Visiting an F1 city on a non-race weekend and want to check out the circuit? Many current Formula 1 circuits offer guided tours of their facilities, and some also offer driving and passenger experiences.
- This post was originally published in 2017 and has now been fully updated
- This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links
- All images © F1Destinations.com
Is it worth visiting an F1 circuit when there is no racing? The answer very much depends on which circuit you are thinking about visiting. The current Formula 1 calendar features a mix of permanent, semi-permanent and temporary circuits. The permanent circuits are most likely to offer guided tours of their facilities, as well as additional activities like go-kart circuits and driving/passenger experiences. Many F1 circuits also host other popular racing series such as MotoGP, WEC and Formula E, which can also be worth attending and more often than not, offer substantially cheaper race tickets than Formula 1. Please note that guided tours and other activities such as driving experiences are only likely to be available when major events are not being held at the circuit. Keep reading for the lowdown on visiting every circuit on the current F1 calendar, as well as some additional circuits that have featured on the calendar in recent seasons.
Albert Park
Albert Park is a temporary circuit which is only used once a year for Formula 1. Guided tours are not offered at the Albert Park Circuit, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting the home of the Australian Grand Prix. Strategically located between the city centre and the beachside suburb of St Kilda (check the location here), Albert Park is a popular space for year-round recreation in Melbourne. If you’ve been watching the race for at least a few years, you’ll easily be able to make out the most important sections – most of which are local roads for most of the year. Hire a bike or get walking and check it out! Browse accommodation in Melbourne.
Shanghai International Circuit
This impressive facility on the outskirts of Shanghai has been hosting the Chinese Grand Prix since 2004. It has also hosted WEC in the past, though not in recent years. Shanghai International Circuit made a welcome return to the F1 calendar this year after a five-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Guided tours are available year-round, though information is not published online. To enquire about a tour of the circuit, you need to head to the circuit gift shop (see approx. location) at the back of the main grandstand, which is open every day from 09:00-17:00. Tours previously cost 50 RMB or about $7 USD (though prices may have risen) and take around 60-90 minutes. You’ll get to see the pits and paddock, media centre on the bridge over the track and even stand on the podium. Tour guides generally don’t speak much, if any, English. We took part in a tour of the circuit in 2015; read about our experience here.
Suzuka Circuit
The host of the Japanese Grand Prix since 1987, Suzuka Circuit is definitely worth the trip if you happen to be near Nagoya. As well as Formula 1, Suzuka also hosts several Japanese racing events each year. Guided tours of the circuit (known as a “backyard tour”) used to be available, but are not currently listed on the Suzuka website. The good news is that Suzuka Circuit is still worth a day out, especially if you are travelling with kids. The circuit is also home to the Mobility Theme Park, which has a rollercoaster and other rides. An aqua park is also open during the summer months (July-September). Browse accommodation near Suzuka Circuit.
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC)
The home of the Bahrain Grand Prix since 2004, Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) was the first Formula 1 circuit in the Middle East. Since 2014, the Bahrain Grand Prix has been held under lights. As well as Formula 1, BIC also hosts the 8 Hours of Bahrain (WEC). BIC is definitely worth a visit if you are visiting Bahrain. The circuit runs comprehensive “VIP Tours” every day at 10am and 2pm, which cost 7 BHD ($18.50 USD) and must be booked in advance. You’ll get to see the Sakhir Tower, Race Control Tower, BIC Media Centre and BIC Welcome Centre, as well as going on the track itself.
You can also get your adrenaline pumping with a choice of driving and passenger experiences on the main F1 circuit or on an off-road course. Please note that driving and passenger experiences on the track are only available on selected days during the cooler months from October to April. You’ll also find a go-kart track at Bahrain Circuit with powerful karts available for hire, even on race weekend. 15-minute sessions are priced from 14 BHD ($37 USD) and can be booked in advance.
The best hotel closest to the track (where most of the drivers and teams stay for the Bahrain Grand Prix) is the 5-star Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, which is just 4km from the circuit. Browse all accommodation in Manama, the capital of Bahrain.
