If you are a Formula One fan, the most ultimate trip that you can take is going to Monaco. Specifically for the grand prix would be ideal, but being able to visit in general is an incredible experience. Imagine seeing the red and white lines of the Monaco F1 track, counting how many Ferraris or McLarens you see in an hour, or going into the Monte Carlo Casino. If you are lucky enough to go to Monaco as an F1 fan, you have to make the most of the opportunity! When you are visiting Monaco, these are the F1 related activities that you need to do.
Walk the Monaco F1 track
If you aren’t around to watch the F1 race like I wasn’t, you can still experience it to a degree by going for a walk around the track. It’s about two miles around, and you can easily make your way by following the red and white track curbs. You can walk around, unfortunately at a fraction of the speed of the cars, and see each iconic turn. Even though I went in November, not anywhere near grand prix time, it was nice to walk around the monaco f1 track at my own pace. Since there weren’t many people, there’s no rush. I saw some beautiful cars as I wandered through. Definitely a must do for any F1 fan!
There are also a few F1 statues around Monaco that you can visit. There is a statue dedicated to Fangio down by the marina and a statue of an F1 car by the fairmont hairpin that you can visit.
Visit Prince’s car collection
Not far from the racetrack by Port Hercule lies the Prince’s car collection. It’s 10 euros per person to enter to see the selection. The Prince’s private collection was started in the 1950s and has around 100 vintage cars. There are Monaco race winning F1 cars as well as beautifully made cars that anyone can enjoy. Charles Leclerc’s 2019 Ferrari was immortalized here as well as Nico Rosberg’s championship winning Mercedes.
Take a picture at the Fairmont Turn
The Fairmont Turn is probably one of, if not the most, famous turn of all time. It’s unimaginable to think of going as fast as an F1 car in general, but seeing this turn in real life makes it a whole other level of incomprehensible! This is the most iconic part of the Monaco F1 Track that you HAVE to see while there.
Hang out at the Monte Carlo Casino
The most recognizable spot by far, and best photo opp, in Monaco is the Monte Carlo Casino. The times I have walked by, there is always a sleek and expensive car parked out front. While the casino wasn’t open when I was there, if you have the chance you should definitely check out the inside and gamble a little to say you have (if that’s your thing)! The casino is right in between restaurants and some of the most expensive stores around. While here, you can also do some shopping, or simply window shop which is what I did.
Explore the Marina
Port Hercule is one of the most beautiful spots in Monaco. With views of the track, the city, and all the yachts, what better place to spend some time exploring! To me, one of the most iconic Formula One moments was when Kimi Raikonen crashed out during the grand prix and walked himself over to his yacht. During the race, the harbor is filled to the brim with the biggest boats you’ve ever seen. When I visited during Monaco’s off season, there were still tons of boats. I can’t imagine what it would look like in person during the hustle and bustle of the grand prix.
People and Car Watch
One of the most interesting things to do, especially to pass the time, is to pick a spot and observe. You can pick any spot really, on the Monaco F1 track, by the casino, or any given street, to see some cool cars. I sat for 15 minutes by the Japanese gardens and saw three different Ferraris drive by. If you situate yourself by the casino, you may see a familiar face since many F1 drivers live in Monaco.
Watching the lives of the wealthy is easy to do here while here. If you’re really lucky, maybe you can get a picture or signature by a driver as well. I’ve heard the drivers occasionally hang out at La Rascasse, so maybe check out there as well.
Getting to Monaco
Monaco doesn’t have its own airport, so getting to it is not that simple. The easiest way is to pick a nearby airport and arrange transportation. I personally stayed in Nice, then took the train in to Monaco. The train takes about 20 minutes and is less than 10 euros per person. When you get off the train, take a right if you want to exit down towards Port Hercule. If you want to head up into town, take a left out of the train car. If you want to head to the casino and shopping area first, I would recommend going left then walking about ten minutes to get to the center. You can of course get to the casino from the Port, but it’s an uphill walk. So it’s your choice!
If you are going to Monaco with someone who isn’t as big an F1 fan as you, there are still things to do! Check out my guide on things to do while in Monaco here.
Monaco was one of the trips that I got the most questions and compliments about from family and friends. While it’s definitely more fun if you have tons of money to spend, it’s also enjoyable as an F1 fan, and as someone who appreciates pretty things. I was able to live abroad and travel thanks to a program called NALCAP. If you are interested in the program I did, check out this post, and if you want to move abroad and travel a ton to places like Monaco, here’s another post with a bunch of ways to move abroad!
