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25 Top Monaco Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

what to bring to monaco
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With Ferraris casually cruising the winding roads and celebrity sightings possible around every corner, it’s no surprise that Monaco is known as the playground of the Rich and Famous.

As the second wealthiest country in the world, it can be a pretty swanky place. One in three people living there are millionaires and more importantly, it is where three James Bond movies were filmed. All the hype about its grander leaves a lot of people wondering, “What should I pack for Monaco?”

It’s a destination with strict dress codes and even laws— yes, real laws on what you can and can’t wear. That’s why I’ve put together a complete packing list, including  what to wear in Monaco. This way, you can be sure you’re ready to live your best life while you’re in one of the world’s most lavish hot spots!

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

What to Pack for Monaco – 25 Essentials

  • 1. Power Adapter for Monaco

    This is one that often gets overlooked, but if you’re traveling from outside of Europe, you’re going to need plug adaptors for your electronics. You don’t want to get caught in a bind where you can only use one electronic at a time so the more ports, the merrier. You also don’t want to trust a shotty adapter that could damage your lifeline, so opt for one that’s made with quality. This is our go-to since it has a lifetime replacement guarantee!

    Power Adapter for Monaco

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Beach Bag with Built-in Cooler

    Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Mediterranean coast and live as the Monégasque do. Beach days will be 100% necessary, so come prepared with this insulated beach bag. It has a built-in cooler to chill your snacks and drinks for the afternoon. Is there a better way to enjoy the French Riviera?

    Beach Bag with Built-in Cooler

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    Monaco is home to some of the world’s wealthiest people. Unfortunately, this can attract the type of thieves who want to steal, and today, this is often done online by hacking into networks to steal credit card information.

    Since we’ve been hacked in Europe before, we always use a Virtual Private Network while traveling to protect all of our private data like passwords, credit card numbers, and social security numbers. I even use a VPN at home because public Wi-Fi networks (at coffee shops, airports, hotels, Airbnbs, etc.) are more risky than you might think.

    vpn

    View NordVPN.com Options ➜

  • 4. Packing Cubes

    One of the best packing hacks is to use packing cubes! They make your life so much easier and more organized while adventuring. Especially when you’re going to Monaco, which demands a pretty extensive travel wardrobe to fit the dress codes. These luxury organizers will help you spend less time digging around in your luggage and more time soaking up the Mediterranean views. It even comes with bonus laundry bags to separate your dirty and clean items.

    Packing Cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Natural Jet Lag Relief

    There’s nothing like getting to your end-stop and wanting to do nothing but sleep, only to wake up at odd hours of the night. Time is a blur and jet lag can throw off your entire trip. This is why for international journeys especially, we always pack Jet Lag Relief Pills. These homeopathic, all-natural pills will help your body fight fatigue and adjust to Monaco’s timezone asap.

    Natural Jet Lag Relief

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Travel Insurance for Monaco

    Travel insurance is a non-negotiable since it will protect you from paying out-of-pocket for expensive medical issues or unexpected emergencies. Since your domestic provider typically does not cover you out of the country, we use travel insurance to ensure we have peace of mind when venturing away from home.

    Our favorite provider is Faye because they handle everything through their mobile app so you can expedite the claims and reimbursement process. They cover you for common travel issues like lost luggage, flight delays, rental cars, trip cancelation, and international medical bills. As one of the most expensive places in the world – a trip to the hospital alone in Monaco would get pricey very fast. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

    Travel Insurance for Monaco

    Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

  • 7. Neck Wallet

    Unlike most of Europe, you need to provide ID at most establishments, namely the Monte Carlo Casino. Using a neck wallet like the one pictured will allow you to carry your passport, phones, cash, ID, and important documents in one compact casing. It will mitigate pickpocketing and can be worn around your body so it can’t get lost while you’re drinking and enjoying the adult playground of Monaco. Plus, it has RFID-blocking material to stop e-thieves before they can scan your financial data.

    neck wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Swimsuit Cover-Up

    A fun fact about Monaco is that it’s illegal to wear your swimsuit outside of the beach and designated pool areas. If you’d like to avoid getting scolded and fined by the Monaco Police, make sure to bring a swimsuit coverup along. Even if you’re just going to a beachside cafe for a quick bite mid-day, you need to cover up or they can (and probably will) refuse service. This one is very stylish and elegant.

