The ups and downs:everything you need to know about the metro in Budapest

Tourist attractions near the metro station, schedule, tickets, map of metro lines, everything you need to know about the metro in Budapest.

Introduction
The history of the Budapest metro
Attractions near the M1 metro station
Attractions near the M2 metro station
Attractions near the M3 metro station
Attractions near the M4 metro station
Budapest metro lines
Map of Budapest’s metro network
Metro tickets
How to buy BKK tickets in Budapest
Metro schedule
From the airport to the city with metro?

A shelter underground

The air is almost gone. Maybe a few more hours. Everyone is getting more tired. The baby crying has stopped now too. The heat is almost unbearable. But no one moves. Even this is better, than what’s outside. At least they are alive. For now.

The sirens are louder than anything else. “Attention, this is not a drill!” – yelled the loudspeakers. Within seconds police officers filled the streets and started herding the people underground. In the tunnels, the “lucky few” were welcomed by members of the civil protection. In the meanwhile the army also appeared, they were jumping off the trucks in biohazard suits. This is when the panic began. Nobody needed to be herded anymore. They had to hold them back now.

The sirens continued to wail. The slow, calm closing of the heavy gates separating the tunnels from the outside ruled the chaos of the streets. Hundreds of thousands found refugee, hermetically locked, underground. For them, metro ment life.

But life is finite. 3 days down here. This is how much they got from the metro. The accumulated water and air would be enough for three days. Maybe they’ll be saved in that amount of time. This is what they are waiting for.

The heat and the decreasing oxygen forces them to be calm. Almost 200 thousand made it down. The doctors and the nurses were constantly treating the people who got hurt in the pushing and shoving, the elders and the ill. In the meantime the civil defense kept order with an iron fist, avoiding mass hysteria affecting the tunnels.

Continuous communication comes from above, they said the cloud is breaking apart. They also say many didn’t survive. They just felt sick out of nowhere. Like demons were strangling the crowds. No voice, no smell, nothing.

The army’s stations are constantly monitoring the gas’s concentration, and as much as they can, they try to neutralize it. It’s a race against time. If they open the gates too soon, this invisible enemy will gain new victims. But if they don’t let out the people stuck below soon, the whole metro will become a giant crypt.

Oh, you don’t have to be so scared, this is all just a fantasy!

Everything is okay in Budapest, the weather is amazing, and there is no danger in the air. Let this calm you down instead, knowing that in the event of a nuclear attack or a chemical catastrophe we have somewhere to hide!

That’s right, the metro doesn’t only serve for public transportation, but as a shelter too, actually the biggest one. In theory 220,000 people could survive for 3 days in the 20km section between the second and third metro line.

Enough water and air for 72 hours is available for the people forced underground in case of an emergency. Separate male and female bathrooms can help to an extent in the comfort. The tunnels can be sectioned off, so if we are that unlucky, that the Danube also breaks free during the nuclear attack, we wouldn’t suffocate, the massive gates at the edge of each section can stop the water from filling the tunnels.

Thankfully it isn’t likely that we would have to use the tunnel to this capacity, the emergency equipment is constantly maintained, and twice a year the civil protection members take part in a practice run. So there is no reason to worry, if we are sure that our eyes aren’t blinded by a camera’s flash, just head to the nearest metro station!

This is history

Of course, this isn’t the primary function of the Budapest metro. The underground tunnels grew with the city, the need for the underground construction was a clear sign of development. As many other large European cities, the needs of the Hungarian capital’s infrastructure really grew by the end of the 19th century.

The public transportation back then was like a too tight crab-shell for the locals, and the governors wanted to further develop Budapest purely for functionality and for the idea of a modern city. As the city planning office declined to build a railway on the Sugárút (Andrássy avenue today), the world’s first metro in London, built in 1863 – the name comes from the operator, Metropolitan Railway – proved to be an ideal muse. Balázs Mór, CEO of the Budapest Electric City Railway was personally inspired in the Brittish capital, and this inspiration led to the document about constructing an underground railway, which was handed to the Public Works Council.

Continent’s first electric underground train

The upcoming Millenium celebrations, and the many exhibitions were as if fate was leading the lobbyists. The Public Works Council accepted these plans in 1894, in the condition that these underground railways would be ready in 2 years in time for the Millenium celebrations. On the 3rd of May, 1896, Ferenc József handed over the continent’s first electric underground train, which was completed in record time, paving the way for the birth of a modern Budapest.

Since then, not only has line one expanded with new stops, but three more stations opened as well, so we can take four machines to any part of the city. The map of the metro system.

There is a need for these, as over a million travellers choose metro to reach their destinations daily. The main reason for this is the speed. You can make long distances very quickly, as 20m below the ground traffic isn’t too common. We don’t have to deal with the weather either, not like above. We also don’t have to inhale all the fumes from all the other commuters. We can enjoy great pastries before we go, and even the people who enjoy morbid humor can find refreshing things in the diverse commuters.

