The Ultimate 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix and Budapest Travel Guide: Explore the Best of Budapest
Discover the Thrills of Formula 1 and the Wonders of Hungary's Capital City
The 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix, held at the iconic Hungaroring near Budapest, kicks off on July 19 and promises to be one of the most exciting events of the Formula 1 calendar. With its tight corners and challenging layout, the Hungaroring has been a favorite among drivers and fans since its inception in 1986. Known for its technical and demanding 4.381 km track, featuring 14 turns, it tests the skill and endurance of the drivers. The 2024 Grand Prix is expected to bring intense competition, with teams and drivers pushing the limits to secure vital championship points. Some top teams to watch include Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari.
Whether coming for the Grand Prix or exploring one of Europe's most vibrant cities, this Budapest travel guide offers many experiences. Famous for its nightlife, considered some of Europe’s best after Berlin, Budapest boasts enchanting thermal baths, chic hotels, and delicious restaurants. Divided into two sides by the Danube River – Pest on one, Buda on the other – the city is Hungary’s cultural capital and offers diverse attractions. Pest is where you’ll find the best shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs, while the Buda side is home to historical landmarks, many baths, and residential areas.
Budapest Thermal Baths
Budapest is home to numerous thermal baths, with Széchenyi Thermal Bath being its most famous and one of the largest spa complexes in Europe. Its neo-Baroque architecture houses 18 indoor and outdoor pools, with temperatures ranging from warm to hot. The mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties, and the experience of soaking in the thermal baths is relaxing and rejuvenating.
Situated in the stunning Gellért Hotel, Gellért Thermal Bath is another favorite and usually less crowded than Széchenyi. It is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau design and luxurious bathing experience. The thermal baths feature mosaic tiles, stained glass windows, and intricate architectural details. Visitors can enjoy a variety of pools, including an outdoor wave pool, indoor thermal pools, and a steam room.
Budapest Ruin Bars
Budapest's ruin bars are a unique and quintessential part of its nightlife. Set up in abandoned buildings and courtyards in the Jewish Quarter, these Bohemian bars are decorated with eclectic furniture and local art.
Szimpla Kert is the most famous of the ruin bars. It is a sprawling, multi-room venue with a vibrant mix of bars, food stalls, and art installations. Each room has a different theme, creating a whimsical and adventurous vibe.
Instant-Fogas Complex is another top spot. The massive ruin bar complex combines two of Budapest’s famous nightlife spots, Instant and Fogas Ház. With multiple dance floors, themed rooms, and a garden, it offers something for everyone, from electronic music to live bands.
Located in a former factory, Anker't is known for its spacious courtyard, minimalist design, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place to enjoy a drink, catch up with friends, and enjoy occasional cultural events and parties.
Budapest Jewish Quarter
Budapest's Jewish Quarter, also known as District VII, is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and bustling nightlife. This area is famous for its ruin bars, kosher restaurants, and cultural landmarks, including Europe’s largest synagogue. The quarter is a hotspot for nightlife, with various bars, clubs, and eateries offering something for everyone. It is also home to boutiques selling everything from vintage clothing to antiques.
Top Clubs and Nightlife in Budapest
Budapest’s nightlife scene is diverse and energetic, offering everything from sophisticated cocktail bars to underground clubs. In the city's heart, Akvárium Klub is known for its eclectic music lineup and vibrant atmosphere. It features multiple rooms and a large terrace and hosts both local and international DJs.
A haven for techno lovers, L?RM is a minimalist club with high-quality sound and an intimate dance floor. It's a favorite among locals and visitors seeking an old-school underground experience to dance the night away.
?tkert is another trendy club that combines a stylish interior with a spacious garden and plays a mix of electronic, pop, and hip-hop music, making it a versatile spot for a night out.
Other Must-See Budapest Attractions
Perched on Castle Hill, Buda Castle offers breathtaking views of Budapest and the Danube River. The castle complex includes the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the National Széchényi Library. Walking through the cobblestone streets of the castle district, you can soak in the historical ambiance and pause at the various cafés and shops around it.
Located on the banks of the Danube, the Parliament Building is one of Budapest’s most photographed attractions—it is especially impressive when lit up at night. One of Hungary’s largest and most magnificent buildings, it is an architectural masterpiece with its stunning neo-Gothic fa?ade. Visitors can take guided tours to explore its grand halls, historic chambers, and the crown jewels of Hungary.
Where to Stay in Budapest
The Kimpton BEM Budapest is a recent addition to Budapest's hospitality scene. This stylish boutique hotel offers a unique blend of luxury and contemporary design that incorporates elements of Hungarian mythology into its look. Upon entering the lobby, you’ll be greeted with a giant golden stag, a nod to the myth of the White Stag, a legendary creature in Hungarian folklore.
The rooms are chic and comfortable, featuring modern amenities. Some have soaking tubs in front of windows overlooking the city. The beds are very comfortable, and the rooms are spacious. The hotel also boasts a rooftop bar with stunning city views, making it a perfect spot for sunset cocktails. Other amenities include a spa with a steam room, sauna, whirlpool hot tub, and a fitness center. The hotel is exceptionally dog-friendly and does not charge pet fees.
Aria Hotel Budapest is another luxurious boutique hotel inspired by music. Each wing is dedicated to a different genre: classical, Opera, Jazz, and Contemporary. The rooms are elegantly designed with music-themed décor and modern amenities. The hotel features a rooftop bar with panoramic city views, a wellness center with a pool, and a garden courtyard. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Budapest’s top attractions.
Set in an Art Nouveau masterpiece, the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern luxury on the banks of the Danube, with easy access to many of the city’s landmarks. The hotel’s stunning architecture includes a grand staircase, vaulted ceilings, and intricate ironwork. The lavishly decorated rooms and suites provide comfort and elegance. It also features a luxe spa, restaurant, and indoor swimming pool.
Where to Eat in Budapest
Established in 1894, Gundel Restaurant is a symbol of Hungarian culinary tradition. It offers a fine dining experience with a menu that includes classic Hungarian dishes like goulash and foie gras, as well as contemporary creations. The restaurant’s opulent interiors and impeccable service make it a must-visit for those looking to indulge in an elegant meal.
Borkonyha Winekitchen is a Michelin-starred restaurant that combines the best of Hungarian cuisine with international influences. The menu changes seasonally to reflect the freshest ingredients, and the extensive wine list features some of the finest Hungarian wines. The modern yet cozy ambiance makes it a perfect spot for a special night out.
For a more casual dining experience, Karavan Street Food offers a lively atmosphere with various food trucks and stalls. Located in the Jewish Quarter, it offers everything from traditional Hungarian lángos to vegan burgers and Asian fusion dishes. It’s a great place to sample diverse flavors in a fun, outdoor setting.
Getting Around Budapest
Budapest’s public transportation system is efficient and easy to navigate. The Metro, trams, and buses can get you to most attractions and the Hungaroring.
Becca Blond is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer focusing on pet, solo, luxury, and adventure travel. She lives with a psychiatric disability and travels with her service dog, Poppy. Becca is the author of more than 30 Lonely Planet travel guidebooks across five continents. Her byline regularly appears in Travel + Leisure, The Points Guy, Thrillist, Matador Network, Planetware, and others. When not on the road, she calls Denver home.
