What to do during the Monaco Grand Prix

The Monaco Grand Prix is much more than a Formula 1 race. For a few extraordinary days, the Principality becomes one of the most exciting destinations in the world, combining motorsport, luxury hospitality, spectacular Mediterranean scenery, restaurants, superyachts and legendary nightlife.

While seeing Formula 1 cars racing through the streets of Monte Carlo is naturally the highlight, there are plenty of other things to do during the Monaco Grand Prix. In fact, making time to explore Monaco away from your race viewing area can turn an already memorable Grand Prix weekend into an exceptional holiday.

Whether you are visiting Monaco for the first time or returning for another Grand Prix, here are some of the experiences worth adding to your itinerary.

1. Walk Around the Monaco Grand Prix Circuit

One of the simplest things to do in Monaco is also one of the best for Formula 1 enthusiasts – explore the famous street circuit on foot when access allows.

Unlike a permanent race track, much of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit consists of roads that form part of everyday life in the Principality. Walking sections of the circuit gives you an entirely different appreciation of just how narrow, technical and challenging it really is.

Famous locations include Sainte Dévote, Beau Rivage, Casino Square, Mirabeau, the Fairmont Hairpin, Portier, the Tunnel, Nouvelle Chicane, Tabac, the Swimming Pool section, La Rascasse and Anthony Noghès.

Standing beside these famous corners makes it much easier to appreciate the precision required to race a Formula 1 car around Monaco at extraordinary speeds.

Just remember that access and pedestrian routes change considerably during Grand Prix weekend, so always follow local signage and event instructions.

2. Experience Casino Square

Casino Square is one of Monte Carlo’s most recognisable locations and an essential stop during your Monaco Grand Prix trip.

At its heart is the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo, surrounded by some of Monaco’s most prestigious hotels and buildings. During Grand Prix weekend, this part of the Principality takes on an incredible atmosphere.

Formula 1 fans, luxury cars and visitors from around the world gather around the area, while sections of the Grand Prix circuit run directly through this historic part of Monte Carlo.

Even if you have no intention of gambling, Casino Square is worth experiencing simply for its architecture, atmosphere and connection with the Monaco Grand Prix.

3. Enjoy Monaco Grand Prix Yacht Hospitality

Few images represent the Monaco Grand Prix better than Formula 1 cars racing alongside a harbour filled with spectacular superyachts.

Spending a day aboard a luxury yacht is therefore one of the most distinctive experiences available during the Grand Prix.

Rather than simply watching the boats from the shore, Grand Prix Adventures offers packages incorporating VIP superyacht hospitality in Port Hercule.

Depending on the package selected, the experience can include excellent views of the circuit, gourmet food, champagne and an open bar, comfortable hospitality areas and the unmistakable atmosphere of being right in the heart of Monaco Harbour.

For visitors wanting to combine Formula 1 with the glamorous Monaco lifestyle, yacht hospitality should be high on the list.

4. Watch Formula 1 from a Private Balcony or Terrace

Monaco’s architecture creates another viewing experience that is almost unique in Formula 1: watching the cars from a private apartment balcony or hospitality terrace overlooking the circuit.

Elevated viewing can provide an excellent perspective of the racing while offering considerably more comfort than spending an entire day in a conventional spectator area.

Grand Prix Adventures offers a selection of premium Monaco viewing locations, including options such as Beau Rivage, Shangri La and Caravelles.

Depending on your chosen package and viewing location, hospitality can include food and drinks, comfortable facilities, television screens showing the race coverage and knowledgeable staff on hand throughout the day.

For many visitors, combining different viewing locations over the weekend is the ideal way to experience Monaco. You might watch one day from a superyacht before enjoying qualifying or the race from an elevated balcony.

5. Explore Port Hercule

Even if you are not spending the day aboard a yacht, make time to experience Monaco’s famous harbour.

Port Hercule becomes one of the focal points of the Grand Prix weekend as an extraordinary collection of yachts arrives in Monaco.

The harbour is surrounded by restaurants, bars and some of the most recognisable parts of the Formula 1 circuit.

During race weekend, the atmosphere is completely different from a normal visit to Monaco. Grand Prix spectators, yacht guests, teams and visitors create a constant buzz around the waterfront.