Jeddah Corniche Circuit
One of several temporary street circuits added to the F1 calendar in recent years, the host of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix does not offer guided tours and is only used once a year for Formula 1, but you can still head to Jeddah Corniche Circuit and take a look around! Despite being a temporary structure, the pits building does remain in place throughout the year, and you can take a walk around most of the circuit, which forms part of the Jeddah Corniche Park – a good time to go is at sunset, when the views are stunning as the sun sets over the ocean.
You can also pay your respects at the Al Rahmah Mosque, a beautiful marble structure which sits on stilts above the water. Nearby you will find a large shopping complex, the Red Sea Mall, as well as the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina. The best hotel in the vicinity of the circuit is the 5-star Shangri-La Jeddah.
Miami International Autodrome
Another relatively new addition to the F1 calendar, Miami International Autodrome is a temporary track that’s been hosting the Miami Grand Prix since 2022. Miami International Autodrome is laid out around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, which is home to the Miami Dolphins NFL (football) team. The Hard Rock Stadium also hosts the Miami Open tennis tournament each year, which takes place from March 16-30 in 2025, around one month before the Formula 1 race. Guided tours are not currently available at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Unless you are heading to the stadium to see a Dolphins football game (the regular season runs from the start of September to early January) or attend a concert or event (view upcoming events at Hard Rock Stadium), it’s probably not worth visiting.
View all accommodation in Miami.
Autodromo Imola
After being absent from the F1 calendar for almost 15 years, Autodromo Imola made an unexpected and welcome return in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The host of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is an atmospheric old-school track in the heart of the Motor Valley region of northern Italy, home to automotive brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani and Ducati. As well as Formula 1, Imola also hosts regular racing weekends from April to October, including WEC, ELMS and the historic Minardi Day in late August.
Guided tours are available at Autodromo Imola, which cost €30 for adults and must be booked in advance. The tours, conducted in English and Italian, include visits to the Ayrton Senna memorial, Acque Minerale Park, pit lane, pit garages, race control room and the podium, as well as the Aruba Tower. The Imola Faenza Tourism Company also offers additional tours and experiences at Autodromo Imola and in the surrounding areas, including a vintage car tour. Finally, the track is opened at various times during the summer months for walking and cycling.
Browse accommodation near Autodromo Imola
Circuit de Monaco
As a temporary street circuit, guided tours are not available at the home of the Monaco Grand Prix. As well as Formula 1, Circuit de Monaco is also used annually for Formula E and every two years for the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco (both events are recommended and ticket prices are much cheaper than for Formula 1). If you happen to be visiting the French Riviera, it’s definitely worth visiting the tiny principality of Monaco and walking the entire length of the circuit. If you’ve ever watched the race on TV, it should be fairly easy to navigate your way around the tiny circuit and past landmarks such as the Casino de Monte Carlo (don’t forget to bring your passport if you want to enter) and through the Tunnel Larvato to the harbour.
When in town, we also recommend checking out the museum housing the Automobile collection of SAS The Prince of Monaco. This moved to an impressive new facility next to the harbor (close to the swimming pool) in 2022 and is open year round. Check places to stay in Monaco.
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
The home of the Spanish Grand Prix since 1991, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is one of Europe’s most popular permanent racetracks. As well as hosting Formula 1, the circuit also hosts MotoGP and other major racing series each year (check the event calendar). Guided Tours are available on selected days at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The circuit tours include visits to the Race Direction, Briefing Room, Podium, Media Centre, VIP Lounge and Paddock. Priced from €12 plus booking fees when purchasing online in advance, the tours begin at 10am and last for approx. 90 minutes. (Children aged 6-15 years get a 50% discount on ticket prices.) More information and online bookings.
Additional experiences are also offered at the circuit, including track days and off-track motorbike experiences at Rocco’s Ranch. You can ride your bicycle on the track in the evening throughout the year, except during major events. Click here for more information. There’s no longer an active go-kart track at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, but nearby you will find KARTING ELECTRIC Nürburgreen Indoor and Karting Cardedeu (outdoor track).
