Of all the streets in Budapest, Andrássy Avenue is the most beautiful. It is no more than three kilometers long - at first glance, not that much for a walking tour, but you should not expect to be able to see everything here in a couple of hours. After all, this is not just a street - it is the face of Budapest, with its wonderful eclecticism and traditions.
The construction of the avenue lasted for several decades. The project of the great 19th-century Hungarian architect Miklós Ybl called for building from scratch - all the old buildings were demolished, and new ones appeared in their place.
Andrássy Avenue is conventionally divided into three parts, separated by squares. Each of these short stretches is unique and inimitable in its own way. But the first thing that catches the eye is not even the architecture, but the greenery of the trees planted on both sides of the street. Thanks to them, the street seems lively, fresh, and exceptionally cozy.
Andrássy Avenue begins at Deák Square in Pest, and then you can stroll to the square called Octagon. Going a little farther, you will encounter the majestic building of the Hungarian State Opera. The next square, Heroes' Square, is adorned with numerous sculptures. The third part of the avenue is quite a respectable place - prosperous townspeople live here.
Throughout the avenue, magnificent buildings, museums, and even palaces can be found here and there. It is no wonder it has earned the name "the Champs-Élysées of Budapest."
Despite the fact that Andrássy is considered the center of the city, it is quite quiet here. The avenue is often closed to traffic in order to hold fairs, festivals, and other entertainment events.
