Casino Square (Place du Casino)
The Basics
The Monte Carlo Casino and the adjacent Casino Square date back to 1858, and both have only gained in luster since. The casino remains the area’s uncontested highlight (given its associations with the international jet set, high-stakes games, and James Bond–worthy exploits), though the nearby Hôtel de Paris and the elegant Café de Paris are also major attractions. Crowned with a patch of greenery and a tranquil fountain, the square is also surrounded by buzzing restaurants, cafés, and high-end shops.
Casino Square is a key component of numerous Monaco tours, ranging from nighttime excursions and private driving tours to day trips from Nice and other French Riviera destinations.
Things to Know Before You Go
The buildings that line Casino Square are renowned for their beaux arts design, and architect Charles Garnier (who designed Paris’ Opéra Garnier) also contributed to the casino’s look.
Casino Square is located just a short distance from Monaco’s famed Formula One circuit.
Monte Carlo Casino is also host to a performance space, the sumptuous Salle Garnier, which regularly attracts A-list, international acts.
How to Get There
Casino Square is conveniently located just a 15-minute stroll away from Monaco’s train station. Alternatively, it can be reached by car or by bike.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Monaco’s Casino Square is typically bathed in sun by day and luminous by night, so there’s never a bad time to visit. During the Monaco Grand Prix, held annually at the end of May, the area is particularly busy, though the thrills are unmissable for Formula One fans.
Visiting the Casino
You don’t need to dress up in your finest evening wear to explore the Monte Carlo Casino. The landmark welcomes regular visitors between 10am and 1pm daily (with last entry at 12:15pm); audio guides are included with the entry fee. Note that access doesn’t extend to Monaco’s citizens and residents, who are banned from gambling and prohibited from even stepping foot inside a casino.
- Things to do in Monte-Carlo
- Things to do in Monaco-Ville
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- Things to do in Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
- Things to do in Toulon
- Things to do in Genoa
- Things to do in French Riviera
- Things to do in Piedmont & Liguria
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- Opera de Monte-Carlo
- Monte Carlo Casino (Casino de Monte-Carlo)
- Japanese Garden (Le Jardin Japonais)
- Hercules Port (Port d'Hercule)
- Old Town of Monaco
- Larvotto Beach
- Oceanographic Museum (Musee Oceanographique)
- Prince's Palace (Palais Princier de Monaco)
- Cathédrale de Monaco (Monaco Cathedral)
- Monaco Naval Museum (Musée Naval de Monaco)
- Fontvieille Park and Princess Grace Rose Garden
- Monaco Top Cars Collection (Exhibition of HSH The Prince of Monaco's Vintage Car Collection)
- Exotic Garden of Monaco (Jardin Exotique de Monaco)
- Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II)
- Ventimiglia