Engines, espresso and Tifosi passion – the ultimate fan guide to Monza

The Italian Grand Prix isn’t just another stop on the Formula 1 calendar – it's a pilgrimage. Monza, the legendary Temple of Speed, is F1’s oldest circuit and one of the most iconic, where the Ferrari’s Tifosi turn the grandstands into a sea of red. But the magic of an Italian GP weekend stretches well beyond the action on track.

From the leafy grounds of Monza’s royal park to the stylish streets of Milan, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of an Italian GP adventure, including what to pack, where to explore, and the little hacks only seasoned travellers will know.

Chill before the thrill

Whether you’re landing in Milan a few days early or making your way straight to Monza before the weekend rush, there are plenty of ways to ease yourself into Italian Grand Prix mode without diving headfirst into the chaos. Think of it as your pre-race pit stop – a gentle way to ease yourself into race mode after travelling.

Milan

Parco Sempione stroll

Fresh off the plane and not ready to tackle the crowds just yet? Parco Sempione, Milan’s central park, is the perfect place to stretch your legs. It sits between the Arco della Pace and the Castello Sforzesco, so you’ll already be surrounded by postcard-worthy landmarks (bring your camera!). Grab a takeaway coffee from one of the many cafes nearby and meander along its shady paths – it's a gentle way to adjust to Italian time.

Morning calm in Brera

If you’ve got a few hours before hotel check-in, the Brera district is a great first stop. In the mornings, its cobbled lanes are quiet and atmospheric, dotted with independent cafes and galleries to peruse. Order a cappuccino and a cornetto (Italy’s delicious version of a croissant) and enjoy a very Milanese breakfast. Tip: locals never order cappuccino after about 11am, so switch to an espresso if you want to blend in!

Monza

A wander through Parco di Monza

The circuit itself sits inside Parco di Monza, one of Europe’s largest enclosed parks, and it’s well worth exploring before the fans pour in on Friday. Beyond the racing tarmac, you’ll find tree-lined avenues, ornamental gardens and even the Villa Reale – an 18th-century palace that once housed the Italian royals. It’s a relaxed and scenic way to ease into the race weekend.

Coffee in the Piazza

On Thursday or Friday morning, Monza’s main piazzas are still blissfully laid-back. Pull up a chair outside a café, order a cappuccino and pastry, and watch the town come to life. Italians linger over their coffee, often standing at the bar rather than taking it to go – so slow down and enjoy it the local way. By Saturday the same piazzas will be packed with Tifosi draped in rosso corsa colours, so enjoy the calm while it lasts.

Getting there: Making your way to the Italian Grand Prix

Reaching the Autodromo Nazionale Monza for the Italian Grand Prix is straightforward, with plenty of options depending on where you’re coming from.

By train The most popular way to travel is by train. Monza Station sits on the Milan–Chiasso line and is served by suburban routes S8, S9 and S11, as well as regional connections. From Milan, journeys take around 10–15 minutes. Once you arrive, the circuit is about 6.5 km away: regular shuttle buses run from just outside the station to the park, followed by a walk to the circuit.

If you’re already in Milan, another option is to take Metro Line 1 to Sesto 1 Maggio FS, then hop on the Z221 bus, which drops you right by the circuit gates (though it can get busy on race day). Keep an eye out for special discounted train tickets available for fans during the Grand Prix weekend.

By car Driving into the park itself isn’t possible during the race weekend as the Autodromo area is closed to general traffic. Instead, fans can use designated parking areas located between 0.5–5 km away, then continue on foot or by shuttle bus. Car parks closer to the circuit tend to sell out quickly, so pre-booking is strongly recommended.

Shuttle services Dedicated shuttle buses make the last part of the journey easier:

• Black Line – from Monza FS station to Parco di Monza (Fri–Sun)
• Blue Line – from Monza Stadium car park (about 5 km away) to the park (Fri–Sun)
• Purple Line – from Via Grigna (Viola car park) to Vedano al Lambro, close to the circuit (Sat–Sun)

Accessibility Accredited non-ambulatory disabled fans can access reserved parking areas within the park, but these must be booked in advance.

