When the Formula 1 circus descends upon Monaco, the world’s gaze follows. For one weekend each year, the twisting streets of Monte Carlo are transformed into the most famous race circuit on the planet. It’s where racing meets Riviera glamour, and where superyachts and grandstands sit side by side above the glittering Mediterranean.
For 2026, The Pop-Up Hotel brings its signature blend of luxury and adventure to Monaco for the very first time. After debuting our Trackside Hotel at Silverstone, we’re setting up in the heart of the Principality, offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in one of motorsport’s most iconic weekends.
But the Monaco Grand Prix is about more than just the race. From its opulent landmarks to hidden coastal treasures, there’s an entire world of experiences to explore beyond the roar of the engines. Here are ten of the most unmissable things to see and do in and around Monaco during race weekend.
Quick What To Know?
- Top attractions include the Prince’s Car Collection, Casino de Monte-Carlo, and the Oceanographic Museum.
- Visit Larvotto Beach for relaxation between race sessions.
- Experience Monaco nightlife at the exclusive Amber Lounge parties.
- Sample the local delicacy, the barbajuan, at Marché de la Condamine.
- Enjoy panoramic views from Tête de Chien and La Rocher hill.
- Arrive in style via helicopter from Nice Airport in just seven minutes.
- Extend your trip with time in Nice, famous for its Promenade des Anglais and beaches.
1. Step Back in Time at the Cars Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco
For motorsport enthusiasts, this is where passion and heritage meet. The late Prince Rainier III began collecting cars in the 1950s, building what would become one of the most remarkable private automobile collections in the world.
Today, over 100 vehicles sit beneath the soft light of the museum, each a masterpiece of design and engineering. From stately vintage cars to Formula 1 machines that once tore through these very streets, the collection captures the evolution of motoring across the 20th century.
Highlights include race cars from the golden age of Grand Prix racing, elegant pre-war automobiles, and several machines used in the Monaco Grand Prix itself. It’s an intimate and surprisingly affordable experience, with adult tickets priced at just a few euros.
It’s also the perfect way to set the tone for your weekend: a celebration of craftsmanship, performance, and timeless beauty — the very values that define both Monaco and The Pop-Up Hotel.
2. Try Your Luck at the Legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo
If Silverstone is all grit and speed, Monaco is all glitter and poise — and nowhere captures that duality like the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Opened in 1863, the casino remains one of Europe’s most glamorous landmarks. Its marble pillars, gold-leaf ceilings, and Belle Époque architecture have welcomed everyone from royalty to Hollywood stars.
The Casino isn’t just a building; it’s an experience. Sip a martini under chandeliers, test your luck at the tables, or simply take in the grandeur of the setting that has graced James Bond films such as GoldenEye and Never Say Never Again.
Even for those who prefer to keep their chips off the table, the surrounding Casino Square is a must-visit. During race weekend, it becomes one of the circuit’s most iconic backdrops — where the hum of engines echoes off the façade as the world’s fastest cars sweep past.
Dress code tip: bring your tux or cocktail dress. Monaco’s sense of occasion demands it.
3. Dive Beneath the Surface at the Oceanographic Museum
Perched dramatically on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is more than a museum — it’s an architectural and cultural landmark dedicated to the mysteries of the sea. Founded by Prince Albert I, it brings the underwater world to life through vast aquariums, scientific exhibits, and maritime relics.
Visitors can marvel at the Shark Lagoon, trace the history of deep-sea exploration, and stand beneath the colossal skeletons of whales that once ruled the oceans. The fluorescent corals and tropical fish are mesmerising for all ages, offering a serene counterpoint to the high-octane intensity of race weekend.
For guests of The Pop-Up Hotel, it’s an easy morning escape before the action begins on track — a reminder that Monaco’s spirit of exploration extends far beyond its harbour.
4. Follow in the Footsteps of Legends on the Champions Promenade
Motorsport may rule the weekend, but football has its own proud place in Monaco’s sporting story. The Principality is home to AS Monaco, one of Europe’s most iconic football clubs, and the city celebrates the sport through the Golden Foot award — an honour bestowed upon the greatest active players aged 28 and over.
Winners leave a mould of their footprints on the Champions Promenade along the seafront. As you stroll beside the glittering water, you’ll find imprints from footballing legends including Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos, Luka Modrić, Cristiano Ronaldo and many more.
It’s a surprisingly humbling experience: a quiet, open-air tribute to greatness that sits just a short walk from the glamour of the harbour.
5. Soak Up the Sun at Larvotto Beach
Every great weekend needs a moment to pause. When the buzz of the paddock subsides and you crave a little Riviera relaxation, head to Larvotto Beach — Monaco’s last public stretch of sand and one of the most elegant in Europe.
Here, the azure sea laps gently against the shore, and palm trees sway above beach clubs and cafés. Whether you’re taking a quick dip between support races or spending a lazy Friday afternoon in the sun, Larvotto offers a rare sense of calm in the heart of the city.
The beach runs alongside Avenue Princesse Grace, once declared the world’s most expensive street. A stroll here offers glimpses of private terraces, boutiques, and the effortless glamour that defines the Monegasque lifestyle.
