The Monaco Grand Prix: Beyond the Racing
The biggest event each year in Monaco is the Monaco Grand Prix. An event which exhilarates fans of all ages, the Formula 1 motor race, held at the Circuit de Monaco, is an event not to be missed. That being said, if you are going to make the trip to Monaco there must also be time allotted to take in the sights and culture that Monaco has to offer.
The Monaco GP
Obviously you’ve come to Monaco for the sole purpose of watching the Grand Prix, but let’s ensure that you don’t miss out on some of the special events not known entirely to the public. If sitting on an uncomfortable chair and drinking overprices drinks is not what you want to do for hours on end, try watching the Grand Prix from a luxurious yacht.
When the race is over and you’re looking for the perfect nightlife location, the Amber Lounge is where all the Hollywood stars and sporting heroes go. The Amber Lounge bills itself as a magical place, a place that exudes the fact that “no other destination captures the glitz, the glamour and the grace of Formula 1 quite like Monaco.”
The Oceanographic Museum
Whether or not you enjoy museums, the Oceanographic Museum is a ‘must’ for those visiting Monaco. The Oceanographic Museum is not your typical museum, because how many museums do you know that allows visitors to pet sharks? That’s right…pet sharks. This Trip Advisor’s #1 ranked “things to do in Monte-Carlo” museum receives high praise from all that visit it.
The most impressive exhibit is their aquarium. Upon arrival, you instantly come in contact with a 90 foot whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling—ninety feet! The size of this skeleton will leave you awestruck. However, if awestruck isn’t your type of exhibit, the Shark Lagoon—where they allow visitors to pet sharks—will allow you to demonstrate your bravery, an opportunity to walk on the wild side.
Try your Luck at Monte-Carlo Casino
Monte-Carlo has become synonymous with casinos and gambling—thank you, James Bond! The Monte-Carlo Casino has been in two Bond films, Never Say Never Again and Goldeneye, and it was also the inspiration for Casino Royale. Known for its grandiose and lavish settings, the Monte-Carlo Casino is a must for those looking to unwind after a long day at the Grand Prix.
This gambling complex and entertainment center offers the most up-to-date casino facilities, numerous retail stores, restaurants, Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, and the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. There are several special events in store for those visiting in the days before the Monaco Grand Prix, Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District at the opera house, and the PokerStars EPT Grand Final at the Monte-Carlo Casino.
Rendez-vous at the Brasserie du Café de Paris
For those that want the experience of French culture, without traveling to France, the Brasserie du Café de Paris is an absolutely divine restaurant to get delicious French cuisine and enjoy the Parisian bistro décor that has made the Brasserie a staple establishment for Monaco’s tourists.
French travel expert Anthony Peregrine described Brasserie du Café de Paris as:
“…the key see-and-be-seen terrace in Monaco...Take a table and watch the spectacle that is Monte-Carlo.”
Additionally, if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to cook like Jacques Pepin, Daniel Boulud, or any of the other French greats, the Brasserie du Café de Paris offers cookery classes for those looking to learn the ways of Chef Marcel Ravin. From Creole cuisine to pastry-making, their staff offers many options in their “Spice Up Your Talent” series.
Browse the Private Collection of the Prince’s Antique Cars
After watching Formula 1 racers driving at speeds of over 300 km/h, you might appreciate taking a moment to watch some vehicles that—after watching hours of racing—appear as if they are suspended in time. The Private Collection of Antique Cars of H.S.H Price Rainier III, of over one hundred vehicles, consists of military vehicles, horse-drawn carriages, vintage automobiles, sports and classic cars.
From the 1903 De Dion Bouton, the oldest car in his fleet, to Prince Louis II’s shooting brake Ford, Prince Rainier’s vehicles offer car enthusiast hours of fun. Additionally, you might enjoy taking the opportunity to look over the prized gems—his series of F1 vehicles.
Shopping at Le Metropole Shopping Center
If you win big betting at the Monaco Grand Prix or make a killing at the poker tables in the Monte-Carlo Casino, Le Metropole Shopping Center is the eminent shopping center in Europe and the best way to spend your new winnings. If you brought your wife with you to the Grand Prix or you’ve made an acquaintance with a special someone while enjoying Monaco’s nightlife, you’ll want to treat your special someone to this shopping mecca.
The “epitome of classy shopping; exquisite, luxurious, and very trendy; fabulous,” these are the ways in which visitors to Le Metropole Shopping Center describe it. The glamour of the mall makes each person’s shopping experience the best that they’ve ever had.
Between its numerous restaurants and its eighty stores, an individual could easily spend an entire day inside this mall.
Bask at the Larvotto Beach
After you’ve allowed yourself to get wound up at the Grand Prix, you’ll no doubt want an opportunity to relax before heading back home. Larvotto Beach, on the French Riviera and Monaco coastline, is where the rich and famous relax and soak up the sun. This public beach offers a relaxed atmosphere, but at the same time makes available several options for those looking to have a good time: beach sports, windsurfing, and sea-parachuting are just a few of the favorite activities at Larvotto.
Both before and after the Grand Prix, Hollywood stars, millionaires, and royalty will spend several days playing, relaxing, and tanning in the world’s most luxurious beach. Make sure you’re there, too.
No matter what you decide to do while in Monaco for the Monaco Grand Prix, you cannot go wrong. For more on the Grand Prix, check out our Monaco Grand Prix F1 Race info page.
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