Andrássy Avenue
NileGuide Expert Says:
This boulevard is a must-see; skipping a walk along here would be like skipping the Leaning Tower of Pisa on visiting Italy. The Andrássy and its stylish component Hero’s Square have been labeled a world heritage site, creating the face of the city Budapest is so proud of. It stands to boast about a golden age that once was, allowing such architectural masterpieces to come into existence. Most of the buildings are in desperate need of renovation today, but still portray the air of elegance that used to surround them in the 19th century.
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Address:
Andrássy út
1062 Budapest, Hungary
Description:
The avenue, quite rightly entitled the Hungarian Champs-Élysées, runs from the heart of the city to the City Park, connecting the bustling inner city to one of its nature oases. It is named after Count Andrássy, prime minister of Hungary when the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy came into existence. He was keen on developing the city into a metropolis and instigated the planning of the avenue. Starting at Deak Square, walk along the avenue to enjoy the row of Eclectic architectural masterpieces so typical of the city, while enjoying the elegant atmosphere created by the classy shops, boutiques and cafés. The magnificent Neo Renaissance building of the National Opera House is located along the avenue, known for being amongst the best sounding opera houses of Europe. Further up, take a peek into Nagymező Street, the theatrical district of the city, where the Operetta Theatre and the former residence of the photographer Mai Mano can be found. Liszt Ferec Square off the avenue is a pedestrian only area and mini paradise of restaurants and cafés. At Oktogon visit the House of Terror, a powerful, insightful yet not so objective museum about the horrors of the Communist era in Hungary. The next square, the Kodaly Circus named after the famous Hungarian composer, is full of Scraffito decorated buildings that, in all honesty are in need of renovation regardless of being breath taking all the same. Carrying along, you will find yourself in the diplomatic district, full of mansions that once belonged to the noblemen that used to inhabit this section of the boulevard before the First World War. The avenue runs straight into the Hero's Square, the most picturesque square of the city with the Millennium Monument you see on the cover of practically all the guide books about Budapest, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Art Gallery. This 40 minute walk is un-missable.
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