Hungarian Grand Prix™ Travel Packages
Sunday August 4th 2019
Lilting along the Danube past the iconic Hungarian Parliament building, standing among the Corinthian columns of Heroes Square, or soaking in the thermal baths of Budapest… there’s just so much to see and do on a trip to the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Nico Hulkenberg agrees: “I am a big fan of this city. It’s beautiful, with lots of historic buildings and there’s a good vibe around town.“
And let’s not forget the race itself - it’s usually fantastic. Who can forget the 2006 Grand Prix, where Jenson Button clinched his maiden victory at the Hungaroring?
For inside advice on how to get the most from your trip to the Hungarian Grand Prix, read on.
Nico Hulkenberg agrees: “I am a big fan of this city. It’s beautiful, with lots of historic buildings and there’s a good vibe around town.“
And let’s not forget the race itself - it’s usually fantastic. Who can forget the 2006 Grand Prix, where Jenson Button clinched his maiden victory at the Hungaroring?
For inside advice on how to get the most from your trip to the Hungarian Grand Prix, read on.
One unforgettable F1 experience. One complete package.
Our fully inclusive Grand Prix packages are designed to give you a hassle free Grand Prix experience without the limitations of travelling with a large group tour operator.
With Altitude Luxury Travel, there isn’t the stress of arranging everything yourself. Your travel manager arranges everything. You can simply enjoy the thrill and atmosphere of Formula One™.
Everything you want from an incredible race weekend is included in our ATOL-protected packages. And if you want to add extra nights or additional activities, we’ll tailor a package just for you.
We feel it is very important that our Grand Prix™ packages are fully inclusive of everything you need for an incredible race weekend.
If you choose to travel to Hungary with Altitude Luxury Travel, it's likely that you'll share a few things in common with our regular guests who travel with us to Grand Prix around the world year on year. You'll probably want a package that includes:
• All the essential inclusions like transport, accommodation and tickets
• Attention to detail & professional service so you can simply enjoy your weekend at the Grand Prix
• Value for money with no hidden extras or exclusions
If we can't deliver these three simple things we've not done our job. Knowing all the potential pitfalls of cutting back on service and inclusions we'd rather kindly decline business than risk jeopardising your trip.
You may be booking this trip as a gift for a friend or family member and just the thought of organising this trip is overwhelming. If this sounds familiar please just pick up the phone and call us on 0114 345 1977 and we can talk you through all the different options.
Here's what we include as standard
Travel from the UK to Budapest by air. You may think this would be an essential inclusion but we have seen trips that don’t include this key element. If you'd prefer to travel by rail please ask for a tailor-made quotation.
Airport transfers abroad are always included and you will never be expected to make your own way from the airport to hotel (or vice versa). This means you won’t be left queuing for a taxi at the airport or put at risk of paying over the odds with an unknown local operator.
Accommodation. We offer a choice of standard (four-star) and premium (five-star) hotels in Budapest. We try to use the same hotels year on year based on guest feedback, hotel location, price and our own personal experiences. If we wouldn’t stay in a hotel ourselves we certainly won’t offer it to our guests.
Tickets. We'll always give you a price including grandstand tickets or hospitality for both Saturday and Sunday. As you're going to Budapest on Grand Prix weekend you'll probably want race tickets to be included. We feel it can be confusing and unhelpful if tickets aren’t included as standard. If you'd like to go to the circuit on Friday as well we can tailor the trip to include an extra nights accommodation.
Circuit Transfers. We include flexible chauffeur driven transfers from your hotel to and from the circuit using Mercedes Benz people carriers. We operate a choice of transfer times on Saturday and Sunday morning to take you to the circuit, and return transfers from mid afternoon until the final on track action has finished.
With Altitude Luxury Travel, there isn’t the stress of arranging everything yourself. Your travel manager arranges everything. You can simply enjoy the thrill and atmosphere of Formula One™.
Everything you want from an incredible race weekend is included in our ATOL-protected packages. And if you want to add extra nights or additional activities, we’ll tailor a package just for you.
We feel it is very important that our Grand Prix™ packages are fully inclusive of everything you need for an incredible race weekend.
If you choose to travel to Hungary with Altitude Luxury Travel, it's likely that you'll share a few things in common with our regular guests who travel with us to Grand Prix around the world year on year. You'll probably want a package that includes:
• All the essential inclusions like transport, accommodation and tickets
• Attention to detail & professional service so you can simply enjoy your weekend at the Grand Prix
• Value for money with no hidden extras or exclusions
If we can't deliver these three simple things we've not done our job. Knowing all the potential pitfalls of cutting back on service and inclusions we'd rather kindly decline business than risk jeopardising your trip.