View all accommodation near the circuit in Montmeló.
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal
The home of the Canadian Grand Prix since 1978, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a semi-permanent street circuit in Montreal which is located on a man-made island (Notre-Dame Island) in the St Lawrence Seaway. The circuit does not host any other motor racing events apart from Formula 1 each June. Guided tours are not available, but a visit to the circuit is highly recommended during the summer months. Notre Dame Island and the neighboring St Helen’s Island, which are connected by two bridges, make up Parc Jean Drapeau, Montreal’s third-largest city park. St Helen’s Island is served by the city’s metro and is just one stop from downtown Montreal.
As well as visiting the circuit (the pits and paddock building is a permanent structure), other landmarks worth visiting in Parc Jean Drapeau include Casino de Montreal and the Biosphere, which was constructed for Expo ’67 and is now an environmental museum. Nearby on the mainland is another famous landmark constructed as part of Expo ’67, the modernist Habitat 67 housing estate. At the northern end of St Helen’s Island, you’ll also find the Aquarium de Montreal and the La Ronde theme park with over 40 rides.
View all accommodation in Montreal.
Red Bull Ring
The circuit that first hosted the Austrian Grand Prix more than 50 years ago (when it was known as the Österreichring) is definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in the beautiful Styrian region of central Austria. The Red Bull Ring is a popular racetrack during the summer months and also hosts MotoGP, DTM and various GT races (view the Red Bull Ring racing calendar).
Guided tours of the Red Bull Ring are offered year-round, but bookings must be made in advance. Offered in German, Italian and English, the 90-minute tours cost €20 for adults (concessions are available for children, students, seniors and handicapped people). You’ll visit the team garages, podium, race control, media centre and VIP boxes.
If you don’t manage to book your tour in advance, you can still visit the Welcome Center at the circuit to do some shopping at the Fan Shop or enjoy a meal at the Bull’s Lane Restaurant. You can also enjoy an extensive range of driving and passenger experiences at the Red Bull Ring in both summer and winter. In addition to experiences on the main Grand Prix circuit (on both two and four wheels), you’ll also find a go-kart track and several off-road courses.
Browse accommodation near the Red Bull Ring.
Silverstone
One of Formula 1’s most historic circuits, Silverstone has been hosting the British Grand Prix since the advent of the modern Formula 1 World Championship in 1950. As well as F1, Silverstone also welcomes MotoGP, touring cars, GT cars and historic racers in a busy schedule of annual events. Guided tours are not currently offered at Silverstone, but you can visit the Silverstone Museum, which opened to the public in 2022. Open from 10:00-16:00 on most days of the year (except during major events), tickets cost £22.50 for adults and £13.50 for children aged 5-15 (under 5s are free). Entry to the museum includes the ‘heritage track trail’, a self-guided walking tour of Silverstone with panels illustrating the history of the circuit.
A range of driving experiences are also offered at Silverstone, including single seaters and supercars. The circuit is opened regularly for car and motorbike track days. The best place to stay when visiting Silverstone is at the new Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone, which is situated directly on the start-finish straight (note that prices are likely to be prohibitive when major events are taking place at Silverstone). Read Robin’s review of staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone during the 2023 British Grand Prix.
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
One of the oldest and most picturesque circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, Spa-Francorchamps has been the host of the Belgian Grand Prix for almost 100 years. As well as Formula 1, Spa also hosts the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps for WEC, the 24 Hours of Spa and more. View the Spa-Francorchamps racing calendar here.
“Behind-the-scenes guided tours” are available on selected dates at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps from March through to November. These tours cost €15 for adults and €8 for children aged 14 years and under. The 90-minute tour includes visits to race control, media centre, commentary booths and the podium. Check available dates and reserve your tour. If you are up for a walk and the weather is good, you can also check out several sightseeing trails around the circuit.
