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Experience the best of Hungarian State Opera

Opened in 1884, the Hungarian State Opera House is a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece designed by Miklós Ybl, celebrated for its richly gilded interiors, grand staircase, and ornate chandeliers. As one of Europe’s most prestigious opera venues, it has hosted legendary composers, iconic premieres, and continues to showcase Hungary’s enduring musical heritage.
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Slide 1 of 7, Hungarian State Opera exterior with ornate columns and statues, Budapest.
Hungarian State Opera exterior with ornate columns and statues, Budapest.

Hungarian State Opera House Guided Tour

1 hr

  • Join a guided tour of the Hungarian State Opera House with access to its grand public interiors, including the auditorium, staircase, and foyers.

  • Discover Miklós Ybl’s Neo-Renaissance Opera House, a defining Budapest landmark since its opening in 1884.

  • Admire 'The Apotheosis of Music', Hungary’s largest secco by Károly Lotz, crowning the Opera House’s ornate ceiling.

  • Hear stories of historic premieres and legendary artists, from Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle to performances by Enrico Caruso.

  • Explore the Opera House with a live guide available in multiple languages, making the experience easy to follow and more immersive.

More details

  • Join a guided tour of the Hungarian State Opera House with access to its grand public interiors, including the auditorium, staircase, and foyers.

  • Discover Miklós Ybl’s Neo-Renaissance Opera House, a defining Budapest landmark since its opening in 1884.

  • Admire 'The Apotheosis of Music', Hungary’s largest secco by Károly Lotz, crowning the Opera House’s ornate ceiling.

  • Hear stories of historic premieres and legendary artists, from Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle to performances by Enrico Caruso.

  • Explore the Opera House with a live guide available in multiple languages, making the experience easy to follow and more immersive.

from
€59
Slide 1 of 12, Heroes' Square in Budapest, Hungary with Millennium Monument and statues.
Heroes' Square in Budapest, Hungary with Millennium Monument and statues.

Budapest Grand City Bus Tour with Castle Hill Walk

3 hrs
1 more

  • Settle into an air conditioned coach for an overview of both Buda and Pest, ideal if you want to see key sights without planning every detail yourself.

  • Start with round trip AC bus travel that links Pest and Buda, then hop off for a guided Castle Hill walk to explore the old town on foot.

  • Take in views of Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, and Fisherman’s Bastion, with dedicated photo stops at Castle Hill and Heroes’ Square along the route.

  • Follow your guide through Castle Hill’s streets as they share stories at each stop, help pace the tour, and point out the best spots to frame the Danube riverbanks.

  • Choose your preferred language for the guided tour, with expert commentary offered in English, Spanish, French, Italian, or German throughout your visit.

More details

  • Settle into an air conditioned coach for an overview of both Buda and Pest, ideal if you want to see key sights without planning every detail yourself.

  • Start with round trip AC bus travel that links Pest and Buda, then hop off for a guided Castle Hill walk to explore the old town on foot.

  • Take in views of Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, and Fisherman’s Bastion, with dedicated photo stops at Castle Hill and Heroes’ Square along the route.

  • Follow your guide through Castle Hill’s streets as they share stories at each stop, help pace the tour, and point out the best spots to frame the Danube riverbanks.

  • Choose your preferred language for the guided tour, with expert commentary offered in English, Spanish, French, Italian, or German throughout your visit.

from
€40
Slide 1 of 7, St. Stephen's Basilica with Budapest skyline during walking tour.
St. Stephen's Basilica with Budapest skyline during walking tour.

Budapest Guided Walking Tour of Pest

2 hrs

  • Join an expert led city walk that focuses on Pest’s architecture and urban life, ideal if you want local insight without committing a full day.

  • Meet your English speaking guide near central Pest, then set off on a relaxed 2 to 2.5 hour route designed so you can easily follow and ask questions.

  • Walk through key streets to see landmarks such as St. Stephen's Basilica, the House of Hungarian Art Nouveau, and views toward the Hungarian Parliament.

  • Hear stories about Pest’s boulevards, cafe culture, and riverfront as your guide links each stop together so the city layout makes sense by the end of the tour.

More details

  • Join an expert led city walk that focuses on Pest’s architecture and urban life, ideal if you want local insight without committing a full day.

  • Meet your English speaking guide near central Pest, then set off on a relaxed 2 to 2.5 hour route designed so you can easily follow and ask questions.

  • Walk through key streets to see landmarks such as St. Stephen's Basilica, the House of Hungarian Art Nouveau, and views toward the Hungarian Parliament.

  • Hear stories about Pest’s boulevards, cafe culture, and riverfront as your guide links each stop together so the city layout makes sense by the end of the tour.

from
€15
Slide 1 of 11, Red City Sightseeing bus in Budapest with tourists walking nearby, Ferris wheel in background.
Red City Sightseeing bus in Budapest with tourists walking nearby, Ferris wheel in background.

