INSIDER TIPS FROM A MONACO RESIDENT

On this Insider Guide, I’m thrilled to be your guide to an extraordinary experience at the Monaco Grand Prix! As a long-time Monaco resident, a devoted fan of the race, and an organizer of luxurious hospitality events onboard magnificent superyachts for the past fifteen years, I’ve gained insider knowledge and invaluable insights that I can’t wait to share with you.

Monaco, renowned for its opulence, may seem like a destination exclusively reserved for the affluent. However, fear not! Even during the thrilling Formula 1 Grand Prix, you don’t need to be a mogul to revel in the excitement and create lasting memories. In fact, I’m here to prove that it’s entirely possible to have an amazing time at the Monaco Grand Prix without emptying your bank account. In this blog post, I’ll reveal my top tips and tricks on how to make the most of the event on a budget, ensuring an unforgettable experience that won’t leave your wallet gasping for air.

You can also read my other blog post on how to visit The cote d’azur on a budgetand if you plan of visiting Monaco and not attending the race here is my ultimate Monaco travel guide.

So, fasten your seat belts and get ready for a thrilling ride as we delve into the realm of the Monaco Grand Prix on a budget. Let’s unlock the secrets to a sensational experience that will have you reminiscing for years to come!

On this Guide:

  • Facts you need to know about Monaco GP
  • How to watch the race
  • Watch the race onboard a superyacht
  • Where to get Tickets
  • How to get free tickets
  • Should I bring the kids?
  • Where to stay
  • Getting there
  • What to bring, wear, pack.. 
  • The Program
  • Parties and after parties

Facts you need to know about Monaco GP

The Monaco Grand Prix holds an esteemed status as the pinnacle and most revered race within the illustrious “Triple Crown” of motorsports.

"Winning the Monaco Grand Prix is the highlight of any racing driver's career"

- Nico Rosbert

As Nico Rosberg once said, “Winning the Monaco Grand Prix is the highlight of any racing driver’s career”!

  • It is one of the most challenging tracks to drive because of its narrow streets, With its close barriers and unforgiving walls, the Monaco Grand Prix offers no room for mistakes. Even the slightest error in judgment or loss of concentration can result in a race-ending collision or damage to the car.
  •  Known as a street circuit, the tight, narrow layout winds through the streets of Monte Carlo, leaving no margin for error. The lack of runoff areas and minimal overtaking opportunities means drivers must take calculated risks, making split-second decisions as they navigate the tight corners, sharp hairpins, and elevation changes.

Must watch this video from Nico Rosberg (who is also a Monaco resident) and won this race three times, how he explains the challenges of the Monaco track!

  • Variable Weather Conditions: The unpredictable weather in Monaco can make the race even more challenging. A sudden downpour can turn the already demanding circuit into a treacherous obstacle course, testing the drivers’ ability to adapt to changing conditions on the fly. Rain can make the track slippery, reducing grip and increasing the likelihood of incidents. I must admit we are all secretly hoping for rain because that’s when the race gets more challenging and we get to see the most exciting drive moves! Although in the end.. all we want really are champagne showers!
  • The race consists of 78 laps and the average speed is 96 MPH!
  • Michael Shumacher still holds the record for the fastest lap time in Monaco in 2004 who finishes in 1:14:439 (seconds and miliseconds matter in this sport!)

There are many ways of watching the race, you can watch it on the stands, in a hotel balcony, on a building terrace and of course the favorite one is to watch it onboard a superyacht!

Monaco residents or companies that have terraces with track views usually rent their terraces or organize hospitality themselves where they provide catering of food drinks and entertainment.

Hotels that have a track-side view also organize packages, although the view in most cases is not superb. You can also rent a room with a track view for example the best ones are at the Fairmont Hotel and also the Hotel de Paris. The advantage of the Fairmont is that you get free access to Nikki Beach, so if you plan to do pool parties this is your best bet!

I watched it once from Hermitage and even though the lunch was fun the view was quite limited.

The most common way is to watch it from the stands, although there are many and in different locations and if you are not familiar with Monaco, you can learn all about the grand stands and location here.

The paddock club is the most social option, located in the port and near the pits its an open area with many places to lounge, gourmet cuisine eat, open bars relax, meet the drivers and other VIP celebrities. Tickets for this type of hospitality is around 7,000 USD but you can get authographs from the drivers after the race is done!

Insider tip:

To book a table at a restaurant that has track view and that way you only spend on lunch (around 100-300 euros) instead of paying for extra tickets. Here is a list with all the restaurants in pole position. Restaurants like Quai des artistes have great packages of food entertainment and great track views.!

