Andrássy Avenue

You're now walking along one of Budapest’s most iconic streets—Andrássy Avenue. Often compared to Paris’s Champs-Élysées, this grand boulevard was inspired by the French capital. In fact, Hungary’s Prime Minister at the time took direct cues from Parisian design when envisioning it. Built to commemorate the country’s millennium, the avenue has since earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Stretching from Elizabeth Square all the way to Heroes’ Square and ending at the edge of City Park, the avenue links key landmarks while offering a scenic and stylish route through the city.

Though it has undergone several name changes since its construction, the boulevard still bears the name of Prime Minister Gyula Andrássy, a major advocate for its creation. The avenue was officially opened on August 20, 1876—a date that’s also celebrated as a national holiday in Hungary.

Beneath your feet runs one of Europe’s oldest metro lines. In use for over 130 years, it was opened by Emperor Franz Joseph himself. The line’s charming, vintage-style three-car trains resemble old-fashioned streetcars and still carry passengers beneath the boulevard today.

As you stroll down Andrássy Avenue, take in its elegant charm. Along the way, you’ll find a mix of cultural landmarks, museums, upscale restaurants, stylish hotels, and boutique shops—offering something for every taste and interest.