Here's Where Budapest's Natural Wine Scene Is Blossoming
"A rustic wine bar and shop located steps from the Hungarian State Opera, this compact venue has been an important early adopter of natural wines, offering an approachable, old-school complement to newer, more animated wine-and-food concepts around the city." - Alia Akkam
How Playing a Euro-Hopping Assassin Helped Eddie Redmayne Find the Quiet Beauty of Traveling
"The Hungarian State Opera house in Budapest has been stunningly restored, offering a breathtaking experience for visitors. It is a notable cultural venue in the city."
"Budapest, Hungary is brimming with art, culture and a touch of decadence. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the Hungarian State Opera House on the luxurious Andrássy Way. If you don't have the time or money to take in a concert in this opulent theatre, you can still get a dose of culture by taking one of the daily guided tours. Crane your neck to take in the ceiling murals and twinkling chandeliers while you sit in the plush velvet seats, sweep down the grand staircase of the main hall and play out your fantasies of living life at court, or just learn about the theatre, without all of the dramatic bits. Tours are offered in Hungarian, English, German, Spanish, Italian and French everyday, and Japanese several times a week. You can also stay for a mini concert in the theatre. After the tour, pop next door to the Callas Restaurant, where you can sip champagne on the terrace while admiring the Opera House's stunning facade."
What a stunning building, left completely untouched by the bombs of the world wars. Even if you don't like opera, the tour is informative and lets you see inside its stunning interiors from painted ceilings, ornate handcrafted hardwood fixtures and and abundance of different marble to the exquisite auditorium and massive stage. The tour ends with an short performance which I really enjoyed.
Anony M
Google
I visited for a guided tour and this place is stunning! The guides were great and the mini performance at the end was outstanding. There are no toilets available for use before the tour so you have to wait until after.
Dzmitry Ulezla
Google
Amazing place. Magnificent both inside and outside.
Really liked sound here. Enjoyed the best opera in my life.
Unfortunately that was terribly hot on the top balconies, but that’s what you have to face while visiting such a historic place.
I wish the prices in the bar where lower, but nobody forbids you bringing your own water.
Anthi Pozatzidou
Google
What can I say about the Opera other than it's a true sparkling gem!
The tour was worth every penny as it was detailed and fun. I loved the 4 arias that were part of the tour and the very informative and polite guide we had. I totally recommend booking early to be able to visit it.
I wish I had time to attend an opera or a play, but I will try to have it on my next visit.
Lucienne KAMPEL
Google
🎭 Hungarian State Opera – History, design & world-class acoustics
Did you know? Emperor Franz Joseph I funded the construction of the Hungarian State Opera — under one condition:
👉 It couldn’t be bigger than the Vienna State Opera.
Legend says that after the grand opening in 1884, he admitted:
“It’s not bigger… but it’s more beautiful.”
And honestly — he was right.
🪞 Genius design details:
• A mirror above the royal box so VIPs could see the stage without turning.
• Side boxes also have mirrors — so no one misses the performance.
• The acoustics are among the best in Europe.
🗣️ Guided tours run daily, in almost every major language — and you even get to hear a short live performance at the end!
🎟️ Tip: Buy tickets online in advance — tours often sell out.
A must-visit in Budapest, even if you’re not attending a show.
S Hasan
Google
Amazing building full of art , history & elegancy
This building is amazing & we went with friends on our first day holiday to Budapest . It started at 7:00 pm and ended at 10ish . We had a break where we managed to buy us drinks from the top floor and had the chance to go to a big balcony and take few photos
On the ground floor outside the building / opposite Louise Vuitton there is a small shop where u can buy ice cream and drinks . They have outside seating area as well went earlier than we should and sat there to enjoy pistachio ice cream
Toilets were clean
We really enjoyed it .
Alex Walsh (Alexandra Walsh)
Google
This was my favorite thing we did on our trip to Budapest. The tour guide was great and I learned so much. The opera house has so much interesting history and I want to go back to see a show someday! I bought our tickets online on the official opera house site. They gave us a little concert at the end!
Jessica Wong
Google
Absolutely gorgeous and intimate opera hall. We really enjoyed the one-hour tour: so many interesting trivia facts shared and the performance at the end was a delightful morsel of music. Hope to return for a show!