It’s undeniable, that this isn’t a location for meditations, the already loud public transport is very busy, especially at peak times.

The Budapest metro is a good choice, not only because of how practical it is, but we can also trust it if we want to get to know the city a bit better. The different attractions join together, many times each line or stop has something interesting too.

Attractions near the Budapest metro stations

The first swallow ( M1)

This is the M1 metro line, officially named Millenium Underground Railway, or as the locals call it, the small underground “kisföldalatti”.

The first underground railway in Continental Europe was a unique facility at its construction. Both the construction techniques, the vehicles, the works of art decorating it, (a construction that isn’t considered a building, like a tunnel) all represented the highest technical quality at the time, mirroring Budapest’s ambition to become a real global city.

In 472 days (!) 2000 people worked 134000 cubic meters of land, built 47000 cubic meters of concrete and 31000 tons of steel in its place. The 3869 meters long line ran 3225 meters underground and 464 meters above.

It reached its final length during the 1972-73 renovation, where they added another 1233 meters. This is when the now 4,4 km long line went completely underground. During 1995-96 on its 100th birthday, the small underground got a full treatment. During the reconstruction, the stops were built more modern, they equipped them with original covers and the vehicles were also renovated. Since 2002, the M1 together with Andrássy avenue is a World Heritage Site.

Mexikói út

The last East terminus is the Mexikói út station. It was built in 1973, to lengthen the line. It’s normally a good spot to leave from, people going towards the city come here. We can get on many trams, buses and trolleybuses here. The M3 motorway’s link road can also be found near here.

This is also where the Hungarian Dance Academy is established, where not only outstanding talents are cared for. During the high quality shows we can admire the fruits of the students’ hard work.

Széchenyi Fürdő – Széchenyi Baths

Travelling further, we reach a richer area. The Széchenyi Fürdő station was originally the last stop and above surface, named Artesian Spa. This place, named with the local slang “Szecska” is the largest bath complex in the capital and in Europe.

Széchenyi baths station — *“Szecska”-Széchenyi Baths*

The first time people could bathe in these pools was on the 16th of June, 1913. The 76°C temperature thermal water comes from the second deepest well in Budapest. The mainly neo-renaissance style building and the 21 in- and outdoor swimming pools heal bathers various joint problems. Since 1982, the medical department completes the bath’s offered services.

Top sights in Budapest.

The bath itself can be found in City Park -“Városliget”, which area is loved by locals and tourists equally. The 100 hectare land is the second largest community park in Budapest. Its unique flora, green areas, walkways all work as a haven for hectic city people. If we want to take a break from walking on the asphalt and crave a small breather, it will be hard to find a better spot than the City Park.

When we got enough rest, near the City Park, the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden is waiting for us. The country’s oldest zoo opened in 1866, which was one of the firsts globally too.

Budapest Zoo
City Park

On 18 hectares there are over 800 species and 8000 individuals on the country’s largest zoo. The oldest of these is Samu, the American alligator, who’s been living in the zoo since 1952. It’s very important to give back at least a small portion of the animal’s natural habitat, and the over 86000 plants help with this.

Good to know: Samu has gotten really grumpy with old age, so it’s best not to feed him by hand! 🙂

Don’t hide underground even in bad weather, run a few hundred meters from the station to the Vajdahunyad castle! This great building laying on the Széchenyi-island was also constructed similarly to the underground metro, as part of the celebration for 1000th anniversary of founding the country.

The remarkably important family in Hungarian history, the Hunyadi family’s Vajdahunyad castle, combines many architectural styles, showing the thousands years long history of Hungarian architecture.

This is also where the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture can be found, where we can get an insight into the development and evolution of this sector. During a guided tour we also have an opportunity to learn about the unique flora of the island.

Hősök tere – Heroes’ Square

The next station is the Heroes’ Square. We arrive from underground to the capital’s largest square. At the centre of the square is the Millenium Monument, also developed to serve as a memory of the 1000th anniversary. At the top of the column of the monument, is the archangel Gabriel, at the pedestal is the copy of the seven chieftains. The National Pantheon at the two sides of the column was only constructed later. The Heroes’ Square together with the Andrássy avenue is also a World Heritage Site.

The Museum of Fine Arts is right next to the square. This neo-renaissance and neoclassical style grandiose building constructed between 1900-1906 is a sanctuary of universal art. It showcases over a hundred thousand of works of art providing a comprehensive picture of almost all the eras of European arts. Its periodic exhibitions are always surrounded by great interest. Whenever we decide to visit, we will surely leave with a lasting memory.

But there is no experience, that a bit of hunger could not overshadow. And why wouldn’t we mix pleasure with business? Eat something unique at a special spot, let’s say at the very famous Gundel Restaurant that’s only a few minutes walk from Heroes’ Square!

