Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library
Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Libraries
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- Kálvin tér • 3 min walk
- Corvin-negyed • 8 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
108 reviews
Excellent
68
Very good
24
Average
11
Poor
2
Terrible
3
august01
London, UK600 contributions
Jul 2022
Costs about £3 per person to enter, to look at the stunning reading rooms. You obviously have to be super quiet and unobtrusive as people are still using the rooms for research and study. Main negative was that the women at the front desk who sold us the tickets was very miserable and pretty rude, which was a shame. The guy opening the gate to let you out again was nice though.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sky K
London, UK43 contributions
Dec 2019
I enjoy visiting libraries when I travel but even if I didn't enjoy books I think I would have been impressed by the architecture in this place. Pictures do not do justice - it was amazing that I could walk through these beautiful rooms and read in them. Each reading room was so beautiful and different to each other. There were also quite a few English books available so it would not be difficult to find a good book that pertains to your interests and spend a couple of hours immersed in this beautiful space.
I read reviews that the library was difficult to find but I found it quite easily. I went up to the registration desk wanting to pay for entrance but the lady spoke to the security in Hungarian and let us in for free (apparently there was a portion of the library that was closed which meant we could enter for free) and I found the lifts to the left shortly after I went through the security gate. I then went up to the 4th floor, walked through what seemed like a standard library, then the beautiful reading rooms appeared.
I read reviews that the library was difficult to find but I found it quite easily. I went up to the registration desk wanting to pay for entrance but the lady spoke to the security in Hungarian and let us in for free (apparently there was a portion of the library that was closed which meant we could enter for free) and I found the lifts to the left shortly after I went through the security gate. I then went up to the 4th floor, walked through what seemed like a standard library, then the beautiful reading rooms appeared.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dirmu G
Eversdal, South Africa2,392 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
The impressively decorated old palace rooms now serve as reading / study rooms for students. Each room is dedicated to another faculty. While the students quietly sit and study, we could wander through the rooms.
Written June 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Supratik
Leicester, UK1,977 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
I'm really pleased that I managed to visit this spectacular library. Finding the building was easy with Google map from Kalvin ter. The entrance is to the left of the building ( facing the front). As you enter, go through the double door to reach the actual foyer. Go to the ladies sitting to the right where you can see the sign of Visa/MC for paying. It was 1800 HUF. The lady was not particularly welcoming but neither was she mean. I asked her for a tourist ticket, she asked me "the palace?" I said yes and paid. She even gave me a leaflet in English.
Go to the turnstiles where someone would lift the red rope to let you enter. Your ticket will not work at the turnstile. On the way out just push the bars to come out. Look for signs of the lift and go straight to 4th Floor. Come out of the lift, turn right, go through a white modern room and immediately you'll see the beautifully ornate rooms. It was slightly surreal to see young pupils working on their laptops under massive chandeliers.
Felt awkward to take photos but I guess students are used to tourists. Keep the camera silent. Visit all rooms. The room with staircase is really nice. The map identifies the rooms. There is some info on the original family as well. I suggest an hour to take it slowly.
You can have a drink at the cafe on the ground floor.
Probably the most beautiful library I have ever seen.
Go to the turnstiles where someone would lift the red rope to let you enter. Your ticket will not work at the turnstile. On the way out just push the bars to come out. Look for signs of the lift and go straight to 4th Floor. Come out of the lift, turn right, go through a white modern room and immediately you'll see the beautifully ornate rooms. It was slightly surreal to see young pupils working on their laptops under massive chandeliers.
Felt awkward to take photos but I guess students are used to tourists. Keep the camera silent. Visit all rooms. The room with staircase is really nice. The map identifies the rooms. There is some info on the original family as well. I suggest an hour to take it slowly.
You can have a drink at the cafe on the ground floor.
Probably the most beautiful library I have ever seen.
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beatriz M
Düsseldorf, Germany5,360 contributions
Apr 2022
One of the highlights of our Budapest trip. Suggestion by a friend that lives in Hungary, what a hidden gem. We paid 1000 forint to get inside. The 4th floor is the beautiful ones with many amazing rooms, it used to be a palace. And nowadays people are studying there, how cool for them. In fact, all seats were taken, everyone was studying so you need to be silent. We took photos without talking. There is a cafeteria in the ground floor. Lockers worked fine too. Overall a great experience!
Written May 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MAP12
New Orleans, LA495 contributions
May 2022
I went with a tour group, but it is available for individual visitors. There is a small fee, but it is WELL worth it. This is a beautiful building (palace) that has been transformed into a library - and a very popular one!! The children's library is worth seeing, especially the dragon courtyard and the reading pit. But the top floor is the most beautiful part. You need to stay quiet, because these rooms are all used by university students to study in - but you can wander through the room gawking and taking photos.
