Monopoly

For the Southern Italian town, see Monopoli.

Monopoly is an economic simulation board game with its origins in the early 20th century and nowadays played the world over. The standard version of the game consists of properties based on real-life locations. The most common version in North America is based on the streets of Atlantic City, New Jersey, while the most common version in Commonwealth countries except for Canada is based on the streets of London. Many other places also have their own local versions of the game that are sold alongside the American and/or British versions, and there are also special themed editions of the game (e.g. Star Wars).

Understand

A recreation of The Landlord's Game board based on the 1924 patent.

Monopoly is a popular board game with a significant element of luck. The original design was created during the Great Depression and leaned into the political theme that corporate monopolies harmed the average family business. Its designer, Charles Darrow, adapted an older, and more explicitly anti-monopolist, game called The Landlord's Game. He used street names and railroad companies from Atlantic City, a beach town reachable from his hometown on the Pennsylvania Railroad.

In 1935, Parker Brothers published Darrow's game, which became a runaway hit. Since then, more than a quarter billion copies have been sold. The game is sold in dozens of languages and more than 100 countries. Localized versions replace the original street names and dollar bills with the local currency and important streets and businesses in that area.

Destinations

Atlantic City

• 1 Mediterranean Avenue. One of the most boring properties in Monopoly, this street has few attractions. It is less than a mile long. (updated Jan 2022)
• 2 Baltic Avenue. The Atlantic City Expressway enters the city at this street, which includes a large outlet mall and is close to the convention center. The street turns into Madison Ave. from Ocean Beach Blvd. to the Boardwalk.  
• 1 Oriental Avenue (AC3 bus route). With a large, popular parking lot by the casinos at one end, and the ocean at the other, the biggest nighttime attractions might be the concert venue, Ovation Hall. (updated Jan 2022)
• 1 Reading Railroad. Named for Reading (pronounced like the color "red") in Pennsylvania, the best sights to see for this railroad are 60–120 miles northwest of Atlantic City. The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum is in the small town of Hamburg, just north of Reading. (updated Jan 2022)
• 2 Vermont Avenue. One of the more boring streets in town, with empty lots near the beach. At the far northern end, you'll be one block east of Fisherman's Park, where you can see some boats. (updated Oct 2022)
• 3 Connecticut Avenue. Connecticut Avenue turns into Ocean Beach Blvd as you head south. Up at the north end, where it's still called Connecticut Avenue, it's a residential area tucked in between Snug Harbor and Gardners Basin, just east of Fisherman's Park. (updated Oct 2022)
• 1 St Charles Place. One of the shortest streets in the city, St Charles Place is near the Oscar E. McClinton Waterfront Park, on the north end of town. (updated Jan 2022)
• 2 States Avenue. Only one block next to the Showboat Hotel, a former casino that now has a large arcade and sports bar. (updated Jan 2022)
• 3 Virginia Avenue. If you're driving into town, there's an exit from Abescon (Highway 30) onto Virginia. The street dead-ends in the Hard Rock Café. On the other side of the building, you'll find the Steel Pier amusement park. (updated Oct 2022)
• 1 St James Place. About a quarter-mile long, at the beach end of St James Place are Boardwalk Bathrooms, Ripley's Believe It or Not museum, and a pier. (updated Jan 2022)
• 2 Pennsylvania Railroad, 1 Atlantic City Expwy. The Pennsylvania Railroad operated several lines, and in 1906, one of them had a famous wreck in Atlantic City, on the last bridge before what's now the transit center at the convention center. If you want, you can take New Jersey Transit bus 551 to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from here (about two hours each way). (updated Oct 2022)
• 2 Tennessee Avenue. A short block over from St James Place, if you go a little inland to Pacific Avenue, you can see the St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church building, which was 30 years old when Monopoly was first released. If you go all the way to Atlantic Avenue, then you'll find the modern home of the Atlantic City Free Public Library, near the hospital and the city hall. (updated Apr 2023)