The restaurant found at the wonderful Gundel-house is a universal example of Hungarian hospitality and gastronomy. The founding Gundel family has always combined tradition with their own creativity in their culinary creations, creating many timeless dishes. After a walk in the area we can try the world-famous Gundel-pancakes, which of course can be found on any Hungarian restaurant’s menu, naturally is the best here.

Bajza utca

After the pancake and a lovely coffee, we can continue out underground adventure with renewed energy, and go to the next stop, the Bajza street station. From a construction aspect it was one of the most difficult section to build, and required all the knowledge and creativity of the engineers and builders, to avoid problems caused by the large amount of groundwater.

Coming up from the Andrássy avenue we end up at the diploma district. This underlines the numerous foreign representation in the area. The area is so international, that this is where the far-East specialised museum of the Museum of Fine Arts, called Ferenc Hopp Museum of Asiatic Arts can be found. Ferenc Hopp’s private collection provided the base of the museum, where later was supplemented by other private collections and gifts from foreign countries. The curators can work with over 20000 objects for the constant and the periodic exhibitions.

The KOGART Gallery, the home of the Hungarian contemporary art is also a worthy spot near for attention. The foundation operating the gallery aims to support and help young, Hungarian contemporary artists. Over 2500 creative works by over 350 artists present the trends of modern Hungarian contemporary art over the past decades. The KOGART House, the home of these exhibitions is an interesting building by itself, therefor we won’t be disappointed by spending time here.

Kodály körönd

If we strictly adhere to the principles of efficiency, the Kodály körönd station could be the unjustified experience of the little underground: the 190 meters distance from the Bajza street can be done even wrapped in a plastic bag. Drunk.

Fortunately, the function does not have to always overwrite everything, so the station was built, from where we can continue our adventure on Andrássy avenue and its area. We emerge from underground at the Kodály körönd, which interrupts the Andrássy avenue’s lounge.

The buildings hugging the square are very similar, strengthening symmetry. In front of the four building – Vasutas house, Andrássy-udvar, the old tenement house of the institute of the Hungarian State Railways and the Hübner-udvar – are smaller parks, each with a statue. Of who? You’ll find out there!

The Zoltán Kodály Memorial Museum and Archive is established at Andrássy-udvar. Zoltán Kodály, a composer, folk music researcher, music teacher, member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, is an outstanding person of Hungarian music history. The museum located in his former apartment in the building is a reminder of his life and work, which provides an intimate glimpse not only into Kodály’s legacy but also his day-to-day life.

We can begin to process the effects and memories at many cafes, restaurants in the area. The most unique kitchens and atmospheres are waiting for the visitors. Recharging is guaranteed.

Vörösmarty utca

Walking isn’t a punishment, so consider this: to reach the line’s next station we have to go about 300 (!) meters, so it’s better to think twice about whether it’s worth to go back underground to get the metro. Listening to logic we will quickly find ourselves at Vörösmarty street station. From here it takes one minute of walk to reach the House of Terror.

The exhibitions in the building commemorate the victims of the 20th century dictatorship in Hungary, and tries to showcase the nature of oppression. The building was the centre of arrow cross party’s, then the communist dictatorship’s violence organizations until 1956, forever staying a memory of what a nation can do to its own, under the rule of harsh ideals.

Inevitably, every dark era ends once, says the Berlin Wall Monument in front of the building. The 4 meter tall concrete block is an original piece from the actual Berlin wall was set up in 2011, next to the stylized iron curtain statue.

This composition made of rusty chains reminds us, that Hungary was the first who broke the iron curtain, and that for 40 years Hungary was divided from the free world by barbed wire, minefields and soldier.

If we are looking for a bit more relaxing activity, we have the opportunity to do so at the nearby Művész Artmozi (Artist Artcinema). This cinema differs from the traditional multiplex cinemas both in the movies screened and it’s atmosphere. It’s a bit strange to say too, as if anything, then an Artist could send us back to cinema’s golden time. Hinted by its name, many art movies are screened, but the mainstream films also make the cut. We also must highlight, that we don’t have to leave our four legged friends at home, the screening can be visited with our dogs as well.

Oktogon station

Continuing our journey, we arrive at the Oktogon station. This octagonal square with a fitting name was a huge hole in the ground until 1872, which became a square during the construction of Sugár út (Andrássy avenue today). At the four corners of the square, eclectic SÉV (Sugárúti Építő Construction Company) – tenement houses stand, forming one of the most typical views in Budapest. The many chain restaurants and banks are not great news together, so it’s better not arriving here hungry.

We can stop at two squares close-by to soak in the more and more hectic capital atmosphere. Back in the 1700s the Jókai square was considered Pest’s outer border. The square and it’s area hosts many lovely restaurants, cafes and terraces.