City Sightseeing: Budapest Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Extended validity
2 more

  • Discover Budapest with this flexible 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour.

  • Travel across 2 routes with over 25 stops on a bus departing every 10 to 15 mins.

  • Take a relaxing cruise along the Danube River with 30% off if you show the bus ticket and a walking tour, included with your bus pass.

  • Allow the fleeting panorama of Budapest’s treasured sights to unfold from the open-air decks and pick up interesting quirks using the multilingual audio guide.

  • Cover key attractions such as Castle Garden, Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes' Square, and more.

More details

  • Discover Budapest with this flexible 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour.

  • Travel across 2 routes with over 25 stops on a bus departing every 10 to 15 mins.

  • Take a relaxing cruise along the Danube River with 30% off if you show the bus ticket and a walking tour, included with your bus pass.

  • Allow the fleeting panorama of Budapest’s treasured sights to unfold from the open-air decks and pick up interesting quirks using the multilingual audio guide.

  • Cover key attractions such as Castle Garden, Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes' Square, and more.

from
€39
Slide 1 of 9, Kunsthalle Budapest with sightseeing bus in front.
Kunsthalle Budapest with sightseeing bus in front.

Big Bus: Budapest Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Explore at your pace
1 more

  • Explore Budapest with the 1/2/3-day hop-on hop-off bus pass and plan your itinerary with ease.

  • With 18 stops along the Red Route, board the buses arriving every 10 to 20 mins.

  • Set off on a 1-hour walking tour of Budapest with a local guide, enjoy free Wi-Fi and fleeting views of adored sights from the open-air decks.

  • Purchase a Danube River Cruise ticket onsite by displaying your Big Bus pass and enjoy 30% off prices!

  • The bus crosses revered landmarks like the Parliament, Margaret Island, Heroe’s Square, and Chain Bridge.

More details

  • Explore Budapest with the 1/2/3-day hop-on hop-off bus pass and plan your itinerary with ease.

  • With 18 stops along the Red Route, board the buses arriving every 10 to 20 mins.

  • Set off on a 1-hour walking tour of Budapest with a local guide, enjoy free Wi-Fi and fleeting views of adored sights from the open-air decks.

  • Purchase a Danube River Cruise ticket onsite by displaying your Big Bus pass and enjoy 30% off prices!

  • The bus crosses revered landmarks like the Parliament, Margaret Island, Heroe’s Square, and Chain Bridge.

from
€39
Slide 1 of 11, Hungarian Parliament and State Opera House in Budapest, Hungary.
Hungarian Parliament and State Opera House in Budapest, Hungary.

Combo (Save 5%): Hungarian State Opera & Hungarian Parliament Tour

45 mins - 4 hrs
Transfers available
  • Enjoy guided access to both the Hungarian Parliament and the State Opera House, with entry to their most celebrated public interiors.
  • Explore the Hungarian Parliament’s grand spaces, including the Main Staircase, Dome Hall, and Chamber of Peers, on a guided or audio-guided route.
  • Step inside the Neo-Renaissance State Opera House to see the Grand Auditorium, ornate foyers, and iconic Grand Staircase in a small-group setting.
  • Follow engaging commentary throughout both visits, with multilingual options available to ensure a clear and immersive experience.
More details
  • Enjoy guided access to both the Hungarian Parliament and the State Opera House, with entry to their most celebrated public interiors.
  • Explore the Hungarian Parliament’s grand spaces, including the Main Staircase, Dome Hall, and Chamber of Peers, on a guided or audio-guided route.
  • Step inside the Neo-Renaissance State Opera House to see the Grand Auditorium, ornate foyers, and iconic Grand Staircase in a small-group setting.
  • Follow engaging commentary throughout both visits, with multilingual options available to ensure a clear and immersive experience.
from Original price€96.90
€92.05

5% off

Slide 1 of 5, Hungarian State Opera House interior with ornate balconies and visitors during a guided tour.
Hungarian State Opera House interior with ornate balconies and visitors during a guided tour.

Hungarian State Opera House Guided Tour with Short Live Concert

1 hr
  • Discover Budapest's Hungarian State Opera House from within, where Neo-Renaissance architecture and a live mini concert reveal its cultural heart.
  • Use your included entrance ticket to join an approximately 60-minute guided visit that concludes with a short live concert on site.
  • Take in Neo-Renaissance design at every turn as you pass through the main auditorium when accessible, along with the Opera House's ornate interiors.
  • Hear musicians perform in this historic setting, connecting what you have seen on the tour with the Opera House's artistic and cultural legacy.
More details
  • Discover Budapest's Hungarian State Opera House from within, where Neo-Renaissance architecture and a live mini concert reveal its cultural heart.
  • Use your included entrance ticket to join an approximately 60-minute guided visit that concludes with a short live concert on site.
  • Take in Neo-Renaissance design at every turn as you pass through the main auditorium when accessible, along with the Opera House's ornate interiors.
  • Hear musicians perform in this historic setting, connecting what you have seen on the tour with the Opera House's artistic and cultural legacy.
from
€59

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for guided tours to admire the marble staircases without the usual crowd, giving you a chance to notice small details like carved balustrades and gilded motifs.

