Magnificent buildings abound on Andrássy út, but the most famous building along Budapest's grandest boulevard has to be the opera house, the greatest architectural achievement of Miklós Ybl. The opera house was completed in 1884. You might not be impressed by the exterior, we find it a little dark and chunky. But the interior is truly amazing and well worth visiting, despite the quality of performances can range from excellent to painful for the ears. Nevertheless, ticket prices are low compared to European standards and by getting one, if nothing else, you have the opportunity to admire one of the prettiest opera halls in the world. Get the tickets early as going to the opera (not only for the music but also for a drink and chat in between the acts) is one of the favourite Hungarian pastimes.
When standing in front of the opera house don't forget to check the building across Andrássy út: the former ballet institute (1866) designed by Ödön Lechner. As opposed to the opera house his building is not inspired by the Italian baroque and renaissance but by the mystical characteristics of the East – the former homeland of Magyars. The building is currently empty and left to decay, although there are some rumours going on in Budapest saying that there have been plans to reconstruct the building into a luxury hotel. Will a room with a view of the opera house cost more than rooms in other luxury Budapest hotels?
Location: Pest VI, Andrássy út 22. Transport: metro M1 (Opera). Web: www.opera.hu