Budapest Guide
Józsefváros and Ferencváros
The Natural History Museum
Opening time: Daily except Tues 10am–6pm
Price: 600Ft, 1000Ft for temporary displays
Address: Korányi Sándor utca
Website: www.nhmus.hu
Though slightly out on a limb, the Hungarian Natural History Museum (Magyar Természettudományi Múzeum) is worth the hike, especially if you have children: the presentation is captivating, with lots of colour, wide open spaces, explanations in English and, for the weary, benches made from huge tree trunks.
From the entrance hall, dominated by a whale skeleton, you walk through to a fantastic underwater room, which has colourful fish in sea- and freshwater aquariums – the mock seabed under the glass floor makes you feel as if you're walking on water. The first floor has lots of interesting displays of animals around the world, recreating their habitats, while the top floor is a Noah's Ark, focusing on animals under threat and what Hungary is doing for the environment. The shop downstairs by the entrance sells an excellent range of animal-related souvenirs, from fridge magnets to games and books.