If you can’t attend the race, no worries you can also live stream it from the comfort of your home.

Watch the race onboard a superyacht

The epitome of luxury and the ultimate viewing experience for the Monaco Grand Prix is undoubtedly from the deck of a yacht. However, renting a superyacht for the entire week comes with a hefty price tag of approximately 500,000 euros, not to mention the additional challenge of securing a berth at an extra cost. Actually securing the berth is one of the hardest things! We have been doing it for years, and yet every year is a gamble!

But fear not! You can still indulge in the opulence and live the dream of watching the Monaco GP from a yacht without breaking the bank. Our exclusive hospitality packages start from just 600 euros per day, offering a fraction of the cost while delivering an extraordinary and super-luxurious experience. Moreover, the most glamorous parties and after-parties take place right in the port, onboard these magnificent vessels, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

To ensure seamless access to the yachts, it’s important to note that all access from the port is blocked. The best way to board is by tender, either from La Rascasse or, ideally, from the Port of Fontvieille. However, keep in mind that there may be some “tender traffic,” so it’s wise to plan ahead for a smooth transfer.

A friendly tip: Brace yourself for a bit of turbulence during tender transfers from yachts at anchor or when coming across from Port Fontvieille. Expect a touch of sea spray and perhaps some unruly hairstyles, but the exhilaration of the experience more than makes up for it.

Last minute Yacht Deals:

Boat option 1:

35meter yacht we have THE BEST track view in the port (all other yachts would do anything to have our spot!) hospitality includes: tender pick up in Fontvieille, breakfast, lunch, aperitivo, tea -time, dinner, and evening party!

--> contact me for pricing.

Option 2:

50-meter yacht (a lot bigger) second-line view of the track and loads of entertainment for 2,500 euros.

Option 3:

A combination of race view on a huge terrace with panoramic views of the race followed by dinner and a party onboard a yacht on anchor for 2,000 euros!


Where to get Tickets

The best place to buy tickets is officially through the Automobile Club of Monaco, which can be accessed by clicking here. Avoid getting scammed by resellers or unofficial agencies.

Budget tip: The Monaco Grand Prix’s Sector Rocher is one of the cheapest general admission areas in the world, with tickets going for €120 on race day and just over €300 for the whole weekend.

How to get free tickets:

Companies like Netjets invite their clients and rent huge roof top terraces and have incredible entertainment packages.

If you own a yacht (or planning to buy one) reach out to your favorite broker, most brokerage houses in Monaco have nice views!

If you are a member of the Yacht club (or have a friend who is) ask him to invite you to watch the race from there where you have the best harbor views! This year they are also hosting a free party on Saturday!

There are a lot of companies hosting and entertaining clients so if you are a good customer make sure to reach out, remember if you don’t ask you don’t get!

Pro tip: There are FREE autographs sessions by the drivers in the Live fan zone in place d’armes and best part is that no ticket is required!

Where to stay

Hotels in Monaco get booked really quickly and usually those dates are overpriced, We have a great option where you can stay onboard a yacht for a cheaper price than any hotels so contact us for more info!

Budget tip: the best is to stay in the surrounding towns like Menton, Cap D’ ail, or Nice.

 Getting there

The best way from Nice to Monaco and to ensure you arrive on style is for sure by helicopter, which takes only 7mins from nice and costs less than 200 euros.

Parking- If you are hoping on a tender to your superyacht, the best way is to park in Fontvieille, come in early there are big parking like in Carrefour supermarket. Another big parking in Fontvieille is the Stadium parking. Parking can be a nightmare in Monaco during the GP so plan an alternative (and pack flat shoes and be prepared to walk)

Taxis – somehow there are not enough taxis in Monaco during events like this so trying to get one is a nightmare, and sometimes they can even scammed you and treat you like a dumb tourist so be careful!

Train- coming by train has its charms as well. Train tickets are less than €10 for a return trip from Nice or Ventimiglia if booked in advance, although prices do rise for on-the-day bookings. The trip takes 20 minutes from Nice or 36 minutes from Ventimiglia, and each journey showcases one of the most stunning stretches of coastline the region has to offer.

What to bring, wear, and not-pack..

The weather is like in May.. it May be sunny but it May also rain.. so be prepared for both!

If you are seating on the stands, they are not covered so be prepared!

