How to Spend a Great Day in Monza Italy

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If you had asked me anything about Monza a few months ago, I'd say..."where?" I truthfully knew nothing of Monza, but it popped up on my radar when I was searching for Hilton's and Marriott's in Italy that I could drop some points on for a one night stay.

My husband found my map search open and excitedly said, "we're going to Monza!?" Sigh, "I guess we are!" But what was there? I had no idea.

He went on to explain to me that the hottest track in Italy for Formula 1 racing is there, and we'd be arriving just days after the Italian Grand Prix, so maybe oh maybe we'd get to see some racing stars and celebrities. Thus started my research.

A Typical Day in Monza

Here's where I was stumped. Aside from the race track and a nice meal, I knew of a few things in town, but didn't expect much. Walking around, however, I was pleasantly surprised!

Here's a few things you can do:

• Visit the Duomo de Monza in the city center, where the Oreo cookie black and white layering makes for a great backdrop for photos

  
  

• While in this area, pop into shops like Intimissimi for Italian lingerie or other familiar brands like H&M

• Fare una passeggiata, aka "take a stroll" past the clock tower and people watch

• Walk through the gardens and the estate park at Villa Reale de Monza (or enter the villa for a fee)

• Book a tour for the aforementioned Autodromo race track

• Take a bike ride or enjoy a picnic in the Parco di Monza, a nice green space near the Villa

• Explore the lively historic center, cross bridges, see street performers

Monza for Foodies

Now if you are in Monza, chances are you have been staying in nearby Milan (and perhaps are just taking a day trip to Monza), or you are passing through on the way to the lakes region. Either way, Monza is smack in the center of Milanese country, where in my opinion, you must try the classic dish, cotoletta Milanese.

It's a simple flattened (pounded out), breaded veal, pork or chicken, similar in style to a German schnitzel. For me, the best preparation of the cotoletta Milanese is topped with an arugula and tomato salad, and drenched in balsamic vinegar.

I'm a big fan of vinegar, which is why I will also recommend visiting Modena for tastings (again, check my details on this here). The Italians, however, may frown on your use of balsamic in favor of a simple lemon squeeze, which is also quite wonderful.

For this dish, served the way I prefer it, I found a quaint restaurant decked out in old style charm in the historic center of Monza called Fantello. A lovely little spot, it served me right and I got the dish I was craving.

With a beautiful courtyard for lazy lunches and house wine by the carafe, it couldn't have been more perfect. Except, I didn't see cotoletta Milanese on the menu. I knew they had it, where was it?

In a ever-so-studious way, I pulled up my Google and found at this restaurant it is actually called "elephant ear", or orecchia d'elefante.

Breaded and prepared the same way, it has a little bone in it resembling an elephant's trunk, I guess. In any case, this is the dish to get in Monza.

Afterwards, seek out a gelateria like Leoni, just outside the primary pedestrian area. It will be busy, but at least less busy than other shops in town.

The options are seemingly endless, and absolutely delicious.

If you have a little more time, consider booking a dinner experience with a local family. They offer these on Viator, like this great option in cute surrounds.

While you are in Monza, consider driving the 30 minutes to nearby Gorgonzola, where, you guessed it, the delicious blue cheese is made.

If you like cheese, be sure to check out my write up on cheese tours and Parma Ham tours in the area to Monza's south.

Monza for Racing Fans

I've already taken the time to outline some of Monza's Formula 1 offerings on my separate post, so be sure to bookmark that to read later.

For other racing tours in the area, you'll want to consider:

1. Monza's Temple of Speed - the race track, store and behind the scenes look at the Autodromo (details on the link above)

2. Get a car and head to Modena for tours of Enzo Ferrari's home, the Maranello Museum, or the Ferrari Factory

3. Go on an organized tour of the Alfa Romeo museum

4. Drive a Ferrari on a racing track

5. Or, for the die hards with plenty of cash to spend, step inside and drive a formula BMW vehicle - and I'm not talking a simulator! You can read about this tour here.

Spending the Night in Monza

Overall, a day can easily be spent in Monza, even if you aren't into racing. It's an easy trip from Milan, and accessible to Bergamo's airport, which is why we made it home base for the night.

We ended up staying at a nice Best Western property, The Regency. With nostalgic vibes reminding me of 1990's Italian travel, the hotel is decked out in regal yellow and emerald tones and moody wood furniture trappings in the lobby. Enjoy an after lunch cocktail before calling it a day early, if the next day is for travel.

Or, part of the SLH Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, this Hilton Property called Hotel de la Ville is not only high end, but just minutes from the autodromo track, making for a more opulent stay.

Enjoy negronis and tapas at the Derby Bar or enjoy their upper crust cuisine in the Derby Grill.

Although I'd love for you to book it through my affiliate link above, I will also share that the rooms are surprisingly affordable on points, too, if you are a Hilton Honors member. Keep that in mind!

All in all, Monza may not be worth more than a day unless you've got plans to make separate day trips outside the city, but for a day in Monza, it's just right.

Oh, and as for seeing celebrities in Monza? Not this time. Maybe next time!

Enjoy your trip!