Monza is 15 minutes by train from Milan. That gives you one of the best F1 weekend combinations on the calendar — a world-class city with fashion, food, and architecture, plus the fastest and most atmospheric race of the year.
Where to stay in Milan
Hotels and apartments for race weekend
The Duomo is the centre of Milan — a Gothic cathedral with 3,400 statues and a rooftop you can walk on for views across the city to the Alps. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II next door is the world's oldest shopping mall and worth the walk-through even if you are not buying Prada.
In the evening, the Navigli district is where Milan comes alive. Two canals — Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese — lined with bars, restaurants, and aperitivo spots. Aperitivo in Milan means you order a drink (Aperol Spritz, Negroni) and get a full buffet of food included. It is the best-value meal in the city and runs from about 6pm to 9pm.
Guided activities for day one
Milan Duomo Rooftop & Cathedral Tour
Skip-the-line entry to the Duomo interior and rooftop terraces. Views across Milan to the Alps on a clear day.
Milan Navigli District Food & Wine Tour
Guided evening walk through the Navigli canal district with stops at aperitivo bars, a trattoria, and a gelato spot.
Monza is the fastest circuit on the calendar — cars run low downforce and hit over 340 km/h on the main straight. The circuit sits inside the Parco di Monza, a 700-hectare royal park with ancient trees and the remains of the old banked oval from the 1920s. The atmosphere is driven by the tifosi — the most passionate fans in motorsport.
Take the S7 suburban train from Milano Centrale or Porta Garibaldi to Monza station (15 minutes). From there, a free race-day shuttle runs to the park entrance, or you can walk in about 25 minutes. Gates open early and the park fills up — arrive by midday at the latest to get a good position if you have GA tickets.
Race logistics
S7 train from Milan (15 min) then shuttle or walk. Allow 60 minutes total each way. See the Monza getting there guide for train timetables, gate locations, and park entry points.
Lake Como is 40 minutes by train from Milano Centrale. The town of Como itself has a lakeside promenade and a funicular railway to Brunate for panoramic views. Ferries from Como run to Bellagio (the most photogenic village) and Varenna. You can do a half-day loop and be back in Milan for dinner.
If you stay in Milan, the Brera district is the art and culture neighbourhood — the Pinacoteca di Brera gallery, independent bookshops, and the best coffee in the city. Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper is at Santa Maria delle Grazie — tickets must be booked weeks in advance and entry is timed to 15-minute slots.
Activities for day three
Lake Como Day Trip from Milan
Guided day trip from Milan to Como, Bellagio, and Varenna. Includes train, ferry, and guided walking tours of lakeside villages.
The Last Supper Skip-the-Line Tour
Guaranteed entry to see Leonardo's masterpiece at Santa Maria delle Grazie. These slots sell out months ahead — the guided context is worth it.
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