A boulevard built to impress
Completed in 1876, Andrássy Avenue was deliberately modelled on the grand boulevards of Paris, designed to project Budapest's ambitions as a major European capital during the Austro-Hungarian era. Running arrow-straight for 2.3km from the city centre to Heroes' Square, it's recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site alongside the historic metro line running beneath it.
What's along the way
- Hungarian State Opera House — a gilded 1884 opera house offering both guided tours and evening performances, generally more affordable than equivalent venues elsewhere in Europe.
- House of Terror — the former fascist and Communist-era secret police headquarters, partway along the avenue.
- Kodály körönd and Bajza utca — a stretch of grand, still-residential mansions giving a sense of how wealthy the avenue's original residents were.
Getting around it
The M1 metro line — continental Europe's oldest underground railway — runs directly beneath the avenue with stops at regular intervals, making it easy to hop between the Opera House, House of Terror and Heroes' Square without walking the full length in one go.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Andrássy Avenue a UNESCO World Heritage site?
It's listed alongside the metro line beneath it and the surrounding historic urban environment, recognised for its well-preserved late-19th-century boulevard architecture and its role in shaping Budapest's growth as a capital city.
What's the easiest way to see Andrássy Avenue?
Ride the M1 metro (the little yellow line running directly beneath it) one stop at a time, hopping off to see the Opera House, House of Terror or Heroes' Square, rather than walking its full 2.3km length in one go.
Is the Hungarian State Opera House worth visiting?
Yes, even without seeing a performance — guided daytime tours take in the gilded auditorium and grand staircase, and evening performances are generally well-priced compared with equivalent European opera houses.