Don’t Go to Monaco Grand Prix Without a Concierge.
From yacht decks to rooftop views, here’s how the world’s savviest travelers unlock the best of race weekend.
There’s a certain rhythm to Monaco during Grand Prix weekend — fast cars, polished crowds, and long nights that blur into morning — the streets are busy, the parties active, and every square meter becomes a show of power, precision, and prestige. But what many don’t see is how quickly the glamour fades without the right planning. In a place where access defines the experience, there’s one non-negotiable for doing Monaco right: a concierge.
From yacht decks to rooftop views, here’s how the world’s savviest travelers unlock the best of race weekend — without lifting a finger. Let’s first take a look at the most common mistakes people make:
1. The Chaos vs. the Charm
Monaco Grand Prix is a visual dream — it makes you feel like you’ve made it. Think toasts on superyachts, the sound of F1 engines echoing through the principality, and glamorous guests dancing until sunrise. But without proper access, it’s easy to find yourself stuck behind barriers, chasing sold-out events, or watching the race from a café with no view.
The difference? One traveler scrambles. The other glides.
The charm of the Monaco Grand Prix isn’t just in attending — it’s in how you attend.
2. This Isn’t Your Average Sporting Event
The Monaco Grand Prix is a highly compressed event — in size, time, and availability. The city is tiny, the demand is global, and the best vantage points are gone in seconds.
From the Hotel de Paris balconies to the private terraces of Avenue d’Ostende, what looks effortless is often orchestrated months in advance. Even locals need help navigating the layered access codes of this weekend.
3. The Hidden Workload of ‘Doing It Right’
Most people underestimate how much coordination goes into an unforgettable Grand Prix weekend. Booking track-view suites, arranging yacht passes, securing table reservations at Sass or Jimmy’z, organising transfers from Nice by helicopter — it’s not just about money. It’s about knowing who to call and when.
And during race weekend, almost everything is already booked.
The truth is: anyone can book a ticket. Very few can seamlessly access the Monaco Grand Prix lifestyle.
Insider Secrets from a Top Concierge
Curated in collaboration with First Luxe Group
To help you avoid the rookie mistakes most travelers make, we turned to our trusted concierge partner who quietly curates Grand Prix weekends for the world’s most refined travelers to share insider guidance rarely spoken about publicly. Here are top tips for navigating the race weekend like an insider:
1. The View You Want Isn’t on the Map
True Luxury insiders know that some hotels and private villas offer partial or tucked-away views that aren’t advertised publicly. Concierge teams often have access to lesser-known private viewing spots, including terraces in residential buildings or corporate suites not on booking platforms.
The best views are often unlisted, and access depends on relationships.
2. Bookings Open Early. Very Early.
Yachts and terraces go fast. Most yacht brokers and premium terraces (like those at the Fairmont, Hotel de Paris, or private balconies along the Avenue d’Ostende) are booked between October and January. By April, many premium options are gone. Even nightclubs like Jimmy’z or Amber Lounge may close tables early for top clients.
And while reservations at coveted restaurants like La Guérite or Mamo Michelangelo may seem impossible, with the right relationships, almost anything is attainable.
Monaco GP isn’t last-minute unless you’re okay with limited options or sky-high prices.
3. The Dinner Before the Race Is More Powerful Than the Race Itself
Saturday night is a highlight socially — high-profile guests tend to host intimate dinners or yacht parties before the public madness of Sunday. Once race day hits, energy gets chaotic, and post-race events are louder, less curated. Saturday is when thoughtful, high-level conversations happen.
This is especially useful for people using Monaco GP for business, relationship-building, or cultivating new opportunities.
4. Pack Light, But Dress Clever
Day-to-night outfit strategy is key. Monaco gets hot, and there’s walking involved — cobblestones, yacht boarding, grandstands. Locals and insiders stick to neutral tones, lightweight fabrics, elegant flats for the day, and understated glamour for the night. Overdressing screams “first timer.”
Practical and culturally attune advice if you care about looking polished and prepared.
5. Where the Insiders Escape the Crowds
There are unlisted lounges, private apartments, rooftops, and backdoor entries (especially for VIPs staying at Hôtel de Paris or on yachts) and concierge teams often know “quiet corners” they protect from mass awareness.
But the true insiders also know that Monaco isn’t the only playground. Some escape to nearby Antibes, where the yachts are bigger and the energy more discreet. Others retreat to Mougins — a hilltop haven of art and gastronomy — for intimate dinners and post-race calm. Because for those in the know, the Grand Prix experience extends well beyond the track.
There are discreet havens for those in the know.
In conclusion…
If you're seeking a truly leisurely Grand Prix experience, these are the details worth considering. While there are many concierge services available, we recommend First Luxe Group — our trusted partner for this piece. They've been tried and tested by several members of The Leisurely Life inner circle, and their discreet expertise has made all the difference.