It’s direct neighbour is the Ferenc Liszt square. It is named after the most outstanding pianist of all time. The square got its name after the opening of Franz Liszt Academy of Music. It’s a liked location both by locals and tourists, as we can enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine in a nice environment, while having a lovely chat. Many quality restaurants await us here, where we can spend a light dinner. Or a heavy one.

Liszt Ferenc square

In the vicinity of Oktogon are many apartments, and it’s advantage is that it lays near a junction, from where we can get to anywhere at anytime, depending on our needs.

Opera

Travelling further on the metro, the next stop is the famous Opera. Unfortunately, the Hungarian State Opera can not be visited until 2020, as it is under renovation, but it’s worth to emerge from underground just for the imposing building itself.

The designer, Miklós Ybl used the Paris Opera as a base, when designing the theatre. The over 5000 square metered building was built in a neo-renaissance style. Its stage is over 600 square meters. The richly decorated building is one of Budapest’s gems.

Not far from the Opera, we can find The House of Hungarian Photographers – Mai Manó House. This eight storey building was constructed in 1894, commissioned by the Mai Manó emperor’s and royal court’s photographer. The Mai Manó Gallery opened in 1995, and the House of Hungarian Photographers opened in 1999. The building from outside is “camouflaged” as a three storey, but there are 8 storeys available.

We can admire these paused moment at various constant and periodic exhibitions, and can take in the experience at the house’s own cafe. Definitely worthy of a visit!

The range of theatres nearby offer a real cultural experience to the visitors, the most uniquely styled, sized and represented pieces satisfy every need. The Thalia, New Theatre, Centrál, the Operetta-theater, the Radnóti all are very near from the Opera stop, you just have to manage to pick one!

Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út

The next station is the Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út. Back in the day, this station emerged Váczi körút, I mean didn’t emerge, as it is underground. The street was very busy from early on, from the 1860s, the Újpest Horse Trail used it. It was natural, that the metro should go through here. The area massively changed since then of course, thanks to the underground also.

At this section of the Andrássy út exclusive luxury brand shops line up. We can get anything from here, from a designer hair bubble to a Swiss watches. A lot of restaurants and bars awaits us here. To really enjoy all of this, it would be best to get rid of our packages. I mean temporarily. This is where the closeby self-service luggage storage comes in handy.

St.Stephen’s Basilica

A few hundred meters from here we can also find one of the capital’s most popular tourist attractions, the St. Stephen’s Basilica. The 96 meters tall, neo-renaissance church was built between 1851-1906. The grandiose shrine can take 8000 people. This is where they store the mummified right hand of King St. Stephen, the St. Right, as a relic from the founder of the state. The basilica also serves as a venue for various concerts. The dome also features a viewpoint, from where we can admire the breathtaking panorama and get inspired for our next stop.

Deák Square

From both traffic and cosmopolitan point of view, we arrive at a central location when we reach the Deák Square station. It’s the meeting point for three metro lines (M1, M2, M3). The first line only lays 2,7 meters under the surface. In comparison with the originally built 1896 line, the second line was made 40 meters lower than this in 1955. The original stop now functions as the Underground Railway Museum. The exhibition portrays the history of the metro from planning to construction. We can see this not only on the images: there are three original metro cars as well. Besides these plans, building diaries, and other official documents bring us closer to these important projects in the capital.

When we emerge, a real city atmosphere welcomes us. The square and its area filled with sightseeing tours and different types of car rentals. This is also where most of the luxury hotels are found.

One of Budapest’s newest attractions, the Budapest Eye is only a few steps away. Since 2013 you can test your fear of heights on Europe’s largest ferris wheel, and admire almost all of the attractions of the city all at once. Go during the day or night, the view will take you away.

Hotel Kempinski
Budapest Eye

If you want to enjoy not only the sight of the city, but also your own, we have the solution for you. On Fashion Street, fitting with its name, you can find a line of exclusive shops where you can get dressed from top to bottom.

This pedestrian street is based on the example from London and Milan, and is one of Central-Europe’s most significant real estate developments in this field. Besides trying on famous brands, we can enjoy the many fashion related or other events that are constantly held here.

Vörösmarty square

“Vörösmarty square, final stop!”, informs the machine. We reached the west end of the Millenium Underground Railway.

Don’t worry, the adventure only ends for the “small underground”. Thousands of things await near the station. The Vörösmarty square is currently taken from us, as it is under a larger renovation, but it’s all worth it, as a more friendly, green and organised square will be waiting for us once the works are done. But there is nothing that can hide the square’s emblematic structure, the Gerbeaud House from us.

It is named after a former owner, Emil Gerbeaud, a Swiss confectioner, who moved to Hungary in 1884 and became the successor of the legendary Henrik Kugler. His confectionery became very popular in Budapest, one of the most loved products of his was the brandied cherries, and you can decide for yourself what was the reason for that. 🙂

It’s interesting, that “zserbó”, a cake named after him, was only made a long time after his death. The four storey building gives space not only to the confectionary and the cafe but also to private offices.

