Hungarian State Opera — Attraction in Budapest

I had a horrible experience at the Hungarian State Opera house. I bought the most expensive tickets, sitting in the middle of row 4 and COULDN’T SEE A THING! If there is someone sitting in front of you no matter how tall or short you will not see a thing. And bear in mind these are the most EXPENSIVE tickets in the house! Who would have thought that from row 4 you can’t see the stage properly? There were 2 empty seats in the first row, nobody showed up after the second act, so I moved there since they are in the same price category as what I bought. The ushers showed up and told me I can’t sit there because it’s a different price category and they were WRONG, it’s exactly the same price category. I checked online. They were just making things up to get rid of me. Row 4 (which is where I was originally seated) and row 1 are the SAME PRICE, which means I was deliberately LIED to by the ushers. When I asked him why he lied to me he just gave me a blank stare like he knew he was wrong. Unbelievable. If there are empty seats available in the auditorium that are in the same price category as what you bought, wouldn’t it make sense to be allowed to move? I understand that if you move to more expensive seats it wouldn’t be fair to those who paid more but I moved to seats that are exactly the same price. I would have bought the seat in row 1 if I would have known that I can’t see a thing from row 4. After all, they are the same price. But then again, who would have known that you can’t see a thing from seats in the most expensive category in the house? I’ve been to the best opera houses in the world including Paris and London and I changed seats no problem. Not this place, they think they’re special (they’re not.) As for the ballet itself, I saw the second show of La Bayadere. It was a very mediocre production, with sets that looked like they were made of cardboard and uninspired choreography. Plus, I could not enjoy the third act because I was fuming out the ears because of what the ushers did to me. The intermissions were way to long and they were unable to change the sets without pulling an annoying screen down during the middle of the show. The whole production just seemed underfunded to me. I have seen ballets in London and Paris and they were far, far superior to this. So if you want to be wowed, skip this and see the Royal ballet or Paris ballet. They are much better. Overall, I DO NOT RECOMMEND and will not...

The Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest stands as a magnificent testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess. Designed by Miklós Ybl and inaugurated in 1884, this opulent neoclassical masterpiece has been a hub for world-class opera and ballet performances for over a century.

Stepping inside the Opera House is a journey back in time, as visitors are greeted by an awe-inspiring grand staircase adorned with lavish frescoes and ornate decorations. The main auditorium is a true marvel, boasting remarkable acoustics and a seating capacity that accommodates over 1,200 spectators. The plush red velvet seats and gold leaf detailing add to the opulence, creating an atmosphere of grandeur and sophistication.

The Hungarian State Opera's artistic excellence is on full display through its repertoire of timeless classics and contemporary productions. Renowned performers and talented ensembles grace the stage, captivating audiences with their skillful renditions and emotive storytelling.

In addition to its artistic merits, the Opera House is a treasure trove of historical significance. Throughout its existence, it has witnessed the works of celebrated composers and performers, making it a living heritage of Hungarian culture and artistic achievement.

For those seeking a true cultural immersion, attending a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House is an unforgettable experience. Whether an opera aficionado or a first-time attendee, the passion and talent of the artists, combined with the venue's unmatched splendor, create an unforgettable memory that lingers long after the final curtain call.

As a cultural icon and a symbol of Hungary's artistic legacy, the Hungarian State Opera House remains a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to appreciate the world's finest operatic and ballet performances in an environment that exudes magnificence and historical significance.

Pro tip, you can buy standing room only tickets...

The rating is more for the tour than the building itself. Granted, the venue looks fantastic. We were told that the emperor made a deal where the Vienna opera house was allowed to be larger, while the Budapest opera house was allowed to be more beautiful. Having now seen both I would have to say that’s no exaggeration. We had opted against seeing an opera performance because the pieces were rather obscure. As for the quality of the opera performances, I would defer to those who have actually seen them. But if there’s something playing that’s to your liking, or if you’re feeling adventurous, then an opera performance is almost surely a better value than the tour. The group was way too large, and there were several other tour groups happening at the same time. The tour guide was doing his best, but while his content was passable (he said that the third-level balcony boxes were affordable and had some of the best acoustics in the theater). , the delivery didn’t exactly sparkle. For $25–plus USD, I would expect a better experience. They were preparing for a performance that evening, which might have been the reason that the opera singing was done on the stairs near the lobby. It was a duet, and the tenor did an excellent job playing the determined suitor, so I was grateful for that (even if his partner wasn't up to his level). Obviously there is major demand for these tours, which is why even at this price the place was jam-packed. I found myself wishing that they would cut down on the group size even if it meant that the time slots sold out faster. I understand opera operations always need as much money as they can get, but I couldn’t help shaking the impression that this was a scheme to extract cash out of tourists. It was admittedly a lovely interior, but I would suggest trying to see an actual performance instead, even if it’s not your...