© Getty ImagesTravel Guide to MonacoEverything you need to know about your visit to Monte Carlo.
Ifyou’reheadingtotheworld’smostglamourousFormulaOnelocationforthisweekend–luckyyou!Ifyou’venotplannedanythingtodoyet,thenyou’vecometotherightplace.Here’syourguideofwhattodoinMonacoduringroundsevenoftheWorldChampionship.
Monaco needs very little introduction; the glitz and glamour of the Principality is world-famous. Set on the French Riviera means the location is warm most of the time and you’ll be surrounded by luxurious hotels and super yachts.
Magical Monaco© Getty Images
If you’re in the Principality and looking to get your F1 on then there are several events happening over the race weekend The Formula One Fanzone is back at the Place D’Armes and on every day from Thursday to Sunday. It’s free entry and happened from 09:00-21:00. There will be interactive displays, live music, a big screen and more. And you know Oracle Red Bull Racing won’t let you down, we’ll be in the Fanzone with our racing simulator, Esports Playseats, Pit Stop Game and Batak Machine. And on top of that, there will be appearances from Max and Checo.
Playseat at Monaco© Getty Images
You can check out the official programme for the Monaco Grand Prix here.
The first thing you’re going to want to do is make sure your phone is fully charged because you’re going to be taking plenty of pictures in this stunning and historic location. One place to tick off is the instantly recognisable Monte Claro Casino. Not only has it been featured in several James Bond films and a Kylie Minogue video, it was also in Ocean’s 12 and many other films and TV shows. It was first opened in 1875 and designed Charles Garnier. Opulent inside and out it’s well worth a visit, just remember your ID and gentlemen, you’re going to need a jacket and tie.
Another photogenic building is the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Inaugurated in 1910 by Prince Albert I, the building hosts museum of marine sciences in Monaco-Ville, Monaco. This building is part of the Institut Océanographique, which is committed to sharing its knowledge of the oceans.
Now you wouldn’t be in Monaco if you weren’t a petrol head, so it’s well worth visiting Prince Rainer III’s private collection of cars. Prince Rainier III began collecting cars in the 1950s. His collection continued to grow over the years as he acquired more and more models, and the garage at the Prince's Palace soon emerged as too small to contain this collection of around a hundred stunning cars, so in 1993, Prince Rainier III decided to open his precious collection to the public. The collection covers everything from a 1903 De Dion-Bouton to Sébastien Loeb's Citroën DS3 WRC. And even some historic Formula One marques.
Photogenic Monaco© Getty Images
Well, you’re in Monaco so the majority of the shopping is going to luxury, high-end boutiques in lavish surroundings, but there are some lesser-known gems out there. Even if budgets are tight, because you spent all your money on Oracle Red Bull Racing teamwear, the Le Metropole Shopping Centre is a must-see. It boasts chandeliers, Italian marble floors and luxurious furniture as well as 80 stores selling everything from gourmet food to designer clothes.
If you’re more a McDonald’s and supermarket sandwich type, that’s no problem. The Fontvieille Shopping Centre can offer both and more – it’s also where Prince Rainier III’s car collection is held. The centre is still impressive, and apparently the view of the harbour from the Maccy-D’s is worth the price of a Big Mac. Even the street markets of Monte Carlo Market and La Condamine Market are in stunning streets and will entice you in with fresh food samples.
If you’re hankering for something sweet to tickle your tastebuds, then head straight to the Chocolaterie de Monaco. Established in 1920 the chocolaterie offers gourmet Monégasque-themed chocolates as well as premium loose-leaf teas.
If wine is your thing, then you’ll want to visit the Les Grands Chais Monégasques. It is the oldest wine cellar in Monaco and supplies many of the restaurants in town. It also hosts wine tastings in its elegant surroundings and has a gift shop offering bottles from most of the big-name wine and champagne producers, as well as many of the smaller ones. It also offers a delivery service to both homes and yachts!
Sampling Monaco© Getty Images
When it comes to an evening meal, there is no shortage of selections. It just depends on what you fancy and if you want to overlook the harbour or the Mediterranean.