6. Celebrate in Style at the Amber Lounge
The Monaco Grand Prix is as much about the after-parties as it is about the racing — and the Amber Lounge is the crown jewel of them all. Known as the place “where F1 meets fashion,” it’s a magnet for drivers, teams, and A-list guests who come to unwind once the chequered flag falls.
The Amber Lounge’s UNITE* evening kicks off the weekend with pre-show cocktails, a charity fashion show (often featuring F1 drivers on the runway), and live performances. The parties continue across Saturday and Sunday, culminating in the now-legendary post-race celebration where champagne flows until sunrise.
Over the years, it has become part of F1 folklore — a place where victories are toasted, rivalries set aside, and unforgettable memories made. For guests of The Pop-Up Hotel, access to Monaco’s most exclusive soirées can be seamlessly arranged through our concierge service, ensuring you experience the city like a true insider.
7. Taste Monaco’s Signature Dish: the Barbajuan
No visit to Monaco is complete without sampling its most beloved local delicacy: the barbajuan. This savoury pastry — golden, crisp, and filled with ricotta, chard, and herbs — is comfort food the Monegasque way.
Traditionally served on the country’s national day, the barbajuan has become a year-round favourite among locals and visitors alike. You’ll find the best versions in the markets and bakeries of Marché de la Condamine, such as Maison Mullot or La Roca.
Pair it with a chilled glass of Provençal rosé and you’ve got a perfect mid-afternoon bite between practice sessions. It’s simple, authentic, and deeply connected to Monaco’s culinary soul.
8. Take in the View from Tête de Chien
For the best view of Monaco — and perhaps the entire French Riviera — make your way up to Tête de Chien (“Dog’s Head”), the 550-metre-high rock that towers above the city. From here, the panorama sweeps across the sparkling Mediterranean, the winding Grand Prix circuit, and the patchwork of rooftops below.
It’s a popular hike for those wanting a break from the bustle, but it’s equally rewarding by car or guided tour. The fresh sea air and uninterrupted views are a striking contrast to the dense glamour of Monte Carlo’s streets.
For racegoers holding general admission tickets, La Rocher hill offers another scenic vantage point — the perfect spot to perch with a folding chair and watch the cars flash by. Few circuits allow spectators to feel so close to the action while still surrounded by such stunning scenery.
9. Arrive Like a VIP — By Helicopter
In Monaco, the journey is part of the experience. While many visitors stay in nearby Nice and take the short train ride to the circuit, there’s a far more memorable way to arrive.
A helicopter transfer from Nice Airport to Monaco takes just seven minutes, offering an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the Riviera coastline and the circuit itself. You’ll swoop over the turquoise waters, spot the grandstands nestled around Port Hercule, and touch down just minutes from the paddock.
For guests of The Pop-Up Hotel, our team can coordinate transfers that make your arrival as seamless as it is spectacular. After all, if there’s one Grand Prix weekend that deserves a cinematic entrance, it’s Monaco.
10. Explore the Riviera’s Jewel: Nice
Many Grand Prix visitors choose to base themselves in Nice, Monaco’s laid-back neighbour just along the coast. The 20-minute train ride offers easy access to the Principality while allowing you to enjoy one of France’s most charming seaside cities.
Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, a sweeping seven-kilometre waterfront boulevard lined with palm trees and Belle Époque architecture. Visit Parc Phoenix, a lush botanical park with themed zones and one of Europe’s largest greenhouses. Or simply relax on the pebbled beaches and watch the sun set over the Baie des Anges.
Nice’s Mediterranean rhythm — unhurried, elegant, and effortlessly chic — makes it an ideal counterbalance to Monaco’s high-octane intensity. For guests staying at The Pop-Up Hotel, it’s the perfect pre- or post-race destination to extend your Riviera escape.
A Grand Prix Like No Other
There’s no place quite like Monaco, and no race like its Grand Prix. It’s a spectacle that blends sport, style, and sophistication in a way only the Riviera can. From sunrise over the harbour to the late-night glimmer of yacht parties, the entire weekend feels like a cinematic celebration of life in motion.
For The Pop-Up Hotel, bringing our Trackside experience to Monaco means offering guests the rare chance to be part of that story — to wake up within the pulse of the Principality and watch the world’s greatest drivers chase glory through its streets.
Whether you’re sipping champagne in the Casino Square, relaxing at Larvotto Beach, or celebrating under the stars at the Amber Lounge, the Monaco Grand Prix is an event that stays with you long after the engines fall silent.
In a place where every corner has history and every view is picture-perfect, the race is just the beginning.
Booking Your Monaco Grand Prix Weekend
In 2026, we are offering a variety of room types to suit everyone’s needs. From private one or two-bed apartments to en suite sea view rooms, in our shared luxury villa with stunning views, pool, and gardens, situated adjacent to the Rothschild estate.
All our rooms include premium linens, hair & body products and of course, an unbeatable location, with luxury tenders to whisk you into the heart of the action.
Whether you’re a lifelong F1 fan or new to the sport, this is the most exclusive and exhilarating way to experience Monaco.
With limited availability, you don’t miss your place at the heart of F1’s most glamorous weekend.
→ Ready to lock it in? Reserve Your 2026 Monaco Grand Prix Trackside Stay
