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One of the first things that come to mind while thinking about Monaco is the Casino de Monte Carlo. Known from a wide range of movies, including several James Bond films, this iconic building in the center of Monaco is on every visitors list. It is just one of four casinos in Monaco, but for most people it is known as THE Casino. Just to be in the park or parking lot in front of it, is a very cool experience. The building itself and the amazing cars parked outside or passing by, almost gives you a feeling to be in a Bond movie. The grand belle epoque architecture of the casino building and its location on the hilltop with the Mediterranean as a backdrop, makes this the primary landmark in Monaco. The construction of the main building started in 1858 and lasted five years. The first gamblers were welcomed in 1863. The building has been expanded several times, adding the two towers and the concert hall towards the seafront. The concert hall was designed by French architect Charles Garnier who also designed the opera in Paris. It was later named Salle Garnier and are now home to the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. The casino is operated by the Société des bains de mer de Monaco, where the Monaco government and Prince Albert and his family are major shareholders. Earlier, the casino had a very strict age- and dresscode just to enter the building. A few years ago this changed a bit. During daytime it is now possible for everyone to enter the building and access the first main hall, the souvenir shop and the Cafe de la Rotonde - even in shorts and sneakers. You can have a look at the fantastic decor inside, the marble, gold and glassart makes the place ooze of old luxury. In the center of the main hall there is a huge roulette and some giant chips which are very popular by the younger generation to play with. If you try to reach the different gambling areas, a sign with all the restrictions reveal itself, overlooked by some strict by friendly guards. Behind these lines the dresscode applies. In our opinion a clever way to keep the tourists away from their important income source, the gamblers. If you are dressed appropriate however, you are welcome to gamble. That is, only if you are not a Monaco citizen. They are not allowed to gamble here for some reason. The importance of James Bond to the casino is reflected in the bar menu at Cafe de la Rotonde. A section of this is dedicated to some Bond drinks. You can of course have a vodka martini, shaken not stirred, but also the Vesper Casino Royal and a Mint Julep from Goldeneye. The atmosphere in the bar is amazing, again it´s like being in a movieset. So, even if you are not a gambler, we highly recommend a visit here and maybe a drink in the bar, expensive but worth it... And if you are wondering which Bond films were here, the answer is Goldeneye and Never Say Never Again (the remake of Thunderball with an older Sean Connery back as Bond)