The content below was originally created for my Cambridge International AS Level Travel & Tourism coursework (Paper 2 – Planning and Managing a Travel and Tourism Event), which is why I never turned it into a proper blog post at the time. I thought it deserved a place here, and I hope it helps anyone planning a Formula 1 trip to Budapest. ❤️
Known as Europe’s Spa Capital, Budapest is one of those cities that effortlessly combines history, architecture, green spaces, and a vibrant atmosphere.
The city is divided by the Danube River into two distinct sides: Buda to the west and Pest to the east. Their names come from two separate cities that were merged in the 19th century. Today, they are connected by eight bridges, the oldest being the iconic Chain Bridge, which was undergoing renovation during my visit.
Buda
The photo below shows part of Fisherman’s Bastion, one of Budapest’s most famous landmarks and one of the city’s best viewpoints overlooking the Hungarian Parliament and the Danube.
The Castle District is incredibly walkable, making it easy to explore several attractions in a single day. Right next to Fisherman’s Bastion you’ll find Matthias Church, while a short walk away is Buda Castle, home to both the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery. You can also ride the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular, which connects the castle district with the city below.
If you’re short on time, I definitely recommend dedicating one full day to exploring Buda.
Pest
The photo above features one of Budapest’s most recognizable landmarks: the Hungarian Parliament Building, located on the Pest side of the city.
While exploring Pest, you’ll also find St. Stephen’s Basilica, where you can attend concerts or climb the tower for panoramic views of the city. Just a short walk away is Shoes on the Danube Bank, a moving memorial created in 2005 to honour the Jewish victims executed along the river during the Second World War.
Another must-visit is City Park (Városliget), home to some of Budapest’s best attractions, including Heroes’ Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Palace of Art, the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden, and the Circus.
One of Budapest’s most famous cafés, New York Café, is also located on the Pest side. If you’d like to visit, making a reservation in advance is highly recommended.
Staying on Margaret Island
For this itinerary, I chose Ensana Thermal Margaret Island Hotel, located on Margaret Island, a peaceful oasis in the middle of the Danube between Buda and Pest.
The island is connected to the city by Margaret Bridge and Árpád Bridge, making it both peaceful and convenient.
Besides the hotels, Margaret Island is home to the National Sports Pool, Palatinus Baths, a Musical Fountain, a Japanese Garden, a Pet Zoo, an outdoor cinema, restaurants, terraces, bars, and a fun park.
The entire island is surrounded by cycling paths and jogging tracks that are constantly used by both locals and visitors.
One of my favourite things about Margaret Island is that cars are not allowed, creating a peaceful atmosphere away from the city’s traffic. Bus 26 runs from one end of the island to the other, while access by car is only possible through the entrance near the hotel’s parking area connected to Árpád Bridge.
Walking from one end of the island to the other takes around 45 minutes.
Things to do on Margaret Island
- Watch the Musical Fountain (best after 5:00 pm)
- Rent a bicycle
- Climb the Water Tower
- Visit the Japanese Garden
- Explore the monastery ruins
- Visit the Pet Zoo
- Enjoy the outdoor cinema
Enjoy your hotel
If you’re staying at Ensana Thermal Margaret Island, don’t forget to enjoy everything the hotel has to offer:
- Relax in the thermal baths
- Swim in the outdoor pool
- Work out in the gym
- Use the sauna
- Book a spa treatment (massages, facials, steam rooms and wellness packages)
- Relax in the outdoor gardens
Hungaroring
Located in Mogyoród, approximately 20 km from the hotel, the Hungaroring can easily be reached via the M3 motorway.
Several transport options are available, including taxis, rental cars, shuttle buses, trains, and even helicopters.
Things to do at the circuit
- Visit the Formula 1 Store
- Enjoy a drink in a reusable race cup
- Play the Formula 1 simulator/game
- Take a photo with your favourite driver
- Meet fellow Formula 1 fans
- Walk around and soak up the atmosphere
Restaurant Recommendations
- Comme Chez Soi
- Hungarikum Bisztró
- Parisi 6
- Lucky 7 Burgers
- Mazel Tov
- Mimama Konyhája
- Szeraj Turkish Restaurant
Getting Around Budapest
Budapest has an excellent public transport system and getting around is simple.
Recommended options include:
- BudapestGO (available on Google Play & the App Store)
- Bolt
- City Taxi (+36 1 211 1111)
- Főtaxi (+36 1 222 2222)
- Tele5 (+36 1 555 5555)
- MOL Bubi bike sharing
- Lime electric scooters
Advice from a Local
One of my favourite parts of planning this trip was asking a local for recommendations. Here’s what they shared:
“Walk as much as you can. Budapest is beautiful, and you’ll notice details you would otherwise miss. Visit the Parliament, Margaret Island and Buda Castle. If you’re travelling with family, the zoo is fantastic, and Fisherman’s Bastion is a must-see. The bridges are beautiful too.
Don’t take people too personally if they seem reserved. Hungarians aren’t always very expressive or quick to smile, so don’t assume they’re being unfriendly. Avoid making the ‘Hungry Hungary’ joke—it usually isn’t appreciated. Learning a few Hungarian words can also help, as many street signs and smaller attractions are only in Hungarian.
Most importantly, try the traditional food—it’s an essential part of the experience.”
Whether you’re travelling for Formula 1 or simply exploring one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your trip. 🇭🇺🏎️
