Monza Playbook: Your Unrivalled Experience After Racing Back to Serie A

Home to the Temple of Speed, a royal palace fronting one of the largest walled parks in Europe, the Iron Crown of Lombardy and a football club that waited more than a century for its top-flight debut, Monza has a story all of its own. 

Sitting just 15 minutes north of Milan in the heart of Brianza, this is a city most travellers speed straight through on their way to the Italian Grand Prix. They shouldn’t. Behind the racetrack is an elegant, walkable town with a proud calcio identity and a fanbase that calls itself, simply, the Bagaj. 

On the pitch, the Biancorossi have just sealed an immediate return to Serie A through the play-offs and the Bagajare looking forward of the big stage once more. This is one of the most rewarding day-trips in Italian football – a genuine club experience without the crush of the big-city giants down the road. 

So, from the best bars to soak up the atmosphere, what to eat, where to stay, what to see and all the dos and don’ts in between, we’ve got you covered ahead of your trip to Monza. 

Where To Stay 

The centro storico. Monza is compact and easy on foot, and basing yourself in the old town puts the Duomo, the bars, the restaurants and the river all within a few minutes. It is also the most convenient spot for the train back to Milan if you are combining the trip with the bigger city. You will find a handful of central hotels alongside plenty of B&Bs and Airbnb options, and prices are noticeably gentler than in Milan itself. 

If you would rather stay near the action, the area around the Parco di Monza and the Villa Reale is leafy and quiet, though you will be relying on taxis to reach the centre and the ground. 

Where To Eat 

Il Fantello (Via Achille Mapelli 7B) is the pick in the centre. A warm, family-run trattoria a short walk from the Duomo, it leans into honest Lombard and Brianzolo cooking and draws a loyal local crowd. The atmosphere is cosy and the prices fair – expect to be well fed for around €30-€40 a head. Booking ahead at the weekend is wise. 

On a visit to Monza during the 2025-26 season, Destination Calcio visited Joe Scarpetta (Via Giuseppe Ferrari 2) for dinner on the Saturday night. It was a recommendation from the club and turned out to be excellent advice. A local favourite with friendly service and delicious food, the fresh tortelli stuffed with duck and served with Parmesan sauce was a real highlight.

For a relaxed pre-match bite closer to the stadium, Monza 1931 (Via Carlo Amati 84) is a reliable, well-priced spot for pizza and pasta with fast service – ideal when kick-off is looming and you don’t want to linger.

Where To Drink 

The beating heart of Monza’s nightlife is Via Bergamo, a buzzing little strip of cocktail bars about a 20-minute walk from the stadium and the perfect place to build up to – or wind down from – a game. 

Closer to the ground, Viale Sicilia is the road the home fans walk along to the stadium, and it has a couple of good matchday stops. Bar Bax is a friendly local bar open from early until late – ideal for a pre-match coffee or beer among biancorossi – while Bar Tabuggy is another proper neighbourhood spot within easy reach of the turnstiles.

For a bite to eat or just a drink, right in front of the Duomo, Saint is worth checking out.

On matchday, the most committed supporters gather around the Curva Davide Pieri – the south end where Monza’s ultras stand – so head that way if you want to feel the build-up before kick-off. 

Did You Know? 

AC Monza was founded back in 1912 but they did not play in Serie A until 2022, when the Silvio Berlusconi–Adriano Galliani partnership finally ended their long wait for the top flight. Their ground has been the U-Power Stadium since a 2020 sponsorship deal, but to the Bagaj it will always be the Brianteo, named for the region it represents. 

Don’t Forget 

Tickets – Tickets are available online through Monza’s official channels and at the U-Power Stadium ticket office. The ground holds around 17,000 and now they are back in Serie A, the big games will sell out quicker, so book early. For a first visit, the side stands offer the best balance of atmosphere and a clear view.

If you are collecting tickets at the stadium, bring photo ID and leave a little time. Kick-off times are frequently moved for television, so double-check before booking travel far in advance. 

Merchandise – Official shirts and gifts can be bought from the club store and at the kiosk by the ground on matchday. There is also a Fan Zone at the Monzello training centre. 

Getting There 

Monza is one of the easiest away days in Italy to reach. Frequent regional trains run from Milano Centrale, while there is also a service from Milano Porta Garibaldi. 

Linate is the closest airport, with Bergamo and Malpensa also within easy reach. 

The catch is the last leg. The U-Power Stadium sits a few kilometres north-east of the centre and is poorly served by public transport, so a taxi, a local bus or a 30-minute walk are your options on matchday. Factor that in when timing your arrival.

Need Another Football Fix? 

You are spoilt for choice here. Milan being so close puts Inter and AC Milan at San Siro within comfortable reach, while Como – Serie A’s most photogenic destination – is around 40 minutes up the line by the lake. Few football trips offer this much variety within such a short train ride.