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17 Top Monaco Packing List Items for 2023 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Updated on January 12, 2023

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 you want to be fully prepared and packed for. It has 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 for 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 destinations.

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What to Pack for Monaco – 17 Essentials

1. Plug Adaptor
This is one that often gets overlooked, 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.

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2. Carry on - Garment Bag
For better or for worse, Monaco is a place where appearance matter. 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.

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3. Packing Cubes
One of the best packing hacks is to use packing cubes. They make your life so much easier and more organized while traveling. Especially when you’re going to Monaco, which demands a pretty extensive travel wardrobe to fit the dress codes. Packing cubes will keep everything organized, so you can spend less time digging around in your luggage and more time soaking up the views of the Mediterranean.

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4. 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.

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5. 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 on a hill with no shade, mid-day. All you have to do is dip the microfibre towel into water and you’ll have a cold towel for 30-60 minutes. My go-to is the Hero Cooling Towel because it has a lifetime replacement guarantee, can’t argue with that.

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6. Filter 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 happy.

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7. Quick Drying 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 plush it never fits in a bag. To avoid this altogether, use a quick-drying towel. Sitting out in the Mediterranean sunshine the Hero Quick Drying Towel can be dry in a matter of minutes. It’s made with a lighter material than a normal beach towel so it will fit nicely in your beach bag, leaving your hands free to take photos or grab an ice cream.

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8. Swimsuit Coverup
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.

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9. Neck Wallet
Unlike most of Europe, you need to provide ID at most establishments, namely the Monte Carlo Casino. Now, I know that carrying around your passport is not ideal since losing it would be a nightmare. However, using a neck wallet like the one pictured by Hero will put your mind at ease. It has passport-compatible pockets and you can wear it around your body so it can’t get lost or stolen.

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10. Blister Bandaids
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 while you’re there, 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 bandaids on hand will save you when midway between Port Hercule to the Princess Grace Gardens you start to feel pulsating pain of a blister starting.

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11. 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 pouring.
While the good news is that the rain normally doesn’t last, you definitely don’t want to get caught without an umbrella when it starts coming down. 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.

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12. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Monaco is home to some of the world’s wealthiest people. Unfortunately, this can attract the type of people who want to steal, and today this is often done online by hacking into networks to steal credit card information. While this isn’t a fun thought, it’s better to be safe than sorry. I always use a Virtual Private Network while I’m traveling to protect myself because public wifi (including your hotel’s wifi) is easier to hack than you might think.

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13. Portable Phone 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 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 Banoi Compact Portable charger because it’s powerful but not bulky.

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14. Jet Lag Relief Pills
There’s nothing like getting to your destination and wanting to do nothing but sleep, only to wake up at odd hours of the night. Jet lag can throw off your entire trip. To avoid this while traveling to Monaco make sure to pack Jet Lag Relief Pills. These Homeopathic all-natural pills will help your body fight fatigue and adjust to Monaco’s timezone asap.

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15. Travel Insurance
Unexpected things happen while traveling, that’s all part of the adventure. When you’re traveling abroad it’s important to make sure that you’re covered for everything, that’s why Travel Insurance is a must. I always get my coverage from TravelInsurance.com, it puts my mind at ease to know that if something comes up like lost luggage or canceled flights I don’t need to worry.

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16. 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.

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17. Travel Sized Dry Shampoo
Even if you’ve planned to get back to the hotel in time to shower before dinner, sometimes it just doesn’t happen. There’s so much to discover while traveling, especially in a place like Monaco time seems to fly. Having dry shampoo on hand will save you in moments like these. The travel-sized Living Proof dry shampoo is by far the best bang for your buck. It doesn’t leave your hair looking powdery and it has an amazing lemon scent that makes you feel like you actually took a shower.

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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

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 shall 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 euro’s 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?
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?
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?
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?
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.

What to Pack for Monaco – 17 Essentials

1. Plug Adaptor

2. Carry on - Garment Bag

3. Packing Cubes

4. Airborne

5. Cooling Towel

6. Filter Water Bottle

7. Quick Drying Towel

8. Swimsuit Coverup

9. Neck Wallet

10. Blister Bandaids

11. Windproof Travel Umbrella

12. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

13. Portable Phone Charger

14. Jet Lag Relief Pills

15. Travel Insurance

16. Hanging Toiletry bag

17. Travel Sized Dry Shampoo

Other Monaco Packing List Items Not to Forget

What to Wear in Monaco

Dressing for the Seasons

SPRING – March, April, May

SUMMER – June, July, August

FALL – September, October, November

WINTER – December, January, February

What NOT to Bring to Monaco

1.DON'T Bring a Car

2.DON’T Pack Super Casual Clothes

3.DON’T Bring Uncomfortable Shoes

4.DON’T Pack Heavy Winter Clothing

5.DON’T Bring USD/Other Currency

6.DON’T Bring a Need for Speed

FAQs about Monaco

1. What is the weather like in Monaco?

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

3. How can I get around Monaco?

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

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

6. How can I save money when visiting Monaco?

7. What is the best beach in Monaco?

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

9. What language is spoken in Monaco?

10. What is the nightlife like in Monaco?