Pay attention to the hidden inscriptions and plaques in the lobby, which commemorate famous performers and patrons from the Opera’s 19th-century opening.

During tours, pause at the royal box even if you can’t enter it fully; its design reveals how the aristocracy’s viewing experience was prioritized without obstructing the stage for others.

Look closely at the chandeliers—they’re not just decorative; their placement and shape were carefully planned to distribute light evenly across the auditorium before electricity.

If you visit during a quiet period, linger near the stage wings; you can see how the stage machinery and set tracks are integrated seamlessly without disrupting the historic interiors.

Similar things to do in Budapest

About Hungarian State Opera

The Hungarian State Opera is one of Budapest’s most important cultural institutions, pairing a 19th-century neo-Renaissance interior with an active program of opera and ballet. Beyond performances, its guided tours take you through the auditorium, grand staircase, and select backstage areas, explaining how the building was engineered for sound as much as spectacle.

AddressBudapest, Andrássy út 22, 1061 Hungary
Also known asOpera House Budapest
Year opened1884
Founded byMiklós Ybl
Visitors per year600000
Expected wait time - Standard0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

The Hungarian State Opera’s auditorium is famed for its acoustics, ranked third-best in Europe after Milan’s La Scala and Paris’s Palais Garnier.

The central chandelier originally weighed 3 tons and was illuminated by 500 gas lamps; today, it holds 200 electric bulbs and weighs about 2 tons.

The ceiling fresco, 'The Apotheosis of Music' by Károly Lotz, is the largest secco painting in Hungary and crowns the auditorium.

Statues of Hungarian musical icons Ferenc Erkel and Franz Liszt stand at the main entrance, symbolizing the nation’s musical pride.

After a five-year renovation, the Opera House reopened in 2022 with modern upgrades, including new hydraulics, lifts, and climate control.

Why visit Hungarian State Opera?

Architectural masterpiece

Admire the neo-Renaissance design by Miklós Ybl, with its grand marble staircase, gold-gilt balconies, and mythological frescoes that make every visit a visual delight.

World-class acoustics

Hear opera and ballet exactly as intended, in an auditorium long admired for its exceptional acoustics and intimate sound design.

The stage in focus

The Opera offers a clear view into the practical side of performance spaces—how sightlines, seating tiers, and stage layout were designed to support large-scale productions—adding context that goes beyond surface-level beauty or historical facts.

Rich musical heritage

Discover the legacy of Hungarian composers like Ferenc Erkel and Franz Liszt, whose statues grace the façade, and learn about legendary premieres and artists.

Accessible & family-friendly

Enjoy modern amenities including wheelchair access, free cloakroom, and tours suitable for all ages, making the Opera House welcoming for everyone.

Plan your visit

Main entrance (Andrássy Avenue)

Located at 22 Andrássy Avenue, the Main Entrance is directly opposite the Opera metro station (M1 line) and flanked by statues of Ferenc Erkel and Franz Liszt. This is the primary access point for all visitors, including those attending performances and guided tours. The entrance is fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free access, ramps, and modern lifts installed during the 2022 renovation. Accessible ticket counters and cloakroom are available just inside the foyer.

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What our guests say

Jose M

Mexico
Group
Sep 2026
I had a very good experience visiting the Budapest Parliament. The building is impressive, both inside and out, and the tour was very well organized. The route was interesting and the information we were given was very well explained. Without a doubt, it is a place well worth visiting if you are in Budapest.

Combo: Hungarian State Opera & Hungarian Parliament Tour

Fabiane F

Brazil
Couple
Sep 2026
It was wonderful, I loved it and highly recommend this tour! Unfortunately, I am in Vienna without internet on the phone I took the photos with!

Combo: Hungarian State Opera & Hungarian Parliament Tour

Pablo A

Spain
Couple
Sep 2026
It's great, it takes you to all the interesting spots in the city, and you can hop on and hop off as many times as you want to visit the places you're interested in seeing. Plus, you get a boat ride on the Danube included. I got the two-day pass, it's well worth it.

City Sightseeing: Budapest Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Stephanie C

United Kingdom
Couple
Sep 2026
Sitting in the hot water. It was a pity that a third was closed. It had also not been made clear what the different classification of entry offers the visitor

Big Bus: Budapest Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Ligia R

Colombia
Group
Jun 2026
Bus wait times. Very good service. They ran very frequently. Given the distance between the different points of interest, it's worth taking.

Big Bus: Budapest Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

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