Destination Budapest: An F1 fan’s guide

The Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring has been a staple of the Formula 1 calendar since its 1986 addition. Just outside Budapest, the tight and twisty circuit is known for testing drivers with little margin for error.

But beyond the track, Hungary’s capital offers far more. From soaking in thermal baths and strolling along the Danube, to exploring historic castle streets or lively neighbourhoods after dark, Budapest blends a delightful old-world charm with a buzzing atmosphere.

Introduction to Budapest

Population: 1.7 million (approx.)

Time Zone: UTC +2

Language: Hungarian

Currency: Hungarian forint (HUF)

Power socket: Type C and F

Weather: Hot and humid

The weather is usually hot and sunny at the end of July – but pretty humid too, so it is common to experience rain and thunderstorms. Average daytime highs can reach up to 28 degrees Celsius and nights cool to a comfortable 16 degrees Celsius.

Attractions

Soak in the Szechenyi Thermal Baths

Few cities take relaxation quite as seriously as Budapest does. The yellow halls of Szechenyi Thermal Bath are iconic, with steaming outdoor pools that are just as inviting on a hot summer’s day as they are in chillier weather. It’s a proper bucket list Budapest experience, as people have been bathing in these healing waters for centuries.

Visit Buda Castle

Perched above the city, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Buda Castle offers expansive views across the river to Pest. The cobbled streets of the Castle District are made for sauntering, with lots of historic buildings, cafes and plenty of photo spots along the way. You can even explore the extensive labyrinthine cave system underneath the castle.

See Parliament from the river

The Hungarian Parliament building is one of Europe’s most striking landmarks. Whether you choose to admire it whilst on a walk along the riverbank or hop on a boat cruise along the Danube at sunset, it’s well worth the visit.

Take an active escape to Margaret Island

Set in the middle of the Danube, Margaret Island is a peaceful, largely car-free stretch of parkland between the Margaret and Arpad bridges. Just 2.5km long, it’s easy to explore on foot or by bike, with shady paths, a Japanese garden, a small zoo and even an open-air pool.

Food and drink

Explore the ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter

Budapest’s nightlife has a unique personality, with nowhere capturing it better than the ruin bars around Jewish Quarter. Set inside abandoned buildings and courtyards, they’re eclectic and full of character, ideal for those wanting a lively evening in the city.

Try the Hungarian classics

Budapest is the perfect place to dive into some hearty Hungarian cooking. Goulash is the obvious starting point – a rich beef soup seasoned with paprika – but also consider trying chicken paprikash, crispy langos topped with sour cream and cheese, and chimney cakes rolled in sugar. It’s comforting, flavourful food.

Sip on Hungarian wine and palinka

Hungary produces excellent wines, from crisp whites to bold reds, and many restaurants showcase local bottles. However, perhaps if you’re feeling brave, you could end the evening with a shot of palinka – a strong and fruity brandy with a kick and part of the local ritual.

Riverside dining with views

Restaurants along the Danube offer front-row seats to the city’s breathtaking skyline, especially beautiful when the Parliament lights up after dark. It’s hard to beat a long laid-back meal with that backdrop.

Travelling around Hungary

Getting around Budapest is simple due to its network of metros, trams and buses that make it easy to move between the main sights, with services that run frequently throughout the whole day. The pretty yellow trams along the Danube are a scenic bonus, and taxis are widely available if you’re wanting to head somewhere specific.

For the race, the Hungaroring sits just outside the city near Mogyorod. On Grand Prix weekend, shuttle buses and suburban trains run from central Budapest towards the circuit, though they can get busy so consider leaving early.