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
January
New York City, NY44 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
I was super excited to visit this library based on the photos I saw online. However, once I got there I waited 10 mins outside before I got the courage to go in. The reviews weren’t clear on access requirements and I didn’t want to be the stereotypical stupid American haha.
I entered via Reviczky u through 3 pairs of doors before you get to the information desk - wooden doors, glass sliding doors, wooden doors. The lady at the desk spoke little English but she understood me enough to know why I was there. The cost to enter is 1000 HUF, or approximately $3.31.
Once you pay the fee, you have to go through security turnstiles. Since I didn’t have a card, I had to ask a couple of ladies at the information desk (closest to the turnstiles) how to go in. One of them took me through the red rope. I think normally I would have had to deposit my things in the locker room but it was close to 7pm and they closed at 8pm.
Anyway, I quickly headed to the 4th floor soon after. After stepping off the elevator, head to your left. The old smoking room is in the very back; there are signs indicating “Palace”. Before I got there, I passed the reading room which was breathtaking. I actually sat in an alcove for 20 mins as I read about the history of the library. Then I quietly headed to the old smoking room which is something out of a movie! I sat in the room quietly as I looked around.
Honestly, the palace side of the 4th floor is enchanting. I would have taken photos but I didn’t want to be a jerk since there were so many people studying. I’m not even sure if photos are allowed.
I poked around the first three floors but nothing else piqued my interest. (With the entrance fee, I was limited to the first four floors.)
So grateful I got to see this beautiful library.
I entered via Reviczky u through 3 pairs of doors before you get to the information desk - wooden doors, glass sliding doors, wooden doors. The lady at the desk spoke little English but she understood me enough to know why I was there. The cost to enter is 1000 HUF, or approximately $3.31.
Once you pay the fee, you have to go through security turnstiles. Since I didn’t have a card, I had to ask a couple of ladies at the information desk (closest to the turnstiles) how to go in. One of them took me through the red rope. I think normally I would have had to deposit my things in the locker room but it was close to 7pm and they closed at 8pm.
Anyway, I quickly headed to the 4th floor soon after. After stepping off the elevator, head to your left. The old smoking room is in the very back; there are signs indicating “Palace”. Before I got there, I passed the reading room which was breathtaking. I actually sat in an alcove for 20 mins as I read about the history of the library. Then I quietly headed to the old smoking room which is something out of a movie! I sat in the room quietly as I looked around.
Honestly, the palace side of the 4th floor is enchanting. I would have taken photos but I didn’t want to be a jerk since there were so many people studying. I’m not even sure if photos are allowed.
I poked around the first three floors but nothing else piqued my interest. (With the entrance fee, I was limited to the first four floors.)
So grateful I got to see this beautiful library.
Written December 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Zsoozsy
Jerusalem, Israel136 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
The most strange thing in the whole library is that even many people from Budapest, living there don't know about it, altough it's one of the biggest and most beautiful library with a fascinating history. Officially you can only go in if you are registrated, but the story of the building, the construction worth a quick look as well and if you ask nicely at the desk, the librarian can tell you its whole history (or even without asking, this is what happened to us) and suggest you what to see exactly in the huge palace.
Written January 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mia Milo
Brunei Darussalam194 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
It is a hidden treasure with 19th century artistocrat mansion, turned into a library, hidden in a modern library... Also, it is the largest library network in Budapest...
Should visit level 4 to visit the gateway to the Palace Quarter...This library has fantastic neo-baroque building is definitely worth a visit😍😍😍
Should visit level 4 to visit the gateway to the Palace Quarter...This library has fantastic neo-baroque building is definitely worth a visit😍😍😍
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Love-travel-NYker
New York70 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
Located very close from Kalvin Ter stop on Metro 3, the stunningly beautiful rooms are located on the 4th floor of the library. The entrance is on the left side of the building. A visitor pays HUF 1,000 for a day pass at the information desk, and the payment is in cash only. Apparently there is a guide service available but you need to arrange it in advance and the cost is something like HUF 5,000 - not sure if this service is provided in English or not.
Written May 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Хотіла дізнатись, як працює бібліотека. Як фінансується бібліотечна система Угорщини
teriroftis
London, UK165 contributions
does anyone know the opening times of the library?
Stephanie W
Charlottesville, VA1,529 contributions
Hi, according to the website the main library hours are 10am-8pm Mon-Fri and 10am-4pm on Saturday. The childen's library is open 1-7 M-F and 10-4 on Saturday.
leneme
George Town, Malaysia232 contributions
hi,
some say must pay 2 Euro to enter and some say 1000HUF for 2 person and some told its free and some told only Charge for WIFI.
I can't locate their website to have a firm answer. Can some one share how much to enter to this baroque library and what time open.
thank you :)
fabrizio b
Pescara, Italy402 contributions
la visita della biblioteca è a pagamento? Grazie!
Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library (Budapest) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
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