Budapest is one of the best GP cities on the calendar — thermal baths, ruin bars, the Danube at night, and food that punches above its price. The Hungaroring is 20 km out of town, so you get a proper city experience on the other two days.
Where to stay in Budapest
Hotels and apartments for race weekend
Start at Széchenyi Thermal Bath in City Park — outdoor pools in a neo-Baroque palace. Go in the morning before it gets crowded. The water is 38°C and you can sit in it for hours. Gellért Baths on the Buda side is the alternative if you want Art Nouveau architecture instead of the palace setting.
In the evening, the Jewish Quarter (District VII) is where the ruin bars are. Szimpla Kert is the original and still the most atmospheric — a crumbling apartment block turned into a multi-room bar with mismatched furniture, live music, and film screenings. Instant-Fogas next door is the biggest. Eat at Mazel Tov or Kőleves for the best food in the district.
Guided activities for day one
Budapest Thermal Bath & Spa Experience
Skip-the-line entry to Széchenyi Baths with guided orientation. Includes locker rental and access to all indoor and outdoor pools.
Budapest Ruin Bar Walking Tour
Guided evening tour of the Jewish Quarter's ruin bars — covers the history of the district and includes 3 drink stops.
The Hungaroring sits in a natural valley — a horseshoe-shaped amphitheatre that traps heat and noise. Overtaking is rare here, so strategy and pit stops decide the race. The atmosphere is good, driven largely by Dutch fans who travel in huge numbers for the summer European races.
Shuttle buses from Deák Ferenc tér run regularly on race day. The M2 metro to Örs vezér tere connects to public bus 101, which also reaches the circuit. Either way, allow 60–90 minutes each direction. Bring your own water — queues at the circuit are long and the heat in the valley is intense.
Race logistics
Shuttle or metro + bus from central Budapest. Allow 60–90 minutes each way on race day. See the Hungaroring getting there guide for shuttle stops, metro connections, and gate information.
Cross the Chain Bridge to the Buda side. Buda Castle sits on a hill above the river with views across the entire city. The funicular takes you up, or you can walk from Clark Ádám tér in about 15 minutes. The Fisherman's Bastion terrace has the best views of the Parliament building across the water.
The Hungarian Parliament building is one of the most impressive buildings in Europe — guided tours run throughout the day (book online in advance). A Danube river cruise in the evening is the way to see the city lit up — Parliament, the Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle are all floodlit after dark.
Activities for day three
Budapest Parliament Guided Tour
Interior tour of the Hungarian Parliament — includes the Crown Jewels, the main chamber, and the golden staircase. Book ahead — slots sell out.
Evening Danube River Cruise
1-hour cruise past the illuminated Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle. Includes one drink. The city looks entirely different from the water at night.
The Hungaroring is in Mogyoród, about 20 km northeast of central Budapest. Race-day shuttle buses run from Deák Ferenc tér in about 30–40 minutes. Public bus 101 from Örs vezér tere metro station also reaches the circuit, though it gets crowded on race day.
District V (Belváros) or District VII (the Jewish Quarter / ruin bar district) are the best bases. Both are central, walkable, and close to the M2 metro line which connects to the race-day transport. Buda side is quieter but further from the nightlife.
The race is in late July. Expect 28–35°C with high humidity. The Hungaroring sits in a natural amphitheatre that traps heat — it is one of the hottest races on the calendar. Bring a hat, SPF 50, and at least 2 litres of water.
Budapest is one of the best-value European GP cities. Hotels increase 40–60% for race weekend but are still cheaper than Barcelona, Monaco, or Silverstone. Restaurants and bars in the ruin bar district are genuinely affordable. The Hungarian forint makes everything feel cheap if you are coming from western Europe.
Yes — they are arguably the highlight of the city. Széchenyi is the most famous (outdoor pools in a palace setting). Gellért is the most beautiful (Art Nouveau interior). Go in the morning before race day to avoid the worst crowds. Weekend entry is about 7,000–9,000 HUF (€18–23).
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