Casino Royale Filming Location: Which Casino in Prague Made the Cut?

Think Casino Royale and you probably imagine Monte Carlo or some glamorous spot dripping with tuxedos. Plot twist: the movie’s famous casino scenes were shot in Prague, not in the French Riviera. Crazy, right? The makers of Casino Royale chose Prague for its historic vibe and lower filming costs, but most people never notice the difference.

Instead of flying to Monaco, Daniel Craig did his high-stakes gambling at a fancy spot in the Czech capital. If you’re a Bond fan, or just want to walk through movie history, Prague should shot up your bucket list.

• Casino Royale’s Surprising Setting
• Which Prague Casino Starred in the Film?
• What Filming Was Really Like
• Can You Visit the Actual Casino?
• Tips for Visiting Prague’s Casino Scene

Casino Royale’s Surprising Setting

Most people instantly link the movie Casino Royale with the glitzy casinos of Monte Carlo, but that’s not what you really see on screen. Instead, the legendary gambling scenes were brought to life in the Czech Republic. The film crew set up shop in Prague and surrounding areas, swapping out the French Riviera for more affordable and flexible locations. Not many viewers pick up on this, but it’s a fun fact for anyone who loves digging into behind-the-scenes details.

The main shots showing the lavish casino exterior? Those aren’t even casinos at all. The outside of the “Casino Royale, Montenegro” is actually the Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, a historic spa town about two hours from Prague. Daniel Craig’s poker face showdown? Filmed inside the same hotel’s ballroom and at Barrandov Studios in Prague, where sets were custom-built to look like a casino straight out of a spy novel.

Why skip the real Monte Carlo? A big part of it was cost and logistics. Prague has a bunch of well-preserved buildings that echo that old-world, elegant casino feel, and local filming rules made life way easier for the crew. For Hollywood on a budget, Prague is a gold mine. The city has become a go-to spot for filming big productions wanting that classy European look without the price tag of France or Italy.

Check this quick comparison for a little perspective:

Nothing on screen is really as it seems, and Prague basically doubled for half of Bond’s world without most viewers ever catching on. If you ever wondered why Prague often pops up in credits for Hollywood movies, Casino Royale is a perfect example of how these filmmaking tricks work.

Which Prague Casino Starred in the Film?

The big question: where did they actually film those legendary casino scenes in Casino Royale? The answer isn’t some secret. Most of the glamorous gambling action was shot at the Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, a spa town about two hours from Prague. But the plot thickens—some scenes were also filmed inside the Czech capital. The real Prague casino moment comes from the Casino at the Czech National House (Obecní dům) and a few interiors using the luxurious Baronial Hall at Strahov Monastery right in Prague.

Why not use Monaco or Montenegro, like in the story? Simple: budget and flexibility. Prague and Karlovy Vary could be dressed up just right, plus the film crew had more freedom to pull off complicated shots there. Also, the city’s mix of old-school architecture and sleek style worked perfectly for Bond’s world.

If you’re hoping to see where Bond went all-in, here’s a quick breakdown:

• Grandhotel Pupp (Karlovy Vary): Main exterior and some interior casino scenes.
• Czech National House, Prague: Interior shots for casino floor scenes.
• Strahov Monastery, Prague: The Baronial Hall played a supporting role for high-stakes moments.

Just for fun, check this table for what the locations doubled as in the movie:

It’s wild to think you can actually visit these spots. For a Bond fan or anyone checking out ‘casino in Prague’ options, you’ll find that the real deal isn’t just on screen—it’s right in the middle of Czech history.

What Filming Was Really Like

The whole process of filming Casino Royale in Prague was a mix of hustle, secrecy, and a lot of coffee breaks. The main casino scenes were shot at the beautiful Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, not technically inside Prague city but close—about two hours out. But here’s the twist: Many of the fancy interior shots were built as special sets at Barrandov Studios right in Prague. The production team used these custom-built rooms to control lighting and fit in big equipment for those dramatic poker scenes.