You may be booking this trip as a gift for a friend or family member and just the thought of organising this trip is overwhelming. If this sounds familiar please just pick up the phone and call us on 0114 345 1977 and we can talk you through all the different options.
Here's what we include as standard
Travel from the UK to Budapest by air. You may think this would be an essential inclusion but we have seen trips that don’t include this key element. If you'd prefer to travel by rail please ask for a tailor-made quotation.
Airport transfers abroad are always included and you will never be expected to make your own way from the airport to hotel (or vice versa). This means you won’t be left queuing for a taxi at the airport or put at risk of paying over the odds with an unknown local operator.
Accommodation. We offer a choice of standard (four-star) and premium (five-star) hotels in Budapest. We try to use the same hotels year on year based on guest feedback, hotel location, price and our own personal experiences. If we wouldn’t stay in a hotel ourselves we certainly won’t offer it to our guests.
Tickets. We'll always give you a price including grandstand tickets or hospitality for both Saturday and Sunday. As you're going to Budapest on Grand Prix weekend you'll probably want race tickets to be included. We feel it can be confusing and unhelpful if tickets aren’t included as standard. If you'd like to go to the circuit on Friday as well we can tailor the trip to include an extra nights accommodation.
Circuit Transfers. We include flexible chauffeur driven transfers from your hotel to and from the circuit using Mercedes Benz people carriers. We operate a choice of transfer times on Saturday and Sunday morning to take you to the circuit, and return transfers from mid afternoon until the final on track action has finished.
Staying at the Mirage Medic Hotel, Budapest ★★★★
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Packages with grandstand seats
£1,635 per person with seats in RedBull, Silver 1, 2, 3 or 4 Grandstands
£1,730 per person with seats in Gold 2 or Gold 3 Grandstands
£1,775 per person with seats in Gold 1 or Gold 4 Grandstands
£1,880 per person with seats in Super Gold Grandstand
£1,635 per person with seats in RedBull, Silver 1, 2, 3 or 4 Grandstands
£1,730 per person with seats in Gold 2 or Gold 3 Grandstands
£1,775 per person with seats in Gold 1 or Gold 4 Grandstands
£1,880 per person with seats in Super Gold Grandstand
Packages with Formula One Paddock Club hospitality
£5,775 per person
£5,775 per person
Extra nights from £45 per person
All prices are based on two people sharing one room.
Staying at the Corinthia Hotel, Budapest ★★★★★
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Packages with grandstand seats
£1,998 per person with seats in RedBull, Silver 1, 2, 3 or 4 Grandstands
£2,095 per person with seats in Gold 2 or Gold 3 Grandstands
£2,145 per person with seats in Gold 1 or Gold 4 Grandstands
£2,245 per person with seats in Super Gold Grandstand
£1,998 per person with seats in RedBull, Silver 1, 2, 3 or 4 Grandstands
£2,095 per person with seats in Gold 2 or Gold 3 Grandstands
£2,145 per person with seats in Gold 1 or Gold 4 Grandstands
£2,245 per person with seats in Super Gold Grandstand
Packages with Formula One Paddock Club hospitality
£6,1045 per person
£6,1045 per person
Extra nights from £110 per person
All prices are based on two people sharing one room.
Our concierge service can add any of the following finishing touches to your Simply Grand Prix™ package.
• Private Chauffeur-drive service for circuit transfers and city excursions from EUR1,450
• Extra leg room seats from £18.50 per person per flight
• Three-day ticket holders are invited to a Pit Lane visit on the Thursday afternoon (an extra nights accommodation will be required if you would like to attend).
• Airport fast track security passes in the UK (price dependent on UK departure airport)
• Airport lounge access (price dependent on UK departure airport)
All pricing, hotels and event access are subject to change based on availability
• Private Chauffeur-drive service for circuit transfers and city excursions from EUR1,450
• Extra leg room seats from £18.50 per person per flight
• Three-day ticket holders are invited to a Pit Lane visit on the Thursday afternoon (an extra nights accommodation will be required if you would like to attend).
