FUN & LEISURE

On a race weekend, the Hungaroring and adrenaline-fuelled racing is the main focus. But what to do when you're not racing? Discover Budapest, a jewel among European cities. The monumental buildings, streets and hidden corners are enough to take you on a few walks. Stop at one of the iconic ruin bars, grab a coffee overlooking the parliament and enjoy the city to the full. 

The Hungarian Parliament is clearly the landmark of the capital. The monumental 700-room building is built in a distinctive neo-Gothic style. You can admire it both from the outside and from the inside during guided tours.

Buda Castle is the central structure of Budapest's Castle Hill, which consists of a complex of palaces and a medieval town with several other monuments, the Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. From Buda Castle, you can see the opposite bank where the Parliament is. Buda Castle is directly connected to the oldest part of Budapest and the romantic historic centre with its narrow streets and beautiful corners.

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, which offer visitors pleasant relaxation after long walks through the city. The city's thermal baths, such as the iconic Széchenyi Thermal Bath and the Gellért Bath, boast stunning architecture, soothing mineral-rich waters and a range of wellness services.

Take a boat ride and enjoy the views from the surface of the Danube. There are plenty of options on offer. Do you want to play sports and rent a kayak? Or will you pamper yourself on the boat and enjoy the night scenery of the city with a glass of prosecco? The possibilities are almost endless.

No trip to Budapest is complete without sampling the local cuisine and local ingredients. The best place is the market on Fövám tér. In 2013, it even gained worldwide recognition when CNN TV voted it the most eye-catching market in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy authentic Hungarian salami and taste delicious Tokaj wine at this vibrant market.

The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Gardens are just a short walk from the city centre. With a rich history dating back to 1866, the zoo offers visitors an experience where they can admire over 1,000 species of animals from all over the world while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the botanical garden.

If you are a lover of history and cultural heritage, you should not miss the Hungarian National Museum. With its collections, the museum focuses on the history and art of Hungary and the excavations carried out in this territory. In the Hungarian National Gallery, on the other hand, you will find works by exclusively Hungarian artists in various forms. Paintings, sculptures and photographs. 

Budapest's Great Synagogue, also known as the Dohány Street Synagogue, is a remarkable testament to the city's Jewish heritage. It can accommodate 3,000 worshippers and is the second-largest synagogue in the world. With its impressive architecture and historical significance as the largest synagogue in Europe, it serves as a poignant symbol of resilience and a must-visit destination for culture and history lovers. The synagogue was built in 1859 to a design by Viennese architect Ludwig Förster and features elements of Moorish architecture.