The Western Railway Station (Nyugati Pályaudvar) was designed by August de Serres and built by the Eiffel Company of Paris. The construction took three years and the iron structure was cast in Paris. Nyugati Pályaudvar opened in 1877, 12 years before the Eiffel Company built the famous Eiffel tower in Paris. To this date the building has retained its original style. Over the years most of the old iron structure has been re-cast and replaced. On the left side of the impressive hall is the Royal Waiting Room, which is still used from time to time for banquets and receptions. The large hall to the rigth of the main entrance is now home to a McDonald’s. Given the unique style of the building it is often referred to as the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world.

Nyugati udvar, a large and beautifully landscaped 'courtyard' with restaurants and cafés, is located next to the train station behind the McDonald's. Not only is the station's romantic style building magnificent from here, the courtyard also provides a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Grand Boulevard.

Not much of a local secret, but adjacent to the railway station is the WestEnd City Center, one of Central Europe’s largest shopping malls. There are over 400 shops, 14 movie theatres, a waterfall, several restaurants and cafés (including Budapest's first Starbucks), little squares and streets named after prominent Hungarians, and a Hilton hotel within the complex.

Getting to the Western Railway Station: Take Subway (M3) or Streetcar 4 or 6 to Nyugati station.