• Airport fast track security passes in the UK (price dependent on UK departure airport)
• Airport lounge access (price dependent on UK departure airport)
All pricing, hotels and event access are subject to change based on availability
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"The day that I found Altitude Luxury Travel was a red letter day for me. I have now been to Abu Dhabi (2014), pre season testing in Barcelona (2015) the Spainsh Grand Prix (2015) and Austin Texas (2015) and can honestly say that each and every one has been the best experience ever. From the moment you leave your door to the moment you return you are looked after to the highest standard. All you have to do is soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the thrill and bring home the best ever memories. From hotel to transport to track experience and valuable advice you can't do better."
Lesley, North Yorkshire
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Lesley, North Yorkshire
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Our travel tips on the best ways to get to Budapest for the Grand Prix
The Hungaroring, the Hungarian Grand Prix circuit, is about 12 miles outside Budapest - which makes the beautiful capital city a great place to stay during your F1 trip.
Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (BUD, formerly known as Budapest Ferihegy International Airport) is about 10 miles from the city center. Many major European and North American airlines either fly directly to Budapest or offer connections.
There’s no real shortage of flights to Budapest, then. But during the Grand Prix weekend, flights at more sociable times of day fill up quickly, pushing up airfares. Book as early as you can.
Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (BUD, formerly known as Budapest Ferihegy International Airport) is about 10 miles from the city center. Many major European and North American airlines either fly directly to Budapest or offer connections.
There’s no real shortage of flights to Budapest, then. But during the Grand Prix weekend, flights at more sociable times of day fill up quickly, pushing up airfares. Book as early as you can.
Where to stay at the Hungarian Grand Prix
You’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing a hotel in Budapest. It’s good value too, with incredibly reasonable room rates - even on Grand Prix weekend. Here are a few good hotels to get your search started.
Corinthia Hotel
Truly a grand Budapest hotel, the Corinthia features a beautiful marble lobby, a stunning pool that lies beneath a stained glass ceiling, and is known for its excellent service.
Continental Hotel
This centrally-located former bathhouse is a good base from which to visit Budapest’s landmarks. It’s been faithfully restored in line with its 19th Century origins and there’s a well-regarded restaurant too.
Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Great views of Buda Castle and the Danube, a large rooftop swimming pool and stunning stained glass windows make this palatial early-20th-Century hotel an excellent choice.
Buddha-Bar Hotel
Perfectly located right on Pest side of the Danube, close to tourist sites, the Buddha-Bar Budapest is part of an Asian-styled global chain. Its food is highly rated, and the interior design is truly striking.
Corinthia Hotel
Truly a grand Budapest hotel, the Corinthia features a beautiful marble lobby, a stunning pool that lies beneath a stained glass ceiling, and is known for its excellent service.
Continental Hotel
This centrally-located former bathhouse is a good base from which to visit Budapest’s landmarks. It’s been faithfully restored in line with its 19th Century origins and there’s a well-regarded restaurant too.
Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Great views of Buda Castle and the Danube, a large rooftop swimming pool and stunning stained glass windows make this palatial early-20th-Century hotel an excellent choice.
Buddha-Bar Hotel
Perfectly located right on Pest side of the Danube, close to tourist sites, the Buddha-Bar Budapest is part of an Asian-styled global chain. Its food is highly rated, and the interior design is truly striking.
Compare the Hungaroring’ grandstands and pick the perfect seats.
The Hungarian Grand Prix’s infamous hot weather severely tests drivers throughout its 70 laps. It’s a technical circuit too, requiring constant steering adjustment and incredible concentration.
Spanish F1 driver Carlos Sainz has called the track “a very interesting and challenging one. It's very narrow; I describe it like a Monaco without walls. You have to get everything right”.
Despite overtaking opportunities being rare - or maybe because of it - a few drivers have achieved remarkable feats here. In 1989, Nigel Mansell rose from 12th to first place. And in 2006, Jenson Button made it to first place after starting in 14th.
Incredible things do happen at the Hungarian Grand Prix, then. But which grandstand gives you the best view? Here’s our round-up of the four seating tiers: Super Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Spanish F1 driver Carlos Sainz has called the track “a very interesting and challenging one. It's very narrow; I describe it like a Monaco without walls. You have to get everything right”.
Despite overtaking opportunities being rare - or maybe because of it - a few drivers have achieved remarkable feats here. In 1989, Nigel Mansell rose from 12th to first place. And in 2006, Jenson Button made it to first place after starting in 14th.
