Fangirl Travel Guide: Italian GP in Monza

Written By Kate Jenkins

Of all the races on the F1 calendar, Monza ranks in my top three must-see events in person. Monza is pure history. Known as the “Temple of Speed,” the Italian Grand Prix is one of the most iconic stops on the F1 calendar. Sure, we’ve seen DRS trains in years past, but nothing beats being there with the tifosi — celebrating, crying, and living every Ferrari moment. Ugh, it’s a need.

This itinerary is for the fan who wants the full race weekend — practice on Friday, qualifying on Saturday, race on Sunday — but also refuses to leave without a proper Aperol spritz and a touch of Milanese glamour.

Thursday – Arrival in Milan

Afternoon

  • Land in Milan and drop your bags at a chic, central hotel — Brera, Porta Venezia, or Navigli all give nightlife vibes plus easy transport to Monza.

  • Stretch your legs with a wander around the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II — touristy, but classic.

  • Don’t miss the big horse statue ( Leonardo's Horse) near San Siro (it’s basically Ferrari in marble form) — a perfect #ForzaFerrari photo op to kick off your weekend.

Evening

  • Dinner at Trattoria Milanese for risotto alla Milanese and ossobuco — cozy, timeless, and utterly Italian.

  • Early night (or one spritz too many) — pace yourself, it’s a marathon weekend.

Sleep: Milan

Friday – Practice at Monza

Morning

  • Train to Monza (~20 minutes).

  • Fuel up with coffee and a cornetto at a pasticceria near the station before heading to the circuit.

Daytime

  • Free Practice 1 & 2 at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.

  • Wander the fan zone, pick up merch, and snack like a local: arancini, panini, espresso.

Evening (optional early exit)

  • Head back to Milan before the evening rush.

  • Aperitivo crawl in Navigli — spritz, cicchetti, canal views, and buzzy TikTok bar energy.

  • Dinner at Miscusi, a casual pasta chain that Milan girlies swear by.

Sleep: Milan

Saturday – Qualifying Day

Morning

  • Quick cappuccino + brioche in Milan, then straight to Monza for FP3 and Qualifying.

  • Snap golden-hour photos from Curva Parabolica — iconic track views that are pure content.

Afternoon

  • Qualifying at the Temple of Speed. Expect chaos, flags, and tifosi chants echoing through the race track.

Evening

  • Dinner in Monza’s historic center — cozy trattoria energy.

  • Optional: rooftop drinks at Terrazza Aperol back in Milan with Duomo views.

Sleep: Monza or Milan (Monza makes Sunday morning easier)

Sunday – Race Day

Morning

  • Early arrival at the circuit for the fan parade, merch, and atmosphere.

  • Espresso trackside — you’ll need it.

Afternoon

  • Race Day — the main event. Tifosi will make your ears ring (in the best way).

  • Stick around for podium celebrations, the crowd surge, and champagne spray.

Evening

  • Celebrate with dinner and a spritz in Milan, or low-key pizza in Monza if you’re exhausted.

Sleep: Milan

Monday – Recovery & Departure

Morning

  • Slow start with pastries and cappuccino at Marchesi 1824 (classic Milan, TikTok-approved).

  • Stroll through Brera and swing by the Duomo one last time — or snap one more photo with that big Ferrari horse.

Afternoon

  • Head to the airport, phone full of tifosi chants, spritz clinks, and roaring engines down Curva Grande.

The Vibe Checklist

  • Italian Staples: risotto alla Milanese, Aperol spritz, gelato, trattoria pasta

  • Classic Landmarks: Duomo, Navigli canals, Parco di Monza, the big Ferrari horse statue

  • F1 Core Moments: Practice Friday, Qualifying Saturday, Race Sunday — full immersion

  • Aesthetic Shots: Duomo rooftop, Navigli canals at sunset, Curva Parabolica during quali, podium confetti

Classic / Traditional Stops

  • Duomo & rooftop – iconic Milan landmark, timeless content.

  • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – historic shopping arcade.

  • Trattoria Milanese – cozy, traditional Milanese dinner.

  • Parco di Monza – Europe’s largest walled park.

  • Marchesi 1824 – classic pasticceria, Milanese institution.

  • Brera neighborhood – picturesque streets, cafés, art vibes.

  • Leonardo's Horse, also known as the Sforza Horse or Il Cavallo – a historical landmark + perfect photo op.

TikTok / Trendy Spots

  • Navigli canals – aperitivo crawl, canal shots, and buzzy nightlife.

  • Miscusi – casual pasta chain popular with Milan girlies.

  • Terrazza Aperol – rooftop drinks with Duomo views, highly Instagrammable.

  • Curva Parabolica & trackside views – golden hour F1 content.

  • Podium & crowd celebrations – high-energy, TikTok‑ready moments.

This post is part of a series I’m calling Fangirl Travel Guides — curated itineraries for the ultimate fangirl trip, whether that’s a concert, a comedy show, or a grand prix weekend. Think of it as part TikTok trend report, part practical planning tool: heavy on the buzzy cafés and photo-worthy spots, with just enough classics sprinkled in. If you’re plotting your own adventure, these guides are here to help you map it out — or at least daydream a little harder.

Kate Jenkins
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Fangirl Travel Guide: Dutch Grand Prix