The most spectacular cities can boast of beautiful avenues that were designed to show off to the world. These streets add a little grandeur to anyone who strolls down them, whether they’re an anonymous individual or a huge formal procession. Andrássy Avenue is one of the most distinguished and elegant streets in Budapest; it’s lined with beautiful houses, exclusive stores and several emblematic buildings.
This blog post will reveal everything you need to know about Andrássy Avenue and what you can see there. It definitely needs to go on your list of things to see in Budapest.
Central Budapest is like an ode to architecture. As a great European capital, and the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, what was once Pest (on the east bank of the river) developed to be a new and prosperous 19th century city, full of great avenues, cultural buildings and monuments that were designed to match other glamorous cities in Europe.
Andrássy Avenue was the main thoroughfare in this 19th century urban plan and was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, joining the banks of the Danube and Buda Castle district.
- History of Andrássy Avenue
- What to see on Andrássy Avenue
- What to do on Andrássy Avenue
- Where to eat on Andrássy Avenue
- Where to stay on Andrássy Avenue
History of Andrássy Avenue
Andrássy Avenue was built as part of a plan to expand Budapest, connecting Belváros neighbourhood with Városliget Park and the city outskirts, thereby solving the city’s emerging traffic problems. The avenue was built between 1872 and 1877 following projects drawn up by Lajos Lechner, Frigyes Feszl and Klein & Fraser.
In 1884, most of the small palaces along the new street had been completed and were ready to house aristocratic families, wealthy landowners and bankers. Numerous homes in the old neighbourhoods were demolished to make way for the new buildings.
In 1885, it was named Andrássy Avenue in honour of prime minister Gyula Andrássy, who was behind the plan to build the new street. Its name was changed during the Communist period, and it was known as Stalin Avenue between 1950 and 1956, then Népköztársaság between 1957 and 1990 when it was renamed Andrássy.
The avenue isn’t only important on the surface – line 1 of Budapest’s metro runs beneath it. It’s the second oldest metro in Europe and is known as the Millennium Underground Railway; the metro is also a World Heritage Site. It opened in 1896 and the first stops were here on Andrássy Avenue.
What to see on Andrássy Avenue
You simply have to take a stroll along Andrássy Avenue on your trip to Budapest. It’s perfect for a walk because it runs from Elizabeth Square [Erzsébet tér] in the heart of Pest to Hero’s Square [Hősök tere] by the entrance to the City Park [Városliget]. The avenue is 2,310 m long and features numerous emblematic buildings and residential palaces.
One of the best-known buildings on Andrássy Avenue is the Hungarian State Opera. This unique theatre opened in 1884, shortly after the new street was built, and can be found on the first stretch of the road, close to St Stephen’s Basilica.
Other important buildings and places on Andrássy Avenue are:
- Saxlehner Palace: an impressive office and apartment building that was constructed between 1884 and 1886.
- Harkányi Palace: another original building on the avenue, built between 1882 and 1884.
- Dreschsler Palace: a surprising Neo-Renaissance building dating from 1883 that is opposite the opera and housed the Hungarian Academy of Dance.
- Párisi Nagy Aruhaz: this building was constructed in 1882 to house a department store. It has an impressive Art Nouveau façade.
- Oktogon Square: an octagonal ‘square’ that connects Andrássy to Nagykörút and features elegant buildings.
- Old Academy of Music: the former home of one of Hungary’s leading music institutions.
But this is just a brief selection! Many more buildings and institutions along the street ensure that Andrássy still retains its exclusive status.
What to do on Andrássy Avenue
One of the best things to do on Andrássy Avenue is to go shopping – but it isn’t for everyone’s budget. This is where you’ll find luxury boutiques by brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, Zegna and Armani.
After walking around and admiring its magnificent buildings, you’ll also find several museums and places to visit on Andrássy Avenue, in addition to the State Opera:
- Frank Liszt Memorial Museum: this museum is in the last house the musician lived in, between 1881 and 1886. The collection displays personal items and concerts are held here every Saturday.
- House of Terror: this museum pays tribute to victims of the Fascist and Communist dictatorships that ruled Budapest and Hungary in the 20th century. It’s an important centre for remembering victims of these terror regimes.
- Ferenc Hopp Museum of Asiatic Arts: houses Ferenc Hopp’s private collection and has a significant number of relics and artworks from Asian cultures.
Where to eat on Andrássy Avenue
While it’s not a typical street for eating out, Andrássy Avenue does have some interesting places where you can have a meal or stop for a drink:
- Szek: next to the Párisi Nagy Aruhaz building, Szek serves soups and Transylvanian specialities at reasonable prices.
- Muvész: one of Budapest’s classic cafés with a terrace where you can sit and watch life bustle past along the avenue. They serve breakfast and Hungarian dishes.
- La Perle Noire: smart restaurant with a nice terrace that has won several awards, including a Michelin star in 2013. Despite this, prices are inexpensive.
- Bigfish: if you fancy reasonably priced fish and seafood, don’t miss this simple restaurant.
- Hizsteria Cremeria: if you visit Budapest in summer, stop here to cool down in the scorching city heat with an original ice cream.
Where to stay on Andrássy Avenue
The Barceló Budapest is under a five-minute walk from Andrássy Avenue, and this outstanding four-star hotel is in the heart of the Hungarian capital. Its location makes it the perfect place for exploring places like Andrássy Avenue, one of the jewels in Budapest’s crown.
The hotel has 179 modern guest rooms, many with city views, and suites for extra comfort. It also has a 24-hour gym for guests and an à la carte restaurant.