Fan Hacks

• Trains are often quicker than driving as traffic around Monza on race day can be bumper-to-bumper
• Shuttle queues are longest straight after the race so if you can, linger a little in the park and let the rush ease off before heading back

Inside the circuit and Insta-worthy spots

Monza isn’t just hair-raisingly fast – it's historic, iconic, and full of character that fans can really get up close to. Walking around the circuit with a general admission pass really gives you a feel for the speed, the history, and the passion of the Tifosi that line every part of this track.

Must-see corners

• Variante del Rettifilo (Turn 1) – famous for late-braking chaos on the opening lap
• Lesmo Corners – sweeping turns that make for perfect photo angles
• Parabolica – the legendary final corner, where drivers carry maximum speed onto the start/finish straight

Fanzone

Expect plenty of atmosphere in the Fanzone positioned in between the Variante Ascari and the Curva Parabolica (sector three). With music, driver and team appearances, merchandise stalls, and vibrant Tifosi displays, it’s an experience not to be missed.

Quiet corners for exploration

Parts of the old banked oval are occasionally open to fans after the chequered flag has fallen – perfect to soak in the history of the beloved circuit and some unique photos – just watch your step!

Photo spots

• Podium backdrop – The start/finish area post-race is perfect for a “I was there” shot with Tifosi in the background to celebrate the top three up high on the raised podium
• Old banking loop – The curved, historic oval makes for a striking and unusual photo
• Tree-lined parc sections – The leafy avenues of Parco di Monza behind the track provide a scenic, atmospheric frame for selfies
• Trackside corners – Lesmo or Variante Ascari offer mid-race action shots if you can time the cars just right
• Tifosi displays – Snap the waves of red Ferrari flags in the grandstands, or even the fan invasion of the circuit post-race – iconic and unmistakably Monza.

After the chequered flag – evenings in Monza and Milan

The Italian Grand Prix doesn’t end when the cars cross the line. Monza and nearby Milan offer plenty of ways to celebrate, unwind, or simply soak up the atmosphere after a busy day at the circuit.

Evenings in Monza

Parco di Monza at sunset After the crowds thin, the park becomes a quiet oasis. A gentle stroll along its tree-lined avenues or around the lakes is a perfect way to decompress

Local piazzas & cafes Grab a late espresso, gelato, or a light Italian dinner at one of the cafes in the town squares. The energy of tifosi lingers, but in a more relaxed, friendly way

Fan Hack Many bars and eateries are small and fill quickly on race weekend so arrive early if you want a seat with a view

Evenings in Milan

Aperitivo hour Milan’s aperitivo culture is ideal for fans looking to unwind. From around 6pm, bars serve drinks accompanied by plates of small bites which are almost a meal in themselves. Try a canal-side bar in Navigli for an iconic sunset scene.

Stroll the canals or Piazza del Duomo Milan takes on a softer glow as the sun sets, perfect for photos or just a relaxed wander after a day of speed and excitement. The Duomo di Milano is breathtaking as the evening light hits it, and makes for a memorable experience even if you choose not to head inside.

Nightlife and people watching Squares like Piazza Gae Aulenti, Corso Como and the area around Brera buzz with energy late into the night. Fans, locals, and tourists mingle over drinks (or even gelato!), a lively and colourful way to round off your busy day spectating.

Top hacks and tips for visiting the Italy

Dinner starts late Don’t expect restaurants to open much before 1930, and peak dining is closer to 2100. A pre-dinner gelato or aperitivo will tide you over – and is a fantastic way to dine like the locals!

Cash still counts Most places accept cards, but small cafes, gelaterie, or train ticket machines sometimes prefer cash (€). Always carry a little with you, especially coins for coffee bars and tips

Wear comfy shoes Parco di Monza is huge, and between stations, shuttles, and the circuit itself, you’ll cover a lot of ground. Trainers or lightweight walking shoes are a must. If you plan on sightseeing around Milan, you might be getting a lot of steps in, and your feet will thank you!

