11 Things To Do in Monaco During the Formula One Grand Prix

Few racecourses in the world are as storied as the Monaco Circuit—instead of a dedicated track, the race is hosted right on the city’s streets. If you’re visiting Monaco to attend the Grand Prix, you can look forward to seeing it in full-revving action. But before streets close for the race, it’s worth booking a walking tour that takes you along all 2.1 miles (3.3 kilometers) of the well-known course. Along the way, you’ll be able to spot every key twist and turn—and scope out ideal Formula One viewing spots.

Once you’ve checked the Monaco Circuit off your list, it’s worth further immersing yourself in the city’s glamorous lore. No Monaco Grand Prix weekend guide is complete without a walking tour that visits its key landmarks. With just your guide and a small group for company, discover an up-close perspective on the Monte Carlo Casino, the Princess Grace Japanese Garden, and more. Along the way, learn insider stories about everything from past Formula One races to Grace Kelly and other royal intrigue.

Monaco may be a pétit principality, but you could still spend hours exploring it on foot (and tiring yourself out navigating its famous hills). When your legs need a break during your Grand Prix getaway, book a hop-on hop-off bus tour. You can spot many more Monégasque highlights, from the Prince’s Palace in Monaco-Ville (Monaco’s Old Town) to the Monaco Cathedral. Along the way, learn insider stories from the onboard narration, and head to the top deck to soak up the sun and seaside views unimpeded.

If you really want to feel like a member of the glitterati, then don’t just limit your explorations to Monaco alone—the rest of the French Riviera is beckoning, after all. If you’re only in town for the Grand Prix weekend, then book a time-saving 1-day trip that checks off some of the coast’s loveliest sights, from glitzy Antibes to the hilltop village of St. Paul de Vence. As this is a private tour, you can also customize your itinerary—and get your guide’s expert recommendations for Monaco restaurants and events upon your return.

Want to treat yourself to a dose of luxury? No Côte d’Azur travel itinerary is complete without actually spending time on the water, and a private half-day boat tour of the Riviera coast is the makings of an idyllic escape. You won’t just get to admire waterfront views of Villefranche-sur-Mer or St. Jean Cap Ferrat—you can also toast with a bottle of wine on board, explore beaches and sea caves, and paddle in the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean before returning to dry land.

Monaco is a place to see and be seen, and that’s especially true during the Grand Prix weekend, which attracts A-listers aplenty. Come prepared to dress to the nines—but once you’re all dolled up, don’t rely on selfies to capture the moment. Instead, book a private photoshoot experience. You won’t just get to feel like a visiting celebrity when you pose in front of the city’s most photogenic backdrops: You’ll be rewarded with one-of-a-kind souvenirs of your trip after the fact.

Formula One races are usually capped off with shaken bottles of Champagne—but in Monaco, it’s worth enjoying a different kind of celebratory toast. The city’s first and only distillery, La Distillerie de Monaco, is a great place to start. Embark on a behind-the-scenes tour, taste a range of spirits, and purchase a bottle as a souvenir (or chocolates infused with the locally made liqueurs). Plus, since the distillery is located in Monte Carlo, you can continue your night afterwards with a Monte Carlo casino experience worthy of James Bond.

The French Riviera has long been celebrated for its perfume industry—and if you want to create a fragrant souvenir all of your own, then it’s worth taking part in a hands-on workshop hosted at the Fragonard perfume house. After the hubbub of the Monaco Grand Prix, refresh your senses during a getaway to nearby Èze, known for its postcard-worthy coastal views. After a laboratory tour, craft your very own signature scent, which you can wear during the rest of your glamorous getaway.

Billed as the capital of the French Riviera—and France’s second-largest city on the Mediterranean coast—Nice is the perfect place to head when you’re after some urban buzz. Conveniently located just 30 minutes from Monaco by car, it’s also an ideal day-trip destination. To guide your explorations once you’ve arrived, book a walking tour of Nice to immerse yourself in its lively ambiance. Browse fragrant flower markets, stroll the storied Promenade des Anglais, explore the vibrant streets of Old Nice, and more.

The French Riviera is a pretty cinematic place, and there’s nowhere better to experience the silver-screen magic than Cannes. Known for its film festival, the city is an excellent day-trip destination from Monaco. True film buffs can explore on this movie-history tour; with a screenwriter guide in the lead, you’ll learn insider stories about all the famous faces who’ve flocked to this seaside city. Want to feel like a starlet even once you’ve returned to Monaco? Savor a Michelin-starred meal, and end the night at a luxury hotel in Monaco.

While many day trips from Monaco head west along France’s coast, it’s also worth turning your attention eastwards to Liguria. Located just a quick trip over the Italian border, Sanremo offers beach clubs, culture, and Italian style aplenty. Then there’s its cuisine—on a guided food tour, you can savor local dishes from Ligurian pesto and focaccia to gelato and bacio di Sanremo, a local sweet treat. And because this is Italy, local wines are also included. Now that’s la dolce vita.