Arrival day
Thursday 22 JulyNothing on track that matters yet. Check in, then use the afternoon.
- Half-dayMaastricht walking tour
- EatLiège waffle stands
Belgian Grand Prix 2027: things to do between sessions in Spa and the Ardennes
23 to 25 July 2027 · ConfirmedSpa and the Ardennes, Belgium
Belgian Grand Prix fills Spa and the Ardennes with fans for three days, but the track only runs for a few hours a day. Practice starts around lunchtime, qualifying leaves the morning free and the day after the race is open. This guide fills those gaps.
Know before you go
- Spa is famous for its own weather: it can rain on one part of the track and not another.
- Liège, Maastricht and Aachen are 45 minutes to an hour away and have far more hotel choice than the villages.
Airport to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Brussels (BRU) is 1 hour 45 minutes by car; Liège airport is 45 minutes. Trains run from Brussels to Verviers and Spa.
The circuit is in the Ardennes forest between Spa, Malmedy and Stavelot. Park-and-ride shuttles run from Verviers station and Spa; roads in are slow from early morning.
Public transport directions to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Liège and Verviers | City hotels 30 to 45 minutes away by train or car. |
| Mid-range | Spa, Malmedy and Stavelot | Ardennes towns closest to the circuit. |
| Splurge | Maastricht | Dutch city 50 minutes away with great hotels and restaurants. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Ibis Liège Centre Opéra
- Mid-range: Radisson Blu Palace Hotel Spa
- Splurge: Kruisherenhotel Maastricht
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual Grand Prix weekend schedule for 23 to 25 July 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Practice day
Friday 23 JulyFirst practice rarely starts before lunchtime, so the morning is free.
- Half-dayLiège food and beer tour
- EatBrasserie in Stavelot
Qualifying day
Saturday 24 JulySupport races fill the morning. Skip them for a slow start in town and reach the track after lunch.
- Easy outingThermes de Spa wellness
- FreeHautes Fagnes moorland walks.
Race day
Sunday 25 JulyGo to the track early and stay after the flag: leaving straight away means the worst of the traffic.
- After darkCampsite parties near the circuit on race weekend.
The day after
Monday 26 JulyA full free day before the flight home. This is the best day for a longer trip out of town.
- Free ideaSpa town park and the Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand spring.
- EatMaastricht Vrijthof cafés
Family-friendly picks
- Monde Sauvage safari park in Aywaille.
- Plopsa Coo.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Campsite parties near the circuit on race weekend.
5 tours worth booking for Belgian Grand Prix
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Maastricht walking tour | Half day | Food lovers |
| Liège food and beer tour | Half day | Food lovers |
| Thermes de Spa wellness | Half day | Bad weather, Tired legs |
| Ardennes kayak on the Amblève | Half day | Families |
| Coo waterfall and Plopsa Coo | Half day | Families |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Spa racing museum at Stavelot abbey.
- Thermes de Spa.
Getting around on event days
- You need a car or the official shuttle. Roads around the circuit jam from early morning.
Day trips from Spa and the Ardennes
- Liège: 40 minutes
- Maastricht: 50 minutes
- Aachen: 45 minutes
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Belgian Grand Prix.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Belgian Grand Prix 2027?
The next edition is 23 to 25 July 2027.
How do I get from the airport to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps?
Brussels (BRU) is 1 hour 45 minutes by car; Liège airport is 45 minutes. Trains run from Brussels to Verviers and Spa. The circuit is in the Ardennes forest between Spa, Malmedy and Stavelot. Park-and-ride shuttles run from Verviers station and Spa; roads in are slow from early morning.
Where should I stay for Belgian Grand Prix?
For most visitors the best base is Spa, Malmedy and Stavelot: Ardennes towns closest to the circuit.
What can we do between sessions at Belgian Grand Prix?
Good short outings in Spa and the Ardennes include Thermes de Spa wellness, Ardennes kayak on the Amblève, Coo waterfall and Plopsa Coo. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Belgian Grand Prix?
Family-friendly picks: Ardennes kayak on the Amblève, Coo waterfall and Plopsa Coo. Monde Sauvage safari park in Aywaille.
How far is Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps from Spa and the Ardennes centre?
About 10 km in a straight line. The circuit is in the Ardennes forest between Spa, Malmedy and Stavelot. Park-and-ride shuttles run from Verviers station and Spa; roads in are slow from early morning.