Get 5% of discount using the code
MYESIMNOW5
close-icon-modal
Buy eSIM
Trustpilot

The real reason fans travel to Monaco GP (it’s not the race)

The real reason fans travel to Monaco GP isn’t for the race. It’s for the yachts, the rooftop parties, and the endless champagne that creates the most Grand Prix weekend on the F1 calendar.

Updated: February 27, 2026

From the yachts lining the harbor to the champagne-fueled afternoons and the inevitable celebrity sightings, the Monaco Grand Prix is the sports event everyone wants to be seen at.

With the entire city turning into one long, glamorous social event, the F1 race is only part of the experience, and for many, it’s not the main event.

The real reason fans travel to Monaco GP is for the bucket-list experience; to be part of the annual spectacle that oozes glamour, wealth, and status. For sports fans and travelers alike, the Monaco Grand Prix offers the rare opportunity to step into the playground of the rich and famous.

Yachts, terraces, and champagne views

Couple enjoying a yacht during Monaco Grand Prix weekend with the harbor and race circuit nearby
You can enjoy a yacht in Monaco harbor during Grand Prix weekend. Source: Shutterstock

The Monaco Grand Prix is all about where you watch the race. And the place to be is NOT the grandstands.

The harbor is the unofficial main venue. Here, superyachts function as private viewing platforms, offering unobstructed sights of the circuit while providing the utmost privacy and exclusivity. Champagne flutes glisten in the sunlight as those lucky enough to be there lounge on the polished decks.

If you’re not watching from the water, the next best spot is to be up high, as the terraces and balconies overlooking the circuit offer the best vantage points. These elevated perches transform into elite rooftop parties, pulsing with music, laughter, and clinking glasses.

Monaco GP is a status symbol, not just a race ticket

Charles Leclerc celebrating after winning the Monaco Grand Prix near the harbor in Monte Carlo
Charles Leclerc celebrates after the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo harbor. Source: Shutterstock

The real reason fans travel to the Monaco GP is not for the race. Many spectators are more excited about the sun, champagne, and outfits than the roar of the engines or how fast the lap times are.

Monaco Grand Prix is a bucket-list flex that’s all about presence, performance, and status. You don’t worry about whether you’ve got enough race knowledge to understand what’s going on; you worry if you’ve got enough followers to be there.

Similarly, you don’t prepare for the Monaco GP by researching the drivers; you prepare by following the fashion trends and planning your outfit months in advance. Because what truly counts is being seen at one of the most-watched sporting events in the world!

That’s why Monaco GP photos look different from other F1 races. You don’t just see the cars, you see the linen suits, the cocktail dresses, and the sunglasses, all set against the backdrop of glittering yachts and sun-soaked terraces.

Monaco GP is a carefully choreographed world where wealth, glamour, and social currency dominate. The roar of engines and the cheer of the crowds is the soundtrack. And the Ferraris, McLarens, and Red Bulls are merely part of the scenery.

A race made for spectators, not hardcore fans

Charles Leclerc celebrating after winning the Monaco Grand Prix near the harbor in Monte Carlo
In Monaco, even victory celebrations unfold against a backdrop of yachts and spectacle. Source: Shutterstock

Monaco doesn’t ask or expect you to be a hardcore F1 enthusiast. In fact, the race is purposely designed for casual spectators, making it one of the best F1 Grand Prixs to attend for first-timers.

Unlike the sprawling tracks of other Grand Prixs, Monaco’s circuit is compact. The short, winding lap keeps the cars constantly in view, allowing you to dip in and out of watching. This is a stark contrast to Silverstone and Miami Grand Prixs, where the long straights and hidden corners require you to stay glued to the action.

What makes Monaco so unique is that the race exists alongside the parties. You don’t have to choose between socializing and watching the race because both naturally happen simultaneously. 

And yet, despite its relaxed viewing pace, Monaco remains one of the most technically thrilling F1 races. The tight street circuit demands extreme precision to navigate it and leaves no room for error. 

With every lap, the tension rises. As champagne glasses clink above the circuit, drivers thread through the streets with nerves of steel, knowing they are just one misstep away from disaster.

Who actually enjoys the Monaco GP the most?

Night view of Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo near Casino Square during Monaco Grand Prix season
Monte Carlo’s iconic hotels and casino square set the tone for a weekend built on glamour and status. Source: Shutterstock

Monaco is not better or worse than other Grand Prixs, but it is different. As one of the most prestigious sporting events of 2026, it attracts a particular audience. 

Sure, hardcore racing purists and avid sports fans can appreciate the high-stakes circuit. But as the real reason fans travel to Monaco GP is for the experience, this is the race for people who enjoy being somewhere iconic as much as they enjoy what’s happening on track. 

It suits lifestyle travelers and first-time F1 attendees who prefer atmosphere over analysis

It appeals to experience-driven, social travelers seeking energy, people-watching, and parties.

And as the Monaco GP price is significantly higher than other F1 races, it, of course, attracts luxury travelers who have cash to flash.

Seamless connectivity for a seamless Monaco weekend

The Monaco Grand Prix never gets boring. From harbor brunches to yacht parties, there’s always something happening, and staying connected is part of keeping up with the experience.

With Holafly eSIM, you can arrive in Monaco with instant, unlimited data already set up on your phone. 

There’s no hunting for cafés with Wi-Fi and no surprise roaming charges. With Holalfy, you can focus solely on what actually matters; the atmosphere, the moments, and the memories that make Monaco unlike anywhere else on the F1 calendar.

Get your eSIM for Monaco here.

Plans that may interest you

Michaela Park

Michaela Park

SEO Content Specialist

Hey, I’m Mika! I’m an SEO specialist with 7+ years of experience and a passion for travel info that actually helps you explore smarter. I write travel guides and tips backed by SEO insights so you can spend less time searching and more time adventuring.

Read full bio