Incredible things do happen at the Hungarian Grand Prix, then. But which grandstand gives you the best view? Here’s our round-up of the four seating tiers: Super Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Super Gold grandstand
Seats in Super Gold are the only ones with cover. And with Budapest’s scorching summer heat and occasional heavy downpours, you’re going to appreciate it! Views in Super Gold are of the start/finish straight and the pit lane - which is great for seeing the teams’ build-up preparations, fast driving and key moments like the start of the race and pit stops.
Gold grandstands
The regular Gold grandstands are also located at various points along the main straight:
Gold 1 has views of Main Straight around the mid grid positions.
Gold 2 has views of Main Straight around the mid to rear grid positions.
Gold 3 is positioned around the pit lane exit.
Seats in Super Gold are the only ones with cover. And with Budapest’s scorching summer heat and occasional heavy downpours, you’re going to appreciate it! Views in Super Gold are of the start/finish straight and the pit lane - which is great for seeing the teams’ build-up preparations, fast driving and key moments like the start of the race and pit stops.
Gold grandstands
The regular Gold grandstands are also located at various points along the main straight:
Gold 1 has views of Main Straight around the mid grid positions.
Gold 2 has views of Main Straight around the mid to rear grid positions.
Gold 3 is positioned around the pit lane exit.
Gold 4 is one we particularly recommend. It’s at the end of the start/finish straight, which is where cars jostle for position as they head into the first corner. They then brake heavily, from around 300 kph on the straight down to under 100 kph going into the turn - and that creates the best overtaking opportunity on the circuit.
Above: Gold 3, Gold 4 & Super Gold grandstands.
Above: Gold 3, Gold 4 & Super Gold grandstands.
The Silver stands look out at the thrilling complex of corners in the final section of the track, from Turn 11 to Turn 14. Turn 13 is a great one to watch - it’s a tight left hander taken at around 100kph, the second slowest corner of the race. Turn 14 is also a crucial one - drivers need a fast exit, as it leads into the circuit’s only straight and its best overtaking.
Views are especially good in Silver Grandstands because of the Hungaroring’s natural bowl shape. The grandstands’ elevated positions means you can see far across the circuit. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Silver 1 offers a view of the last corner and the start/finish straight.
Silver 2 provides a view of the cars as they exit the last corner and a view of the start/finish straight.
Silver 3 and Silver 6 are on the last corner, providing a view of Turns 12, 13 and 14 and onwards to the start/finish straight.
Silver 4 is behind the Red Bull Grandstand. With its elevated position, you get a fantastic view of the last corner and down to the start/finish straight - it sells out quickly for this reason.
Silver 5 gives you a view of the exit from Turn 11 and all the way through Turns 12 and 13.
The Bronze grandstands are on the far side of the circuit, with views of Turns 5, 6 and 7. They’re a good choice if you’re camping, because they’re close to the campsites - but they’re not so convenient if you’re arriving and leaving by car each day of the Grand Prix.
For the past few Hungarian Grand Prix, there’s been a free pit walk on the Thursday evening between 4pm and 6pm. This is only open to 3-day ticket holders. No advance booking has been required in previous years, but you should check the circuit website for the latest information.
Views are especially good in Silver Grandstands because of the Hungaroring’s natural bowl shape. The grandstands’ elevated positions means you can see far across the circuit. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Silver 1 offers a view of the last corner and the start/finish straight.
Silver 2 provides a view of the cars as they exit the last corner and a view of the start/finish straight.
Silver 3 and Silver 6 are on the last corner, providing a view of Turns 12, 13 and 14 and onwards to the start/finish straight.
Silver 4 is behind the Red Bull Grandstand. With its elevated position, you get a fantastic view of the last corner and down to the start/finish straight - it sells out quickly for this reason.
Silver 5 gives you a view of the exit from Turn 11 and all the way through Turns 12 and 13.
The Bronze grandstands are on the far side of the circuit, with views of Turns 5, 6 and 7. They’re a good choice if you’re camping, because they’re close to the campsites - but they’re not so convenient if you’re arriving and leaving by car each day of the Grand Prix.
For the past few Hungarian Grand Prix, there’s been a free pit walk on the Thursday evening between 4pm and 6pm. This is only open to 3-day ticket holders. No advance booking has been required in previous years, but you should check the circuit website for the latest information.
