Casino de Monte-Carlo
The Casino de Monte-Carlo opens with an atrium of marble and 28 Ionic columns before you've placed a single chip. That entrance alone — cool stone, the faint click of heels, light filtering through the Belle Époque glass — tells you this building was designed to impress before the gambling even began.
On Place du Casino, supercars idle on the forecourt and the Salle Garnier opera house curves away on the seaward side. The building rewards slow looking: each room has its own character, from the gilded excess of the gaming salons to the boudoir ceiling of Salon Rose, where a cherub presents its backside to the room from every angle.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who come back tend to arrive at 10am for the cultural visit — quieter, cheaper at €19, and you get the rooms to yourself before the afternoon crowd. The audio guide earns its keep in the Salle des Amériques. Save the terrace of Le Salon Rose for the end, when the Mediterranean sits just below the balustrade.
The story behind Casino de Monte-Carlo
The first casino on this site opened in 1863, designed by Parisian architect Gobineau de la Bretonnerie, after entrepreneur François Blanc took over Monaco's gambling concession and formed the Société des Bains de Mer with 15 million francs of capital. Three years later, on 1 June 1866, Prince Charles III decreed the surrounding plateau would be named Monte Carlo.
The building you see today is largely the work of Charles Garnier — architect of the Paris Opéra — who was commissioned in 1878 by Marie Blanc, François's widow, to expand and redesign the casino. The Salle Garnier opera house was inaugurated on 25 January 1879. Garnier continued adding rooms into the 1880s, with Jules Touzet completing the projecting façade by 1890 and further salons following into the early twentieth century.
Good to know
From Monaco–Monte-Carlo station it's a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride. Morning entry (10am–1pm, last entry 12:15pm) costs €19 and allows trainers and casual dress. Afternoon gaming entry is €18 with a €10 voucher; dress code tightens considerably after 7pm. Bring a physical passport or EU ID — photocopies refused.
Where is Casino de Monte-Carlo?
More tickets & tours for Casino de Monte-Carlo
Book directly at the provider
What travellers say about Casino de Monte-Carlo
Pretty cool building in this beautiful city, not a gambling man. So we did not go in the casino but we drove by it multiple times and it was quite impressive. Amongst the rest of this downtown Metropolis in a small country, with all this money. Absolutely incredible. To know that you have to have a million dollars to open a bank account here. And that efficiency apartments cost €1.7 million, absolutely mind-blowing
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Iconic Monte Carlo Experience Visiting the Casino de Monte-Carlo was everything I had imagined and more. From the moment I walked through the grand entrance, it was clear why this casino has become a symbol of elegance and luxury. The admission process was straightforward, with identification checked on arrival, and the staff were professional, welcoming, and happy to help first-time visitors. The interior is absolutely breathtaking. The ornate ceilings, marble columns, crystal chandeliers, and beautifully decorated gaming rooms create an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and steeped in history. It feels less like entering a casino and more like stepping into a magnificent palace. I spent some time trying my luck on the roulette tables before moving on to a few of the slot machines. Whether you're an experienced player or simply looking to enjoy the experience, there is something for everyone. The gaming rooms are well organised, the tables are professionally run, and the atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between excitement and refinement. Even if gambling isn't your main interest, the Casino de Monte-Carlo is worth visiting for its remarkable architecture and unique atmosphere alone. Walking through the elegant salons and taking in the surroundings is an experience in itself. This is far more than just a casino—it's one of Monaco's most iconic landmarks. If you're visiting the Principality, I would highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. It was an unforgettable experience and one I'll remember for a long time.
One of the most iconic and beautiful casinos in the world. Entry requires a hard copy passport, not a photo, which makes the experience feel more exclusive. There is also a souvenir shop inside, adding to the overall visit. A truly unique and memorable place
At first, I thought this building was just a casino, but it turns out it has a magnificent interior, several famous brand stores, and even a cafe. It's definitely worth a visit while you're in Monaco.
When in Monaco, this place is a must visit. You can actually go inside the Casino, but do remember to carry your passport, as it’s a must to get inside the casino. Take a strand inside the casino, otherwise just stand outside the casino’s main gate to enjoy the views of fancy cars.
More of Monaco
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Monaco →More attractions in Monaco
All of Monaco →
Background adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · ratings & place photos via Google · other photos with per-image credit. Ticket links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.