You can also hit the track on selected days during the summer season as either a passenger or driver. Passenger rides in an Alpine A110 with a professional driver cost €189 and include two laps, after which you are able to take your own car on the track. You’ll need to be quick though, as many dates are already sold out for 2024. Several external companies based near the circuit also offer driver training and supercar hire for the ultimate track day experience.
The best place to stay near the circuit is Hotel de la Source, a short walk from the first corner of the same name. Browse all accommodation near Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
Hungaroring
Only Monza has enjoyed a longer continuous presence on the Formula 1 calendar than the Hungaroring, which has hosted the Hungarian Grand Prix every year since 1986. Guided tours, which have been offered in the past, are not currently available at the circuit outside Budapest. In fact, most activities at the circuit are postponed until after the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix in July due to a rather substantial renovation programme happening right now, which is bringing much of the circuit’s ageing infrastructure up to 21st century standards.
Ordinarily during the summer season, a host of activities and experiences are available at the Hungaroring, including driving experiences, track days for cars and motorbikes, off-roading and airsoft! The closest thing to a guided tour offered at the Hungaroring is a Track Walk. Still operational in 2024, but moved to a new location on the infield at the Hungaroring is the Hungaroring Kart Center. Prices start from 3,800 HUF ($10.60 USD) for an 8-minute session, and it’s recommended to book in advance.
View accommodation in Budapest.
Circuit Zandvoort
Unlike the majority of the permanent circuits on the current F1 calendar, the home of the Dutch Grand Prix does not offer guided tours or racing/passenger experiences. As well as Formula 1, Circuit Zandvoort also stages several popular racing weekends during the summer months, including Germany’s DTM touring car series and the Zandvoort Historic Grand Prix. View all upcoming events at Circuit Zandvoort.
Event when there is no racing happening, you can still visit Circuit Zandvoort and check out the facilities. A shop offering merchandise from the circuit (and Max Verstappen, of course) is located in the Paddock and you can also try your hand at F1 simulators at Racesquare Circuit Zandvoort.
You can also grab a drink or something to eat at Mickey’s Cafe / Bar, which is located in the pit building and open from 08:30-17:30 every day during the summer months (opening times can be restricted in winter). Also located upstairs in the pit building is Bernie’s Bar and Kitchen, but this is only open during public events at the circuit. If you want to get behind the wheel at Circuit Zandvoort, several external companies offer racing experiences at Zandvoort, allowing you to get behind the wheel at the iconic circuit.
Browse accommodation near Circuit Zandvoort
Autodromo Monza
The oldest circuit on the F1 calendar, Autodromo Monza recently celebrated its centenary! In addition to Formula 1, Monza also hosts additional race weekends during the summer months, including the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe.
Various guided tours are available at the home of the Italian Grand Prix during the summer months, the best of which is the combined Tour Experience & Track Tour, which is priced at €30 for adults and €25 for children aged from 7-17 years. This combined tour will take you behind the scenes at the circuit, visiting the media centre, briefing room and podium, as well completing a lap of the circuit in a minivan or tourist bus. More information and bookings (download the brochure).
You can also just visit Monza Park and explore one of Europe’s largest walled city parks, being sure not to miss the remnants of the old banked circuit (when we visited in May, 2023, only the northern section of the old banked circuit was accessible.) You will also find a circuit shop with memorabilia behind the Paddock, next to a sculpture of Juan Manuel Fangio. Monza Park is open daily during the winter months from 07:00-19:00, and during the summer months from 07:00-21:30.
Driving experiences at Monza are offered exclusively by an external company, Puresport. Most track days at Monza are organized between September and December, and you can choose from an array of supercars (including Ferraris and Lamborghinis, of course), as well as single-seat cars right up to Formula 1.
If you are planning to stay overnight, we recommend Cascina Costa Alta, which is in Monza Park and very close to the circuit. Browse all accommodation near Autodromo Monza.
