State Opera or Hungarian State Opera House

Magyar Állami Operaház

It is home to the Budapest Opera Ball, a society event dating back to 1886. Before the closure of "Népszínház" in Budapest, it was the second largest opera building in Budapest. Today it is the largest Opera building in Budapest and Hungary. But even if tickets are expensive you will enjoy the performance even if you're not an opera buff. You can get cheaper tickets during the summer when there often are opera festivals. Most operas are in Italian, but at the State Opera they subtitle the entire performance in Hungarian. The hall is beautiful and in its original state. On the balcony surrounding the hall they have put the name of every classic opera performed there into the wood. It has to be seen to be fully appreciated. Appropriate dress: suits or sport coats for men, dress or skirt/blouse for women. However formal wear to backpacker wear is seen during the week. One of Europe's architecturally most breathtaking opera house's company performs traditional opera and ballet. The quality of its huge repertoire is not always up to international standards, but if you don't expect too much, you will spend a decent night. Cheaper tickets offering reduced visibility are a good deal if you don't want to pay Ft2,500 for the official guided tour to the building. The company also performs at Theatre Thália.

Address

VI. Andrássy út, 22

Getting there

: 'Opera'

Hours

guided tours - every 3PM and 4PM

Price

Tours €3.4, just to stage €2.4 kabin or box seats: €17-27.

Website

opera.hu (opens in a new tab)