What to wear to the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco
Monaco is home to one of the most famous casinos in the world: The Monte Carlo Casino. This casino was made famous long before the James Bond movie, Casino Royal was filmed here. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit this exclusive casino. Before I visited the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco I was googling what to wear to the casino in Monaco, and how I should dress at the famous Monte Carlo Casino.
Today, I’m going to share with you my experience attending the casino, what the official and what the unofficial dress code is for the casino, what to wear inside the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco, and finally advice for first time visitors.
My experience going to the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco
Given that this was my first time in Monaco, the number one thing I wanted to do was visit the Monte Carlo Casino. This world renowned casino literally built the city of Monaco. Walking up to the casino, I knew we arrived at the right place. Everywhere I turned, there were men in fancy suits, women dressed to the T and those fancy cars you only see in the movies. Ahh, so this is Monaco? I would stay forever… if it wasn’t so expensive.
Before entering the Monte Carlo casino, security checked your temperature and a mask was required to be worn at all times. I appreciate the precautions they are taking to ensure the safety of the guests during COVID-19.
UPDATE* As of Nov 2022, they are no longer requiring masks in the Monte Carlo Casino nor temperatures being checked.
When I walked into the entrance way, I was blown away by how beautiful everything was. The ceiling, the lounge area, even the main hall was decked to the nines. Everything about the Monte Carlo Casino screamed luxury. As they say, Monaco is the ultimate playground for the rich. Personally, I was hoping to win enough money at the casino to leave in a Lamborghini or even with a new Hermes Birkin bag, of course that didn’t happen, but a girl can dream.
It is free to see the main hall, and to have a drink in the lounge (this was closed when I went), but in order to enter the casino you have to pay a 17 Euro fee. Make sure you pack your ID card because you need this to enter.
I imagine since Covid 19, things at the Monte Carlo Casino have changed a bit. There is a maximum number of people that can be at a table at any given time, social distancing is enforced, masks must be worn at all times, and you can only have a drink if you sit at a table (no more ordering at the bar). Gone are the days where you can gather around a roulette wheel and party. Today, the Monte Carlo Casino felt more like online gambling than in person gambling. Online machines were set up so you could watch the roulette wheel from a distance and bet without ever approaching the table.
Needless to say, I was disappointed. I understand that precautions need to be taken because of Covid 19, but was it worth the 17 Euro cover charge? That is debatable.
What to wear to a casino in Monaco / What to wear to the Monte Carlo Casino
As I mentioned before, this was my first time attending the famous Monte Carlo Casino and I had no idea what to wear. Normally I turn to google to find out how to dress, but to be honest, the articles were limiting. This time, I turned to Instagram to find out how people were dressing at the Casino in Monaco.
When I was approaching the window to pay my 17 euros to enter, I saw them turn away a guy because he had tennis shoes on. The lady at the window didn’t know they were Louboutin sneakers, they weren’t dress shoes and he was turned away. Bear in mind, those Louboutin kicks probably cost a cool $1200. She didn’t care. This begs the question, what to wear to the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco?
While the website states “wearing of a jacket and tie” is mandatory, there isn’t a strict dress code for women. For me, I decided to wear a short black dress with gold Louboutin heels. A little black dress is always a safe bet when you aren’t 100% sure what to wear. When I looked around the casino, many of the ladies were dressed in either short or long dresses as well.
What is the Monte Carlo Casino Official Dress Code?
You may be wondering what exactly is the Monte Carlo dress code? According to the Monte Carlo Casino website, there is no official dress code for the casino, but “proper attire” is required. However, if you aren’t in fancy attire, you might get turned away. I will share a little secret with you that I picked up while visiting the Monte Carlo Casino.
The unofficial dress code for women at the Monte Carlo casino in Monaco is evening wear. The women were wearing dresses or a nice skirt and top. Almost everyone was in heels and carried a nice clutch. There was no color that was off limits at the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. Men were all wearing a suit or slacks with a jacket and tie, and nice shoes (no tennis shoes). In short, if you are a female, I would highly recommend you wear a dress or a skirt and a nice top when going to the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco.
I'd love to hear what you wore to Monaco at the Monte Carlo casino if you've been!
Advice for visiting the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco
Here is some valuable advice if you are a first timer attending the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco.
- Bring your ID Card, you won’t be allowed in without your ID Card or Passport
- Expect to pay an entrance fee of 17 Euros, (7 Euros to enter and 10 Euros for a credit at the bar, gambling, or the restaurant)
- You must wear your Mask at all times except when drinking your drink
- Don’t take photos inside of other people or they will ask you to delete your photos (then they will ask you to delete your deleted photos)
- When you are gambling expect space in between each player and sometimes even a plexiglass divider
In short, things have definitely changed since COVID-19 hit, and I can appreciate the casino safety measures they put in place. If you are expecting big crowds and gambling like you see in James Bond, I don’t think this will happen until there is a vaccine for the virus. Nevertheless, this was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity and even with the high entrance fee, I’m glad I went!
I would love to hear about your experience visiting the Monte Carlo Casino and what you wore!
Sincerely Petite in Paris,
Diane
