Watching from a balcony or yacht at the Monaco Grand Prix

Most fans at the Monaco Grand Prix watch from a grandstand. But Monaco is one of the few circuits where private apartments, terraces, and yachts give you a genuine alternative. The buildings around the circuit have balconies overlooking the track, and the yachts in the harbour are part of the race weekend itself.

Having watched from each of the vantage points below, my view is that none of them is better than the others outright. They’re different experiences, and the right choice depends on what you want from your race weekend.

Ermanno Palace

The Ermanno suite is on the second floor of the Ermanno Palace building, a few metres from the first corner at Sainte-Devote. From the balcony, you have clear views of the start-finish straight and Turn 1. It’s one of the best corners on the circuit to watch, and drama at the start of the race tends to happen here.

Inside, there’s a lounge where you can take a break, follow the race on screen, and have a drink without losing sight of what’s happening on track.

Shangri-La Rooftop

The Shangri-La rooftop terrace overlooks the starting grid and gives you views of more than 65% of the circuit, including the start-finish straight, Rascasse, Tabac, the swimming pool complex, and the harbour.

Watching Monaco from a high-rise terrace gives you a perspective you rarely get at a Formula One race. From here you can follow nearly the entire lap from one spot. You don’t need to rely on the screens to follow the racing, though they’re there if you want them.

St Devote Villa

St Devote Villa is a seven-storey building at the first corner of the Monaco circuit. It’s one of only three private residences on the Port of Monaco, dating from the 19th century.

From the upper floors, you have views of the race start and the run down to Sainte-Devote. From the private courtyard, you’re at street level as the cars come through the corner and accelerate up Beau Rivage towards Casino Square.

Yacht

The yacht is a 50-metre vessel anchored in a Zone 1 berth. You arrive by speedboat tender from Fontvieille Harbour. From the deck, you have a direct view of the Monaco street circuit. If you’ve watched Monaco on television, you’ll have seen the yachts lined up in the harbour. Being on one is a genuine part of the Monaco experience.

Before you book a yacht

Not all yachts marketed as race-viewing are trackside. Some are moored on the jetty, where your view of the circuit is partly or fully blocked by other yachts.

The final berth is always at the discretion of the Monaco authorities, but you can maximise your chance of a good view by checking the expected mooring location when you book.

Money-saving tip

Buy a single-day package
You don’t have to buy a hospitality package for the full weekend. You can experience the yacht on Friday only, for example, at a fraction of the full-weekend price.