How to Experience the Hungarian Grand Prix Like a Local

The Hungarian Grand Prix at the famous Hungaroring in the middle of the season is one of Formula 1’s most atmospheric and accessible European races. The circuit isn’t far from the city, and if you want to act like a local for the weekend, you’ll experience the event like a true Hungarian.

To experience it like a local, be prepared before you arrive. You’re about to learn how to get to the circuit, where to stay in the city, and the best tips to manage the crowds. Discover the best places to watch the race, either at the circuit or in the city, what local food to eat, and where to party at the city’s hotspots.

Navigating Around Budapest Like a Local

Getting from the city to the recently revamped Hungaroring is straightforward, though it does take time. The circuit is 20km northeast of the city. The best option is to stay in Pest as it’s closer.

Transport From Budapest to the Circuit

There are three ways to get to the circuit. If you have a rental car, you can drive along the M3 and take exit 20. There are various parking areas within a 10-minute walk from the circuit, and the cost for one day is HUF 4,000 (€10).

The train, however, is the most popular way. Your destination is Örs vezér tere station. If you’re on lines M1 or M3, change at Deák Ferenc tér. Once you arrive there, cross over to the opposite corner via the underground tunnel. Next, take the H8/HÉV suburban train to Kerepes, where you can then get the free shuttle bus to Gate 3 at Hungaroring. On Saturday and Sunday race days, the trains operate every 15 minutes, and the entire trip, if you get straight through connections, takes between 90 minutes to 2 hours. The trains don’t have air conditioning—a consideration in the summer heat—and if the train is full, consider waiting for the next one. After the event, if the queue for shuttle buses is too long, consider walking 30 minutes to either Szilasliget or Mogyoród stations and jumping on the trains there.

You can also take a metered taxi to the circuit from the city. Fotaxi is the Grand Prix partner and costs on average HUF 15,000 (€40). The taxi stand is located at Gate 8 for drop-off and pick-up after the event.

Best Areas to Stay During Race Weekend

Budapest is divided into two areas, Buda and Pest. Grand Prix visitors tend to stay at Pest, as it’s closer to the circuit and has more hotels and nighttime activities; Buda is more residential.

To maximize your race experience, consider camping at the Grand Prix campsite near the circuit. It’s HUF 12,000 (€30) per person per night, and you can park your car or motorcycle right next to your tent. The campground has clean toilets, guaranteed hot showers, and electricity available on demand, and an on-site cafe sells local street food and beer.

Navigating Hungarian GP Race-Day Crowds Efficiently

Race days bring significant crowds. Fans are known to queue up at the gates and rush to their favorite section (see below) as soon as they open at 7 am. Be prepared to get there early if getting a prime position is important for you.

After the event, the queues to get out are relentless; people have commented that they’ve waited in the taxi queue for two hours. The event finished at 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday, and the circuit closes at 8 pm. So, consider staying at the circuit for an extra hour or so to eat and drink at the venues while you wait for the queues to die down.

Where Locals Watch the Hungarian Grand Prix

In Budapest, you have three options: go to the Hungaroring circuit, head to a sports bar, or find a TV with ESPN+.

The Best Viewing Spots at the Circuit

The best view is based on what you want to see the most. The Hungaroring is well known for its tight hairpin turns, especially 12 and 13. The hill section there overlooking the track is for those fans who want to see the drivers’ technical ability.

The most popular space is the raised grassy area near turns 6 and 7. It’s the largest general admission area, and there’s plenty of space to sit (bring your own chairs) if you’re there early enough.

Due to having so many turns, the only real place drivers can overtake each other is on the small straight at the start and finish line. There is some GA seating there, but it’s set a bit back from the track behind the reserved and platinum seating.

Public Viewing Areas in Budapest City

If the thought of heading out to the circuit is too much for you (or you didn’t get a ticket in time), there are options for you in the city. Sports bars throughout Pest like Champs Sports Bar, Jack Doyle’s, and Pointer Pubs screen the event with English commentary.

It may not have the same atmosphere, but if you’re traveling with a group, head to one of your hotel rooms (if it has ESPN+), watch the race, order room service or delivery, and take advantage of the minibar.

Food, Nightlife, and Race-Week Activities

Acting like a local in Budapest on the F1 weekend means eating street food, partying at iconic venues, and betting on the event.

Hungarian Cuisine at the Circuit

There’s a wide variety of Hungarian street food options in the country; however, the most popular is Lángos. It’s deep-fried flatbread served with a variety of savory (sometimes sweet but not as popular) toppings—sour cream and cheese being the classic. Pro tip: be sure the bread is dipped in garlic water before adding toppings and eat it immediately, as it doesn’t keep for a long time.

The good news for Hungaroring visitors is that Lángos is available from food trucks all over the circuit. Sure, you’ll pay event pricing for it, anywhere from HUF 2,700-4,000 (€7-10). By comparison, you can buy it at Central Market Hall in the city for HUF 1,000-1,800 (€2-4).

Nightlife and Social Spots

On Sunday night, fans and locals head to the official F1 After-Party. Past locations have been the Buddha Bar Hotel, Felix Kitchen & Bar, and Grid Club. At the party, you’ll rub shoulders with some of the drivers, team managers, and owners. Celebrities have been known to pop up, while DJs provide the atmosphere.

If you missed out on a ticket, your next best option is the iconic Ruin Bar, known as THE Budapest Experience. These are abandoned buildings and parking lots that have been transformed into eclectic bars. The main hub is District VII (Jewish Quarter). Expect vintage furniture, graffiti, fairy lights, and open-air courtyards. Szimpla Kert is the most famous, and Instant-Fogas is the mega-club.

Betting on the Hungarian Grand Prix

Another exciting aspect of the F1 weekend is the opportunity to bet on the event. While pole and P2 were once considered the clear favorites, there have been upsets. A single delay in the pits can cost a team several positions on the track. The most popular betting activity is live betting because as things change, so do your bets. There’s no official betting venue at the circuit; it’s all done online. The sportsbook attached to your favorite online casino or slots site would be your first place to check odds and make your choices.

Experiencing the Grand Prix Like a Local

The ultimate way to act like a local during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend is to take the train and shuttle bus to the event. Be sure to grab your best vantage point in the GA area. Sample some Lángos from a food truck and either head to the after-party or the Ruins to wrap up the weekend.

If you’re not heading to the circuit, sports bars throughout the city will screen the race, and you can indulge in local food at Budapest’s many restaurants. Be prepared for crowds of keen race fans and a general feeling of excitement across the city for the three days. If you live like a local for the period, it’ll enhance your experience tenfold.