Váci street, photo by: info-budapest.com — *Váci street*

This is also where the most famous shopping are, Váci street is found. The elegant boutiques, antique shops and restaurants follow each other. The buildings of the street are masterpieces of classicist and eclectic architecture. And if we are talking about masterpieces, we can’t go past the Vigadó Concert Hall either. I mean of course we can, but it would be a shame to do so.

The Vigadó, built in 1865 in roman, byzantine and moorish style, can be found on the Pest side at the banks of the Danube. Today it’s one of the cultural centres of the downtown and Budapest, where concerts, exhibitions, conferences, guided tours await the visitors, all in a breath-taking environment.

Two-ey ( M2)

Appetite arrives when you’re eating, and it was the same with the metro. By the end of the 19th century discussions about expanding the lines were already happening. Back then the main function was decided by the interconnections of other traffic hubs. This conception changed along with the growth of the city. In the world, underground travelling has become a more independent mode of transport, but the need to connect major hubs remained.

Budapest became larger and larger, so the time to sit on these plans shortened. Even though the need for new metro line became urgent, history changed plans, the first and second world war, as well as the economic situation during the period between the two wars overwrote the needs.

After the second world war, the reconstruction of the capital gave an opportunity to expand the lines. In 1950 the construction of the east-west and north-south metro lines were decided.

First they began to build the east-west metro line in 1950. According to the plans, it was supposed to be completed by 1954-55. However, the socialist planned economy was not on top of things here either, this is how it happened, that the construction – which happened with no boring machines, and began with shovels and buckets – in 1954 had to come to a stop due to the too much cost. Until 1963, when they continued the construction, they only completed conservation works on the already created tunnels.

The first section was handed over in 1970, and the second in 1972. With this M2 metro was born, locally known as: piros metro “red metro”, which reached its current state during the 2004-2007 renovations.

Déli pályaudvar

This section’s, which is a bit over 10 kms, western end is the Déli Pályaudvar (Southern-Railway Terminal) – I know, it’s a bit confusing. 🙂

The station was handed over on the 22nd of December, 1972. The Déli-Railway terminal is one of the four most important stations in the capital. It’s especially busy during the summer, as the trains to Lake Balaton go from here.

Vérmező “Blood field”, the largest park in the area is nearby. It got its name after Ignác Martinovics’s, a Hungarian Jacobin Conspiracy leader and his members’ execution, which happened here.

Széll Kálmán square

From here, the red metro takes us to the Széll Kálmán square. This line is the furthest from the surface, it is under 38,4 meters. The square, which was known between 1951 and 2011 as the Moscow square (a very famous Hungarian movie was made under the same title in 2001), is one of the busiest transport hubs on the Buda side, and the last stop of many bus and tram routes.

Not far from here, is the largest public park in the area, the Városmajor. Besides various sport activities – streetworkout, jogging – the Városmajor Open-air Stage awaits visitors with concerts, theater and operette shows.

Batthyány square

From here, it takes 1km of travelling to get to the Batthyány square. It’s a liked interchange spot, the lengthened section of the HÉV from Szentendre disappears here from the surface. The busy traffic is aided by the 4 escalators. If we get on one of these that is moving upwards, after a few steps we will find ourselves in the sneakily named VI. market hall.

St. Anne’s church
Market hall
Batthyany square metro station

Built in 1902, this building is one of the four market halls that were constructed during the monarch. There is a supermarket, smaller and bigger shops, as well as offices in this monumental building.

An essential part of the scenery is St. Anne’s Church. This catholic church opened its doors to the believers in 1761. Its three bells – St. Anne bell, Patrona Hungarie and the St. Stephen’s small bell – will sound in a certain order each day.

Kossuth Lajos square

To our next destination, metro 2 takes us under the Danube, taking the shortest line (598 meters) distance. The Kossuth Lajos square is located on the centre of Pest side. The Teiresziasz, the statue of the blind prophet, can be found at the station. Unfortunately, his stick always got stolen, so László Mátyás Oláh, the artist, stopped replacing it after a while.

Above, one of the country’s most emblematic buildings welcome you, the Parliament Building. This is the world’s third largest building of its kind. Envisioned by Imre Steindl, this building based on baroque neo-Gothic style, is completely made of Hungarian raw materials, other than the marble monoliths next to the main stairs. During the construction between 1885-1904, over 40 million bricks, 40kg gold and over half a million of decorative gemstones were used.

Parliament
Ministry of Agriculture

With 96 meters, it is the tallest building in the capital. The Parliament is always open to visitors, and it’s worth to go in, as the sight isn’t only amazing from the outside. This is where maybe one of the country’s most important relics can be found, the Saint Crown and the crowning jewellery. Among others, you can view the dome hall, the chamber hall and the staircase. The guided tours leave from the visitor centre next to the Parliament.