Super Gold Grandstand |
Gold Grandstand |
Silver 2 Grandstand |
Silver 3 Grandstand |
Silver 4 Grandstand |
Red Bull Grandstand |
Getting around during the Hungarian Grand Prix
If you’re driving, make use of the car park at the circuit. We’d also recommend buying a VIP parking pass - it allows you to use the faster, priority VIP lane when driving to the circuit.
Using a taxi is another way to speed down the VIP lane, since all official taxis can access it. There’s a taxi rank at the circuit, but you can expect long queues when leaving at the end of the day. It’s a good idea to book your taxi by phone in advance.
There’s also a free return shuttle bus. It runs from Friday to Sunday, leaving from the Arpad Bridge Bus Station in Budapest (next to metro station Aroc u. 1) and dropping off at Mogyorod Centre (in Templom Square). Mogyorod Centre is about 20 minutes’ walk uphill to the main circuit gates. The shuttle bus can be very busy during peak times too, so it’s a good idea to factor this in when planning your journey timings.
Another option is the HEV suburban railway. If you get on at Ors Vezer Square in Budapest, the ride to Mogyoród Kospont (Templom Square) takes around half an hour. From there, the circuit is 20-30 minutes’ walk away.
Possibly the most fun option is a helicopter transfer. They operate from Prestige Heliport, which is only 5 minutes’ drive from the downtown area by the Danube river, or from Ferihegy Airport.
And if you don’t fancy organising all this travel yourself? Consider an inclusive F1 travel package like those offered by Altitude Luxury Travel. Quality race and airport transfers are included and arranged for you.
Using a taxi is another way to speed down the VIP lane, since all official taxis can access it. There’s a taxi rank at the circuit, but you can expect long queues when leaving at the end of the day. It’s a good idea to book your taxi by phone in advance.
There’s also a free return shuttle bus. It runs from Friday to Sunday, leaving from the Arpad Bridge Bus Station in Budapest (next to metro station Aroc u. 1) and dropping off at Mogyorod Centre (in Templom Square). Mogyorod Centre is about 20 minutes’ walk uphill to the main circuit gates. The shuttle bus can be very busy during peak times too, so it’s a good idea to factor this in when planning your journey timings.
Another option is the HEV suburban railway. If you get on at Ors Vezer Square in Budapest, the ride to Mogyoród Kospont (Templom Square) takes around half an hour. From there, the circuit is 20-30 minutes’ walk away.
Possibly the most fun option is a helicopter transfer. They operate from Prestige Heliport, which is only 5 minutes’ drive from the downtown area by the Danube river, or from Ferihegy Airport.
And if you don’t fancy organising all this travel yourself? Consider an inclusive F1 travel package like those offered by Altitude Luxury Travel. Quality race and airport transfers are included and arranged for you.
Formula One™ Paddock Club™
Join the most privileged circle in Formula One
Witnessing a Grand Prix as part of the Formula One™ Paddock Club™ is a milestone experience you will never forget. You can’t get closer to the action – or the glamour and first-class hospitality of the Formula One lifestyle.
The best seats in the house
With an incredible race viewing location above the pit lane garages and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, nothing can match the thrill of the Paddock Club. You’ll see the determination in the drivers’ eyes, and the clockwork-precision of your favourite team at work. And what’s more, you’ll be close enough to feel part of the race.
Walk among F1 legends
As a Paddock Club ticket holder, the pits are your domain. You can take scheduled pit lane walks, during which you’ll see familiar Formula One faces and watch the teams make their final preparations. You could even be present at a live driver Q&A, where you’ll hear the inside story on tactics, practice and more.
Enjoy the Formula One lifestyle
The glamour of a Grand Prix is almost as captivating as the race itself. The Paddock Club welcomes you to the glitterati, to enjoy all-inclusive, gourmet catering and champagne among truly distinguished company.
Above: Views from the Formula One Paddock Club™
Witnessing a Grand Prix as part of the Formula One™ Paddock Club™ is a milestone experience you will never forget. You can’t get closer to the action – or the glamour and first-class hospitality of the Formula One lifestyle.
The best seats in the house
With an incredible race viewing location above the pit lane garages and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, nothing can match the thrill of the Paddock Club. You’ll see the determination in the drivers’ eyes, and the clockwork-precision of your favourite team at work. And what’s more, you’ll be close enough to feel part of the race.
Walk among F1 legends
As a Paddock Club ticket holder, the pits are your domain. You can take scheduled pit lane walks, during which you’ll see familiar Formula One faces and watch the teams make their final preparations. You could even be present at a live driver Q&A, where you’ll hear the inside story on tactics, practice and more.
