Best things to do in Monza: off the beaten racetrack

While mainly known worldwide for its Grand Prix, the list of things to do in Monza goes far beyond the racetrack. Step away from the circuit and you’ll find one of Europe's largest parks, home to a grand neoclassical palace that gives a real sense of the region's aristocratic past. The historic centre itself has its own character, with a medieval cathedral holding an ancient crown and quiet walks along the River Lambro. High-speed motorsport, royal architecture and vast green spaces exist side by side, all just a short train ride from Milan.

Visit the Monza National Circuit (Autodromo Nazionale Monza)

Pixabay

It's impossible to talk about things to do in Monza without starting at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. Known worldwide as the 'Temple of Speed', this is where the Italian Grand Prix (Gran Premio d'Italia) has been held since the 1920s. It is one of the oldest and most important circuits on the F1 calendar.

Join a track tour which usually takes you into the pit lane, the paddock and even up onto the famous podium. For the real petrolheads, there are also opportunities to book a driving experience and take a sports car for a spin on the legendary track itself. If you prefer a slower pace, you can cycle the circuit on certain days, which gives you a unique perspective of its banking and long straights. There’s also a museum on site filled with memorabilia that tells the story of the circuit and the champions who have raced there.

Explore the Royal Villa of Monza and its gardens

Pixabay

A short walk from the circuit brings you to the Royal Villa of Monza (Reggia di Monza). Built in the late 18th century for the Austrian rulers of the time, it later became a residence for the Italian royal family, the Savoys. The grandeur of the place gives you a real insight into the area's aristocratic heyday. Inside, you can tour the restored royal apartments, which are furnished and decorated as they would have been in the 19th century.  Just as impressive as the villa itself are the surrounding Royal Gardens (Giardini Reali). The gardens have a small lake, classical statues, and grottos.

Top attractions in Monza's historic centre

Amstead23, CC BY-SA 4.0 Creative commons

Monza's historic centre (centro storico) is a lovely area to just drift through, with cobbled streets opening onto pleasant squares packed with shops and cafes. The old medieval town hall, known as the Arengario, stands on pillars over the street and serves as a good landmark. From there, you can amble down to the Ponte dei Leoni, a 19th-century bridge guarded by four marble lions.

The walk along the river itself is a really nice way to see a calmer side of the city as it weaves its way through the centre. Spending an afternoon here is probably the best way to get a feel for local life and see how Monza functions as a proper town, not just a tourist destination.

Monza Cathedral and its Treasure Museum

Getty images

The Duomo di Monza is a striking black-and-white striped marble facade and a fine example of the Pisan-Gothic style. But the real treasures are inside. The main draw is the Chapel of Theodelinda (Cappella di Teodolinda), which is covered in beautiful 15th-century frescoes depicting the life of the Lombard queen.

This chapel is also home to the legendary Iron Crown of Lombardy (Corona Ferrea). It’s a hugely important medieval relic, said to contain a nail from the True Cross, and was used for centuries in the coronations of Holy Roman Emperors, including Charlemagne and Napoleon Bonaparte. To see more of the cathedral's riches, you can visit the attached Museo e Tesoro del Duomo, which holds a fascinating collection of ancient relics, tapestries, and artworks accumulated over more than a thousand years.

Relax and play in Monza Park

Zhang Yuan, CC BY 3.0 Creative commons

The Parco di Monza is one of the largest walled parks in Europe, completely enclosing both the Royal Villa and the F1 circuit in its vast green surroundings. It's a sprawling landscape of meadows, ancient woodlands, and long, straight avenues perfect for a proper walk or cycle. 

You'll find families having picnics, people out for a run on the endless trails, and cyclists making the most of the paved paths. Exploring the park is one of the best free things to do in Monza, offering a complete escape and a chance to see where locals go to unwind.

Fun things to do in Monza with kids

If you're bringing little ones along, you'll find Monza is surprisingly well-suited for a family day out. While it has its fair share of history and high-octane sport, the city's main draw for kids is the sheer amount of open space where they can burn off some energy.

Unsplash

• Make the most of Monza Park: you can hire bikes for the whole family, including ones with child seats, and spend hours exploring the paths. There are several playgrounds scattered about, and a little tourist train often runs routes through the park.
• Visit the old farmsteads: within the park, you’ll find several historic farmhouses called cascine. Some are still working farms or have been converted into cafes and educational centres where children can see animals and learn a bit about rural life.
• Cycle the Monza Circuit: on certain days when there are no races, the legendary F1 track opens to the public for cycling. Older kids can ride their bikes on the same tarmac as the racing legends.
• A gelato in the centre: a guaranteed way to keep morale high is with a proper Italian gelato. There are plenty of great gelaterie around the Duomo.

Where to eat in Monza

Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France, CC BY 2.0 Creative commons

While Monza might not be a world-famous culinary capital, you'll still eat very well here. Plenty of places serve up hearty Lombard specialities alongside classic Northern Italian pasta dishes.

• Traditional Lombard trattorias: look for small, family-run places (trattorie) in the side streets of the centro storico. This is where you'll find authentic local dishes. Keep an eye out for risotto alla monzese (a local risotto with sausage) and cassoeula (a rich pork and cabbage stew) in the winter months.
• Pizzerias: there are dozens of pizzerias, from simple takeaway spots to restaurants with proper wood-fired ovens serving up delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas.
• Aperitivo bars: for a pre-dinner drink and snack, do as the locals do and find a bar offering aperitivo. For the price of a drink, you'll often get access to a generous spread of nibbles, which can sometimes be enough for a light dinner.
• Cafes and patisseries: for a coffee break or a sweet treat, there are numerous pasticcerie offering authentic Italian desserts, pastries, and, of course, proper Italian espresso.

Getting from Milan to Monza for a day trip

Pexels

One of the best things about Monza is just how easy it is to reach from Milan. You can get from the centre of one city to the other in less time than it takes to cross London on the tube. 

• By train: this is definitely the best way to travel. Trains run from Milano Centrale and Milano Porta Garibaldi stations every few minutes. The journey is incredibly fast, taking just 10–15 minutes.
• By bus: while bus services do exist, they are generally much slower than the train due to traffic, making them less practical for a day trip.
• By car: driving is also an option, but you’ll have to navigate Milan's busy roads and then find parking in Monza, which can be challenging, especially on weekends.

Living in Monza

Pexels

With its vast Royal Park, elegant centre, and fast connections to Milan, it's easy to see the city's appeal beyond a simple day trip. For anyone tempted by its unique balance of calm and convenience, it's worth exploring what living in Monza is like day-to-day.

• Property for sale in Monza
• Long-term rentals in Monza