Venice Casino

Indulge your James Bond fantasies
Word to the wise: Dress smart and carry I.D. at all times. A free shuttle operates every ten minutes from Piazzale Roma.

Talk of the town: This is the world's oldest casino, and one of only six in the whole of Italy.
In a city as glamorous as Venice, it's not surprising to find a well-established gambling scene. If you fancy a flutter yourself, be sure not to end up at the American-style casino out near Marco Polo Airport. The real deal can be found at the 'Casino di Venezia' in the Palazzo Vendramin Calergi on the Grand Canal. Hordes of young, perma-tanned sophisticates motor up by traghetti in their sports jackets to splash their Euros.

There's a whole floor dedicated to slot machines, but the classier clientele can be found huddled around the roulette wheels and craps tables. The building also houses cultural events such as exhibitions, concerts and art shows, as well as the Wagner Museum (it was the composer's former home).

By day, the atmosphere is sedate; come the evening, however, and the Euro playboys emerge from the shadows to party hard over martinis, cigars and poker chips. A free shuttle operates every ten minutes from Piazzale Roma.

Age limit: 18