    Swimsuit Cover-Up

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Cooling Towel

    Summertime in Monaco can get pretty hot. With the country being built into the coastline, you’ll find yourself climbing up and down hills throughout your stay. Throwing a cooling towel in your bag will be your saving grace when you’re outside mid-day, in direct sunlight. All you have to do is dip the microfiber towel into water and you’ll have a cold towel for 30-60 minutes. Then add more water when you need more chilly relief.

    cooling towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Filtered Water Bottle

    It’s not advisable to drink tap water in Monaco. While the water itself is safe, it has an aftertaste of chlorine that can give the non-locals a stomach ache. Rather than spending on bottled water, bring a filter water bottle. This will save you some extra euros to spend at the Casino, while also keeping your stomach and tastebuds happy.

    Filtered Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

    With all of the designer brands and stunning souvenirs in the area, you’ll likely do a bit of shopping in Monaco. Use this “just in case” bag to tote back some incredible gifts for your loved ones (and for yourself!) It counts as your personal item on the flight back so you can avoid carry-on fees, and it fits perfectly under your seat to take up no room.

    Packable “Just in Case” Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Waterproof Phone Pouch

    Any vacation to the coast requires a reliable waterproof phone case. This pouch serves as full protection for all smartphones (Apple and Android) and will allow you the freedom to enjoy local water activities like sailing, jet skis, snorkeling, diving, and more. It also allows you to film stunning underwater videos without having to invest in a full-blown GoPro.

    Waterproof Phone Pouch

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Flotation Strap

    Your waterproof case won’t be very useful if your phone falls to the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. I lost my phone once when it fell into a lake, immediately out of sight and unable to be retrieved. Learn from my mistake and add flotation straps to any item you carry over water that you wouldn’t want to lose (your phones, cameras, keys, etc.) This will ensure it floats and you can easily grab it.

    Flotation Strap

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    Is there anything more annoying than carrying around a big wet beach towel? Everything it touches becomes wet and soggy— plus, it’s so bulky it never fits in a bag. To avoid this altogether, use a travel towel. Sitting out in the Mediterranean sunshine, the quick-drying towel can be dry in a matter of minutes. It’s made with a lighter material than a normal beach towel, dries 10x faster than cotton, and will leave you hands-free to take photos or grab an ice cream!

    Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Discounted Tours in Monaco

    Explore the French Riviera, visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, and taste your way through the old town of Nice with a food tour. Every nearby city is gorgeous and it’s easy to hop around the Riviera from Monaco to Nice, to Cannes, to Saint Tropez!

    We use Get Your Guide to plan our itineraries because they work with local tourism companies to offer you the most authentic experiences. They provide flexible cancelation and the ability to only search through the tours related to your personal interests.

    Discounted Tours in Monaco

    See all Monaco attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

  • 16. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    Much like the rest of the Mediterranean countries, Monaco doesn’t get much rain during the summer— but when it does, watch out! Because it can really come down. One second it’ll be sunny, the next thing you know, the sky’s gone dark and it’s down raining cats and dogs. Throwing a travel umbrella in your bag will save you from having to make a detour back to the hotel to change into something dry. This one is way higher quality (and cheaper) than the crap they’ll sell at tourist shops in Monaco.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 17. Lipstick-size Portable Charger

    The last thing you want when you’re traveling is a dead phone. Even if you don’t plan on using your data or placing calls while in Monaco – you’ll be using it to snap photos, share on social media, and most importantly, to navigate. These things will eat up your battery quicker than you’d expect, so make sure to pack a portable phone charger for your trip. I always use the Bonai Compact Portable charger because it’s powerful but not bulky.

    Lipstick-size Portable Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 18. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    Hotels in Europe err on the smaller side, which is normally fine since most of the time you’re not in the room anyway. However, the bathroom can be a pain-point… Especially when two people are trying to get ready at once. Having a hanging toiletry bag will make it much easier to get ready for your big Monte Carlo night out. It’ll keep the counter clear so you can avoid accidentally knocking your lipstick into the toilet or melting your moisturizer because it was touching your hot curling iron! It has 4 giant pockets to hold anything you need in a shelf-like system on the door.

    Hanging Toiletry Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 19. Blister Balm

    Monaco is an extremely walkable place, it only takes 45 minutes to get across the entire country. While you probably won’t walk from the east border to the west, you can plan on getting more steps in than your usual day-to-day. With the hills and the heat, this can quickly result in blisters. Having blister balm on-hand will save you when, midway between Port Hercule to the Princess Grace Gardens, you start to feel the pulsating pain of a blister starting.

