St. Stephen's Basilica Tours

St. Stephen\'s Basilica showing a river or creek, a bridge and a city
St. Stephen\'s Basilica which includes interior views, religious aspects and a church or cathedral
St. Stephen\'s Basilica which includes heritage architecture, religious elements and a church or cathedral
St. Stephen\'s Basilica featuring religious aspects, interior views and a church or cathedral
St. Stephen\'s Basilica which includes interior views, religious elements and a statue or sculpture


Ride an elevator to the dome of this large church to admire the panoramic views across Budapest and the Danube.

St. Stephen’s Basilica is a neoclassical church with an imposing dome and elegant turrets. With a height of 315 feet (96 meters), it is the tallest building in the city and among the largest churches in the country. Admire the opulence of this majestic church that features stunning stained-glass windows and works of art.

Admire the elegant façade, which is flanked by two tall bell towers. Enter through the main portal and be impressed by the sheer size of the nave. Attend one of the many musical programs hosted in the basilica, known for its acclaimed head-organist. These concerts include classical, choral and contemporary performances.

The church has a capacity for 8,500 people. Ride the elevator or climb the 364-step spiral staircase to reach the cupola’s 360-degree viewpoint. Capture photos of Buda Castle, Gellért Hill and other Budapest attractions.

Learn about the intriguing history of this church, which was completed in 1905 and named after King Stephen I of Hungary. Peruse the reliquary for ecclesiastical items, including what is supposedly the king’s right hand, which was said to be “incorruptible.”

Relax in the spacious pedestrianized plaza in front of the church. Sit at one of the terraced cafés and restaurants with a view of the church. Come to the market in the square at Christmastime when there is a large tree, decorative lights and an ice-skating ring.

Stroll down the adjacent Andrassy Avenue, which is famous for its Millennium Underground network. Visit the operas, art galleries and upscale boutiques of this central boulevard. Admire the neo-Renaissance buildings that line the street.

Enter the church for free with the option of leaving a donation. It is open to visitors daily from morning until late afternoon during the week with shorter hours on weekends. Purchase a ticket to access the cupola viewpoint.

St. Stephen’s Basilica is near the city center on the eastern Pest side of the River Danube. Ride the subway to Bajcsy-Zsilinszkyút, which stands on the southeastern corner of the church. Nearby sites include Elisabeth Square and the Hungarian State Opera.

Plan a trip to see St. Stephen's Basilica

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The Hotel Unforgettable - Hotel Tiliana by Homoky Hotels & Spa
Eurostars Danube Budapest
Boho Budapest, Small Luxury Hotels

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Reviews of St. Stephen's Basilica

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
681
5 - Excellent 70%
4 - Good
263
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
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5/5 - Excellent

AJohnson

Do not miss the relic of St. Stephen in the church. Pay a few coins to light it up. Be sure to go to the top of the Basilica - lots of stairs but worth it for the view.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Di

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

i wish there were an audio guiide

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Were lucky enough to catch mass on a sunday there! Wonderful church. Don't miss - and go to the top to get a grand view of Budapest!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

St. Stephen's mummified hand is on display...kind of cheesy, especially since you have to put money in a slot to make it light up for 2 minutes. Otherwise it's too dark to see. This display could be in a circus sideshow. But, the cathedral itself is well worth a visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Best gelato place in the city is in the square next to the Basilica!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near St. Stephen's Basilica

InterContinental Budapest by IHG

InterContinental Budapest by IHG

5 out of 5
Apaczai Csere Janos 12-14, Budapest
InterContinental Budapest by IHG
H2 Hotel Budapest

H2 Hotel Budapest

3 out of 5
Sas u.24., Budapest
H2 Hotel Budapest
Park Plaza Budapest

Park Plaza Budapest

4 out of 5
Bem Rakpart 16-19, Budapest
Park Plaza Budapest
Ikonik Parlament

Ikonik Parlament

4 out of 5
Kalman Imre u. 19, Budapest
Ikonik Parlament
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

