The Hungaroring track is situated 20 kilometres north of Budapest, so the Hungarian Grand Prix gives you the perfect opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful cities in central Europe. Known as the ‘Paris of central Europe’ and ‘the Queen of the Danube’, Budapest is adorned with beautiful architecture, most of which was built towards the end of the 19th century when the city enjoyed a boom during the industrial revolution. The four ornate bridges that link Buda and Pest were built at this time. The weather is invariably hot around race time, which only adds to the enjoyment of your visit.
Ferenc Liszt International Airport is 24 kilometres south east of Budapest and has links to all the major European cities, as well as some in North America. If you are not hiring a car for the weekend you can catch the airport minibus service into the city or take a taxi. For getting around town, there are three subway lines and an extensive tram network. There are enough sights in Budapest to keep you busy for a week, and they are spread all over the city, so don’t limit yourself to just one area. To name just a few of the highlights: the Hungarian National Gallery, which is situated in the wings of the Royal Palace; the Lukacs Thermal Baths; Heroes Square and Castle Hill, situated on the Buda side of the river Danube.
As far as restaurants are concerned, most of the international cuisine is situated on the Pest side of the river, with gems such as Articsoka, La Bodega and Iguana. For Hungarian specialities, try Bagolyvar or Mori Borozo. There is plenty to see in Budapest, but if you want to get out of the city there are no end of places to go. To the south west there is the vast expanse of Lake Balaton, where you can take boat rides or do some fishing. The countryside surrounding the lake is also one of Hungary’s 22 wine-growing regions and apparently one of the best in the country.