The Monaco Grand Prix is almost as popular as the city-state. Since its first entry on the F1 calendar in 1929, it has remained one of the key races. Practically all drivers who make it to F1 have a strong desire to win this race. Perhaps it's the glamor of Monte Carlo, along with how festive Port Hercules becomes, that makes Monaco's GP weekend elicit so much excitement.
On the other hand, the 2.07-mile Monaco F1 circuit is notorious for being one of the toughest on the F1 calendar. A small mistake by a driver can easily ruin their (and that of others) race weekend. The narrow streets of Monte-Carlo make it very difficult to overtake, and a driver's best bet for winning the race is to start from pole position.
Nelson Piquet famously compared it to riding your bicycle around your living room. It is the reason why some pundits want F1 to draw the curtains on the Monaco race. But we all know that's not going to happen anytime soon. If you're not a racing driver, you don't need to worry about any of that. You just need to spray on your sunscreen and enjoy the sights.
Exploring the Principality
With a rich history that includes a 1931 race win by local hero Louis Chiron, the race track remains a crowd favourite. One of the most popular things to do among tourists in Monte Carlo (at least among F1 fans) is walking along the 19-turn Monaco circuit.
No one will expect that walking the path will get them close to being a world championship driver. However, you can claim to have experienced the circuit used for what is now known as the TAG Heuer Grand Prix de Monaco. The rebranding is a direct result of the deal between F1 and LVMH.
I was in Monaco for a day and a half after a week of filming on the French Riviera and in Milan. During my hike around the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, I took a few detours (can you blame me?). There's a new landmark in Monaco you definitely want to visit, so expect to take at least one detour.
I've whined about having unfinished business in Monaco, and once you've gone through this guide, you'll have a better idea of what I mean.
Casino Square
Technically, the race starts just south of Sainte Devote, where the church of the same name is located, but I recommend starting at Place du Casino. If you're staying at one of the main SBM properties in Monte Carlo, there's no reason not to start here since it's just a few yards away from the front entrance of your hotel.
The square is the most popular attraction in Monte Carlo, with key landmarks like Casino de Monte Carlo, Hotel de Paris, and Casino Café de Paris. Facing the square from Hotel de Paris, you have the Jardins du Casino gardens, north of the square, where you can marvel at the variety of flora from various parts of the world.
Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo
As you walk past Place du Casino down Avenue de Spelugues, you'll encounter Hotel Metropole and Rampoldi, one of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Monaco. To the right, you have Le Parc Spelugues, a beautiful green space. It's best to walk through the park as there is no sidewalk on the right side, and you can enjoy the serene ambiance of Monte Carlo.
Technically, that would be a detour, but if you want to be strict about sticking to the path, you can stay on the left side. Another detour you may want to consider is the Métropole Shopping Center. However, if you're not disciplined, your tour may end here, as the high-end stores will likely keep you occupied all day long.
Fairmont Hairpin
As you make the turn towards the Fairmont Hairpin, where the world-famous Fairmont Hotel is located, you should stay on the left side of the road as the sidewalk on the other side is barely present (no, this isn't a pattern in Monte Carlo). The front of the hotel is one of many iconic places where you should stop to take pictures by the fountain with the Fairmont Hotel sign.
It is arguably the most famous turn on the street circuit. A lesser-known path to the Fairmont Hotel is to walk over from the Casino de Monte Carlo. That alternate route offers more Instagram-worthy photo spots, but now I'm digressing. One thing you're sure to notice is the Fairmont Hotel's need for a façade renovation (but let's pretend I didn't mention that).
As you walk away from the Fairmont Hairpin, you'll arrive at the Le Mirabeau Building. It houses Cipriani Monte Carlo, an Italian restaurant with a strong reputation.
It may not have the storied history of some of the other famous places to eat here, but it's catching the attention of food critics with its take on timeless Italian cuisine (no, I didn't get paid to say that). I recommend coming back later instead of stopping for a meal. We need to stay focused to complete the tour.
While Le Jardin Japonais isn't really on the circuit, it's so close that it would be wrong for you to walk past it and not stop by for a relaxing 'pit stop.' It's a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the Mediterranean breeze. Opposite the garden along Avenue Princess Grace, you'll find exotic car dealers, including Aston Martin and McLaren.
Behind the garden, you'll find Monaco's brand new eco-friendly €2 billion district. Mareterra was officially opened on the 4th of December 2024, so if you don't stop anywhere else, this is one detour you definitely want to make.
With Mareterra, Monaco is now 3% larger. However, if you're shopping for a new home in the principality, don't expect prices to drop. During the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show, we spent some time in Mareterra, so expect more details on it soon.
Fairmont Tunnel & Yacht Club de Monaco
Walking through the Fairmont Tunnel is arguably the most rewarding part of the walk, as I imagined F1 cars driving past me. There isn't much to see here, but it felt as intriguing as walking past the Fairmont hairpin.
As I emerged from the tunnel, I was greeted by a Ferrari Testarossa parked in front of Yacht Club de Monaco. That was the first time I've seen one that wasn't part of some car show or museum.
I didn't think anyone would be brave enough to casually park an icon like that on the street, but this is Monaco. There appeared to be a big event at the club, as I saw numerous guests, all dressed up, being dropped off at the entrance. The building is quite imposing. It appears to have been designed to look like a cruise ship.
As you go past the yacht club, you'll encounter the menacing Nouvelle Chicane. That's one part of the track we can do without. The awkward angle of the turn as you come into the chicane has caused a few incident during the race.
Port Hercules
The next key place on the route is Port Hercules, the famous harbor with large mega yachts seeking to catch your attention. After Place du Casino, this is likely the most popular tourist attraction in Monaco. It's at the eastern border of the La Condamine district, bordering Monte Carlo.
This is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery and casual dining restaurants. The famous swimming pool section borders RTe de la Piscine, east of the port. If you're looking to buy a yacht, note that there are a few brokers in the area.
La Rascasse Club
F1 fans will be familiar with the name La Rascasse. F1 commentators often refer to the corner after the swimming pool using that name. La Rascasse is actually a club/bar at the corner owned by SBM (another place to return to later if you're so inclined). The corner leads to Bld Albert 1er, where you'll also find the pit lane.
Sadly, by the time I got to Port Hercules, my body was telling me I was done for the day. So, all I could do was look at the corner from a distance. Other landmarks in the area include the Monaco Top Cars Collection museum. On the other side of the swimming pool, you have Automobile Club de Monaco. The club plays a role in many of the races hosted in the city-state.
Sainte Dévote (Saint Devota)
Of course, I still needed to get back to the Hermitage where I was staying. I walked up Av. d'Ostende from the Sainte Dévote church. It's an uphill walk, so it's not exactly a relaxing way to end your hike.
Notable things to see beyond the church at this section of the track are a sculpture of William Grover and his 1929 race winning car, Thermes Marins Spa, and the best views of Port Hercules along Avenue d'Ostende. The same road will take you back to Place du Casino.
That completes the grand prix circuit tour. Hopefully, you won't be like me and skip La Rascasse and Ave Prince Albert. In my defense, this was after a strenuous week of filming, and my body had simply had enough. At least I made it back to my hotel without calling a taxi (not that I didn't consider it).