It is also an excellent location for photography, particularly if you can find an elevated viewpoint overlooking the harbour and the surrounding city.

6. Visit the Prince’s Palace and Monaco-Ville

Grand Prix weekend can be extremely busy, so taking a little time away from the main racing areas can provide a welcome change of pace.

Head towards Monaco-Ville, the historic old town situated on Le Rocher, or “The Rock”.

Here you will find narrow streets, historic buildings and the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. The elevated location also provides impressive views across the Principality and Mediterranean coastline.

The contrast is fascinating. One moment you can be surrounded by the noise and excitement of Formula 1, and a short while later you can be wandering through the historic streets of Monaco’s old town.

7. Visit the Oceanographic Museum

Another of Monaco’s best-known attractions is the Oceanographic Museum.

Dramatically positioned above the Mediterranean, the museum has been an important Monaco landmark for more than a century and provides an interesting alternative activity if you have additional time during your stay.

Its spectacular location alone makes the surrounding area worth exploring.

For couples or families where not everyone wants every minute of the weekend to revolve around Formula 1, attractions such as the Oceanographic Museum make Monaco an especially appealing Grand Prix destination.

8. Experience Monaco’s Restaurants

Dining is an important part of the Monaco experience.

The Principality has an exceptional culinary scene ranging from relaxed waterfront restaurants to some of Europe’s most prestigious fine-dining establishments.

Monaco is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, alongside stylish restaurants serving Mediterranean, French and international cuisine.

Grand Prix weekend is exceptionally busy, however, so advance planning is highly recommended.

Popular restaurants can become heavily booked well before race weekend. If there is somewhere in particular you would like to experience, arranging your table early is much better than hoping for availability after arriving in Monaco.

A memorable dinner overlooking the Mediterranean is the perfect way to finish a day of Formula 1 action.

9. Have a Drink at the Café de Paris Area

Casino Square remains lively long after the Formula 1 cars have stopped running.

The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo area is one of the most famous places to enjoy the atmosphere and watch the world go by.

During Grand Prix weekend, Monte Carlo attracts an extraordinary international crowd, and simply sitting down for a drink can become part of the experience.

It is also an excellent opportunity to enjoy Casino Square without rushing from one Grand Prix viewing location to another.

10. Discover Monaco’s Nightlife

When the racing finishes, Monaco certainly does not go to sleep.

Grand Prix weekend is famous for its nightlife, with bars, clubs, hotels, restaurants, yachts and private events continuing late into the evening.

The atmosphere becomes particularly lively around the harbour and Monte Carlo.

Whether you prefer sophisticated cocktails, a relaxed drink overlooking the Mediterranean or one of Monaco’s exclusive nightclubs, there is plenty happening after dark.

Some venues and special Grand Prix events require advance reservations or tickets, so it is sensible to organise any must-do evenings before travelling.

11. Go Luxury Shopping in Monte Carlo

If you want a break from motorsport, Monte Carlo offers some exceptional shopping.

The area around Casino Square is synonymous with luxury brands, designer boutiques, jewellery and watches.

Grand Prix weekend naturally attracts many of the world’s leading luxury brands, making it an interesting time simply to browse the displays and soak up the atmosphere.

Even if shopping isn’t high on your agenda, walking through Monte Carlo’s luxury district is part of experiencing the character of Monaco.

12. Relax at Larvotto Beach

Formula 1 weekends can be intense, particularly when you are attending several days of practice, qualifying and racing.

If you are staying for several nights, consider allowing yourself some downtime.

Larvotto is Monaco’s principal beach area and offers a completely different side of the Principality from the busy Grand Prix circuit.

Enjoying the Mediterranean sunshine before returning to the excitement of Formula 1 can make for a welcome change of pace.

13. Take Photographs Around Monaco

Few Formula 1 venues offer photographic opportunities comparable with Monaco.

You have Formula 1 cars, Mediterranean scenery, luxury yachts, historic buildings, Casino Square and the steep hills surrounding Monte Carlo all within a remarkably small area.

Locations around the harbour can produce particularly impressive photographs because they capture both the Grand Prix and Monaco itself.

The Fairmont Hairpin, Casino Square, Sainte Dévote and the harbour area are also among the most recognisable locations associated with the circuit.

