House of Terror

Located in Terézváros in Pest, the House of Terror is a jarring but important museum that documents the dictatorial oppression Hungary faced during its fascist and Stalinist regimes. Once the headquarters of the ÁVH secret police (similar to the Soviet Union's KGB), the building was the site of the brutal interrogation and torture of countless political activists and dissidents throughout the 20th century. Tour the chillingly realistic prison cell replicas in the basement, and brace yourself for the powerful and moving exhibit on Hungary's post-World War II years, leading up to the 1953 uprising against its Soviet-controlled government.

Admission is 2,000 HUF (approximately $9 USD), but a Budapest Card will give you a 20 percent discount. The recommended audio-guide (available in English or German) is 1,300 HUF (around $6 USD). It is open every day except Mondays until 6 p.m. For more information, visit the House of Terror's website.