Every May, just as the bright amber lilies begin to bloom along the hills of the Principality of Monaco, the sounds of racing engines fill the air as anticipation thickens for the start of the world’s most famous motor race. The entire month is an automotive lover’s dream in Monaco, when luxury car auctions and pop-ups featuring historic racecars add to the region’s events calendar, but the pièce de résistance of the entire month is the annual Grand Prix de Monaco.

The race dates back to April 1929, when cigarette manufacturer Antony Noghes suggested to his pals from the Automobile Club de Monaco the idea of creating a race of epic proportions. Noghes’ race appeared on the first Formula One World Championship calendar in 1950 and has remained on the calendar every year since 1955. The Principality itself serves as the Grand Prix de Monaco racetrack where, this year, 20 cars will race along an unforgiving route known as the slowest yet most challenging of all the circuits in the Formula One World Championship.

In the weeks surrounding the Grand Prix, the entirety of Monaco transforms into an adrenaline-fueled epicenter as streets normally traveled by luxury cars turn into a world-class race circuit. The thrilling influx of tourists, motorsport enthusiasts and celebrities adds an elevated energy level to the already buzzing atmosphere where risk is glamourous and glamour is requisite.

PHOTO: © MIRA MIRA & STUDIO PHENIX (HAUTE MODELS MONACO)

“The atmosphere in Monaco during the Grand Prix is electric,” explained Laurence Shukor, director of press and public relations, Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo. “Roaring engines echo through the streets; spectators cheer from balconies, yachts and grandstands while the thrill of competition energizes the entire principality. It’s a unique blend of high-stakes racing and high-end elegance.”

Watching a Formula One race in person is generally marked by a few brief seconds of intense excitement, and seasoned Grand Prix de Monaco goers book their tickets as soon as they become available (typically six–nine months before the race). Like all Formula One circuits, viewing the race in Monaco involves staking out a vantage point along key turns or straightaways, with some of the top viewing sites around town including the stands facing Casino de Monte-Carlo and Hôtel de Paris in Casino Square, the terrace of La Rascasse, on board a yacht in Monaco Harbor, or the numerous grandstands around town. However, unlike most of the other circuits, the views can be just as good (if not better) from Michelin-starred restaurants, offering an extravagantly immersive way to experience Monaco during the Grand Prix.

Many local businesses and restaurants adjust their schedules during the Grand Prix to align with the event’s excitement, often extending their own hours or introducing special menus to celebrate. “At Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, we offer an extraordinary dining experience at our two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac, and our one-Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant, Yoshi,” Shukor said, “both featuring exclusive menus for the occasion. Each restaurant provides stunning views of the Grand Prix, including one of the circuit’s most thrilling points — the iconic and challenging Mirabeau hairpin turn.”

Located on the roof of Port Palace Hotel, restaurant La Môme Monte-Carlo proves another hot reservation during the race, where a lively atmosphere and shareable plates combine with unmissable panoramic views of the harbor and the circuit’s notorious chicane. The beach club at Nikki Beach offers a chill yet super- chic way to take in race days while in Monaco, with live music and DJ sets serenading its exclusive pool parties. Near the harbor, the newly renovated Caffé Milano’s immersive hospitality offer puts viewers directly above the debris fence outside the Nouvelle Chicane at its rooftop Champagne bar.

Things don’t slow down after cars cross the finish line, though, and Monaco’s notorious nightlife shines even brighter during the Grand Prix with exclusive after-parties and late-night soirées on every corner. Some of the most star-studded events happen at Amber Lounge and Jimmy’z Monte- Carlo, where locals and celebrities converge amid flowing Champagne and caviar bumps for the epitome of Monaco luxury. Yacht parties in the harbor are both privatized and open to ticket holders, as Port Hercules’ finest superyachts transform to floating nightclubs with celebrity DJs and signature cocktails.

In 2026 the Grand Prix de Monaco will move to June for the first time in its history, but the electric energy of those three days will remain as drivers continue to compete to win this prestigious race.

INFO TO GO
The Principality of Monaco sits in the southeast of France, just less than 15 miles from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. Arrival by plane at Nice Côte d’Azur gives visitors the option to reach Monaco by helicopter, bus, train or car. The quickest route is via helicopter (seven minutes via BLADE), while a taxi typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour and costs around €110 for a one-way trip. Trains depart from Nice-Ville station up to 56 times a day and arrive in Monaco in just 31 minutes. Uber is not available in Monaco, but local taxis are common, and it’s very easy to walk to most destinations around town.