The Money Museum of the National Bank of Hungary might not be the first place you have planned to visit after landing in Budapest. But here is why you should put it on your itinerary. First, it is housed in an iconic building, the Postapalota ('Post Palace'), towering over Széll Kálmán tér. Second, inside, you can embark on a carefully constructed journey into the world of money, accompanied by interactive games and visual displays. And you can also hold a gold bar worth HUF 250 million.
And third, you can walk out onto the rooftop terrace with a cup of coffee and be welcomed by a stunning view of the city. You can see the Hungarian capital from an unusual perspective. Instead of the views of the Danube, the Basilica, the Parliament, and Gellért Hill, you are greeted by Krisztinaváros and the buildings on the Pest side, such as the towers of Agora Budapest.
You can also get into proximity of the bastion-like towers, thus appreciating the architecture and taking pictures backdropped by the fascinating elements. The palace is a big deal being the country's first office building with Art Nouveau details. It also managed to survive the 20th century, and after being empty for decades, revived as the Money Museum last year.
For now, the rooftop is only open to guests who register at the Money Museum and visit the exhibition (there is no entry fee). On the terrace, a small café has been set up, offering all the goodies of a downtown coffeehouse. So you can discuss the exhibition over a delicious coffee and cake or soak up the extraordinary sight. Visiting hours will coincide with the opening hours of the Money Museum.