• 3 New York Avenue. A good street to turn down if you're looking for a place to park near the water. (updated Apr 2023)
• 1 Kentucky Avenue. A block west of New York Avenue, Kentucky Avenue has a number of businesses, apartment buildings, and parking lots, plus a park named for a Black resident who died during World War II and the local community college. (updated Apr 2023)
• 2 Indiana Avenue. The Claridge Hotel was built in 1929 and known then as "The Skyscraper by the Sea". It has a comedy club and a rooftop bar overlooking Brighton Park and the Boardwalk. (updated Oct 2022)
• 3 Illinois Avenue. Renamed to Dr. Martin Luther King Avenue. Stockton University has refurbished and expanded the historic Carnegie Library, a 1904 Beaux-Arts building at Pacific Avenue. It is next to a Civil Rights Garden with ginkgo trees and granite columns reflecting key people and events of the civil rights movement. 
• 3 B&O Railroad. The only railroad on the board that isn't in Atlantic City, the B&O (Baltimore and Ohio) Railroad ran to Pennsylvania. One of their routes ran near parts of the modern-day Schuylkill River Trail, and ended a little north of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. (updated Oct 2022)
• 1 Atlantic Avenue. The main street near the Boardwalk. A bit longer than 8 miles, much of this street runs within a block or so of the shore. Along the southern stretch, look for Lucy the Elephant, the oceanside Longport Playground and multiple beaches. If you decide to drive the length, expect it to take at least half an hour one way. (updated Jan 2022)
• 2 Ventnor Avenue. Ventnor parallels Atlantic Avenue, just one block further from the water. Start your exploration at the top of the O'Donnell Memorial Park, at the end of US Highway 40, and follow it southwest for five miles to the John F. Kennedy Bridge. If you cross the bridge, you'll find yourself in the Malibu Beach Wildlife Management Area, and beyond that at the Longport Dog Beach. If you instead leave Ventnor Avenue but continue traveling in the same direction, you'll end up at The Point, a small scenic outlook over the water. Consider being there in time for sunset. (updated Jan 2022)
• 3 Marvin Gardens. A neighborhood between Margate City and Ventnor City – and the only original Monopoly location that is outside the Atlantic City's official boundaries – this 16-acre walkable historic housing area has flower gardens blooming in the spring and summer. (updated Jan 2022)
• 4 Short Line (Shore Fast Line). The Short Line Railroad was an electric trolley route between Ocean City and Atlantic City. About half of the original route has been turned into the Somers Point Bike Path, also called the Linwood Bike Path. The southwestern end is in Somers Point about a block away from the Somers Historical Museum. It mostly runs along Atlantic Avenue, which turns into Wabash Avenue in Linwood. Just on the north side of Highway 322 in Pleasantville, the bike path turns sharply to the left, and becomes the Atlantic County Bikeway for one more mile. (updated Jan 2022)
• 1 Pacific Avenue. Pacific Avenue runs parallel to Atlantic Avenue, just one long block closer to the beach for its length. Where it intersects with Vermont Ave., you can visit the Abescon Lighthouse and climb the 228 steps to the top for $10. Right down at the beach, the city's Altman Playground offers kids and dogs a free place to run around. (updated Oct 2022)
• 2 North Carolina Avenue. Two short blocks west of Pennsylvania Avenue, S North Carolina Avenue has a cluster of parking lots near the beach. (updated Jan 2022)
• 3 Pennsylvania Avenue. South Pennsylvania Avenue runs from Atlantic Avenue straight down to the water, past the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and other iconic luxury destinations. The Steel Pier Amusement Park is at the end of Pennsylvania Avenue, on Boardwalk Avenue. (updated Jan 2022)
• 1 Park Place (0.5 mi (1 km) southeast of the city's main bus terminal). A short street, not even three blocks long, that ends at the Boardwalk. Half the length is taken up by Brighton Park. (updated Jan 2022)
• 2 Boardwalk. The first and longest boardwalk in the United States, it runs for 5 mi (8.0 km) from northwest to southeast along the beach. The boardwalk consists of casinos, restaurants, hotels and arcades. (updated Oct 2022)

London

The Angel as it appears in the 21st century.

