Hungarian Grand Prix™ Travel Packages
Sunday August 2nd 2020
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.
Choice can be a great thing, but when you’re planning a trip to a Formula One Grand Prix you want to be sure that you get the very best experience. We have tried and tested most grandstands, hospitality venues and hotels ourselves and attend the most popular F1 Grand Prix year on year.
If you’re not confident booking your trip independently or just don’t want to get it wrong we can make recommendations based on our own personal experiences. Knowing all the potential pitfalls of cutting back on service and inclusions we'd rather kindly decline business than risk jeopardising your trip.
Every year we help people plan a Grand Prix trip for someone else. If you’re not an F1 fan yourself but want to give someone the gift of going to see a live Grand Prix we can guide you through the process.
We are a fully licenced travel agency and tour operator. Every part of your trip is financially protected under the ATOL protection scheme and insured by the Travel Trust Association.
We enjoy spending time creating a Grand Prix experience so that you don’t have to. We make sure all your travel documents and tickets are where they should be so you don’t have to chase up delivery times or worry when they will arrive. We’ll reconfirm hotel reservations, book transfers and make sure you have enough baggage allowance on your flights. You can just relax and enjoy the experience of watching live Formula 1.
Maybe you don’t know where to start. We are Grand Prix travel specialists. Call or email us and we’ll be more than happy to talk through your plans and help make your Grand Prix trip a reality.
If you’re not confident booking your trip independently or just don’t want to get it wrong we can make recommendations based on our own personal experiences. Knowing all the potential pitfalls of cutting back on service and inclusions we'd rather kindly decline business than risk jeopardising your trip.
Every year we help people plan a Grand Prix trip for someone else. If you’re not an F1 fan yourself but want to give someone the gift of going to see a live Grand Prix we can guide you through the process.
We are a fully licenced travel agency and tour operator. Every part of your trip is financially protected under the ATOL protection scheme and insured by the Travel Trust Association.
We enjoy spending time creating a Grand Prix experience so that you don’t have to. We make sure all your travel documents and tickets are where they should be so you don’t have to chase up delivery times or worry when they will arrive. We’ll reconfirm hotel reservations, book transfers and make sure you have enough baggage allowance on your flights. You can just relax and enjoy the experience of watching live Formula 1.
Maybe you don’t know where to start. We are Grand Prix travel specialists. Call or email us and we’ll be more than happy to talk through your plans and help make your Grand Prix trip a reality.
Choose from one of our Grand Prix™ experiences
Choose glamorous hospitality or grandstand race tickets. Relax in a superior hotel, in a prime location. Travel smoothly with coordinated flights and door-to-door transfers. Everything you want from an incredible race weekend is included in our ATOL protected packages.
Fully inclusive Hungarian Grand Prix weekend packageFully inclusive of everything you need for a great weekend at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Grandstand tickets, flights & accommodation included.
• Direct return flights • Three-nights accommodation in Budapest • Saturday - Premium Grandstand tickets • Sunday - Premium Grandstand tickets • Chauffeur-drive airport transfers in Budapest • Pre departure concierge service to help make your trip even more special • ATOL protected - this means your money is always safe when you book with us Tailor-make your experience • You can upgrade your grandstand ticket to a hospitality or Formula One Paddock Club package • Option to add private or shared circuit transfers • Option to add helicopter circuit transfers • Option to add extra-nights before or after your trip. • Option to add on excursions • Option to add on a river cruise Guide price from £975 pp From £975per person staying at the Mirage Medic From £1,245 per person staying at the Sofitel Chain Bridge From £1,290 per person staying at the Corinthia Hotel If you would prefer an alternative hotel please let us know and we can make suggestions. Prices can vary due to factors including early booking discounts and exchange rates. Please contact us for the latest information and pricing. Based on two people sharing one room. Prices based on Silver & RedBull Grandstands. Hungarian Grand Prix + Highlights of BudapestAdd an extra day or two to you Hungarian Grand Prix weekend to experience the best of Budapest.
Immerse yourself in the thermal baths of Széchenyi or Gellert Thermal Spa and take part in a Hungarian tradition dating back over a century. Relax and unwind in one of the thermal pools to combine bathing with history and amazing architecture. We have included priority access allowing you to skip the queues. Hotel pick-up is also available. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and discover the history that lines the banks of the Danube onboard a Danube River cruise. Day time and evening cruises are available. A variety of excursions can be included with any of our Hungarian Grand Prix packages. Ultra Luxury Hungarian Grand Prix weekendOur Ultra Luxury Hungarian Grand Prix weekend includes the very best Formula One hospitality, private jet flights, helicopter transfers and five-star accommodation.
• Private jet flights to Budapest • Five-star accommodation in Budapest • Saturday - Formula One™ Paddock Club™ with Pit Lane walk • Sunday - Formula One™ Paddock Club™ with Pit Lane walk • Helicopter circuit transfers • Chauffeur-drive airport transfers in Budapest • Pre departure concierge service to help make your trip even more special • ATOL protected - this means your money is always safe when you book with us Tailor-make your experience • Choose from Mclaren, RedBull or Club Suite Paddock Club™ • Option to add Friday Formula One™ Paddock Club™ • Option to add extra-nights before or after your trip. • Option to add on excursions • Option to add on a river cruise Please contact us for a tailor-made quotation |
Long weekend Premium Grandstand & Paddock Club ExperienceTake in the full race weekend from Friday practice through to Sunday's Grand Prix. We've included premium grandstand tickets on Saturday and Sunday plus an upgrade to the Formula One Paddock Club with pit lane visit and track tour on Friday.
• Direct return flights • Four-nights accommodation in Budapest • Friday - Formula One Paddock Club with pit lane visit and track tour • Saturday - Premium Grandstand tickets • Sunday - Premium Grandstand tickets • Chauffeur-drive airport transfers in Budapest • Pre departure concierge service to help make your trip even more special • ATOL protected - this means your money is always safe when you book with us Tailor-make your experience • You can upgrade your grandstand ticket to a hospitality or Formula One Paddock Club package • Option to add private or shared circuit transfers • Option to add helicopter circuit transfers • Option to add extra-nights before or after your trip. • Option to add on excursions • Option to add on a river cruise Guide price from £1,935 pp From £1,935 per person staying at the Mirage Medic From £2,200 per person staying at the Sofitel Chain Bridge From £2,250 per person staying at the Corinthia Hotel If you would prefer an alternative hotel please let us know and we can make suggestions. Prices can vary due to factors including early booking discounts and exchange rates. Please contact us for the latest information and pricing. Based on two people sharing one room. Prices based on Silver & RedBull Grandstands. Formula One™ Paddock Club™ |
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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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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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We're ATOL Protected so there's no chance of you loosing your money or being stranded abroad.
Book with a Travel Trust Association (TTA) member and be confident in the most complete consumer protection system the market has to offer.
Book with a Travel Trust Association (TTA) member and be confident in the most complete consumer protection system the market has to offer.