    Blister Balm

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 20. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    We never travel without these luggage locks. They offer big-time peace of mind when you are turning in your bags to the airport or ship staff for a Mediterranean cruise, unable to keep an eye on your things for long periods of time. These in particular are TSA-approved so they won’t cause you any slow-downs through security. We also use these for lockers or on our backpacks through crowded places that attract pickpockets.

    TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 21. Airborne

    Taking Airborne before and after a flight is a travel ritual that I think everyone should do. Long-haul flights are hard on our immune system enough, but then add in jet lag and going nonstop from morning-to-night sightseeing. It’s practically begging your body to get sick. To avoid having to spend your days in Monaco gazing at the sea from your hotel room’s bed, give your immune system a little boost of help with Airborne.

    Airborne

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 22. Gorgeous Sun Hat

    Every lady and gentleman needs a chic sun hat to protect themselves from the rays of Monaco. This one will help you to blend in like a local while fully protecting your eyes, face, and neck. It’s very elegant and easy to pack by rolling it up in your luggage. It also straightens out easily when you unpack it (instead of most hats that end up looking like a disheveled mess!) Here’s an equally stylish option for men.

    Gorgeous Sun Hat

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 23. Carry-on – Garment Bag

    For better or worse, Monaco is a place where appearance matters. This means that at some point during your visit, you will need to wear something a little more formal than what’s typically required on your average coastal vacation. To keep your shirts wrinkle-free during transit, bring them onto your flight with a garment bag that folds into carry-on size.

    Carry-on – Garment Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 24. Hangover Relief

    For those late nights at the casino, use hangover relief to help your body detoxify more quickly from all the champagne and Monaco Spritzs. We discovered this product from Shark Tank and love that it helps you recover more easily from symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and headaches. Take 1-2 capsules in the evening, and 1-2 when you wake up. You’ll be feeling a lot better than you would otherwise!

    Hangover Relief

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 25. Sandproof Beach Blanket

    A well-prepared traveler will bring a beach blanket like this one to fully enjoy the sweeping landscapes of Monaco. It’s ideal for beach days, picnics, festivals, or just lounging at the park with a good book. It’s also waterproof so you won’t get any water or mud stains on your clothes, and sandproof so you can easily shake it out after use.

    Sandproof Beach Blanket

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What to Wear in Monaco

Monaco is notorious for its strict dress codes— both written and unwritten. A good rule of thumb is that unless you’re headed to the beach, avoid wearing anything too casual. While most places won’t turn you away for wearing jeans or a casual tank top, in higher-end establishments it’s not encouraged. You’ll feel and look like a fish out of water. Some places will however use their right to turn you away based on how you dress, so it’s important to double-check the dress codes ahead of time.

In general, you should aim for a refined casual during the day and a more elegant look for the evening. Men should wear a collared shirt, trousers and closed-toe shoes that aren’t sports shoes. While women can wear nicer sandals and an elegant outfit. To be on the safe side, shorts should be avoided for both men and women while in Monaco. If you follow those guidelines, you shouldn’t run into any problems.

Since Monaco is built into the cliffs, it’s important to wear comfortable shoes during the day. There are some outdoor elevators to take you to different levels of the hills, but they always seem to disappear right when you need them.

Another thing to keep in mind is that in Monaco you cannot walk around barefoot or wear swimwear. This is a strictly enforced law, so packing a change of clothes for after the beach or a conservative cover-up is very important.

What Women Should Wear in Monaco – (Click to expand)

Below is a sample women’s clothing list.(All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

While women have more leeway when it comes to the dress codes in Monaco, it’s still no easy feat. With scenery as beautiful as the winding coastal roads and colorful houses built into the cliffs, there’s a photo opportunity around every corner. You’re going to want to look chic, yet be comfortable enough to get from one side of the country to the other.

You can’t go wrong wearing a pair of wide-legged trousers, a maxi dress, or a minimalistic jumpsuit. They’re all easy to move in while still looking put together. Pair them with a pair of flat sandals for the day that can be swapped for a pair of heels in the evening and you’re ready to go from day to night with minimal effort.

What Men Should Wear in Monaco – (Click to expand)

Below is a sample men’s clothing list.(All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Guys should try to follow three guidelines when getting dressed for a day spent in Monaco: collared shirt, long trousers, and closed-toed shoes. If you follow those three rules you’ll be set for wherever your adventure takes you.

