care and Services
Sometimes I needed a break to visit a museum that did not allow pets. I found that Monaco has excellent services for dog owners. There are professional dog walkers who will pick up your dog in a van and take them for an hour-long walk in the hills.
This gives the dogs a chance to be out in nature and play off-leash with other dogs. I met a trainer named Katerina who offers private and group walks starting at €35. She even does dog boarding where the pet stays with her family.
Additionally, I saw some very fancy grooming shops. 1001 Pattes Grooming is run by a French grooming champion. They offer “creme de la creme” service and exquisite accessories. Your dog can leave looking as stylish as the people on the street.
I also made sure to find the nearest vet. This is very important for any traveler. I found La Petite Clinique in the Fontvieille area. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergencies. The staff there speaks English, French, and Italian. They even have a “fear-free” approach, using treats and pheromones to keep pets calm. Knowing they were less than 10 minutes away gave me great peace of mind.
Comparing Other Trips
People often ask me about other destinations. For instance, is morocco dog friendly? I find that Morocco is much harder to navigate with a pet than Monaco. The rules for entry are more complex, and there are not as many pet-friendly luxury services.
On top of that, can i take my dog to morocco safely? It is possible, but you have to worry more about stray animals and different diseases.
Similarly, is milan dog friendly? I found Milan to be very welcoming to dogs. It is much more like Monaco in that way. However, Monaco feels more exclusive. The level of care for monaco dogs is just on another level.
FAQ
Is Monaco dog friendly?
Yes! I found that it is very welcoming to our furry friends. Many dog friendly hotels monaco and high-end restaurants will happily let your pet join you. The city even offers luxury grooming and professional walking services. It is a happy place for pets.
Does Monaco allow pitbulls?
No, it does not. I learned that Category 1 dogs like Pitbull terriers or American Staffordshire Terriers without pedigree papers are totally banned. You are not allowed to buy, own, or import them.
Is Monaco cheap or expensive?
It is very expensive. The lifestyle there is built for people with high budgets and a love for luxury. Therefore, you should expect to pay more for hotels and fine dining.
What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
Monaco is a top-tier choice for a glitzy holiday! It offers many pet-friendly hotels and beautiful green parks for your pup to enjoy.
What is not allowed in Monaco?
You cannot take your dog to Larvotto Beach because of strict rules. Smoking is also banned on the sand. Plus, you must never leave dog waste on the ground, or you will face a 300 euro fine.
Concluding Words
Monaco is a fancy world that really loves Monaco dogs if you follow the local laws. I loved the luxury stay and the gourmet meals we shared. The walks in the parks were also a highlight of the trip. First of all, remember your pet passport and the vaccination rules.
You must also respect the “no dog” zones to avoid expensive fines. Finally, a trip to this sunny spot is a dream for any pet owner who wants a bit of glamour. So much fun. Such a great memory.