• 1 Old Kent Road (Tube: Elephant & Castle  BAK  NOR , Rail: South Bermondsey ). The first and cheapest property square on the British Monopoly board, Old Kent Road is the only location south of the Thames. Originally a working-class neighbourhood, it has since been gentrified. £60. (updated Jan 2022)
• 2 Whitechapel Road (tube: Whitechapel  DIS  H&C  WND  ELI ). Whitechapel Road has been a hub for many ethnic minorities in London. In the 1840s, many Irish fleeing the Great Famine came here. From the 1850s, Jewish communities began settling on Whitechapel Road and were the focal point until the 1930s. Nowadays, it is the centre of the British Bangladeshi community. £60. (updated Apr 2024)
• 1 The Angel, Islington (Tube: Angel  NOR ). One of the few properties that were not based on a road but a pub. In the late 1970s, the building was renovated and is now used for office space. However, in 1998 a pub called "The Angel" was opened adjacent to the former pub building. £100. (updated Jan 2022)
• 2 Euston Road (Rail/Tube: London Euston  NOR  VIC  LIO  or Euston Square  CIR  H&C  MET ). Along with the rest of the light blue set, Euston Road is part of the London Inner Ring Road. A heavily congested road, it was narrower in the 1930s but likely to be just as congested. Notable landmarks include the neoclassical Camden Town Hall, the British Library and the Wellcome Trust, which contains a museum holding ancient medical manuscripts. £100. (updated Apr 2024)
• 3 Pentonville Road (Tube/rail: King's Cross St. Pancras  CIR  H&C  MET  NOR  PIC  VIC  or Angel  NOR ). The road connecting the adjacent King's Cross and St. Pancras International train stations to Angel. £120. (updated Jul 2023)
• 4 Pall Mall. £140. (updated Jul 2023)
• 5 Whitehall. £140. (updated Jul 2023)
• 6 Northumberland Avenue. Northumberland Avenue is a road that connects Westminster to Camden Town. All three of the Pink Monopoly properties, Pall Mall, Whitehall and Northumberland Avenue connect at Trafalgar Square. £160. (updated Jul 2023)
• 4 Bow Street (Tube: Covent Garden  PIC ). Famous for the Royal Opera House. £180. (updated Jul 2023)
• 5 Marlborough Street (Tube: Oxford Circus  CEN  BAK  VIC  or Tottenham Court Road  CEN  NOR  ELI ). Great Marlborough Street is a short street that is parallel to Oxford St and connects to Regent St. It is famous for the Liberty department store with its Mock-Tudor facade, as well as the headquarters for Diageo and Sony PlayStation. The Marlborough Street Courthouse where the Monopoly property took its name is now a hotel. £180. (updated Apr 2023)
• 6 Vine Street (tube: Piccadilly Circus  BAK  PIC  or Hyde Park Corner  PIC ). At just 21 metres long, Vine Street is the shortest street on the Monopoly board in real life and is behind The Dilly 5-star hotel on the Piccadilly road. £200. (updated Jul 2023)
• 4 Strand (Tube: Covent Garden  PIC ). (updated Aug 2023)
• 5 Fleet Street (Tube: Embankment  BAK  CIR  DIS  NOR  or Charing Cross  BAK  NOR ). Street in the City of London that is famous for news media and the Sweeney Todd story. £220. (updated Apr 2023)
• 6 Trafalgar Square (Tube: Charing Cross  BAK  NOR ). Famous for Nelson's Column with the four fountains at its base, the National Gallery and St Martin-in-the-Fields church. £240. (updated Apr 2023)
• 4 Leicester Square (Tube: Leicester Square  NOR  PIC ). The first of the three yellow localities, all of which are entertainment-themed. Leicester Square in particular is renowned for its commercial and arthouse cinemas, theatres and Chinese New Year celebrations. (updated Jan 2022)
• 5 Coventry Street (Tube: Piccadilly Circus  BAK  PIC  or Leicester Square  NOR  PIC ). A short east-west road connecting Regent Street to Swiss Court and Leicester Square. Swiss Court has the M&M and LEGO stores. (updated Aug 2023)
• 6 Piccadilly (Tube: Piccadilly Circus  BAK  PIC  or Hyde Park Corner  PIC ). A western road which goes from Hyde Park to Piccadilly Circus (with its famous Piccadilly Lights billboard and the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain). Piccadilly itself is famous for its two 5-star hotels: The Ritz and The Dilly. As well as the Waterstones (formerly Simpson's department store) and Maison Assouline flagship stores and the St. James' Church. Piccadilly Circus station notably has a Grade II-listed ticket hall with a roundel honouring Frank Pick. (updated Aug 2023)
• 1 Regent Street (Tube: Oxford Circus  BAK  CEN  VIC ). A major shopping street connecting Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus which is known for brands such as Apple, Liberty, Hamleys, Jaeger and Burberry. (updated Aug 2023)
• 2 Oxford Street (Tube: Marble Arch  CEN , Oxford Circus  BAK  CEN  VIC , Tottenham Court Rd  CEN  NOR  ELI ). Famous thoroughfare and major shopping street which has (from west to east): Selfridges, John Lewis, Microsoft, Nike, Flannels, Sports Direct, Next and Primark. (updated Aug 2023)
• 3 Bond Street (Tube: Bond Street  CEN  JUB  ELI ). Both Old Bond Street and New Bond Street are famous for their antique stores and auction houses, as well as luxury retailers. £320. (updated Apr 2023)
• 3 Park Lane (Tube: Hyde Park Corner  PIC ). An affluent lane that is part of the Mayfair area overlooking the east side of Hyde Park. £350. (updated Jan 2022)
• 4 Mayfair. The most expensive property of them all. £400. (updated Jan 2022)

