The Casino de Monte-Carlo is the most recognisable building in Monaco and the reason the district around it exists. Designed by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera, the ornate Belle Époque complex sits above terraced gardens and the sea at the head of Casino Square, where Ferraris and Bentleys wait outside the Hôtel de Paris and the Café de Paris. You do not have to gamble to enjoy it. The atrium, with its onyx columns, gilded ceiling and boutique, is free and open to all ages from the morning. Visits to the gaming rooms are possible, but they come with conditions: the morning heritage visit runs from 10am to 1pm with last entry at 12:15 and takes in the historic rooms with a smartphone guide, while the gaming rooms proper open from 2pm and are for adults only. Entry to the rooms from 2pm carries a fee, partly returned as a credit for slot machines or the bar. Valid photo identification is required for the gaming rooms, and digital copies and photocopies are not accepted.
The dress code is real. In the gaming rooms from 2pm, shorts, sportswear, trainers, beachwear, vest tops and flip-flops are refused, and from 7pm T-shirts and sweatshirts are also not accepted. In the morning and in the open areas the code is relaxed, though you should still look presentable. If you want the full ceremony, wear smart clothes, bring your passport or EU identity card, and expect a moment of formality at the door. Allow a light budget even if you only want to look, as drinks and the restaurant carry a minimum spend.
A good plan for a non-gambler is to come between 10am and 1pm, walk through the atrium and the Salle Renaissance, take the guided heritage visit if you like architecture and history, then step outside to photograph the facade and the cars on Casino Square. The terraces behind the building look over the sea and are among the nicest quiet spots in Monte-Carlo. At night the square is lit and busy, and the Opera in the same complex, also by Garnier, hosts ballet and concerts.
For a first visit the casino is as much a piece of living history as a place to play. Opening hours, entry fees and access rules change, and the casino's own page is the place to confirm them. If you are travelling with children, plan the morning heritage visit or the atrium and keep the afternoon for the sea or the Exotic Garden, since the gaming rooms are adults only. The square itself sits only a short walk from the Hôtel de Paris, the Café de Paris and the Grand Prix hairpin.
What to expect
The experience
A free walk through the atrium, an optional morning heritage visit and, from 2pm, paid entry to the gaming rooms for adults with photo ID.
Best time
Morning from 10am for the heritage visit and the empty atrium; evening for the lit-up square.
How long
One to two hours for the atrium, the visit and the square.
Tips
Bring your passport or an EU identity card, wear smart casual for the afternoon rooms and keep the facade photo for the end of the visit.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers who want the Monte-Carlo icon without gambling, and couples looking for a glamorous evening.
- Families
- The atrium and the morning visit are fine for children; the gaming rooms are adults only.
- Couples
- Dress up, visit the rooms from the afternoon and finish with a drink on Casino Square.
- Pair with
- The Hôtel de Paris, the Café de Paris and the Grand Prix hairpin outside.
- Time needed
- Allow about an hour.
Good questions
Can I visit the Monte-Carlo Casino without gambling?+
Yes, the atrium is free and open to all ages, and the morning heritage visit lets you see the historic rooms without playing. Gaming rooms open from 2pm for adults.
What is the dress code?+
For the gaming rooms from 2pm, shorts, sportswear, trainers, beachwear and flip-flops are refused, and T-shirts and sweatshirts are not allowed after 7pm. Morning visits are more relaxed but should still look tidy.
Do I need ID?+
Yes, photo ID is required for the gaming rooms: a national identity card for EU nationals and a passport for others. Digital copies and photocopies are not accepted.
What age do you have to be?+
The gaming rooms are for adults aged 18 or over, while the atrium and the morning heritage visit have no age limit. Check the current terms before bringing teenagers.
Is there an entry fee?+
The atrium is free, and the morning heritage visit and the afternoon gaming-room entry are paid, in general terms around twenty euros each at the time of checking. Part of the gaming-room fee can be spent on slots or at the bar.