Enjoy the Formula One lifestyle
The glamour of a Grand Prix is almost as captivating as the race itself. The Paddock Club welcomes you to the glitterati, to enjoy all-inclusive, gourmet catering and champagne among truly distinguished company.
Above: Views from the Formula One Paddock Club™
Where to eat, drink and hang out when in Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix
Budapest has become a top tourist destination in recent years. That has led to a huge choice of bars, restaurants and attractions springing up, some of them tourist traps.
Here are some excellent spots we’ve researched and visited ourselves, to help you enjoy the best of the Hungarian capital.
Gellért thermal baths
Budapest is famed for its bathhouses, but the Gellért is arguably the one to visit. Part of the Danubius Hotel Gellért, on the banks of the Danube, it’s a restored art nouveau construction with beautiful mosaics and a glass roof above the main hall. There are also massage rooms, saunas and an open air bath.
Margaret Island’s lush oasis
Stunning as Budapest is, it’s not a city known for its greenery. Thankfully, if you want to get back to nature, you can just hop on a free boat to the 1.6-mile-wide Margaret Island, in the middle of the Danube river between the Buda and Pest sides of the city. Margaret Island is home to Japanese gardens, a grand musical fountain and a medieval church - and it’s well worth a visit.
‘Ruin bar’ Rácskert
Budapest’s ‘ruin bars’ are trendy bars that occupy formerly abandoned buildings, and they’ve become a fixture of the Pest party scene. We stopped for a beer at Rácskert courtyard bar, a big graffiti-covered garden that used to be a car park, and we’d recommend it.
Menza’s modern Hungarian classics
We’ve eaten at Menza more than once. Its name means ‘school canteen’ in Hungarian, and its retro interiors recreate the atmosphere of the country’s socialist-era canteens - but the food itself is refined and delicious. We recommend the catfish stew with Hungarian cottage cheese gnocchi (around £7.40) - with food and prices like this, it’s no wonder Menza maintains a steady stream of punters.
There are a lot of pubs and bars in Budapest. If you’re only in town for the Grand Prix weekend, you want to make sure you visit the good ones. Here are 5 we’ve enjoyed ourselves or heard good things about.
360 Bar - This popular downtown rooftop bar has incredible views across Pest. What a great way to see the city. It’s usually sunny and hot on Grand Prix weekend, too.
Akvárium Klub - You could spend the whole day and night in Akvárium Klub. Start on its open-air beer terrace, make your way inside for one of the cultural exhibitions, and stay for a concert and the nightclub. It’s open until 4.30am Wed to Sun, and 1am Mon and Tues.
Bálna Terasz - How do riverside cocktails on a sun-soaked terrace sound? Bálna Terasz is a fantastic place to enjoy sunset over the Danube too.
Champs Sziget - Located on Margaret Island (recommended above), this open-air sports-themed beer garden has bar food and live games on projection screens. Ideal for keeping your trip all about sport.
Kőleves Kert - For a truly relaxed drinking session, Kőleves Kert has hammocks you can take a nap in without getting thrown out!
Here are some excellent spots we’ve researched and visited ourselves, to help you enjoy the best of the Hungarian capital.
Gellért thermal baths
Budapest is famed for its bathhouses, but the Gellért is arguably the one to visit. Part of the Danubius Hotel Gellért, on the banks of the Danube, it’s a restored art nouveau construction with beautiful mosaics and a glass roof above the main hall. There are also massage rooms, saunas and an open air bath.
Margaret Island’s lush oasis
Stunning as Budapest is, it’s not a city known for its greenery. Thankfully, if you want to get back to nature, you can just hop on a free boat to the 1.6-mile-wide Margaret Island, in the middle of the Danube river between the Buda and Pest sides of the city. Margaret Island is home to Japanese gardens, a grand musical fountain and a medieval church - and it’s well worth a visit.
‘Ruin bar’ Rácskert
Budapest’s ‘ruin bars’ are trendy bars that occupy formerly abandoned buildings, and they’ve become a fixture of the Pest party scene. We stopped for a beer at Rácskert courtyard bar, a big graffiti-covered garden that used to be a car park, and we’d recommend it.