Depending on the weather you can swap a polo shirt for a breezy button-down, or chino pants, or linen trousers— but no matter the weather you’ll want to wear shoes that are walkable, but that aren’t sports sneakers. Since you’ll be surrounded by some of the nicest boats in the world, you can’t go wrong with a nice pair of boat shoes.

Dressing for the Seasons in Monaco

SPRING – March, April, May

The weather in Monaco during the spring is pretty mild but can range from sweater weather to short sleeves so you’ll want to dress with layers. You’ll be comfortable in pants or a maxi dress during the day. Once the sunsets around 6 the temperature drops quickly, so you’ll need a pullover or a light jacket.

Spring is the most cloudy season of the year in Monaco, but don’t worry even on a rainy day there’s still plenty of sunshine. The rainfall typically doesn’t last long, but the short bursts of rain can be intense so make sure to have your umbrella handy.

Temperatures in the spring range on average between 55°F to 68°F (12°C-20°C)

SUMMER – June, July, August

Monaco’s summers are warm and dry. The days can get pretty hot especially if you’re in direct sun. You’ll want to wear something that fits the dress codes yet is breathable, like linen trousers or a cotton top. The nights have a cool breeze coming off the Mediterranean so you’ll be happy that you packed a shall or light jacket.

Make sure to also pack a sun hat. Although there’s plenty of shade when you’re in the residential areas, places like Casino Square and The Prince’s Palace are pretty open with nowhere to protect you from the sun.

Temperatures in the summer range on average between 70°F to 80°F (20°C-28°C)

FALL – September, October, November

Monaco’s fall season is mild like the spring but still holds onto a bit more of the summer warmth, especially in September and October. Autumn is known to be the windy season in Monaco, so even if the sun is shining the wind can make it feel colder than it is. Layers are key for staying comfortable throughout the day. Men can wear a nice pair of chinos with a breathable shirt, but make sure to keep a pullover handy. For women, a maxi dress or a nice pair of trousers is perfect, a cashmere shawl keep you warm in the wind.

Fall also gets rainfall so make sure to have your umbrella with you.

Temperatures in the fall range on average between 55°F to 80°F (20°C-28°C)

WINTER – December, January, February

Winters in Monaco are wet and mildly cold. Sometimes the forecast can be misleading in the winter. Since it’s a wet-cold it tends to feel colder than it actually is, especially if the sun isn’t shining.

You’ll want to dress for warmth during the winter days. While the sun’s out a sweater will be enough to keep you warm. At night you will need a light winter jacket that will keep you toasty as you wander the picturesque streets of Monaco.

Temperatures in the winter range on average between 46°F to 57°F (7°C-14°C)

Dressing appropriately for the activity– (Click to expand)
Monte Carlo Casino: “Proper Attire” is the dress code to get into the world’s most famous casino. While you have to dress to the nines, it is a fun excuse to get dressed up. Men are required to wear nice trousers a collared button-down shirt, closed-toed shoes (not sports shoes), and a suit jacket is strongly recommended after 7 pm. Women have a little more leeway and can wear a beautiful dress or an elegant jumpsuit with nice sandals or heels.

Larvotto Beach: Since it’s illegal to wear swimwear outside of the beach, going and coming from the beach you’ll need to be in a coverup and sandals or boat shoes. On the beach, you’re free to wear whatever swimwear you please, but a chic suit and European-style swim trunks will help you blend in with the local crowd.

Day Touring: You’ll be doing a lot of walking while sightseeing, so comfortable shoes are a must. Dress smart casual but in clothes that are easy to move in. Think linen shirts and wide-legged trousers this way you’ll look refined without feeling confined.

Dinner: Depending on where you go to dinner you’ll most likely want to get dolled up. Men should wear a suit jacket, and women can wear an elegant dress with a shall to keep warm from the cool sea breeze.

What NOT to Bring to Monaco

  • 1.DON'T Bring a Car

    The traffic in Monaco is a nightmare, plus finding a place to park can take longer than walking would. It’s better to skip renting a car.

  • 2.DON’T Pack Super Casual Clothes

    While it’s important to be comfortable while sightseeing in Monaco if you want to fit in and get into some of the more exclusive establishments, it’s better to leave your super casual clothes (I’m looking at you, jean cutoffs and flip-flops) at home.

  • 3.DON’T Bring Uncomfortable Shoes

    All of the shoes you bring to Monaco should be comfortable. You won’t want to be climbing the hill back to your hotel in 5-inch heels, and walking barefoot isn’t an option since it’s illegal.

