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Photo: Herbert Ortner (talk · contribs), CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Designed planned by August de Serres and was built by the Eiffel Company, the station opened on 28 October 1877, replacing the previous one razed to make place for the Nagykörút (Grand Boulevard). The station building retains the atmosphere of bygone days, in particular the ticket hall. There is a corridor between the main station entrance and McDonald's on the right-hand side of the main entrance. Formerly the station restaurant, this McDonald's is reputed to be the most elegant in the world. Apart from the ornate lighting, ceiling mouldings and general décor of the fast-food restaurant, Nyugati station McDonald's has a McCafé on the mezzanine floor, serving coffee and cakes in a more comfortable environment than the lower floor. Also worth mentioning is the Royal Waiting Room, built for Emperor Franz Joseph I. This can be found about 100 m on the left-hand side after entering the main station hall behind a pair of high doors. Beside the railway station and partially above its open area there is the WestEnd City Center shopping mall.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
There is a rink on the top of WestEnd mall. It is smaller, but it usually less crowded than the rink at City Park.
Művész Mozi
This is probably the most popular “Art Mozi” theatre in Budapest. Many Hungarian movies are on show with English subtitles; ask for them at the desk.
Budapesti Operett Színház
The Operetta Theatre performs old-fashioned operettas for the nostalgic hearted and tries to be Madách's main rival in musicals.
Terror Háza
The building in the block of "Andrássy út 60." was used both by Nazis and the communist-led Political Police/State Security Police as headquarters. In the basement a labyrinth of prisons was created. Many people were jailed and starved or beaten to death here. 2002, the "house of fear" was converted into a stylish but depressing museum about Nazi and communist terror which helps visitors to understand Hungary's 20th century. You can rent an audioguide at the front desk for 2000 HUF. This is recommended because otherwise each room only has a paper flyer in English or Hungarian.
Thália Színház
Play areas: Main Stage, Microscope stage, New Studio, Arizona Studio
- Used English bookstore, bicycle rental and coffee shop. Smoke free and the staff is very friendly even if the book prices are extortionate. A good place to pick up a local city map with fresh recommendations.