Las Vegas has the glitz, Macau is the glittering upstart, but Monte Carlo retains the class, the sex appeal, the epic ballerness - albeit baller in a tuxedo and cigars type of way, rather than throwing £50 notes off a yacht. Since its opening in 1863, Casino de Monte-Carlo has become established as the most famous gambling house in the world, the one place where our fantasies and reality merge for a few glorious hours at the tables. For more information, visit the official website.James Bond played on its table, Tony Stark drank at its bar. The casino officially opens for gaming at 2 p.m., but it's also available to tour between 10 a.m. After that, it is up to you as to how much money you want to lose – well, spend – at game tables.

To get in, you must be 18 or older, show your passport to identify yourself (drivers licenses are not accepted) and pay an entry fee of 18 euros (about $19). The casino expects visitors to wear 'smart attire.' In other words, shorts, bermudas, jeans with holes, sportswear, running shoes, flip-flops and sandals for men, beachwear and sleeveless shirts are not considered acceptable. You'll find the dress code on the casino's website. Some travelers did note the casino was on the small side, compared to the sprawling casinos of Las Vegas. Recent visitors said the casino is a must-see when you're in Monaco, citing its grand decor, variety of gaming options and plentiful people-watching as prime reasons you'll enjoy your visit. If this complex looks familiar, it's because you may have seen it before in the James Bond films, 'Never Say Never Again' and 'Goldeneye.' It was also the inspiration for the casino in Ian Fleming's first Bond book, 'Casino Royale.'

Unsurprisingly, this grand casino also facilitates the country's opera.

Kitty-corner to the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo and in the heart of Monte Carlo, the building's beaux-arts design was overseen by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris opera. Perhaps the attraction that best exemplifies Monaco's DNA is its casino.

Monte carlo casino game token