Keeping hydrated and sheltered September is often still hot in Italy, and you’ll be outdoors for most of the day. Bring a refillable water bottle as fountains are dotted around the park, and make sure you bring suncream or a cover-up to shield you from the sun

Key Italian phrases to learn “Grazie” (thank you), “per favore” (please) and “buongiorno” (good morning) or “ciao” (hello) go a long way; most locals speak English well but appreciate the effort

Public drinking rules In Milan, it’s fine to sip a beer or Aperol Spritz outdoors in the evening, but drinking alcohol in glass bottles is often restricted after certain hours (especially around nightlife districts like Navigli). Plastic cups = fine, glass = no

General admission wisdom If you’re in general admission and want a trackside view, get to the gates as soon as they open on race day. The front-row spots along the fences go quickly, especially at iconic corners such as Variante del Rettifilo

Perfect pit stops

If you’re lucky enough to stay beyond the race weekend, Italy rewards those who linger. Whether you’ve got a full extra day or just a morning before your flight, here are some post-race escapes to round out your trip.

Milan – the style capital

Even if you’ve only got a few hours, Milan packs in plenty of adventure. The soaring Duomo di Milano is unmissable, and climbing up to the rooftop terraces gives you one of the best views in the city (just make sure you book in advance if you can!). Just next door, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II offers not only high-end window shopping but also one of the most photographed spots in Milan. For a slower pace, wander the arty streets of Brera, where you’ll find galleries, courtyards, and cafes with plenty of that signature Milanese charm. And if your flight isn’t until evening, finish with a stroll along the Navigli canals at sunset – hands down one of the city’s most atmospheric photo ops.

Lake Como – a day trip paradise

Got a full day to spare? Hop on a train from Milan Centrale and in under an hour you’ll reach Lake Como, a postcard-perfect escape. The town of Como itself offers a cathedral, lakeside promenade, and gelato by the water, but the real magic is catching a ferry across the lake to villages like Bellagio or Varenna. Think colourful villas, mountain backdrops, and the kind of serenity that feels a world away from Milan’s bustling streets.

Bergamo – a hidden gem

Often overlooked in favour of Milan and Como, Bergamo is a gem less than an hour away. The walled Citta Alta (upper town) boasts medieval architecture, cobblestone lanes, and sweeping views over the breathtaking Lombardy plains. It’s compact enough to explore in half a day, making it an ideal Monday stop before heading home.

Insta-Ready Spots

• Duomo di Milano Rooftop – Strike a pose among the spires with the city skyline behind you
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – Snap the soaring glass dome or the mosaic bull underfoot (and spin on its heel for good luck!)
• Navigli Canals at Sunset – Aperitivo in hand and pastel houses reflected in the water captures pure golden hour magic
• Lake Como Ferry Ride – Capture the pastel villages of Varenna or Bellagio from the deck as the Alps loom in the background
• Bergamo’s Venetian Walls – Sunset views over Lombardy from the old city walls is simply postcard perfection

Foodie fuel in Northern Italy

Food is just as big a passion in Italy as Formula 1, and northern Italy has a few must-tries for fans refuelling after a big day at the track or an evening

Risotto alla Milanese Creamy saffron risotto, Milan’s signature dish and a perfect post-race comfort food

Cotoletta alla Milanese A breaded, golden cutlet (veal or pork) with a squeeze of lemon, it’s simple, hearty, and delicious

Aperitivo time Order a spritz or Negroni Sbagliato in Milan and you’ll get a spread of nibbles alongside. It’s Italy’s answer to happy hour

Gelato Cool off after a hot day at the track with Italy’s most iconic sweet treat. Pistachio is always a fan-favourite in Milan

Fan Tip Do coffee like a local – a quick espresso at the bar, no cappuccino's after 11am, and you’ll blend right in