Menza’s modern Hungarian classics
We’ve eaten at Menza more than once. Its name means ‘school canteen’ in Hungarian, and its retro interiors recreate the atmosphere of the country’s socialist-era canteens - but the food itself is refined and delicious. We recommend the catfish stew with Hungarian cottage cheese gnocchi (around £7.40) - with food and prices like this, it’s no wonder Menza maintains a steady stream of punters.
There are a lot of pubs and bars in Budapest. If you’re only in town for the Grand Prix weekend, you want to make sure you visit the good ones. Here are 5 we’ve enjoyed ourselves or heard good things about.
360 Bar - This popular downtown rooftop bar has incredible views across Pest. What a great way to see the city. It’s usually sunny and hot on Grand Prix weekend, too.
Akvárium Klub - You could spend the whole day and night in Akvárium Klub. Start on its open-air beer terrace, make your way inside for one of the cultural exhibitions, and stay for a concert and the nightclub. It’s open until 4.30am Wed to Sun, and 1am Mon and Tues.
Bálna Terasz - How do riverside cocktails on a sun-soaked terrace sound? Bálna Terasz is a fantastic place to enjoy sunset over the Danube too.
Champs Sziget - Located on Margaret Island (recommended above), this open-air sports-themed beer garden has bar food and live games on projection screens. Ideal for keeping your trip all about sport.
Kőleves Kert - For a truly relaxed drinking session, Kőleves Kert has hammocks you can take a nap in without getting thrown out!
Extending your Hungarian Grand Prix trip
Hungary and its neighbouring countries are fun, picturesque and culturally vibrant destinations. So why not make the most of your travel and extend your trip?
Beautiful Austria is close by
From beautiful cities like Vienna and Salzburg, to adventurous alpine terrain, Austria has a lot to offer - and it’s no distance from the Hungarian Grand Prix. There are local operators who will drive you between Budapest and Vienna, stopping en route at places of interest.
Take a river cruise
The famous blue Danube is the perfect place to begin or end a relaxing river cruise. So why not combine a cruise with your Hungarian Grand Prix trip?
Sport and adventure at Lake Balaton
You might not have heard of Lake Balaton - it’s one of Hungary’s best kept secrets - but it’s actually Europe’s largest body of freshwater, and home to stunning countryside and thermal spas. That makes it ideal for watersports and family breaks. And best of all, it’s a short train, coach or car ride from Budapest.
Beautiful Austria is close by
From beautiful cities like Vienna and Salzburg, to adventurous alpine terrain, Austria has a lot to offer - and it’s no distance from the Hungarian Grand Prix. There are local operators who will drive you between Budapest and Vienna, stopping en route at places of interest.
Take a river cruise
The famous blue Danube is the perfect place to begin or end a relaxing river cruise. So why not combine a cruise with your Hungarian Grand Prix trip?
Sport and adventure at Lake Balaton
You might not have heard of Lake Balaton - it’s one of Hungary’s best kept secrets - but it’s actually Europe’s largest body of freshwater, and home to stunning countryside and thermal spas. That makes it ideal for watersports and family breaks. And best of all, it’s a short train, coach or car ride from Budapest.
When to book your F1 Hungarian Grand Prix trip
The Hungarian Grand Prix is usually on the final weekend in July, but that’s not set in stone. There are now so many European races crammed into the summer months, it’s risky to guess at the date.
We wouldn’t recommend booking flights or hotels before the race date is official - unless they can be changed without a fee. Many low-cost airlines will let you change your flight dates, so taking a punt to get the best airfares is worth considering.
Tickets for the Grand Prix itself usually go on sale early. In fact, early bird tickets are often available immediately after the previous race. However, the actual race date isn’t usually confirmed by Formula One until late November.
Once the Grand Prix date is confirmed, you should book as soon as possible. Airfares go up as seat availability decreases, and grandstand ticket prices also rise as the Grand Prix gets nearer. Some of the popular grandstands often sell out, too. Booking early could save you money - and disappointment.
We wouldn’t recommend booking flights or hotels before the race date is official - unless they can be changed without a fee. Many low-cost airlines will let you change your flight dates, so taking a punt to get the best airfares is worth considering.
Tickets for the Grand Prix itself usually go on sale early. In fact, early bird tickets are often available immediately after the previous race. However, the actual race date isn’t usually confirmed by Formula One until late November.
Once the Grand Prix date is confirmed, you should book as soon as possible. Airfares go up as seat availability decreases, and grandstand ticket prices also rise as the Grand Prix gets nearer. Some of the popular grandstands often sell out, too. Booking early could save you money - and disappointment.
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