Baku City Circuit
Guided tours are not available at Baku City Circuit, home of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. It’s a temporary street circuit that’s only used once a year for Formula 1. The infrastructure for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set up around six weeks before the race each year and then dismantled afterwards. But if you do find yourself in Baku, it’s not difficult to walk around the city and find sections of the track. It’s definitely worth visiting the narrow section in the UNESCO-listed old town next to the Maiden Tower. The park on the Caspian Sea promenade that hosts the fanzone during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is also worth visiting. View all accommodation in Baku.
Marina Bay Street Circuit
Marina Bay Street Circuit, home of the Singapore Grand Prix, is another temporary street circuit that’s only used once a year for Formula 1. Guided tours are not available, though you can walk down the pit lane and check out the pit building, which is a permanent structure that stays in place throughout the year. The best views of the circuit are from the Singapore Flyer, the ferris wheel behind the pit building which also offers amazing views of the city skyline, day or night. Browse accommodation near Marina Bay Street Circuit
Circuit of The Americas
Of the three stateside races currently on the Formula 1 calendar, the United States Grand Prix is the only one to take place on a purpose-built racetrack. Circuit of The Americas, better known as COTA, is a popular venue that also hosts MotoGP, WEC, NASCAR and more throughout the year. View upcoming events on the COTA website.
COTA does not currently offer guided tours. These used to take place on weekends only and were known as an “Insiders Guided Shuttle Tour.” Nevertheless, it’s still worth making the trip from downtown Austin. COTA Karting is open year round (evenings only during the week, all day on weekends) and is one of the best go-kart tracks in Texas. Single-race packages start from $38 USD and online reservations are essential.
Cyclists can also participate in Bike Night every Tuesday from May to October (apart from when major events are happening), while popular Cars & Coffee events happen on select Sundays throughout the year. The Germania Insurance Amphitheater also hosts regular concerts; check upcoming events. In the near future, there will be even more reasons to visit the circuit, with the COTALAND amusement park set to open in 2025.
Browse places to stay in Austin, Texas.
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
The home of the Mexico City Grand Prix is a semi-permanent racetrack in the southeast suburbs of Mexico City. As well as Formula 1, Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez also hosts Formula E. Guided tours are not available at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, but it’s still worth visiting the circuit, which is located in a city park that hosted events during the 1968 Summer Olympics.
One of the most characteristic sections of the circuit is the Foro Sol stadium complex, which used to stage baseball games and is also the second largest concert venue in Mexico. Upcoming concerts at Foro Sol this year include Metallica, Eric Clapton, The Killers and Iron Maiden!
Browse accommodation in Mexico City.
Interlagos
The home of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix has been a Formula 1 venue for more than 50 years. Officially known as Autódromo José Carlos Pace, the circuit is better known as Interlagos, which is the name of the surrounding suburb and literally translates as ‘between the lakes.’ In addition to Formula 1, Interlagos also stages the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo (WEC). Guided tours are not officially available at Interlagos, but you can contact the circuit to ask about visiting.
No trip to Interlagos would be complete with a visit to the Kartódromo de Interlagos (Ayrton Senna), the go-kart track on the eastern side of the circuit. Opened in 1970, it’s where Ayrton Senna and other Brazilian racing legends learned to drive on their path to Formula 1. The 12-turn, 1150 meter track is opened to the public on Wednesday evenings (18:00-22:30), Thursdays and Fridays (18:00-22:30), Saturdays (12:00-22:30) and Sundays (12:00-21:00). Track sessions are priced from 125-150 BRL ($24-29 USD). Bookings in advance are essential, and can be arranged via WhatsApp.
It’s also possible to walk or cycle in the public park that goes around the circuit’s perimeter (any day from 07:00-17:00). A new and free interactive exhibition dedicated to Ayrton Senna is located in the vicinity of Grandstand A, which includes an impressive silver bust of the famous driver from Sao Paulo.
Please note that you should always exercise caution when visiting Interlagos, which is located near several ‘favelas’ (shanty towns) in an area of Sao Paulo that is not the safest. Do not venture into the favelas or draw attention to yourself by wearing expensive clothes or jewellery.