Always follow the latest event rules regarding cameras, equipment and restricted areas.

14. Explore the French Riviera

Another advantage of attending the Monaco Grand Prix is its location on the French Riviera.

Nice, Èze, Cap-d’Ail, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Menton are all within the surrounding region, making it possible to combine the Grand Prix with a longer Mediterranean break.

Grand Prix Adventures offers packages with accommodation in Monaco and surrounding destinations, including Nice and Èze.

Staying outside Monaco can therefore be part of the experience rather than simply an accommodation alternative.

Nice provides beaches, restaurants and the famous Promenade des Anglais, while medieval Èze offers spectacular views across the Mediterranean.

Adding an extra night or two before or after the Grand Prix can give you much more time to explore without trying to squeeze everything into race weekend.

15. Make the Grand Prix the Centrepiece of a Monaco Holiday

The biggest mistake can be thinking of Monaco purely as somewhere to watch a Formula 1 race.

The Grand Prix should be the centrepiece of your visit, but it doesn’t have to be the only experience.

Spend time exploring Monte Carlo. Walk beside the harbour. Enjoy an exceptional restaurant. Visit Casino Square in the evening. Discover Monaco-Ville. Have a drink overlooking the Mediterranean and, if you want something truly special, experience the Grand Prix from a luxury yacht or private hospitality balcony.

That combination is what makes Monaco so different from almost every other event on the Formula 1 calendar.

Experience the Monaco Grand Prix with Grand Prix Adventures

Grand Prix Adventures has been arranging Formula 1 travel experiences since 2004, helping thousands of guests experience some of the world’s greatest races.

Our Monaco Grand Prix packages are designed to take care of far more than simply providing somewhere to watch the race.

Depending on the package you choose, your experience can include carefully selected accommodation, airport and circuit transfers, superyacht hospitality, private balcony and terrace viewing, food and drinks during the Grand Prix and the support of the Grand Prix Adventures team throughout your stay.

There are options for different budgets and styles of travel, from packages staying in Nice and travelling into Monaco to some of our most exclusive experiences featuring luxury Monaco hotels, superyachts and VIP hospitality.

If attending the Monaco Grand Prix has always been on your bucket list, make it more than a race weekend.

Explore Monaco, experience the atmosphere and enjoy one of the most extraordinary destinations in Formula 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do in Monaco during the Grand Prix?

As well as watching Formula 1, visitors can explore Casino Square, Port Hercule and Monaco-Ville, visit the Prince’s Palace and Oceanographic Museum, enjoy Monaco’s restaurants and nightlife, go shopping, visit Larvotto Beach or experience VIP yacht and balcony hospitality.

Is Monaco worth visiting during the Grand Prix?

Yes. Grand Prix weekend creates an atmosphere unlike any other time of year. The combination of Formula 1, superyachts, Mediterranean scenery, restaurants, nightlife and luxury hospitality makes it one of the world’s most distinctive sporting events.

What is the best way to experience the Monaco Grand Prix?

This depends on your budget and preferences. Grandstands provide the traditional race experience, while private balconies and terraces offer elevated circuit views and additional comfort. Luxury yacht hospitality combines Formula 1 viewing with one of Monaco’s most famous lifestyle experiences.

Should I book Monaco restaurants in advance during the Grand Prix?

Yes. Monaco becomes exceptionally busy during Grand Prix weekend and many popular restaurants are booked well in advance. Reservations are advisable if there are particular restaurants you want to visit.

Can I stay outside Monaco for the Grand Prix?

Yes. Nice, Èze and other destinations along the French Riviera can provide excellent bases for attending the Monaco Grand Prix. Grand Prix Adventures offers packages using carefully selected accommodation both in Monaco and surrounding locations.

Is there anything to do in Monaco if I am travelling with someone who isn’t an F1 fan?

Absolutely. Monaco has restaurants, luxury shopping, historic attractions, museums, beaches, casinos and Mediterranean scenery, while the wider French Riviera provides even more opportunities for sightseeing.

How many days should I spend at the Monaco Grand Prix?

A four-night stay around the main Grand Prix weekend gives visitors time to experience practice, qualifying and race day while enjoying some of Monaco’s other attractions. Adding extra nights before or after the event provides more time to explore Monaco and the French Riviera.