Monaco
Cote d'Azur, France
The Riviera’s Never Never Land for the rich, offering bling, glamour, sights, high-roller casinos and entertainment galore.
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Monte Carlo Casino
Credit Shutterstock.com/54115341
Last updated: 28 May, 2023
Monaco, a playground of the rich and famous, is world-renowned for its casinos; they’re integral to life and culture here. Although we wouldn’t ever recommend gambling per se, a visit to Monaco would feel incomplete without at least stopping by to experience and people watch at the Casino de Monte Carlo.
Opened in 1863, the world’s most famous and prestigious casino oozes glamour, history, and surprisingly for a casino, class. The setting is ornate and grand, the (uber-wealthy) clientele wear tuxedos and cocktail dresses, gentle applause replaces whooping and hollering. James Bond visited twice – once in Never Say Never Again and again in GoldenEye.
Between 10am and 12.15pm you can buy a ticket to visit the legendary gaming rooms with an audio guide. After 2pm, anyone in proper attire with photo ID aged 18 and over can enter the three main gaming rooms for a fee; or play the slot machines for free in the Salle Renaissance. VIP big spenders and their guests are welcome to lose their shirts in the exclusive Salles Prives.
Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Avoid the busiest times: Cannes Film Festival, the Monte Carlo Gran Prix, weekend evenings, especially in summer. Be sure to follow the dress code: dressy Bermuda shorts, t-shirts and sports shoes are allowed in the public rooms – sweatshirts, torn jeans, trainers, beach wear, men’s sandals and flipflops, a definite no.
When to do it
The casino is open all year round, seven days a week, from 2pm to 4am.
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