Built on an arid plateau where citrus trees once prospered, the Casino de Monte-Carlo is the ornate Belle Époque marvel that put the principality on the map for Europe's high rollers when it first opened in the 1860s. Yet this gilded address is so much more than a spot for a flutter – in fact, it's one of the region's architectural treasures.
More Than a Gambling Den
In the morning, you can ogle the ornate marble and gold-leaf-clad salons privés without risking a cent on a self-guided tour through the gaming rooms. Take your time and admire the intricate styling of each of the 10 rooms you pass. An audio guide, included in the entrance fee, weaves in history and entertaining anecdotes while pointing out the incredible decorative detail. Even the fittings and fixtures are works of art.
In Salle Europe, the oldest gaming room, roulette wheels spin underneath eight dazzling Bohemian crystal chandeliers, weighing 150kg each. Salle Blanche, a private den, sparkles with mosaic detailing and caryatids. The Empire-style Salle Médecin, where the casino's original high rollers played away from prying eyes, is also a silver-screen star, with two Bond movies, Golden Eye and Never Say Never Again, shot here.
Fancy Flutter
Fun fact: Monaco nationals are not allowed to gamble. For all other nationalities, you must be at least 18 years and have a photo ID to enter the gaming rooms after 2pm. There's a strict dress code: think smart attire rather than shorts, sportswear and flip-flops.
