The Budapest Opera House is one of Hungary’s most iconic Neo-Renaissance buildings. If you’re wondering what to do in Budapest, visiting this landmark is a must.
Recognized internationally for its prestige, the Budapest Opera House is also a cultural symbol that embodies Hungarian identity and pride.
Today, a visit to this magnificent theater is essential for anyone taking a tour through Budapest. Not only can you admire its remarkable architecture, but you can also enjoy a performance in this historic venue. Join us as we uncover the highlights of Hungary’s National Opera House, where you can attend classical dance, opera performances, and concerts by the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra.
For a convenient way to start your cultural journey, consider a Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour through Budapest, which includes a stop at this unforgettable landmark.
History of the Budapest Opera House
Also known as the Hungarian State Opera House, this building is one of Budapest’s most stunning architectural achievements.
The opera house was designed by architect Miklós Ybl in the Neo-Renaissance style, a popular aesthetic at the time.
The iconic theater was constructed in the late 19th century, from 1875 to 1884, under the patronage of Emperor Franz I.
During this period, such leisure spaces attracted the upper echelons of society. The King of Bohemia commissioned its construction to create an alternative to the famous opera houses in Vienna and Paris. Though it never surpassed the Vienna Opera House in size, it stands out as one of the world’s most emblematic buildings and boasts the third-best acoustics in Europe.
Visiting the Budapest Opera House
NOTE: Before your visit, make sure to book your skip-the-line ticket for the Great Synagogue, another cultural and architectural marvel that will deepen your Budapest experience.
Including a visit to the Budapest Opera House is a must when exploring Hungary’s capital. This stunning venue, with its horseshoe-shaped design and musical-themed decor, offers the perfect setting to enjoy a range of artistic expressions.
Here, you can purchase tickets to enjoy ballet performances, staged musical theater, and, of course, orchestral concerts.
During your tour of the Opera House, you’ll notice that some of the most impressive aspects of this magnificent building are:
Facade and Main Entrance
The Budapest Opera House boasts an impressive facade that is truly worth admiring and photographing.
Before stepping inside, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and symmetry of each element that composes the facade, characteristic of the Neo-Renaissance style.
The decoration of the facade itself is stunning, especially for classical music lovers, as it features figures of the world’s most renowned musicians.
Additionally, both sides of the facade pay tribute to two illustrious Hungarian composers. On one side is the virtuoso pianist Franz Liszt, and on the other, the composer of the Hungarian National Anthem, Ferenc Erkel.
At the main entrance, you’ll find a beautiful stone staircase and lampposts adorned with intricate ironwork details.
Upon entering the lobby, you’ll encounter luxurious finishes. Both the columns and vaults are crafted from marble, enhancing the elegance and grandeur of this remarkable creation by Miklós Ybl.
In the foyer, the ceiling is decorated with exquisite murals representing the nine muses, while the chandeliers in this area create an atmosphere of regal elegance.
Main Hall
The Main Hall, or Red Hall as it is also known, has witnessed countless artistic performances.
It is adorned with a beautiful chandelier that illuminates the central dome.
On this dome, a stunning fresco depicting the gods of Olympus, painted by Károly Lotz, adds to the grandeur of the hall.
Royal Box
The Royal Box is centrally located in the theater, offering an exclusive view of the performances for dignitaries and guests, surrounded by luxurious details.
This special section is distinguished by decor unique to the Royal Box. Here, you’ll find beautiful sculptures representing the four operatic voices: Bass, Tenor, Alto, and Soprano.
Main Stage
The Main Stage faces the audience and is equipped with advanced engineering that includes rotating mechanisms and hydraulic techniques, allowing for versatile staging.
Since its opening in 1884, this stage has hosted countless performances. In 1886, one of its early presentations featured a piano and string trio, including prominent figures like David Popper (cellist), Jenő Hubay (violinist), and the famed Johannes Brahms (conductor, pianist, and composer).
Grand Staircase
This main area is perhaps one of the most captivating features of the Budapest Opera House, showcasing architectural elegance and timeless beauty.
Here, you can fully appreciate the grandeur and elegance of this majestic building.
A walk along these stairs transports you back to the lavish and elegant times of the 19th century, when opera was not only a cultural event but also a social gathering for royalty and the upper classes. The scene may even evoke images of elegantly dressed ladies of the past, adorned in luxurious attire and extraordinary gowns.
How to Visit the Opera
Visiting the Budapest Opera House is an unforgettable experience that you simply can’t miss when touring Hungary’s capital. This architectural masterpiece, which combines Renaissance-inspired grandeur with later stylistic elements, also offers visitors the chance to enjoy a variety of performances.
If you’re planning to visit the Hungarian National Opera, there are two ways to experience it:
Attend a Concert or Live Performance
One way to experience the Budapest Opera House is by purchasing tickets to enjoy a live show. Whether you choose a theatrical musical performance, a classical ballet, or a concert of famous compositions performed by the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, there are almost always events to attend, especially on weekends.
Book a Private Guided Tour
As we’ve noted, the Budapest Opera House is a must-see for anyone visiting Hungary’s capital. A guided tour through this iconic theater immerses you in its artistic and architectural significance. We recommend taking advantage of the guided tour service of the Budapest Opera, which offers a detailed look at the most beautiful building on Andrássy Avenue.
The tour takes you through the theater’s rich history, lasts around 30 minutes, and includes an audio guide available in several languages: Spanish, English, French, and German. This informative tour provides fascinating insights into the Opera House, making it a rewarding experience for visitors.
Entry to the Budapest Opera House – Prices and Opening Hours
You can purchase tickets to the Hungarian National Opera either at the theater’s lobby box office or on the official Budapest Opera website. Prices vary depending on the type of entry:
General admission for adults is 2,900 HUF, while students pay 1,900 HUF, and children under 6 years old can enter for free.
At the end of a guided tour, you have the option to enjoy a five-minute concert for an additional 500 HUF.
If you wish to take photos inside, you’ll need a photography permit priced at 500 HUF.
For ballet, opera, or concert performances, ticket prices vary between 8 HUF and 15,800 HUF depending on the show and seating.
However, for enjoying a ballet, opera, or concert performance, ticket prices range from 8 HUF to 15,800 HUF, depending on the specific event and seating location.
- Guided tour hours at the Budapest Opera House are from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
- Box office hours for purchasing tickets are Monday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sundays from 4:00 PM until the start of the first show.
How to Get to the Budapest Opera House?
The Hungarian State Opera House is located on Andrássy Avenue, conveniently close to the St. Stephen’s Basilica.
To reach this cultural landmark, you can use the following public transportation options:
- Budapest Metro: Take Line M1 (the yellow line) and exit at the Operaház station.
- Bus: Board Line 105 and also get off at the Operaház stop.