  •     Cash – most places take card, but you never know!
  •     Headphones
  •     Flat shoes
  •     Hat
  •     Sunglasses
  •     Sunscreen
  •     Extra battery pack
  •     Rain jacket and/or umbrella

Do not bring strollers, scooters, scooter helmets, heavy backpacks, etc cause due to high security this won’t be allowed.

 Shoes  First of all you don’t need shoes onboard a yacht so don’t overthink your outfit shoes! Bring a second pair of flat shoes just in case, because once the race is finished the streets are still closed and you may need to walk a lot! Over 21 km of safety railing and 20,000 sqm of catch fencing is set up, so be ready to walk a lot!

The Program

The Automobile Club of Monaco has published a timetable that can be summarized below.

Thursday – The Formula 3 first taking to the city streets in the afternoon for a practice session ahead of Formula 2 and Porsche Supercup practice sessions. The circuit will reopen on Thursday at 19:30.

Budget tip: These are the cheapest tickets, so if you are on a budget you can still experience the Monaco vibes as low as 30euros!

Friday – On the first day of F1 action, there re Free Practice sessions, from 13:30 until 14:30 and from 17:00 until 18:00, with the circuit not opening again until 21:00.

Saturday – Starts with F3 and an F2 Sprint Race, separated by the third F1 Free Practice session and followed by the all-important Qualifying session from 16:00 until 17:00.

Sunday – It’s the big day! The circuit will be closed to the public from 5:00 on Sunday, May 28 to allow for F3, F2 and Porsche Supercup races to take place ahead of an F1 filled afternoon. A drivers parade will see the drivers take to the track one last time before the race, from 12:50 until 13:20.

The Monegasque National Anthem will proceed the Monaco GP, which will begin at 15:00. 78 laps of the city circuit will be raced or the race will finish after 120 minutes. After a series of on-track festivities, including a winner’s lap and the podium celebration, the circuit will reopen at 20:30.


Parties and after-parties

If I’m honest, we are not all here following closely the race 🙂 mostly is about the vibe, the excitement in the air, the entertainment, and THE PARTIES!

Steps for the ideal Monaco experience:

Step 1: Watch the race

Step 2: Go for a nice dinner (Buddha bar, La Mome, Le Grill..)

Step 3: Party onboard a yacht

Step 4: Join the Dj Party

Step 5: Go to Sass Cafe

Step 6: Follow the after party

Monaco’s nightlife during the Grand Prix comes alive with vibrant energy, offering unforgettable experiences at renowned nightclubs like Amber Lounge, Sunset, Jimmy’z, and Twiga.

Arguably the most fun party in Monaco! Best way to arrive is by tender of course (but make sure you bring cash!) it’s a BEACH party so no heels! Arrive early cause sunset as the name implies is the most fun! It’s a great place to meet people (and no so loud like other clubs) but the music is more chill loungy and not a real dance club.

 

Jimmy’z

The most famous nightclub in Monaco is Jimmy’z , its literally a legend! Super glam and its iconic dance floor could tell many stories! Here is where the best DJs play and has the best high energy atmosphere. Also its super hard to get in so either come in super early or book long in advance.

 Amber Lounge

Some call it the ultimate party destination during the Monaco Grand Prix, Amber Lounge the party where celebrities and F1 drivers go. With its glamorous ambiance, live performances by international artists, and a buzzing atmosphere, it offers an exclusive VIP experience where you get a chance to rub shoulders with the who’s who of the racing world! Tables start around 30K and its usually sold out so make sure you book in advance.

 Twiga

Flabios Briatore’s restaurant (near Cipriani) has the best of Italian cuisine, exotic cocktails, and an electrifying club scene where you can both eath there and then party! The ambiance and décor are very unique so is a must-visit if you want a sophisticated nightlife experience.

OK Ciao Bye

I hope you enjoyed this guide?

With all the above being said, we can conclude that The Monaco Grand Prix is a celebration of speed, luxury, and history, captivating the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts and thrill-seekers!

From its legendary circuit to the glamorous ambiance of Monte Carlo, the race embodies the perfect fusion of high-octane action and opulent indulgence “A little party never killed nobody”

So whether you’re dreaming of witnessing the race firsthand, getting your superyacht experience with us, or simply immersing yourself in its allure from afar, join us as we embark on an unforgettable journey through the storied history and irresistible charm of the Monaco Grand Prix!

Let's meet!

This article is not sponsored, nobody pays me to write this, it honestly took me hours if not days to gather it all, so if you enjoyed it and found it useful you can buy me a virtual coffee 🙂 thank you in advance hope to meet you soon!

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