1. Hungarian National Museum


What is it? Established over the course of a decade from 1837 on, the Hungarian National Museum survived flood and the 1848 revolution to become the largest museum in the country, lending its name to the boulevard it sits on. It features an extensive collection of archaeological findings and relics from prehistory to the Communist era, with a regular agenda of niche temporary exhibitions.
Why we love it Key exhibits include the Coronation Mantle dating from the time of Szent István, Hungary's first king, 1,100 years ago, and artefacts salvaged from Hungary's transformative defeat against the Ottomans at the Battle of Mohács in 1526. The permanent exhibition is particularly strong on the urban development of Budapest from the mid-1800s onwards – during which time, this building served as the Upper House of Parliament.
Time Out tip: Relandscaped in recent years, the museum gardens are an attraction in their own right, with their own café run by the city's most venerable confectioners, Auguszt.
Address: Múzeum körút 14-16, 1088 Budapest
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am-6pm. Closed Mon
Expect to pay: Ft 3,500 (€8.75). All exhibitions inc temporary Ft 5,800 (€14.50)