How busy is the House of Terror?
Opened in 2002, the House of Terror is one of Budapest's most visited museums. Visitors take a lift down to the basement prison cells at the end of the route, and the narrow rooms on the upper floors fill when tour groups arrive. Because tickets are sold only on site, a queue forms on the pavement of Andrássy út from late morning, especially at weekends.
Crowds by time of day
Crowds by day of week
Crowds by month
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Tickets
Bring forints or a card
Tickets are sold only at the museum. Third-party sites sell guided tours online at a higher price, but individual tickets can't be booked on the official site.
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How to visit without the queue
- Arrive before 10 am on a Wednesday or Thursday.
- Buy your ticket and audio guide at the desk.
- Start on the top floor in the atrium with the Soviet tank and the wall of victims' photos.
- Work down through the floors on the Arrow Cross and communist eras.
- Take the slow lift down to the reconstructed prison cells in the basement.
- Finish at the 'wall of perpetrators' by the exit.
Insider tips
- Much of the information is printed in Hungarian on handouts; the audio guide is essential.
- The building's black 'TERROR' canopy casts its name on the facade on sunny days.
- Photography is not allowed inside.
- Some visitors find the cellar section intense; allow time to decompress afterwards.
A short history
In 1944 the building at Andrássy út 60 became the headquarters of the Arrow Cross Party, which murdered thousands of Jews and opponents. After the war it was taken over by the communist political police (ÁVO, later ÁVH), who used its cellars for interrogation and torture until 1956. It opened as a museum in 2002 to commemorate the victims of both dictatorships.
Best (and worst) times to visit
- Best: 10 am Wednesday or Thursday.
- Worst: weekend middays in summer.
- Closed: Mondays.
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for House of Terror Museum, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Least busy time
Sunday, 10 am-1 pm
Busiest time
Tuesday, 11 am-5 pm
Plans by visitor type
20th-century history
House of Terror in the morning, Dohány Street Synagogue in the afternoon. Dohány Street Synagogue guide.
Andrássy út walk
Walk from the Opera House to Heroes' Square, stopping at the museum.
Families
Content is disturbing; best for teenagers and adults.
Budapest highlights
Add the Parliament tour another morning. Parliament guide.
Where to eat
Liszt Ferenc Square, 5 minutes away, is lined with cafés and restaurants; the area around Oktogon has quick bites.
Getting there
Andrássy út 60, District VI, between Oktogon and Vörösmarty utca.
Accessibility and families
The museum has lifts between floors, though some rooms are tight. The content (torture, executions, deportations) is graphic in places; it's best for older children with an adult.
Mistakes to avoid
- Visiting on a Monday.
- Skipping the audio guide.
- Arriving at 5:40 pm after the cash desk has closed.
- Trying to take photos.
- Planning a light-hearted activity straight afterwards.
FAQs
How much is the House of Terror?
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4,000 HUF for adults and 2,000 HUF reduced.
Can I buy House of Terror tickets online?
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Individual tickets are sold only at the museum.
What are the opening hours?
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Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-6 pm; the cash desk closes at 5:30 pm.
Is the House of Terror closed on Mondays?
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Yes.
Is the audio guide worth it?
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Yes, much of the text is in Hungarian.
What is the best time to visit?
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
