Budapest’s Andrássy Avenue takes a star turn as the former Ballet Institute (Balettintézet) at 25 Andrássy Avenue (Andrássy út 25) throws open its doors as W Budapest—and you can step inside for a guided building tour with tastings. Once a palace commissioned by the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV), the address has lived many lives: a French-accented lady-in-waiting to the Opera House, a hub for architects, a social magnet for the Pest bourgeoisie, a stage for glittering balls and artists’ table societies, a renowned cradle of Hungarian dance education, then a ghost palace for years—before pulling a Houdini and transforming into a luxury hotel. Now it’s welcoming curious visitors, with food and drink to match the story.
Inside Lechner’s Fairy Palace
The walk crisscrosses Ödön Lechner’s “fairy palace,” revealing not just the ornate exterior but the intimate interiors shaped by its new contemporary functions. The finale lands in the reborn café spaces named for the building’s historic haunt, where tales of the past pair with modern bites and drinks. Expect one glass of a special refreshing mocktail, plus sweet and savory nibbles—courtesy of W Budapest.
Good to Know Before You Go
This themed walk is for ages 14 and up. Some closed-off sections are reachable only by stairs—there’s no elevator access. The first part runs outdoors, so dress for the weather. Advance registration is required.
Price, Duration, Meeting Points
Price: 11,990 HUF (about 33.20 USD) per person; from January 1, 2026: 12,490 HUF (about 34.60 USD) per person. The tour lasts two hours. Meeting point: corner of Lázár Street (Lázár utca) and Hajós Street (Hajós utca), 1061 Budapest. Endpoint: 27 Andrássy Avenue (Andrássy út 27), 1065 Budapest. Route: a building walkthrough focused on the former Ballet Institute (Balettintézet), now W Budapest.
Dates and Times
2025.12.27. 12:30 — Budapest
2025.12.29. 12:30 — Budapest
2025.12.30. 12:30 — Budapest
2025.12.31. 10:00 — Budapest
2026.01.03. 10:00 — Budapest
2026.01.03. 12:30 — Budapest
2026.01.04. 10:00 — Budapest
2026.01.04. 12:30 — Budapest
2026.01.10. 10:00 — Budapest
2026.01.10. 12:30 — Budapest
2026.01.11. 10:00 — Budapest
2026.01.11. 12:30 — Budapest
2026.01.17. 12:30 — Budapest
2026.01.18. 10:00 — Budapest
2026.01.18. 12:30 — Budapest
2026.01.24. 10:00 — Budapest
2026.01.24. 12:30 — Budapest
2026.01.25. 10:00 — Budapest
2026.01.25. 12:30 — Budapest
2026.01.31. 10:00 — Budapest
2026.01.31. 12:30 — Budapest
A Story Written in Stone
From MÁV’s palatial commission to an elite dance academy and now a W hotel with attitude, 25 Andrássy Avenue (Andrássy út 25) is Budapest’s glittering time capsule brought back to life. Come for the architecture, stay for the flavors, and let the walls do the storytelling. Organizers reserve the right to change dates and program.
