Heroes’ Square in Budapest: What to See, History & Nearby Attractions

Standing at the end of Budapest’s elegant Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere) is a powerful symbol of Hungary’s national identity. With its towering Millennium Monument, impressive statues of kings and warriors, and surrounding neo-classical museums, the square captures more than a thousand years of Hungarian history.
 

As one of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Heroes’ Square is not just a historic landmark—it’s also a hub for cultural exploration, national celebrations, and some of the city’s best photo opportunities.

📌 Quick Facts

📍 Location: At the end of Andrássy Avenue, District XIV, Budapest

🏗️ Constructed: 1896 (Millennium celebrations)

👑 Features: Millennium Monument, statues of 14 national leaders, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

🎨 Nearby: Museum of Fine Arts, Kunsthalle, City Park (Városliget)

🕰️ A Brief History of Heroes’ Square

🇭🇺 Built for a Nation's Millennium

Heroes’ Square was built in 1896, marking the 1,000th anniversary of the Magyar conquest of the Carpathian Basin (known as the Millennium Celebration). The square commemorates the founding of the Hungarian nation by Prince Árpád and his seven chieftains.

The Millennium Monument was completed in 1929, interrupted by World War I and political turmoil. Despite changes in Hungary's leadership over the years, the monument has remained a central and revered space in the country’s public memory.

🏛️ What to See at Heroes’ Square

🗿 1. The Millennium Monument

At the heart of Heroes’ Square stands the 96-foot (30-meter) tall column, topped by the Archangel Gabriel, holding the Holy Crown of Hungary and a double cross. The column honors Hungary’s Christian foundations and independence.

At the base are statues of the seven Magyar tribal leaders, led by Árpád, who settled in the region in 895 AD. They are depicted on horseback in a dramatic, heroic style.

👑 2. The Colonnades

Flanking the central column are two semi-circular colonnades, each displaying statues of prominent Hungarian rulers, military leaders, and statesmen, including:

Saint Stephen I – Hungary’s first Christian king

Saint Ladislaus – Known for strengthening Christianity

Matthias Corvinus – Renaissance king and reformer

Lajos Kossuth – Leader of the 1848 revolution

Each statue is accompanied by reliefs that illustrate key events in that figure’s life.

⚰️ 3. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

At the front of the central column lies a symbolic tomb honoring Hungarian soldiers who died in war. Though not an actual grave, it is the site of national commemorations, such as Hungary’s National Day on March 15.

🏛️ Museums Around Heroes’ Square

🖼️ Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum)

Located on the left when facing the Millennium Monument, this grand neoclassical building houses one of Central Europe’s finest collections of European art, including works by Rembrandt, Raphael, El Greco, and Goya.

🕒 Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–6pm

🎟️ Entry: approx. 3,000–4,000 HUF

🖌️ Kunsthalle (Műcsarnok)

On the right side of the square stands the Hall of Art, or Kunsthalle—a contemporary art museum featuring rotating exhibitions of modern Hungarian and international art.

🕒 Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–6pm

🎟️ Entry: approx. 2,000–3,000 HUF

📷 Best Photography Spots

Wide-angle shot from Andrássy Avenue looking toward the Archangel Gabriel column

Close-ups of the statues of Árpád and the chieftains

Golden hour images with long shadows and warm tones

Night shots – the square is dramatically illuminated after dark

Reflections in puddles or water installations after rain

🚶 How to Get to Heroes’ Square

🚇 By Metro

Take Metro Line 1 (M1) – Budapest’s oldest metro line

Stop at Hősök tere station, which exits directly into the square

🚌 By Bus

Take Bus 20E, 30, 30A, 105, or 230

Disembark at Hősök tere or nearby stops

🚶 On Foot

A scenic 30-minute walk along Andrássy Avenue from Deák Ferenc tér (city center)

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

⏰ Early morning or evening visits are best for photos and to avoid crowds.

🎭 Events and Celebrations

Heroes’ Square often hosts national holidays, concerts, and cultural events.

March 15 – Commemoration of the 1848 Revolution

August 20 – Hungary’s national day with parades and fireworks

Sporting events & art festivals are occasionally held here

⚠️ Access may be restricted during major events—check local listings.

🌳 Nearby Attractions in City Park (Városliget)

Heroes’ Square forms the grand entrance to City Park, one of Budapest’s largest green spaces.

🏰 Vajdahunyad Castle

Just a 5-minute walk behind the square, this fairytale-like castle combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. It houses the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture.

🛁 Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Budapest’s most iconic thermal spa is located inside the park, about 8 minutes’ walk from Heroes’ Square. Perfect for relaxing after sightseeing.

🎡 Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden

One of the oldest zoos in Europe, located just east of the square. Great for families traveling with children.

🧳 Who Will Enjoy Heroes’ Square?

🧡 History buffs – Dive into Hungarian identity and heritage

📸 Photographers – Frame-worthy monuments and symmetry

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families – Open space for kids and proximity to the zoo

🎨 Art lovers – Museums with world-class collections steps away

🚶 Casual visitors – Easy stop along Andrássy Avenue

🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby

🏨 Ibis Budapest Heroes Square – Affordable and modern, just steps away

🏨 Mirage Medic Hotel – Elegant rooms overlooking Heroes’ Square

🏨 Mamaison Hotel Andrassy – Boutique luxury on historic Andrássy Avenue

🍽️ Nearby Food & Drink

☕ Robinson Restaurant – Scenic dining next to the lake behind the square

🥗 Paprika Vendéglő – Traditional Hungarian dishes in a cozy atmosphere

🍦 Gelarto Rosa (Andrássy Avenue) – Instagram-famous rose-shaped gelato

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Heroes’ Square free to enter?

✅ Yes, it’s an open public space with no admission fee.

Is it accessible to wheelchair users?

Yes. The square is flat and wide, with ramp access to surrounding areas.

How long should I spend at Heroes’ Square?

🕒 Allocate about 30–60 minutes, more if you plan to visit the museums nearby.

Is Heroes’ Square safe at night?

Yes. It is generally safe and well-lit, though quieter at night compared to daytime.

🧭 Sample Itinerary Featuring Heroes’ Square

Morning:

Start with breakfast at a café near Andrássy Avenue

Take Metro Line 1 to Heroes’ Square

Walk around the Millennium Monument, take photos

Visit the Museum of Fine Arts

Afternoon:

Explore City Park

Visit Vajdahunyad Castle

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Evening:

Return down Andrássy Avenue for dinner

Stop by Liszt Ferenc Square for outdoor dining and nightlife

🌟 Final Thoughts

Heroes’ Square is more than just a monument—it is a celebration of Hungary’s past, present, and future. With its towering statues, powerful symbolism, and surrounding cultural gems, it provides travelers with a rich, immersive experience in the heart of Budapest.

Whether you’re a history lover, a culture seeker, or simply someone enjoying the architecture, Heroes’ Square offers an unforgettable glimpse into the soul of the Hungarian nation.