5 out of 5
Erzsébet Tér 7-8, Budapest
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
K+K Hotel Opera Budapest

K+K Hotel Opera Budapest

4 out of 5
Revay Utca 24, Budapest
K+K Hotel Opera Budapest
Corinthia Budapest

Corinthia Budapest

4.5 out of 5
Erzsebet krt 43-49, Budapest
Corinthia Budapest
Aurea Ana Palace by Eurostars Hotel Company

Aurea Ana Palace by Eurostars Hotel Company

5 out of 5
Akadémia utca 15-17, Budapest, Budapest
Aurea Ana Palace by Eurostars Hotel Company
Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest

Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest

4.5 out of 5
Terez Krt 43, Budapest
Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near St. Stephen's Basilica

When visiting St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest, you can explore nearby shopping options, from unique boutiques to local markets. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the vibrant entertainment scene, including theaters and art galleries. Additionally, indulge in a wine experience at one of the local wine bars, where you can sample Hungary's finest selections while soaking in the lively atmosphere of the area.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near St. Stephen's Basilica, explore Hunyadi Ter (0.7 miles away) and Paloma (0.5 miles away) for a mix of family-friendly vibes. Philanthia is another gem located just 0.4 miles from the basilica for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience rejuvenation at Rudas Baths, just 0.8 miles from St. Stephen's Basilica, offering soothing body treatments in a serene environment. For entertainment, enjoy live performances at Vigado Concert Hall, located 0.4 miles away. Families can have fun at TRAP Team Race Against Puzzles, a playground 1 mile away.

Adventure

Take a ride on the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular for stunning views as you ascend. For water fun, Aquaworld Budapest offers thrilling slides and wave pools. If you're a motorsport enthusiast, head to Hungaroring for an adrenaline-packed racing experience.

Nightlife

Experience the excitement of the Ferris Wheel of Budapest, just 0.2 miles from St. Stephen's Basilica, offering adventure vibes. For a touch of culture and romance, visit the Budapest Operetta Theatre, 0.3 miles away. Don't miss the thrilling PANiQ-Room arcade, located a mere 0.1 miles from the basilica.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near St. Stephen's Basilica

When visiting St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest, you'll find an array of attractions to explore, including beautiful squares, museums, and synagogues. This area offers a rich cultural experience perfect for families and city explorers alike. Don't miss the chance to learn about Szent István and take in the stunning architecture of the basilica, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Budapest.

  • Parliament Building: A stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture, the Parliament Building offers guided tours that reveal its rich history and cultural significance. With its iconic dome and beautifully detailed façade, it's a must-see landmark just 0.6 miles from St. Stephen's Basilica.
  • Szechenyi Chain Bridge: This historic bridge, located 0.4 miles away, connects Buda and Pest. Stroll across it to enjoy breathtaking views of the Danube River and the cityscape, while appreciating its architectural elegance and historical importance.
  • Hungarian State Opera House: Just 0.3 miles away, this opulent opera house is a cultural gem. Attend a performance or take a guided tour to admire its stunning interiors and learn about Hungary's rich musical heritage, making for a romantic evening out.

Best time to go to St. Stephen's Basilica

The best time to visit St. Stephen's Basilica can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around St. Stephen's Basilica falls in July and August. August has average visitor numbers and sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around St. Stephen's Basilica falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January32.9°F (0.5°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February36.1°F (2.3°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April53.8°F (12.1°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June70.0°F (21.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
September65.1°F (18.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December35.2°F (1.8°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Stephen's Basilica

To save money during your visit to St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest, plan your trip between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Tuesdays offer the best hotel rates, while Fridays are the most expensive. Utilize Expedia's filters to find eco-friendly hotels and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for better package deals. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also unlock exclusive discounts and cash rewards for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Stephen's Basilica are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around St. Stephen's Basilica is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. Stephen's Basilica is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around St. Stephen's Basilica is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at St. Stephen's Basilica with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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