Hungarian Heritage House (Budai Vigadó)
Built in the late-1800s as a theater and library, this opulent building on Corvin Tér today houses the Hungarian Heritage House (Budai Vigadó, a beacon of Hungarian folk culture. Though damaged in World War II, the building has been restored to its former glory and presents visitors with frequent performances rooted in Hungarian tradition.
The basics
Though you can always stop by to admire the historic Hungarian Heritage House building, the best way to experience the venue is to see a show. You should prebook tickets, and keep an eye out for deals—some vendors offer Heritage House tickets with a Danube River cruise. Folk acts play the venue frequently, which means you can admire the interiors of a turn-of-the-century building, while enjoying a performance from a Hungarian dance or music ensemble.
Things to know before you go
- Music enthusiasts shouldn't miss a show at the Hungarian Heritage House, which often features the acclaimed Hungarian State Folk Ensemble.
- Architecture enthusiasts appreciate the restored building, which includes its original 19th-century façade.
- You should check the calendar and prebook tickets, since performance schedules shift from month to month.
How to get there
Find the historic Hungarian Heritage House in Buda, on Fo Utca (High Street). You can take the M2 metro (the red line) to Batthyány Tér, and walk south on Fo Utca until you reach the building, which faces Corvin Square (Corvin Tér). Alternatively, you can take the 19 or 41 trams running along the Danube, and hop out at Halász Utca.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Since you get the best experience of the Hungarian Heritage House by enjoying a performance, you should head to Buda in the late afternoon, since most shows start in the evening. You can enjoy dinner before your show in the nearby Castle District. Arrive a few minutes early to find your seats and check out the interior detailing, like the marble staircase and ornate lounge.
What to See in Budapest’s Castle District
The Hungarian Heritage House is situated downhill from Budapest's must-see Castle District, where visitors find not only the castle, but a museum, Matthias Church, and Fisherman's Bastion, which offers views of the Danube River and Pest beyond. The Castle District is perfect for a stroll, though guided tours are the best way to discover the area's history. You can walk from the Hungarian Heritage House, via the stone stairway that ends at Hunyadi János Way.
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- Fisherman’s Bastion (Halaszbastya)
- Matthias Church (Mátyás Templom)
- Budapest Danube River
- Adam Clark Square (Clark Ádám Tér)
- Buda Castle Funicular (Budavári Sikló)
- Holy Trinity Column (Szentháromság-Szobor)
- Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum (Sziklakórház Atombunker Múzeum)
- Sándor Palace (Sándor Palota)
- Castle Hill (Várhegy)
- Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lanchid)
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences
- Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galéria)
- House of Parliament (Országház)
- Museum of Military History (Hadtörténeti Múzeum)
- Chocolate Museum (Csokoládé Múzeum)