BWT Alpine F1 Team’s Guide to Budapest: What to eat, see, and do in the city

Hungary is one of the oldest countries in Europe, masterfully combining the best of history and modernity as a key crossroad on the European continent. Since 1986, the Hungaroring has been home to the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix, and in 2021 the circuit etched itself into BWT Alpine F1 Team history as the site of Esteban Ocon’s maiden win.

Make the most of your visit with our tips and recommendations for enjoying your stay in the capital city of Hungary.

Language: Hungarian
Time Zone: Central European Summer Time (CEST), (BST +1, GMT +2)
In Emergency: Call 112
Weather: In July, daily temperatures average 88°F/31°C with a chance of rain. Be sure to pack a light rain jacket.
Getting Around: Budapest has the second oldest metro system in Europe. Take advantage of the affordable metro fares and the four main transit lines to reach all of the destinations on your itinerary while getting a first-hand look at the historic railways of Hungary.

Top tip: download the Budapest GO app and/or CityMapper, two apps that will help you plan the most timely and cost-effective journeys.

Track Action: Keep an eye out for Alpine Academy drivers throughout the weekend as they compete in the next round of the FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 Championships. Jack Doohan (Invicta Virtuosi) and Victor Martins (ART Grand Prix) will be competing in Round 10 of the FIA Formula 2 Championship, while Gabriele Minì (Hitech), Nikola Tsolov (ART) and Sophia Floersch (PHM Racing) compete in Round 8 of the FIA Formula 3 Championship.

Off-Track Action: Catch BWT Alpine F1 Team drivers, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly at the Formula 1 Fan Forum on Saturday 22 July from 10:40*.

• Hungary is known for its delectable blend of Middle Eastern, Asian, and traditional European flavours, accented with a light French influence. Get a taste of authentic local cuisine at Paprika Vendéglő, Stand25 Bisztró, and Retro Lángos, then try a modern twist on classic Hungarian flavours at Hoppá! Bistro, Textúra, and Laurel Budapest.
  

• If you are in the mood for a walkable market style eatery, stroll through the Great Market Hall and the Downtown Market Hall for a mix of traditional cuisine stalls and souvenirs, Karavan Budapest and Pancs-gasztroplacc for a taste of Hungarian street food among the local farmers market.  

• For lunch and dinner options, try Twenty Six and Mazel Tov for authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Head to Budapest Bisztró Csardá for a delicious meal in the middle of your sightseeing and Szimpla Kert for a must-see visit to one of the first ruin bars to pop up around the old city. If you are looking for some brunch options,  Cookie Beacon and Best Bagel Basilica have gained popularity for their mouth-watering breakfast foods.

• For post-race drinks, head to  St. Andrea Wine & Skybar and High Note Skybar for breath-taking rooftop views of Budapest. If you didn’t get to grab a meal at Twenty Six, try their in-house cocktail bar KAA or for a similar vibe, the innovative cocktails at Blue Fox The Bar and Boutiq Bar. Stop by the Párisi Passage Restaurant for a captivating wine bar within the historical Párisi Udvar Hotel. If bespoke cocktails and Artdeco vibes are more your scene, be sure to grab a drink at Minute Lounge and Bar for luxe drinks and light snacks.

If you are sticking around after the race to enjoy all that Budapest has to offer or have some time to explore before heading to the track, here are a few recommendations for the best way to experience Budapest.

• The Danube Promenade is a picturesque walkway through the rich history of Hungary’s capital city. Lined with timeless landmarks that have withstood the test of time, the promenade features a collection of sculptures. Gaze upon the bronze statues of the Little Princess, Attila József, and William Shakespeare as you stroll.

• Castle Hill is a World Heritage site and home of Budapest’s most well-loved attractions. Explore the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum housed within Buda Castle, the Neo-Romanesque lookout terraces of Fisherman’s Bastion and the ornate gothic architecture of Matthias Church.

• Lake Hévíz is the largest swimmable thermal lake in the world. Rent a car or hop on public transport for a perfect day trip through the picturesque Hungarian scenery before or after the race weekend. For thermal baths closer to the capital city, try Széchenyi, Gellért or Rudas Baths for an authentic experience surrounded by beautiful architecture.

Be sure to keep an eye out for BWT Alpine F1 Team colours on track this weekend. A full timetable* for the race weekend is listed below, all in local time (CEST):

Friday 21 July

• Formula 3 Free Practice 9:55-10:40
• Formula 2 Free Practice 11:05-11:50
• Formula 1 FP1 13:30-14:30
• Formula 3 Qualifying 15:05-15:35
• Formula 2 Qualifying 16:00-16:30
• Formula 1 FP2 17:00-18:00

Saturday 22 July

• Formula 3 Sprint Race 09:50-10:35
• Formula 1 FP3 12:30-13:30
• Formula 2 Sprint Race 14:15-15:00
• Formula 1 Qualifying 16:00-17:00

Sunday 23 July

• Formula 3 Feature Race 08:25-09:25
• Formula 2 Feature Race 10:05-11:05
• Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix 15:00 (70 laps)

*These timings are subject to change.