Las Vegas was little more than a patch of sand when the Monte Carlo Casino spun its first roulette wheel. Opened by the principality’s Prince Charles III in 1863, a visit to this marble and gold gambling mecca is a Monaco must-do. Step into a world of super high stakes and eye-wateringly expensive luxury that have made Monte Carlo a magnet for the rich and famous.

Monaco may be one of the smallest states in Europe, but its palace packs in plenty. Built in the 12th century, the official residence of the Prince of Monaco is full of lavishly decorated drawing rooms, artworks and antique furnishings. There’s also a museum dedicated to Prince Rainier’s huge collection of classic cars, and zoological gardens complete with exotic birds, primates and hippopotamus.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception – to give it its full name – is a Romanesque Revival church, built over the ruins of a 13th century parish. Inside, you’ll find the flower-draped graves of Prince Rainier and his Hollywood icon wife, Grace Kelly, who after marriage, became Princess Grace.

Celeb magnet Monaco is a marvellous mélange of millionaire yachts, designer boutiques and fine dining restaurants – not to mention its world-famous casino. Take a trip to the holiday haunt of the rich and famous, and you can marvel at the marina, mingle with the international jet set, or settle in to watch the glamorous crowd from one of the pavement-side cafés.

The stay of choice for the who’s who in high society, the Hotel de Paris has been welcoming well-heeled guests since 1864. Sitting side-by-side with the Monte Carlo Casino, this belle époque beauty boasts 5-star luxury on every level.

Every year, the megastars of motor racing meet in Monaco to take on the most famous Formula 1 course in the world. The tight twists and turns of the Monaco Grand Prix make it one of the most thrilling spectacles in motorsport. Legends like Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher and Jackie Stewart have all wheel-spinned their way to glory here, and it’s an annual pilgrimage for petrolheads.

Café de Paris is a Monaco institution. For over 150-years, this elegant art nouveau brasserie has served the very best French and Monégasque cuisine. Watch the well-to-do walk by as you sit on the street-side terrace and order from a menu of top quality gastronomic delights. Expect 5-star service, but at wallet-withering prices.

The Exotic Garden of Monaco is a maze of towering cacti and leafy succulents. In fact, it’s the largest collection of its kind, anywhere in the world. Opened in 1933 by Monaco’s royal Prince Albert I, it’s one of the municipality’s top attractions. Admission also includes entry to the Observatory Cave – an incredible subterranean cavern that contains evidence of prehistoric human civilization.

Fancy cars, chic casinos and mega yachts are what visitors can expect to see in Monaco – the billionaire’s playground on the French Rivier. Only half an hour away from Nice, Monaco is a worthwhile stop to add to holiday itineraries. The Casino de Monte Carlo is one of the main attractions which is open for visitors to get a glimpse of its glamour.

Soak up the glamour of Monaco’s most famous district, Monte Carlo. Only half an hour away from Nice, the chic city is well-worth adding to your holiday itinerary on the French Riviera. While spotting a celebrity might not be on the cards, visitors can stroll past prestigious hotels – Hotel de Paris and Hermitage – and high-end jewellery shops at the Carré d’Or.