One Week in Monaco

What You Should Know Before Going On A Monaco Tour

What should I pack for Monaco?

The first thing we always recommend bringing on any trip is a good pair of walking shoes. Especially in a place like Monaco, where most people get around by foot, the last thing you want is uncomfortable shoes. Monaco is a bit more upscale than most of Europe, so bringing clothes on the dressier side is recommended, especially in the evening.

Some places such as the casino and fancier dining have dress codes, so if you’re looking at going someone in particular, check in before and see what their requirements are. Monaco is known for dressing “smart,” so if you want to fit in, be mindful of what you wear.

In the warmer months, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended to protect your body from the hot sun. If you plan on going to the beach, consider a cheap pair of flip flops or water shoes that can protect your feet from the pebble beach.

Locals in Monaco

Even though Monaco seems extremely small, people are surprised that the population hovers right below 40,000 as of April 2019. Less than 20% of those hold Monaco passports, or are Monégasque. Most of the population is international, with many of the population coming from France and Italy. You won’t find the Monégasque hanging out at the Casino, because they are barred from gambling.

Monaco makes their money from the casino profits and from tourism, which is how people living in Monaco live a tax-free life. This is why many one-percenters move to Monaco, for the tax benefits. Locals are friendly, and you’ll see many people out with their dogs or on their run.

Weather in Monaco

There really is no bad time to visit Monaco, as the weather is spectacular year round. In the winter, the highs may dip to mid to upper 50’s, and in the warmer months (Peak weather is July and August), you can expect averages around 80 degrees. There aren’t many rainy days in Monaco either.

You can expect 6 days of rain averagely in the late fall (October and November), but that’s the highest rain fall for the year. If you’re hoping to enjoy a nice swim in the Mediterranean, the best time to visit is August, when the sea has had time to warm up. The water temperature should be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the late summer.

When to Visit Monaco

Monaco has some pretty thrilling events, and with a place as glamorous as Monaco, you know it’s going to be a good time. Here are some noteworthy times to visit, if you want to experience some extravagant events.

• The Monaco Grand Prix runs in late May.
• The Monaco Yacht show takes place every September.
• The Monte Carlo Opera runs from late October through February each year.
• The Monaco Jazz Festival runs during late November.
• Monaco’s National Festival also happens over a weekend in late November. Celebrate the city-state and the royal family with plenty of shows and fireworks.

Other Tips for Monaco Travel:

• Monaco uses EURO currency.
• If you’re a car fan, a good time to visit is at the end of May, when the Monaco Grand Prix is happening. This brings a lot of tourist, but is an exciting time to be in Monaco! There’s a lot of exciting nightlife, and huge yachts dock at the port, and throw parties.
• There is no visa needed for those who have visa-free travel to the EU. Since Monaco is part of the Schengen region, once you’re already in the Schengen zone, there is no further passport control, including the French/Monaco border.