BWT Alpine F1 Team’s Guide to Belgium: What to See, Eat, and Do in Spa

Nestled into the idyllic Ardennes Forest in Belgium is one of the most historic racing circuits in motorsport. One of the seven original tracks in Formula 1’s maiden championship in 1950, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps has been drawing crowds to the rolling hills of Belgium for decades. With its iconic long straights and challenging corners, Spa has solidified its role in Formula 1 history and continues to be a favourite for fans and drivers alike.
 

Make the most of your visit with our tips and recommendations for enjoying your stay in Belgium.

Language: Dutch (Flemish), French, German

Time Zone: Central European Summer Time (CEST), (BST +1, GMT +2)

In Emergency: Call 101

Weather: In July, daily temperatures average 70°F/18°C with a chance of rain. Be sure to pack waterproofs given Spa’s renowned microclimate

Getting Around: There is an extensive bus, tram and metro system in Belgium run by three different companies. Public transport in Belgium is divided by region, so be sure to read up on which apps and ticketing platforms you need to use in order to travel from your accommodation to the track.

Top tip: download CityMapper to help you plan the most timely and cost-effective journeys.

Track Action: Keep an eye out for our Alpine Academy drivers throughout the weekend as they join Formula 1 at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Jack Doohan (Invicta Virtuosi) and Victor Martins (ART Grand Prix) will be competing in Round 11 of the FIA Formula 2 Championship, while Gabriele Minì (Hitech), Nikola Tsolov (ART), and Sophia Floersch (PHM Racing) will be competing in Round 9 of the FIA Formula 3 Championship, the penultimate round of the season.
 

Off-Track Action: Catch BWT Alpine F1 Team drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly at the official Formula 1 Fan Forum stage on Saturday 29 July from 10:40*.

• With over 1,000 breweries around the country and chocolate that rivals that of the Swiss, Belgium is famous for its beer, chocolate, waffles and fries. Try Michelin star restaurant La Cour de la Rein for classic Belgian cuisine, La Belle Époch and Côté Proche for vibrant local flavours and Café de l’Europe for brunch. Saperlipopette can be discovered at three separate addresses in Liège; La Petite Boutique famous for its waffles and sweet treats; La Boulangerie for breads and pastries and La Crème Glacée for ice-creams and gelato.
  
  
• If you are in the mood for a walkable market style eatery in the capital city of Brussels, stroll through the Wolf Market and Gare Maritime Market for a variety of dishes.
  
  
• For lunch and dinner options in Spa, try Osaka for Japanese cuisine, Le Chalet Suisse for raclette and cheese fondue, Friterie Sebastien for no-frills fried foods accompanied by local beers and Le Barisart for farm-to-table dishes with a stunning view. Acquarossa, located in the heart of Spa-Francorchamps, stays open late to ensure you get your pizza fix, Hestia offers a taste of Greece and L’art de Vivre boasts 30 years of French cuisine.
  
  
• For post-race drinks, be sure to check out Botèye and Franc'Off des Artistes in Spa after the chequered flag. If you are staying in the surrounding area, try local Belgian beers at Staminee de Garre, Le Trappiste, Cafe Rose Red and 2be in Bruges. For bars in Liege, try Le Pot Au Lait, Tam-Tam Bambou, Temple Bar and Warzone for themed bars with local drafts.

If you are sticking around after the race to enjoy all that Belgium has to offer, or have some time to explore before heading to the track, here are a few recommendations for the best ways to experience Spa.

• The historic Parc de Sept Heure was turned into a public promenade in 1758, featuring a collection of monuments such as the Armistice, Jean D’Ardenne, and the Gridelet. Like Hungary, Belgium is home to several thermal baths, including a funicular within the Parc de Sept Heure up to the Thermes de Spa complex.
  
  
• SpaForest is your go-to destination for hiking adventures within the Ardennes forest. With a variety of hiking and biking trails, tree-climbing and ziplining, there’s something for everyone. After a long day of hiking and motor racing, check out the neighbouring towns of Stavelot and Malmedy for stunning architecture and cosy brasseries.
  
  
• Montagne De Bueren is a 374-step staircase built in 1881 to honour the deaths of 600 soldiers in a 15th century battle. Climb the famous stairs for a beautiful view of the city below.
  
  

Be sure to keep an eye out for BWT Alpine F1 Team colours on track this weekend. A full timetable* for the race weekend is listed below, all in local time (CEST):

Friday 28 July
 

• Formula 3 Free Practice 9:55-10:40
• Formula 2 Free Practice 11:05-11:50
• Formula 1 FP1 13:30-14:30
• Formula 3 Qualifying 15:00-15:30
• Formula 2 Qualifying 15:55-16:25
• Formula 1 Qualifying 17:00-18:00
   

Saturday 29 July

• Formula 3 Sprint Race 10:00-10:45
• Formula 1 Sprint Shootout 12:00-12:44
• Formula 2 Sprint Race 13:45-14:30
• Formula 1 Sprint Race 16:30-17:30
  
  

Sunday 30 July

• Formula 3 Feature Race 08:30-09:15
• Formula 2 Feature Race 10:00-10:45
• Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix 15:00 (44 laps)
  
   

^{*These timings are subject to change.}