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 metres), 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 programmes 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 centre 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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Things to do near St. Stephen's Basilica

St. Stephen's Basilica offers a delightful array of activities, including sightseeing bus tours that allow visitors to explore the stunning architecture and vibrant surroundings. Nearby, you can enjoy a variety of entertainment options, from theatres showcasing captivating performances to art galleries displaying local talent. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural scene of Budapest while visiting this iconic landmark.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near St. Stephen's Basilica, visit Philanthia, only 249m away. Paloma, located 311m away, offers a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Hunyadi Ter, just 435m away, provides a vibrant city atmosphere perfect for gift shopping.

Recreation

Experience rejuvenation at Rudas Baths, renowned for its soothing body treatments, a mere 497m from St. Stephen's Basilica. For entertainment, enjoy live performances at Vigado Square, located 249m away. Alternatively, take the family to TRAP Team Race Against Puzzles, an engaging playground 621m from the basilica.

Adventure

Aquaworld Budapest, located 4.3km from St. Stephen's Basilica, is a thrilling waterpark brimming with entertainment and family fun. For adrenaline junkies, Hungaroring, 6.2km away, offers exhilarating motor racing experiences. Additionally, Aquarena, situated 6.8km from the basilica, features another fantastic waterpark for adventure seekers.

Nightlife

Experience the thrill at the Ferris Wheel of Budapest, just 124m from St. Stephen's Basilica, perfect for family adventures. For a cultural evening, stroll to Nagymezo Street theatre, 186m away, offering a romantic atmosphere. Don't miss PANiQ-Room, an exciting arcade adventure zone only 62m away.

Find the best attractions near St. Stephen's Basilica

St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including the picturesque piazzaSquare, local museums, and historic synagogues. This cultural hub is perfect for travellers seeking enriching experiences, whether you're visiting the beautiful basilica, known as Szent István Bazilika, or exploring the surrounding area. Families and culture enthusiasts alike will find plenty to enjoy in this iconic location, making it a must-visit on your itinerary.

  • Parliament Building: A stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, the Parliament Building stands as a symbol of Hungary's rich history and culture. Located 373m from St. Stephen's Basilica, you can marvel at its intricate façade and take guided tours to explore its opulent interiors.
  • Szechenyi Chain Bridge: This iconic historic bridge, situated 249m from St. Stephen's Basilica, offers breathtaking views of the Danube River and the cityscape. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, connecting Buda and Pest with its architectural elegance.
  • Hungarian State Opera House: Just 186m away, this magnificent opera house is renowned for its stunning interior and world-class performances. Experience the romance and culture of Budapest with a night of enchanting music and drama.

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 (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January32.9°F (0.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February36.1°F (2.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April53.8°F (12.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

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

To save money while visiting St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest, plan your trip between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance, focusing on Tuesdays for the best prices. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly options and consider last-minute deals for spontaneous stays. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also yield savings. For getting around, utilise Budapest's affordable public transport system, and explore free attractions nearby 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: Book your hotel around St. Stephen's Basilica about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can arrange your search results from the lowest to highest prices, allowing you to easily identify the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at St. Stephen's Basilica with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.