St. Stephen's Basilica

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


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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Ikonik Parlament
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Reviews of St. Stephen's Basilica

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
551
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
344
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
28
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A stunning building, with a recommended 200 FT donation to get in. Make sure you check ahead of time to see if the Holy Right room is open!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We were there when it opened at 9am and had this majestic building all to ourselves for about 20mins before people started arriving.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

the best place to visit and cheap to get in and to go upto the viewing platform

4/5 - Good

Chris

Don’t bother paying to go up to the tower /museum, the museum was very small and there are better views from Buda Castle/Fisherman Bastion. We went to the Matthias church and this was much better inside if you’re paying.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Visit the Great Synagogue and try Rachel’s Jewish Hungarian cake at the cafe down the road from the synagogue

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

you can climb to the top - worth the stairs for the view!!

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Things to do near St. Stephen's Basilica

Near St. Stephen's Basilica, visitors can enjoy a vibrant array of entertainment options, including theatre performances and art exhibitions. Additionally, the area boasts access to various sporting attractions, perfect for those looking to engage in some physical activity or catch a local match. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and lively atmosphere that surrounds this iconic landmark during your visit to Budapest.

Shopping

The nearest shopping area is Hunyadi Ter, located 1.1km from St. Stephen's Basilica, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Paloma, a shopping mall centre 805m away, features entertainment and family-friendly options. Additionally, Philanthia, a lovely store, is just 644m from the Basilica.

Recreation

Experience rejuvenation at Rudas Baths, just 1.3km from St. Stephen's Basilica, offering soothing body treatments in a tranquil setting. For lively entertainment, enjoy a music concert at Vigado Square, located 644m away. Families can have fun at the TRAP Team Race Against Puzzles playground, 1.6km away.

Adventure

Experience the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular, a thrilling ride offering panoramic views, located 1.3km from St. Stephen's Basilica. For a splash of excitement, head to Aquaworld Budapest, a vibrant waterpark 11.3km away. For speed enthusiasts, Hungaroring, 16.1km distant, offers exhilarating motor racing experiences.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near St. Stephen's Basilica with a ride on the Ferris Wheel of Budapest, just 322m away, offering thrilling views. For a cultural evening, enjoy a performance at the Budapest Operetta Theatre, located 483m away, or unleash your adventurous spirit at PANiQ-Room, only 161m away.

*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, tourists can explore the charming piazzaSquare, immerse themselves in cultural exhibits at nearby museums, and visit historic synagogues. These attractions offer a delightful blend of cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for families and city explorers alike. Whether you're seeking art, history, or simply a pleasant day out, there are plenty of engaging activities to enjoy within and around this iconic landmark.

  • Parliament Building: Marvel at the stunning neo-Gothic architecture of Hungary's National Assembly, located a mere 966m from St. Stephen's Basilica. Its grandeur and historical significance provide a captivating glimpse into the nation's legislative heart.
  • Szechenyi Chain Bridge: Spanning 644m from the basilica, this iconic bridge connects Buda and Pest. Its elegant design and panoramic views of the Danube River make it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and photographs.
  • Hungarian State Opera House: Just 483m away, this architectural masterpiece offers a rich cultural experience. Attend a performance or take a guided tour to appreciate its opulent interiors and learn about its rich history of music and arts.

Best time to go to St. Stephen's Basilica

The best time to visit St. Stephen's Basilica is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation prices. Booking about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can yield significant savings. Aim to stay on a Tuesday for the best rates, while avoiding Fridays. Use Expedia's search wizard to filter for eco-friendly hotels and arrange prices from low to high. Additionally, consider booking a package deal that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings. Enjoy free activities in the area to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search wizard to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most economical prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay near St. Stephen's Basilica with your flights and activities.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia