Exploring Monaco Beyond the Formula 1 Race

Monaco is best known for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, luxury yachts, casinos, and spectacular views of the Mediterranean. However, there is much more to see in the principality beyond the race circuit. On a day when the museums were closed because of the F1 race, Monaco offered a chance to explore some of its most well-known attractions, including the Palais Princier and the Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco.

For anyone visiting Monaco during the Formula 1 weekend, these attractions are worth adding to the itinerary. They provide a different look at the principality, from its royal history and connection to Princess Grace to its long relationship with automobiles.

One of the main stops was the Palais Princier, or Prince’s Palace of Monaco, located in Monaco-Ville, the historic part of the principality. The palace is the official residence of the Prince of Monaco and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country.

The palace sits on the Rock of Monaco, giving it an elevated position above the port and surrounding parts of the city. The location also makes the area around the palace a good place to explore on foot. Narrow streets, historic buildings, small shops, and restaurants surround the palace, making it easy to combine a visit with a walk through Monaco-Ville.

Inside the palace, the state apartments offer a look at Monaco’s royal history and architecture. One of the most memorable parts of the visit was the focus on Princess Grace, whose life and legacy remain closely connected to Monaco.

Princess Grace, formerly American actress Grace Kelly, married Prince Rainier III in 1956 and became Princess of Monaco. Her story continues to attract visitors, and parts of the palace reflect her connection to the principality.

The interiors are also an important part of the experience. The state apartments feature detailed decorations, beautiful frescoes, and intricate flooring. Rather than simply being a historic building, the palace provides a closer look at the lifestyle and history of Monaco’s ruling family.

For visitors interested in architecture, royal history, or Princess Grace, the Palais Princier is one of the places worth prioritizing in Monaco.

The Palais Princier is located in Monaco-Ville, which is easily reached by walking through the historic district. The area involves some uphill sections, so comfortable shoes are useful, especially when visiting during the warmer months.

It is also important to check the palace’s opening schedule before visiting. Access to the state apartments is seasonal and can be affected by official events and other activities. This is especially relevant during the Formula 1 weekend, when some attractions in Monaco may have different schedules or closures.

A visit does not need to take an entire day. The palace can easily be combined with other nearby attractions, including the Monaco Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum, and the streets of Monaco-Ville.

For a first-time visitor, spending several hours exploring this part of Monaco can provide a better experience than simply stopping for a quick photo at the palace entrance.

The next stop was the Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco, also known as La Collection Automobiles de S.A.S. le Prince de Monaco.

For a place associated with Formula 1, Monaco's connection to cars is hardly surprising. The principality hosts one of the most famous races in the world, and cars are an important part of its history and identity.

The collection itself is not a huge museum, but its size does not take away from the experience. Instead, the collection focuses on a selection of interesting vehicles from different periods.

The cars range from classic and vintage models to more modern and high-performance vehicles. Seeing them together makes it easier to appreciate how automobile design has changed over the decades.

Older vehicles show how much car design has evolved. Body shapes, interiors, dashboards, and engineering have changed considerably over time, while modern supercars demonstrate how far technology and performance have developed.

For car enthusiasts, the collection is an obvious attraction. However, it can also be enjoyable for visitors who are not particularly interested in cars. The variety of vehicles makes the collection easy to explore, and its connection to Monaco's royal family gives it an added historical element.

The collection is also a useful addition to an F1 weekend itinerary because it offers a different perspective on Monaco's relationship with automobiles. Instead of watching cars race around the streets, visitors can see some of the vehicles that represent different periods of automotive history.

After exploring Monaco, it was time for lunch at Saint Nicolas Restaurant. The restaurant had already made an impression on a previous visit, so returning for another meal was an easy decision.

The pizza was the highlight and did not disappoint. When spending a busy day walking around Monaco, having a reliable place to stop for lunch can make a big difference.

Saint Nicolas Restaurant also works well as a break between sightseeing stops. Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, taking time for lunch provides a chance to rest before continuing around the principality.

Food prices in Monaco can be higher than in many other European destinations, particularly in areas popular with tourists. Keeping this in mind when planning a daily budget is useful. Checking menus before sitting down can also help avoid surprises.

A little planning can make exploring Monaco much easier, particularly during the Formula 1 weekend.

• Check opening hours before going. Museums and attractions may have seasonal schedules, special closures, or changes during major events.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Monaco has steep streets, stairs, and plenty of walking, especially around Monaco-Ville and the palace.
• Allow extra time during F1 weekend. Crowds, road closures, and event-related restrictions can make getting around slower than usual.
• Explore Monaco-Ville. The area around the Palais Princier is worth exploring instead of visiting the palace and leaving immediately.
• Combine nearby attractions. The palace, Monaco Cathedral, Oceanographic Museum, and other sights in the historic district can be included in the same outing.
• Plan meals ahead. Restaurants can become busy during major events, so having a few lunch options in mind can save time.
• Do not focus only on the race. Formula 1 may be the main reason for visiting Monaco, but the principality has plenty of history, architecture, food, and attractions worth experiencing.

Exploring Monaco during Formula 1 weekend can easily become all about the race, but there is another side of the principality that deserves attention. The Palais Princier offers a glimpse into Monaco's royal history and the legacy of Princess Grace, while the Private Cars Collection shows the principality's long connection with automobiles.

Together, these attractions provide two very different experiences. One focuses on Monaco's royal and cultural history, while the other highlights its relationship with cars and modern luxury.

Add a good lunch, a walk through Monaco-Ville, and time to enjoy the views, and a day in Monaco becomes much more than watching the Grand Prix. For anyone planning a Monaco trip, these experiences are useful additions to an itinerary, whether visiting for Formula 1 or simply exploring the principality as a destination in its own right.

For a closer look at the race weekend itself, read our Monaco F1 Weekend blog, which covers the experience of attending the Formula 1 weekend and exploring the principality during one of its busiest times of the year.