Hungarian State Opera House Tours

Hungarian State Opera House featuring interior views and theater scenes
Hungarian State Opera House which includes interior views, art and heritage architecture
Hungarian State Opera House which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a city
Hungarian State Opera House which includes interior views and theater scenes
Hungarian State Opera House featuring interior views, theater scenes and a statue or sculpture


Enjoy an opera or ballet or simply admire the beautiful interior and exterior of this pre-1900 neo-Renaissance architectural masterpiece.

Hungary’s 300-year-long and very strong operatic tradition was given a major boost when the Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) opened in Budapest in 1884. The building was designed by Mikós Ybl with influence from the Vienna Opera House. It now houses both the Hungarian State Opera and the Hungarian State Ballet. Its acoustics are considered among the finest in Europe, nearly as good as Milan’s La Scala and Paris’s Palais Garnier.Enjoy both the interior and the exterior of this neo-Renaissance building. Outside the theater are statues of the well-known Hungarian composer Franz Liszt and also Ferenc Erkel who composed the Hungarian national anthem. Erkel founded the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra and was the first music director of the Opera House. Inside, see paintings and sculptures by Hungarian artists Bertalan Székely, Mór Than and Alajos Stróbl. Look up above the 1,261-seat auditorium to see the beautiful chandelier weighing 6,710 pounds (3,050 kilograms). It lights the Károly Lotz fresco of the Greek gods on Olympus in the vaulted ceiling. The entrance to the auditorium includes a wide stone staircase carpeted in red. The interior continues the opulence with plush red seats surrounded by walls and multilevel boxes shining as if they were made of pure gold. On most days guided tours are available in English, French, German, Hungarian, Italian and Spanish. The highlights of the Opera House, however, are its performances. Many of the world’s greatest operatic singers have performed here, including Renée Fleming, Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, José Cura and Juan Diego Flórez. The opera and ballet season lasts from September through June and includes classics and occasional premieres. Book in advance if you would like to see a great opera or ballet in this special venue. The Hungarian State Opera House is along Andrássy Avenue, near the Danube. Take the subway or bus, or walk from Heroes’ Square.

Plan a trip to see Hungarian State Opera House

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The Hotel Unforgettable - Hotel Tiliana by Homoky Hotels & Spa
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Hotel Central Basilica

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Reviews of Hungarian State Opera House

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
197
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
98
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
34
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

AJohnson

The Opera House is under renovation but you can do a short tour and hear 2 opera singers perform a 15 minute program at the end.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The building was closed so we were unable to go inside however the exterior is stunning

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Sadly, the opera house is under renovation, so we could only see the lobby.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Being renovated, so operas not being performed here at the moment.

3/5 - Okay

RVP

Main Auditorium was closed for renovation, but tour guide was every enthusiastic and informative. Also had mini opera performance at the end of the tour.

4/5 - Good

Christine

The Opera House is under renovation so not all was open to the public. What we did see was beautiful and the mini opera performance (around 10 minutes) was excellent.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Hungarian State Opera House

When visiting the Hungarian State Opera House, immerse yourself in the vibrant entertainment district filled with theaters, attractions, and unique experiences. Be sure to book your theatre tickets in advance to enjoy world-class performances. Explore nearby apartments for a convenient stay and consider local tips for your desert adventure. This captivating area offers a blend of culture and entertainment that enhances your Budapest experience.

Food and drinks

Indulge in the unique flavors of Hungary at Etyeki Kuria Winery, Hernyak Estate, and HedoNick Winery, all offering romantic vibes and entertainment. For a perfect pre-theatre aperitif, explore local hotel restaurants that provide comfy atmospheres and delightful breakfast options in Budapest's resorts.

Shopping

The nearest shopping area is Hunyadi Ter, only 0.4 miles away, offering a mix of family-friendly shops. Corvin Plaza, a mile away, features entertainment and business vibes. For a unique experience, head to the Great Market Hall, also a mile away, where you can find local produce and souvenirs.

Recreation

Gellért Thermal Bath offers rejuvenating body treatments in a serene setting, perfect for relaxation. At Danube Arena, families can enjoy aquatic activities in a vibrant atmosphere. For sports enthusiasts, Groupama Arena provides an exciting venue for various athletic events, fostering a lively sports vibe.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Hungaroring, located 10 miles from the Hungarian State Opera House. For a fun adventure, try Lasergame Lasertag, a mere 0.7 mile away, or visit Funlock, only 0.2 mile away, for engaging activities that promise excitement and adventure.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the Hungarian State Opera House is vibrant and diverse. The nearby Budapest Operetta Theatre offers cultural performances, while Las Vegas Casino brings excitement and romance. For a family-friendly adventure, check out the Ferris Wheel of Budapest, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city.

Find the best attractions near Hungarian State Opera House

Visiting the Hungarian State Opera House offers a rich cultural experience, with nearby attractions including museums, picturesque squares, and historic churches. Explore the vibrant opera garden, stroll along Andrássy Street, and take in performances at the Belfast Theatre. Don’t miss the charming old hall, where you can soak in the artistic vibe of Budapest. Whether you seek culture, outdoor experiences, or urban exploration, this area has something for every traveler.

  • Margaret Island: Just 2 miles from the Hungarian State Opera House, this serene island offers lush parks and outdoor spaces, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. Enjoy beach vibes along the Danube River and explore its gardens and fountains.
  • Parliament Building: Located only 0.7 miles away, this stunning historic building showcases impressive architecture and rich cultural significance. Take a guided tour to learn about Hungary's political history while admiring its intricate details.
  • St. Stephen's Basilica: A mere 0.3 miles from the opera house, this grand cathedral is a masterpiece of architecture and spirituality. Climb to the dome for breathtaking views of Budapest and immerse yourself in its beautiful interior.

Best time to go to Hungarian State Opera House

Visitor numbers around Hungarian State Opera House is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Hungarian State Opera House can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Hungarian State Opera House falls in July and August. July has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Hungarian State Opera House falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January32.9°F (0.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February36.1°F (2.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April53.8°F (12.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
June70.0°F (21.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September65.1°F (18.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December35.2°F (1.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Hungarian State Opera House

To save money during your visit to the Hungarian State Opera House, consider exploring nearby free attractions like St. Stephen's Basilica and Vaci Street. Travel during the off-peak months of January, February, or November for lower hotel rates, and try to book your stay about a month in advance. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Sundays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and set your budget preferences. Joining their One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and the chance to earn cash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Hungarian State Opera House are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Hungarian State Opera House about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Hungarian State Opera House is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Hungarian State Opera House is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking a package through Expedia that combines your hotel stay at the Hungarian State Opera House with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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