Railway stations

London Marylebone train station

All were termini under the control of the LNER after the Grouping. Both King's Cross and Liverpool Street have seen extensive redevelopment in their vicinity.

• 5 Marylebone (Tube: Marylebone  BAK , Rail: London Marylebone ). The smallest and quietest of the four Monopoly train stations, as well as being one of the best-preserved examples of Victorian architecture. £200. (updated Apr 2023)
• 6 King's Cross (Tube: King's Cross St. Pancras  CIR  H&C  MET  NOR  PIC  VIC  Rail: London King's Cross ). £200. (updated Apr 2023)
• 7 Fenchurch Street (Tube: Tower Hill  CIR  DIS , DLR: Tower Gateway  DLR , Rail: London Fenchurch Street ). £200. (updated Apr 2023)
• 8 Liverpool Street (Tube: Liverpool Street  CEN  CIR  H&C  MET  Rail: London Liverpool Street  WEA  ELI ). £200. (updated Apr 2024)

Electric Company

Battersea Power Station

• 9 Battersea Power Station (Tube: Battersea Power Station  NOR ). Former Victorian-era power station that was used for powering the London Underground. Although no longer used for generating power, Battersea Power Station has seen extensive property redevelopment. £150. (updated Apr 2023)
• 10 Bankside Power Station (Tube: Blackfriars  DIS  or St Paul's  CEN ). Former power station, now the home of the Tate Modern art gallery. Before you enter the art gallery, you walk through a huge high-ceiling room which would have housed the turbines. £150. (updated Apr 2023)

Go to Jail?

Whilst you should not get into trouble for viewing Monopoly locations from public streets, many richer residents and property owners in London value their privacy and take 'security' seriously.

Chance

Some of the locations on the Monopoly board represent prime locations in London. You might see a glimpse of prominent figures (be they from commerce, politics or media) as they are whisked away in secured vehicles.

Large-scale game boards and attractions

• Monopoly Lifesized, 213-215 Tottenham Court Rd, London W1T 7PS (Tube: Goodge Street  NOR  or Tottenham Court Road  CEN  NOR  ELI ). An escape room-style attraction using the Monopoly game board. Move from room to room completing challenges to buy properties. There are four boards with different themes and challenges: the classic board (based on the London Monopoly board), city board (with attractions of modern London), a luxury board, and a children's board for groups with ages 5-8. A restaurant and bar, also themed to the London board, serves British small plates and cocktails. (updated Jan 2022)
• Monopoly Dreams, Hong Kong. Four-dimensional ride and interactive museum based on the Hong Kong Monopoly board. (updated Jan 2022)
• Monopoly in the Park, San Jose (California). Permanent installation in city park. Visiting is free, but there is a fee for reservations and renting their true-to-scale tokens and dice to play the game. $300+ per group. (updated Oct 2022)

See also

• Chess
• Go