  • 4.DON’T Pack Heavy Winter Clothing

    Monaco is blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, so you won’t need a parka or snow boots— even if you’re visiting in the middle of January.

  • 5.DON’T Bring USD/Other Currency

    Monaco’s currency is the euro, so you can leave your dollars or other currency behind. Try to get euros from your bank before going to avoid hefty ATM or conversion fees.

  • 6.DON’T Bring a Need for Speed

    If you’re a car lover and headed to Monaco because it’s home to the Grand Prix, don’t get tempted to speed along the winding roads. The police don’t tread nicely when it comes to speeding in Monaco.

What NOT to Wear in Monaco – (Click to expand)
Monaco is a land of lavish and luxury so wearing anything too casual like flip-flops and shorts will make you stand out from the local crowd. Another giveaway is wearing sports sneakers. In Monaco, people don’t wear sports shoes when they aren’t exercising, so unless you plan on hitting the gym or going for a run, you can leave your tennis shoes at home. That doesn’t mean you should wear uncomfortable shoes though. Since you’ll be walking a lot, the last thing you want is to wear shoes that kill your feet.

FAQs about Monaco

  • 1. What is the weather like in Monaco?

    Monaco has a Mediterranean climate meaning that the summers are hot and dry and the winters are mild and wet. Spring and autumn can be cloudy with bursts of rain, but overall it’s still sunny.

  • 2. When is the best time of year to visit Monaco?

    When is the best time of year to visit Monaco?

    It depends on what you’re after. The summer is the high season because it’s the warmest time of the year, but it’s also the busiest. The beaches will be packed and lines will be long. If you ask the locals, they will tell you the best time is September. The weather is warm enough to swim, but there’s less of a crowd. It’s also not too hot because summers are notoriously hot and a lot of places don’t have air conditioning.

  • 3. How can I get around Monaco?

    Monaco has a great public transit system that is extremely affordable. Despite being built into the hills and cliffs, Monaco is a walkable country. They even have outdoor elevators and escalators that can help you avoid some of the steepest climbs.

  • 4. What are the best things to do around Monaco?

    What are the best things to do around Monaco?

    Monaco is only a 30-minute drive from Nice, France. If you don’t want to go all the way to Nice, there’s a beautiful medieval hilltop village called Èze 15 minutes from Monaco. It’s a great place to spend half of a day while you’re in the Côte d’Azur. If you’re looking for a bit more adventure you can grab a bus to Mercantour National Park for hiking with some incredible lookout points.

  • 5. What are the best places to go in Monaco?

    • Monte Carlo Casino
    • Palais du Prince
    • Musée Oceanographique
    • Larvotto Beach
    • Opéra de Monte-Carlo (Salle Garnier)
    • Jardin Exotique
    • Cathédrale de Monaco
    • Admire the Superyachts at Port Hercule
  • 6. How can I save money when visiting Monaco?

    How can I save money when visiting Monaco?

    The best way to save some cash while in Monaco is to go during the off-season. The hotel rooms are significantly cheaper outside of the summer months. While you’re there try to steer clear of going out in Monte Carlo— which is the most expensive district. Head to the local market, Le Marché de la Condamine, to get fresh fruit, bread, and olives for a picnic lunch rather than eating in a restaurant.

  • 7. What is the best beach in Monaco?

    Larvotto Beach is the most popular public beach in Monaco. It was newly renovated in 2021 so it’s ultra-clean. It has a great paved boardwalk and the beach itself is made from granular pebbles that are easier to wipe off than sand but are still comfortable to lay on.

  • 8. What's the difference between Monaco and Monte Carlo?

    What's the difference between Monaco and Monte Carlo?

    Monaco and Monte Carlo are often confused for being the same, but they are not. Monaco is the name of the country. Monte Carlo is a district within Monaco and the home to some of the most famous sites within Monaco. It’s definitely worth visiting Monte Carlo when in Monaco. Public transport, taxis, and tours makes it easy to get around and explore this beautiful area of the world.

  • 9. What language is spoken in Monaco?

    French is the official language of Monaco, but you will find that English is also commonly used in Monaco.

  • 10. What is the nightlife like in Monaco?

    Like everything in Monaco the nightlife is sophisticated and glamorous and comes with a pretty big price tag. They have everything from laid-back Jazz clubs, La Note Bleue was my favorite, to dance clubs like Jimmy’s where you’ll likely spot a celebrity or two— that is if you make it past the bouncer.