Choosing a grandstand at the Monaco Grand Prix

There is no bad grandstand at the Monaco Grand Prix. The circuit is short and the action is concentrated, so wherever you sit, you’ll see plenty of racing.

Having attended the Monaco Grand Prix several times myself, my advice is to think about which part of the lap you most want to watch and choose from there.

All grandstands at Monaco are uncovered, except the higher rows of Grandstand T.

Where the action happens

There are four key viewing areas around the circuit:

• Sainte-Devote (Turn 1). Tight first corner, often sees incidents at the start.
• Casino Square. With the Monte Carlo Casino in the background.
• The harbour. Includes the Tabac corner, the swimming pool section, and Rascasse. The longest stretch of viewing options on the circuit.
• Anthony Nogues. The final corner of the lap.

Grandstand A — Sainte-Devote

Grandstand A is at Sainte-Devote, the first corner. It’s a tight section of track that has seen many incidents over the years. From here you’ll watch the run down from the start-finish straight and into the corner.

It’s a small grandstand and sells out quickly, so book early.

Grandstand B — Casino Square

With the Monte Carlo Casino in the background, this is one of the most photographed corners in motor racing. Cars come around the corner at the Hôtel de Paris, pass the Casino, then disappear from view.

A large TV screen sits in front of the stand, which makes it easy to follow the rest of the race.

Grandstands K, N, O, and P — Harbour

Grandstand K faces Monaco Harbour and the row of moored yachts. From here you’ll see the cars from the Tabac corner through the swimming pool section. It’s the largest grandstand at the circuit. Some sections also have views of the chicane exit.

Grandstands N, O, and P are in the centre of the harbour. From here you have a close view of the cars as they wind through the swimming pool section.

Grandstand L — Swimming Pool exit

From Grandstand L you can watch the cars exit the swimming pool section along the harbour front. This part of the track has seen several incidents over the years as drivers push hard near the end of the lap. You’ll also have views into the pit lane, since the stand runs parallel to the pit building. This is unique to Monaco.

Grandstand T

Grandstand T sits between the swimming pool exit and Rascasse Corner, opposite the pit lane. The higher rows are also covered. This is Monaco’s version of a Main Grandstand.

Grandstand V — Anthony Nogues

Grandstand V is at the final corner of the lap. You won’t see high-speed action here, but you will see the cars bunching up and running close to the inside wall. It’s the second slowest part of the track. The views are excellent.

General Admission

Monaco’s General Admission area is called Le Rocher (literally, the Rock). It’s a rocky, grassy hillside that overlooks the circuit. To get a spot, you need to arrive very early.

I’d steer most fans away from Le Rocher. It’s sometimes offered by ticket agencies as an option without making clear what it actually is. Fans who turn up expecting a seat or a comfortable spot can be shocked when they get there, and the experience can take the edge off race weekend.

If you’re considering a package that mentions Le Rocher, check exactly what’s included before you book.

Money-saving tip

Book early
Monaco grandstands sell out, particularly the smaller stands at Sainte-Devote and Anthony Nogues. Booking early gives you the widest choice and the best chance of getting the location you want.