The Kossuth square surrounding the Parliament, is an equally significant location. Since 2012 it is a prominent national memorial site. Next to the parliament’s building the Ministry of Agriculture, the Palace of Justice and many monuments can be found.

And let’s not forget about the Chocolate Museum at the corner of the square! The exhibition showcases the history of chocolate through 6 halls, but we can also see furnished chocolate salon, a sweet shop from the 30’s and a functioning chocolate factory too. The price of the ticket includes the tasting as well!

Deák square

Once we get over the sugar shock, we can travel to the next station, which is at the Deák Ferenc square. Until the 22nd of December, 1972 this was the last stop. We can switch to the M1 and M3 lines here. We’ve already been here when travelling with the M1 line, for attractions see the description of the Underground Railway Museum.

Astoria station

From here, we reach the Astoria station. Unlike the other underground stations, this is not a three-, but a five-track station. This structure – not in the original plans – was first used at this station, therefor they call it a Budapest-type station. The station got its name from one of the capital’s oldest hotels, Astoria, which is still in its original form. It opened its doors in 1914, and was considered one of the most elegant hotels at the time, and didn’t lose much of its old charm.

In a historical aspect it’s a rather adventurous scene: in 1919 it was the headquarters for the communist director, in 1944 a Gestapo headquarters, a bomb hit it during the Soviet attack on Budapest, and at the end of the war it housed American soldiers. This historic building still holds onto its traditional dignity.

Synagogue
Astoria

After a short walk we get to Europe’s largest Jewish religious assembly sites, the Dohány utca Synagogue. The Moorish-styled church, which was completed in 1859 can hold 3000 people. Besides being the most important Jewish religious building in the capital, it functions as a cultural center too. Festivals, serious music contests, concerts are constantly being held here.

Not far from here is the oldest public park downtown, the Károlyi Garden. Cozy walkways (small ones), huge trees, comfortable benches, fountains break the tired metro traveller away from the downtown’s occasionally gray atmosphere.

Blaha Lujza square

After a relaxing photosynthesis we arrive at Blaha Lujza square station. The importance of this stop is shown by the fact, that in 1964, due to its construction, the National Theatre located at the square was blown up. Although, if we consider that technically the construction could have happened even without this, there could have been other reasons that led to this decision. Those were interesting times.

Blaha Lujza square
New York Cafe
The New York Palace

The area ( district 8 ) is not the most attractive section of Budapest, urban radicalism has been boiling here for a long while. It’s not hard to rise over this, but we can safely say that the New York Palace can amaze anyone at any location. It opened in 1894, originally functioned as an insurance company and functions as a luxury hotel since 2006.

The New York Palace Cafe has been chosen as the prettiest cafe house in the world many times, and not by chance. If it’s our first time there, there is a good chance we’ll end up with a cold coffee and not because of the waitresses. We get a view that will make us completely forget about the steaming life elixir under our noses. Its cultural importance is also outstanding. The literature groups and cafe house editors formed here during the 1900s have all become part of cultural history.

Keleti pályaudvar

From here we arrive at the Keleti pályaudvar – “Easthern-Railway Terminal”. As the station’s name indicates, the line includes the busiest passenger station in Budapest. We can get on metro line 4 from here too.

Nearby we can find the National Riding Hall, established in 1878, which went through a complete renovation in 2018 and is the centre of the Hungarian equine life. Numerous national and local competitions take place here, but a riding school and an event center also functions here.

The Police museum, which opened in 1908 can also be found here. The exhibitions of the once closed institute can be visited by anyone. The collection which was almost completely destroyed during the second World War, has been replaced through hard work over many years, so we can learn about the history of police, the development of methodologies as well as interesting cases.

Puskás Ferenc Stadion

At the end of our visit, as long as the professionals don’t make us stay, we can continue our journey towards the Puskás Ferenc Stadion. The largest distance in this section, exactly 1990m, is between these two stations. The metro drops off visitors at the centre of the capital’s sport life.

Here is the country’s largest indoor sport hall, the László Papp Budapest Sports Arena, which is also called Fánk -“Donut” and Kavics – “Pebble” because of its shape.

Its official name came from the three time Olympic champion and boxing legend. The “only” 200 000 tone building can take 12500 spectators. This sport hall is also one of the largest concert locations in the country, where international and local stars constantly perform.

Papp Laszlo — *Boxing Legend-Papp Laszló*

Right next to it you can find the SYMA Sports and Conference Centre, which is the country’s most modern facility of its type. There are over 120 event held here yearly, including concerts, professional exhibitions, conferences and sports events.

