Race weekend in Monaco: What to do, see, and eat
Discover the best of Monaco off the track, from circuit strolls after hours to panoramic Riviera views and authentic local street food.
Edited by Kaitlyn Dreyling | June 4, 2026
Since the Circuit de Monaco runs through the city itself, you're never more than a few steps away from the action. The weekend spills naturally from the track into the harbor, old town, and market streets, where you can enjoy breathtaking Mediterranean views and incredible local cuisine. Use this guide for things to do in Monaco between Formula 1® sessions.
In this article: Things to do in Monaco for F1® weekend
Do: Walk the Circuit de Monaco
Do: Walk the Circuit de Monaco
In the evenings after the day’s racing sessions have concluded and the streets are reopened to the public, you can trace the entire track for a truly unique experience. The historic street circuit threads through real city corners, from Sainte-Dévote to the climb toward Casino Square, then on to the Grand Hotel Hairpin and down toward Port Hercules. Notice the narrow lanes, sharp elevation changes, and barriers pressed close to polished façades, with harbor air arriving as the route drops toward the water. For a quieter counterpoint to a high-energy race weekend itinerary, Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, Curio Collection by Hilton, sets you in the peaceful Fontvieille district, across from the Princess Grace Rose Garden. Enjoy sparkling sea views at every turn and easy access to the principality’s race-weekend rhythm.
See: Admire the harbor views from Old Monaco
Port Hercules becomes the visual center of Monaco’s race weekend, with superyachts, waterfront grandstands, and race infrastructure packed tightly around the harbor. The sharp, S-curves of the Swimming Pool section and the famous Tabac Corner deliver pure drama as cars fly right past the water, while Casino Square gives the weekend its architectural polish and steady current of people-watching. Climb to Le Rocher for a calmer view of Old Monaco, where Place du Palais looks over both Port Hercules and Fontvieille. Catch the changing of the guard at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco at 11:55 am in front of the royal entrance. Later, retreat to Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, for a spritz at the bar or a reset on your outdoor terrace with Riviera views.
Hilton Honors benefits
- Earn free nights with no blackout dates so you never miss the big event.
- Best confirmed room upgrades — automatically awarded before arrival — that give you more space to get ready, pre-game, or wind down.
- Enjoy Honors discount prices that help you put more toward the experiences you care about.
- Daily food and beverage perks or continental breakfast to elevate your stay.
Eat: Savor Monaco’s race-weekend flavors
The best way to experience Monaco’s food scene during race weekend is to keep it simple, local, and close to the routes you’ll already walk. For a true taste of Monaco, look out for regional street-food specialties like barbagiuan (crisp, Swiss chard-and-cheese stuffed pastry), socca (savory chickpea flour crepes), and pissaladière (tarts topped with sweet caramelized onions) — all perfectly made for eating between racing sessions. While the colorful La Condamine Market on Place d’Armes is undergoing a refresh until early 2027, you can still find these local favorites from open-air stalls right on the square. Around the port, keep things simple with seafood and Riviera-style drinks. Back at Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, meals come easy with seasonal Mediterranean flavors at Tavolo and locally-inspired cocktails at Le Bar.
Join Hilton Honors to level up your stay
Explore more
The best place to stay in Monaco for race weekend
Pair the thrills of Formula 1® with a relaxing stay at Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Race ready: Your guide to the top global destinations for an epic race weekend
From Las Vegas to Doha, these five destinations are gearing up for racing’s most thrilling festivities.
The Perfect Getaway: An ultimate race weekend in Las Vegas
The entertainment capital of the world is set to reach new heights with the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Here’s how to make the most of the thrilling weekend.
A local’s guide to Miami for race weekend
From the best beaches to bold bites, there’s plenty to enjoy beyond the track during Miami’s Formula 1® race weekend.
Read more:
Find travel inspiration