You don’t need us to tell you what an incredible tourist destination Venice is. Millions of people visit the city each year, and it’s not hard to see why. There aren’t too many places on the planet where you can cruise along canals on a gondola, view outstanding architecture, and see some of Europe’s best art galleries all in a single afternoon.
It’s the gift that keeps on giving, which is why many people decide to visit multiple times. There’s simply too much to see in a single trip. If you’ve tackled all of the city’s major attractions, then consider paying a visit to Casinò di Venezia, the Venice Casino, which might just be the most charming casino in the world. Here’s what you need to know about it.
Why Should You Visit the Venice Casino?
There are two reasons why the Venice Casino is a must-visit. The first is that it’s simply gorgeous. Housed in the Venetian Palace, this casino offers a level of elegance and sophistication that is virtually unrivaled across the planet. The big casinos of Las Vegas may be swanky, but they’ll never match the opulence of the Venice Casino.
And the second reason is that this place has the distinction of being the oldest casino that’s still in operation. People have been gaming here since it opened its doors way back in 1638, making it just fourteen years shy of its 400th birthday. Now that’s impressive.
There’s A Dress Code And Entry Fee
We’ve already made it clear that the Venice Casino is a swanky place, so don’t expect to roll in wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops. You’re not expected to be dressed like James Bond, but you should be at least slightly dressed up. Think along the lines of ‘going to dinner at a nice place with your family,’ and you’ll fit right in.
You’ll also need to fork out €50 to get in, though that does include €20 in tokens, a drink, parking, and cloakroom. Keep your eye out for leaflets offering free entry to the casino; they’re not everywhere, but you can occasionally find them.
You Should Be Ready to Play
As the €50 entry suggests, the Venice Casino is a serious place. Unlike Las Vegas, which takes an ‘everyone is welcome’ approach, the Venice Casino is more exclusive. As such, visitors are expected to know how to play their intended game. Except for games like roulette and blackjack, this isn’t a place to learn the ropes! You’ll find all the major casino games present here, including poker. Travelers should brush up on their Texas Hold’em skills by playing online before they visit the Venice Casino to ensure they can hold their own. Other games available include Caribbean Stud Poker, Punto Banco, and slot machines.
You Can Get There In a Fun Way
You’ll enter and leave the Venice Casino using the water shuttles, which is about the most enchanting way to access a sophisticated casino. They depart (and arrive) at multiple stops through Venice, including Murano and San Marco. This shuttle is free, and there’s no prior reservation required. Simply turn up and you can board the next one that comes along. If you’re planning on taking the shuttle back once you’ve finished, be sure to ask when the last one will depart, since times can vary depending on the day.
Early Evening Offers the Best Experience
The Venice Casino is open all days except for the 24th and 25th of December. For the best experience, it’s recommended to visit early in the evening, just as the table games are getting underway. That’s when you’ll find the fewest people, and you’ll also have terrific views of twilight-hour Venice. Plus, once you’re finished in the casino, you’ll be able to walk straight into the best restaurants that the city has to offer since everyone will have finished eating and will be on their way to the casino!
Featured image: source
Contributing author to Weird Italy, , a site focused on exploring the distinctive and unconventional facets of Italian culture, history, and modern life.