The Hungarian Olympic and Sports Museum isn’t far either. This museum is an important memorial of Hungarian sporting history. The periodic and constant exhibitions takes us on a time travel, where not only we get to know major sport events, but also the lives of those great athletes, who brought much happiness and pride to this country.

Pillangó utca

Nothing can remain hidden forever, and this is also true of metro line two, which reaches the surface first at the Pillangó street station for the first time. Besides the Keleti Railwaystation this is where the equine life is the busiest. This is thanks to the Kincsem Park, and the National Equestrian Theatre.

Kincsem Park

Kincsem Park is the largest horse race track in the city. Its name comes from the Hungarian miracle horse, Kincsem. Besides the trotting- and galloping competitions, they run greyhound races, and larger concerts as well. And yes, you can also make bets here!

The country’s only Equestrian Theatre is established in the park itself. It’s unique point is that horses, sometimes a couple of dozen, are active casts of the musicals performed here. These grandiose performances attract many visitors, a full house isn’t rare.

Örs vezér square

Everything good comes to an end, and the metro 2 doesn’t last forever either. We reach the East final station, the Örs vezér square. This station, like the Pillangó street one is located above the surface. The two HÉV lines, many bus- and tram connection makes it the transport hub of East-Pest. Here we don’t have many attractions to see, but to cheer us up, we can visit the two shopping centres nearby to fill in for this.

Three is the Hungarian truth ( M3)

In 1970, the construction of the North-South, or the M3 metro began. These plans first appeared in the early 20th century, and became finalised in 1966. The construction carried on with no breaks until 1990. The finished 17,3km line 3 is the busiest among the Budapest networks. By the 2000s, the groundwater infiltration through the deteriorating tunnel insolation, began to severely damage the rails, causing growing issues with the trains.

At first they tried to overcome the bigger problems by decreasing the speed limits, then changed the destroyed rails in the damaged sections with used, but good quality rails. However, they couldn’t avoid the renovation forever, which finally began in 2017. During these works that are expected to go on until 2022, some of the line’s sections are closed, and extra buses run instead of metros. You can read about the current state of the renovations at the website of Centre for Budapest Transport.

M3. Closed stations now:

The M3 currently does not run between Nagyvárad square and Kőbánya-Kispest, at this missing section you can take the extra bus.

Kőbánya-Kispest station

The last stop of number three, or kék metró “blue metro” is Kőbánya-Kispest metro station. We can get here by train as well from the Liszt Ferenc Budapest Airport. The long-time embletic, but fairly damaged station, opened in 1980 was changed for a much cleaner, modern and more functioning building in 2011.

Köki terminal, which was built here had a big role in this renovation. The huge shopping- and office center connected to the metro platforms by brand new gateways. There is plenty of potential left in renovating the area, and there aren’t many attractions.

Határ út

The next stop on the line is Határ út. This station is only under the ground by 4,86m. It has the largest distance in the blue metro, it’s separated from Kőbánya-Kispest by 1741 meters. We can get on many bus or tram lines here. But it’s best to not even get off the metro, because even through the distance is large compared to the previous spot, the excitement of the area does not change.

Pöttyös utca

It’s even more advised to stay on the metro at the happily named Pöttyös street station. The situation here is worse, as you can’t even get on anything else.

Ecseri út

Same as the Ecseri út stop…
By now we could believe, that the declared goal of the North-South metro is to speed through the city, as it was built at locations that only people who live near the stations would be getting off. Well, patience is a virtue.

Népliget

Népliget-“People’s Park” takes us back into civilization. It got its name after the largest public park in the city. Its construction began in 1860 and achieved its final size in 1942. It’s a 129 hectares of trees, routes, lawns, statues and monuments, creating a clean oasis in the midst of the busy downtown.

From the international bus station right next door we can get to many other Europen countries, if we would like to take a quick trip to one of our neighbours, we can do so from here.

Groupama Aréna
International bus station

The largest attraction in this part of the city – literally – is the Groupama Arena, the home of one of the iconic Hungarian soccer teams, Ferencváros –in local slang: Fradi. The stadium is one of the most modern, multi-functioning institution in Europe, so not only soccer fans can find fun activities here, but music-lovers can also enjoy the massive concerts. This is where the Fradi Museum and the team’s shop is as well.

The nearby functioning Szöglet Presszó – which is a pub – is a real exotic spot for all the adventurous, adrenaline-addict soccer fans who has at least a few years of experience in a fighting sport. It’s the home of the Fradi fans, where they meet before and after a match. We get a chance here to take a breath of the real, authentic Fradi-lifestyle, and there is always the opportunity for some exercise as well.

Recommended dress-code: white and green, most definitely not purple-white. The rival opponent of the Fradi fans is Újpest in purple-white colours, and they don’t get along great.

