Some destinations just have a history, aura, and level of prestige that make them stand out from the crowd. Monte Carlo certainly falls into that category. This luxurious resort destination, located in Monaco, has long been favoured by the rich and famous, yet, despite its reputation, the city remains accessible to everyday people.
And that’s also true of one of the city’s crown jewel, the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino. Opened in 1865, this magnificent building has been featured in a number of movies, including Goldeneye, Never Say Never Again, and Ocean’s Twelve.
If you’re planning a trip to Monaco, then the tips we’ve outlined below will help ensure you can get the most from your time at the Monte Carlo Casino.
You Can — And Should — Take a Tour
Monte Carlo Casino is a fully functioning casino, but it has more to offer than all those classic casino games. The building is home to loads of history, so it’s well worth setting aside some time to discover its secrets. The casino doesn’t open until 2 pm, but you can access the building before then to take a tour — and we highly recommend that you do. Priced at €19, the audio guided tour will provide a thorough insight into one of Europe’s most famous buildings.
There’s a Strict Dress Code
One of the advantages of playing at an online casino is that you can wear whatever you want. Alas, that’s not the case at the Monte Carlo Casino. If you want to place a wager, then you’ll need to look the part. You’re allowed to enter the casino in casual wear in the morning (that is, before the casino games start at 2 pm), but once the casino is in full swing, you’ll have to wear smart (or smart casual) clothing. T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, and shorts are not allowed.
The Casino’s Games Are Same, Same, But Different
At first glance, the games at Monte Carlo Casino can appear to be the same as what you’ll find in North American casinos, only in an opulent environment. However, there are some key differences that visitors from Canada should be aware of. European Roulette, which is what you’ll find at the Monte Carlo Casino, is different to American Roulette. If you’re used to playing roulette online, then you’ll likely be familiar with the differences, since most leading online casinos offer both versions of the game. If you’re unfamiliar with the differences and plan to play roulette during your trip, then play a couple of games online before you visit or, if that’s not possible, ask the croupier to explain.
Bring Your Appetite
As you might expect from an establishment that routinely welcomes the rich and famous, the Monte Carlo Casino has a couple of exceptional restaurants that are well worth visiting while you’re in town. Salon Rose is a converted literary salon that’ll transport you back to the glory days of old while you enjoy a delicious meal. Train Bleu is an award-winning eatery that specializes in seafood, seasonal vegetables, and Italian cuisine.
If You Can, Stay At The Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo
First of all, we understand that not everyone will have the budget to spend a night at the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Depending on the time of year you’re visiting and the type of room you select, it could cost more than $1500 per night. However, it’s also possible to find much lower rates — for instance, by staying during the low season or during the week.
And if you can swing it, then we recommend that you do so. Not only is the hotel conveniently located opposite the Monte Carlo Casino, but it’s also a historic establishment in its own right. The hotel opened its doors way back in 1864 and is still as magnificent as ever. Visiting the casino, enjoying a meal at Train Bleu, and then walking to your room at the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo is about as magical as evenings in Monte Carlo get.