View places to stay in Sao Paulo
Las Vegas Strip Circuit
Formula 1’s newest and most hyped new circuit is laid out on the streets of Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the United States. The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix last year was an overall success, despite high ticket prices and issues with the circuit that curtailed much of the running on the first day of track action. The Las Vegas Strip Circuit is a temporary circuit that’s only used once a year for Formula 1, though the pits and paddock complex is a permanent structure – it’s not currently open to the public apart from race weekend, though it is expected to be made available for events in the future. Check hotels in Las Vegas.
Lusail International Circuit
Lusail only joined the F1 calendar in 2021 when the Qatar Grand Prix was held for the first time, but the circuit to the north of Doha has been welcoming MotoGP since 2004. A brand new paddock and pits building was constructed before last year’s edition of the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix. Lusail Circuit also hosts the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and various other categories each year (check the event calendar here).
Guided tours are not currently available at Lusail, but you can visit the circuit for track days, community activities or to drive on the go-kart track. Track days are regularly held at the circuit for both cars and motorbikes, or you can walk, cycle or rollerblade around the circuit. The go-kart circuit at Lusail is open on selected days (currently only Thursday and Fridays) from 17:00-22:00. A 12-minute session for those aged 13 and above is priced at 125 QAR ($34 USD), while 10-minute sessions of children (8-12 years of age) are priced a 50 QAR ($14 USD). Bookings in advance are recommended.
Browse all accommodation near Lusail Circuit.
Yas Marina Circuit
Formula 1’s most expensive permanent circuit, Yas Marina Circuit has been home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009. Guided tours of this impressive facility, known as Venue Tours, are available on a regular timetable (at least 2-3 days per week) throughout the year, except for during major race events. The two-hour tour costs 159 AED ($43 USD) and includes visits to the podium, parc ferme, race control, team villas in the Paddock, North Grandstand and Yas Drag Racing Center, as well as a lap of the circuit in a minivan (subject to availability). More exclusive VIP tours for groups of up to four people are also available. More information and reservations.
For those who want to get behind the wheel themselves or just get the adrenaline flowing, Yas Marina Circuit also offers a myriad of driving experiences and passenger experiences in an exciting range of machinery, including open-wheel race cars. Also part of the complex is the Yas Kartzone, a 1km go-kart track near the North Grandstand. Online bookings are recommended. Prices start from 120 AED ($33 USD) for an adult’s 15-minute session.
If we haven’t given you enough reasons to visit the home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Island is also home to the following theme parks: Ferrari World, Yas Water World, Warner Bros World and Sea World. Ferrari World is located right next to Yas Marina Circuit and is home to Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster! Needless to say, you’ll need at least a few days on the island to see all of its attractions. The best place to stay is at the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, an incredible 5-star hotel which spans the circuit.
Browse all accommodation on Yas Island.
You can also visit the following Formula 1 circuits which are not currently part of the calendar:
Paul Ricard
Despite not hosting the Formula 1 French Grand Prix since 2022, Circuit Paul Ricard remains a busy racetrack during the summer months, with car and motorbike racing events being held regularly. Located in picturesque surroundings an hour from the city of Marseille, Circuit Paul Ricard offers guided tours throughout the year, with an increased number of tours offered during the summer high season. The 1-hour tours cost €15 for adults (€12.50 for children 4-16 years of age) and include visits to the paddock, pits, viewing terrace and video control room. The X-Trem Park at Paul Ricard also features a zipline, bungee and other activities for daredevils, and you can grab a bite to eat at Le Grand Prix Burger.
View accommodation near Circuit Paul Ricard
Nürburgring
Despite being one of the most well-known motor racing circuits in all of Europe, the Nürburgring has not featured regularly on the Formula 1 calendar regularly since 2007, apart from a one-off appearance as host of the Eiffel Grand Prix during 2020. Formula 1 hasn’t raced on the infamous Nordschleife section of the track since a fiery crash almost claimed the life of Niki Lauda in 1976, but the current layout of the “Green Hell”, which measures 20.832km and features 154 turns, remains a popular test of skills for amateur and professional drivers alike.