Nagyvárad square

If we manage to leave this catering unit on our own feet, our journey continues to the Nagyvárad square station. Between 1976 and 1980 this was the last stop on the west on metro line 2. History repeats itself, as due to renovation in this section, the tracks only run until here, so there are only extra buses that run towards Kőbánya-Kispest. In the gallery above the track we can get to know information about the history of transport.

Here you can find Orczy-garden, which was recently renovated. Sport fields, tracks, playgrounds, mini boats and a small adventure park replaced the concrete benches and the dried out grass. It’s a perfect spot for people looking for both active and passive relaxation.

Orczy-garden
Hungarian Natural History Museum

Not far from here you can see the country’s largest natural history collection at the Hungarian Natural History Museum. We can see dinosauruses, ancient stones, minerals and we can get to know the wildlife of the country. As something unique, we can try to get out from two escape rooms as well, which of course matching in theme, follows a natural story.

Klinikák

After we get out of the rooms, we get to Klinikák “The Clinics”. As in the metro station, not the medical institution. Hopefully.

Many of the scenes, from the legendary Hungarian movie, Roncsfilm – “Wreck film”, were shot here. The surrounding streets are still carrying these feelings.

Botanical Garden

A strong exception here is the ELTE Botanical Garden (locals call it: Fűvészkert). This is Hungary’s largest botanical garden. We can see over 8000 different plants, some of which are over a 150 years old trees and protected species. There is a cacti- and an orchid collection, a giant water lily from the Amazon and Paraguay, and thousands of beautiful plants, outdoor and in green houses. Each year the Sakura-celebrations take place, which is a traditional Japanese event regarding cherry blossoms.

Corvin negyed

Unlike the area around Klinikák, the area near the next station at Corvin-negyed is going through drastic improvements at the moment. As a result of urban rehabilitation efforts new living quarters, public areas and offices are being built. Emerging from underground the legendary Corvin cinema welcomes us.

Most resisting spot
Corvin-1956
Hungary’s 1956 Revolution in Budapest

The film theatre, built in a more traditional style, is not only a significant historical location in the city due to its function: it was one of the most resisting spots during the 1956 revolution and war of independence. The statue of the boy from Pest commemorates this. The cinema’s indoor was recently renovated, they replaced chairs and carpets and added air conditioning.

Corvin Cinema-boy from Pest
Corvin promenade

The Holocaust Memorial Centre can be found right next to the synogague on Páva street. This isntitution showcases the events of the holocaust in Hungary. During the second World War, this area functioned as an internment camp. The unique architectural environment was purposefully not developed in a Jewish area, showing that the Centre is a historical site. Along the constant exhibitions, periodic exhibitions are constantly organised.

Kálvin square

Travelling further, we reach the bottom regarding the depth of the station. The Kálvin square station is the deepest stop of the line, it’s 28,24m away from the surface. We can get on the number 4 metro from here.

A few hundred meters from the stop we can find the Hungarian National Museum. This museum was built in 1837-47 in a classicist style, and is the biggest in the country. The national institution, which collects and showcases historical Hungarian objects. According to tradition, during the 1848-49 revolution and war of independence, on the 15th of March, 1848, Sándor Petőfi read the National Song on the stairs of the museum.

Nemzeti Muzeum
15th of March

The garden of the museum, besides being a loved relaxation spot, is a festival location, where the yearly Múzeumok Majálisa is being held. The museum’s exhibitions paint an authentic image of Hungarian history, so it’s a must for anyone who is interested in this topic.

The area behind the museum is the Palotanegyed -“Palace District”. This name wasn’t given by chance: after the 1848-49 revolution and war of independence the aristocrats and rich citizens began to build fancy palaces. Most of the buildings were built between 1860-90. The Esterházy-palace stands out even among these magnificent buildings, which was the residence of the President between 1946-1948, and today is the Magyar Rádió Márványterme – “the marble hall of the Hungarian Radio”.

Ferenciek tere

The next stop is the Ferenciek square, which got its name partly after the historical square found in downtown Budapest and after the transport hub. The St. Francis’ Church found here was built in the 13th century. During the 18th century, the order built a larger church, which can be seen on the square today.

Paris Courtyard
St. Francis’ Church

Many wonderful building surrounds it, for example the Clotilde-palaces. The two neo-baroque palaces were built between 1899-1902, under the order of Princess Marie Clotilde. The 48 meters tall towers on the two buildings are decorated by the enlarged versions of King Joseph Karl’s crown’s gems. These were the first buildings in Budapest that were installed with elevators. Hotels, restaurants and cafes function today in the palaces.

Another, similarly breath-taking building is the Paris Courtyard (formerly known as Brudern house). Once it was the headquarters of the Downtown Savings Bank, its indoor is the garden, which is the only remaining shopping garden from the 20th century in the capital. The recently renovated, Moorish and Gothic building functions today as a luxury hotel, but in the cafe we can get an opportunity to admire the magical glass dome covered area, that once functioned as a walkway.