So you have always had a notion to visit the Italian Grand Prix. Perhaps you’ve seen it on the telly or may be you’ve attended other Grand Prix and you fancy trying somewhere new. We have now been three times and over the years have gained some experience that will hopefully make your visit more memorable.
The Italian Grand Prix is held at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza. Its situated in the royal park on the outskirts of the town of Monza about twenty kilometres northeast of the city of Milan in Northern Italy.
You can reach the circuit By Road, Rail or Air. Direct flights leave from all the major airports in the uk to Milan from there you can either get the train to Monza then Bus or taxi to your chosen accommodation. You can also travel down by road via the channel crossings if camping this will be the better choice. There is also the option to travel down by train via Paris. The Eurostar to Paris from London and then Paris to Milan. It’s quite a lengthy train journey and not the most cost effect way to get down to Milan
We have always driven as all three times we have been we have camped and you can see our post here. We have spoken to people who have flown into Milan and they found the trip stress free. Check out Ferry crossings Here
Like I said above we have always camped. The main campsite is situated right next to the track. It’s quite expensive but is a great base as your right at the heart of things. There are other pop up campsites in and around the area but these are further out from the track and may not have the faculties of the permanent campsite in the park.
If your flying in or catching the train you will need to find accommodation close to the circuit. There are plenty of options in Monza itself or in the small towns closer to the circuit. It’s best to try and get accommodation within walking distance if you can this will save you queuing for the bus or train back into town. Using one of the comparison sights to book your accommodation is usually the best way you can check out the one we use here.
There are many companies online that will sell you tickets for the race or packages for race tickets and accommodation whether thats camping in pre-erected tents or staying in Hotels. We have always found it cheaper and more convenient to research a little and do the booking ourselves. We have used resellers such as Goo tickets or F1 tickets but now prefer to book directly with the circuit Here. It can be a little confusing to start with as the Italians have there own way of doing things, but once you get the hang of it it’s quite simple.
If you’ve travelled all that way you will probably want the full race weekend package. You can buy all the days individually if you can’t make the full weekend. Sunday race day tickets make up about eighty percent of the charge for the full weekend so you don’t save a lot just attending the Sunday. General Admission is the cheapest way to attend. We have bought these tickets twice and have always managed to see the race without a problem although you will not be able to see the start and finish. This is a great option if you are on a tight budget you get all the enjoyment of the race weekend for a fraction of the cost of stand tickets.
Stand tickets are quite expensive as they are at all the circuits. You do get a great view though. The last time we went we got stand tickets on the pit straight. You only get exclusive use of you seats on the Sunday all other days your ticket gives you entry to all the stands so you can have a little wander round the track and try out the other places to watch. When I say seat this isn’t what you get. Our stand had just concrete rows which you sat on with a number corresponding to your ticket number. You will need to take your own cushion or you can buy them as your walking into the ground form the street vendors.
So you’ve got yourself sorted and all booked up but what do you get for your money. In my opinion you have made a great choice with the Italian Gran Prix and it is an absolute classic. If your there on the Thursday in normal years there will be a Pit walk in the late afternoon. If you have weekend tickets you can attend but I have to warn you its crazy very busy and almost impossible to see any of the drivers or cars for that matter. I personally won’t be doing it again and if your are to any degree claustrophobic I recommend you stay away.
The race weekend usually gets busier as it goes on with a packed out full house on the Sunday for the race. If you have general admission tickets you need to get into the track bright and early get your spot and don’t move. If you have stand tickets its a much more relaxed experience on race day as your seat will be there waiting for you whenever you’re ready.
You don’t just get the main event there are various things going on on the track all throughout the weekend, including support races and displays, fly overs and driver appearances. Don’t miss the build up it’s all part of the weekend and if the suns out the circuit is a great place to chill out between events.
The Italians are famous for their food and drink but don’t expect haut cuisine. Inside the track the food is mainly from street vendor like stalls selling mainly paninis, hot dogs and burgers. There is a cafe where you can get good coffee and beers and theres a self-service restaurant selling pasta and pizza but on race day its usually packed. In the fan zone you can buy the sponsors beer and they are many food outlets but its mainly all the same options .
Outside the track there are plenty of resturants and bars that cater for the race goers these are great places to go and mingle and everyone is really friendly. If your wanting a proper sit down meal I would advise you book in somewhere as you will struggle to just get a walk in on race days.
There are other things to do in the area if you want to get away from the track for an afternoon or extend your visit a little. Monza itself is a great little town with plenty of food, drink and shopping options. Usually it has a few race related displays dotted about the streets. A little further out, but well worth a visit, is Milan. I would recommend spending at least an afternoon here if you have the time there’s plenty to see and do. Food and drink however is very expensive so make sure you check the prices before you buy.
We have now attended three Italian Grand prix and have loved every minute. Its a great iconic track with a fantastic colourful atmosphere the Tifosi are loud and very partisan but in the main very friendly. I would highly recommend a visit. Whether it’s your first Grand Prix or you’re a seasoned fan you will have a great time. If you fancy trying somewhere closer to home or further away for that matter check out or other informative posts here
We have always tended to use Booking.com having said that if your on a tight budget another good site to try as a comparison is Hostelworld, If your looking to compare different sites you can do that on Hotellook, we tend to look on here first to make sure we are getting the best deal.
You can book your visits as you go at the entrance to your chosen attraction or site. Or you could use the following links to book in advance or just to find out what your choices are in the area. GetYourGuide and Tiqets are our go to choices you could try Viator to see how they compare.
For a full list check out our resources page. Don’t forget always shop around to find the best deal for you. What works for us should be good for you but it’s always reassuring to check.
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