Guided tours, known as a “Backstage Tour”, are available at the Nürburgring every day throughout the year, though the schedule of available times is not published far in advance. The 90-minute tours cost €9.50 (children 5 years old and younger are free) and include visits to the paddock, start-finish building, media centre and the roof terrace of the pit building. More information and reservations.
The main reason why thousands of race fans head to the Nürburgring every year, though, is to get behind the wheel of their own car (or motorbike), or a rented supercar, to take on the 154 turns of the Nordschleife circuit. The circuit is opened for so-called Tourist Drives on most days during the summer season, apart from when major events are happening at the circuit. From Monday to Thursday, a lap of the Nordschleife costs €30, while from Friday to Sunday (and on public holidays), the price is €35. You can also rent a car such as a Porsche Cayman to take on the Nordschleife. If you are not quite ready for the challenge of the “Green Hell,” you can also rent an electric go-kart from €14.50.
View accommodation near the Nürburgring
Hockenheimring
Despite not hosting Formula 1 since the last German Grand Prix in 2019, the Hockenheimring remains popular during the summer months with events like the DTM, classic race weekends for both cars and motorbikes and even drag racing. View the event calendar here.
Insider Tours at the Hockenheimring cost €12 per person and are offered on various days in the summer season between April and September and include visits to the podium for a photo op, the South and East grandstands and Paddock, as a well as a track tour (subject to availability). Guided tours of the track itself using your own car are also available from €29 per vehicle. View the schedule and book your tour.
Driving and passenger experiences are available on selected dates at the Hockenheimring, including open track days known as “Tourist Rides.” There’s also an e-kart track at the circuit.
The surrounding region is home to the Mercedes Benz Museum and Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, as well as the Technik Museum Sinsheim, which displays historic F1 and other racing cars. It’s also the only museum in the world to have examples of the supersonic jets built by both the West (Concorde) and Russia (Tupolev Tu-144). Looking for somewhere to stay? Hotel Motodrom is located inside the circuit complex at the Hockenheimring.
Algarve International Circuit (Portimao)
Algarve International Circuit only made a cameo appearance on the Formula 1 calendar in 2020-2021 as host of the Portuguese Grand Prix, but it left a very positive impression on those who attended the races there. The picturesque and modern circuit is located just inland from the beach resorts of Portimao and Lagos in the popular Algarve region of southwestern Portugal, and still hosts MotoGP, as well as the European Le Mans Series (ELMS).
Next to the main circuit, you’ll find the Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve, which at 1531 metres is one of Europe’s longest go-kart tracks. Open every day from 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:30. Rentals start from €87.50 for individuals, though it’s much cheaper to get a group of friends together for a race. Reserve here. You can also get behind the wheel on the main circuit, with a range of driving experiences available., priced from €185 for two laps in a Mercedes Benz AMG CLA 35. Passenger experiences are also available. The circuit is also regularly opened for both car and motorbike track days.
The best place to stay when visiting the Portimao circuit is the Algarve Race Resort, a modern 5-star hotel overlooking the circuit. View all accommodation on the Algarve.
Sepang Circuit
Fondly remembered as the home of the Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999-2017, Sepang Circuit is located close to Kuala Lumpur’s international airport, around 1 hour from the Malaysian capital. The circuit continues to host MotoGP, as well as local and regional racing events.
Guided tours are available at Sepang, which cost 60 MYR ($13 USD) for adults and 30 MYR for children aged 2-12. Tours include visits to the Paddock, Race Control, Time Keeping Room and Media Centre, as well as the chance to pose for a photo on the podium. The welcome centre at Sepang Circuit is also home to the National Automobile Museum. Entrance is free. You can also get behind the wheel at the Sepang International Kart Circuit, which measures 1300 metres. Sessions start from 95 MYR ($18.50 USD). Check the exact location here.
View all accommodation near Sepang Circuit.
did the Montreal Track tour and drove on the circuit fantastic