Barrandov Studios is basically the Hollywood of Central Europe. The crew spent weeks recreating a luxury casino look from the ground up. Every detail was thought through—from the shininess of the poker chips to that iconic green felt. Daniel Craig and the rest of the cast had to learn proper poker skills before rolling cameras, so no one would mess up the vibe. Czech locals were cast as extras, dressed up in tuxes and evening gowns. They had no idea if they’d get lucky and land in a close-up next to 007.

Security was tight since the movie was so top-secret; production swore everyone to silence, right down to the waiters bringing lunch. Rumor has it Daniel Craig did a lot of his own stunts on set, like slamming that Aston Martin (well, a movie prop) for those crazy action shots outside the "casino."

If you’re curious about the numbers, shooting just the main gambling scenes took over two weeks and more than 200 cast and crew on set each day. Here’s a quick look at some behind-the-scenes stats:

So, the next time you watch Bond play that brutal game of poker, just remember—those chips are stacked in Prague, not Montenegro or Monaco. That behind-the-scenes effort is what made those Casino Royale scenes look so slick and real.

Can You Visit the Actual Casino?

Alright, so here’s what every Bond fan wants to know: can you really stroll into the same Casino Royale filming spot in Prague and play some cards? Well, sort of. The main casino scenes, including the intense poker face-offs between James Bond and Le Chiffre, were shot inside the gorgeous Grandhotel Pupp—except, not in Prague. This iconic hotel and casino is actually in Karlovy Vary, which is about two hours outside Prague. For a lot of movie viewers, it looks and feels like it’s the heart of Prague, thanks to some clever camera work and extra Prague exterior shots.

If you visit Grandhotel Pupp, you’ll recognize the lavish wood paneling and old-school charm from the movie. It still feels just as fancy in real life. The casino there (called Casino Pupp) is open to the public, so you don’t need to be a VIP or wear a tux—though nobody’s stopping you if you want that Casino Royale vibe. Just check the casino’s opening hours before you go.

• Location: Grandhotel Pupp, Karlovy Vary (about 120 km from Prague)
• Casino Hours: Usually from 7:00 PM until very late
• Entry Requirements: Must be over 18, bring photo ID
• Dress Code: Casual to smart casual—no Bond-level strictness

If you’re sticking to the city, Prague’s own casinos look just as glamorous on the inside, but none were the main Casino Royale filming location. Still, visiting places like Casino Atrium or Rebuy Stars offers the classic European casino feeling, but with their own unique local twist.

If you’re a real movie buff, it’s worth the trip to Karlovy Vary. You’ll get more than just a casino—there are film set tours, plus the chance to sip a cocktail in the same hotel bars shown in the movie. Just don’t expect to see Daniel Craig at the roulette wheel.

Tips for Visiting Prague’s Casino Scene

If you want to walk in James Bond’s shoes and hit the city’s classic gaming halls, Prague has some straight-up practical rules you need to know before stepping up to the tables. First off, most high-end casinos like Casino Atrium Hilton (used in Casino Royale) require guests to show valid ID. Doesn’t matter if you’re a big spender—no passport or government-issued ID, no entry. Dress codes are also a thing. If you rock up in shorts and sneakers, expect a raised eyebrow or even a straight-up “no.” A collared shirt and decent pants go a long way.

While Czech casinos aren’t as massive as those in Las Vegas, they are open late, and many never close. Table games usually stick to the classics: roulette, blackjack, and poker. On weekends, things get busier after 10 pm, so if you want a quieter game, visit earlier in the evening or midweek.

Don’t forget, the currency is Czech koruna (CZK) instead of euros. Most places take cards, but some games and slot machines are cash-only. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for casino goers:

• Bring a valid photo ID or passport.
• Dress smart casual—leave the sportswear at the hotel.
• Cash is handy, especially for slots and buying chips.
• Learn basic phrases: “Prosím” (please); “Děkuji” (thank you); “Kolik to stojí?” (How much does it cost?).
• Respect local gaming etiquette—don’t snap photos at the tables.

Wondering how much you might spend or win? Here’s what the average casino-goer usually drops in a night, just to give you a reality check:

If you really want the Casino Royale feeling, check out the Atrium Hilton’s main room—it still has that “movie set” feel, and you can usually get a drink just like Bond. Just don’t expect to win an Aston Martin, but hey, you’ll have bragging rights.