Hungarian State Opera House, Budapest

Opened in 1884, this grand structure was built by architect Miklós Ybl in the Neo-Renaissance style, with Baroque accents and an emphasis on symmetry, scale and proportion. The auditorium is designed in the “U” shape that defined buildings of the era, and both the interior and the façade feature sculptures and paintings made by notable artists of the time. Understandably, the Opera House went on hiatus during World War II, and underwent a revamp when business resumed circa 1950. It had another renovation completed in 1984, a century after its debut. Today, as the largest theater in Hungary, the Opera House hosts more than 200 performances of musical theater, ballet and operas each year.

While you’re there: Stunning architecture can be found at just about every turn in Budapest. The city’s finest attractions include St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square and the Széchenyi Medicinal Bath.