St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika)
St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika)
St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika)
4.5
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Built between 1851 and 1905, this large parish church accommodates 8,500 people and features a magnificent 300-foot, neo-Renaissance dome.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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from
RM 39.12
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Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Belváros-Lipótváros
How to get there
- Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út • 2 min walk
- Arany János utca • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,737 within 5 kms
Attractions
938 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Charlie LPewsey, United Kingdom1,148 contributionsAmazing spaceTickets are good value at Ft4500 (about £9) to include the dome and treasury. Allow plenty of time to see everything, particularly if you are climbing the stairs (as opposed to the lift) to the Dome. Some amazing stuff to see including the relic of St. Stephen's hand.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 16 September 2023
- tomalli68Falkirk, United Kingdom878 contributionsBeautifulBeautiful building. Stunning artwork inside. Unfortunately some of it was cordened off for visitors so didn't get the full experinece. Cost of entrance is split into different areas so can go all in or keep it simple by going to church bit only.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 26 September 2023
- Roslyn138Wrexham, United Kingdom1,171 contributions3rd Largest Hungarian Church - worth a visitThe Basilica is in the centre of Pest and is a tourist attraction dedicated to King Saint Stephen founder of the Hungarian state. Built around 1851 and completed in 1916 - the dome and building was damaged in WW2 . The site has been used for numerous coronations and royal weddings in the past . The ticket cost around £9!and allows you to visit the church , treasury as well as the dome. The wife isn’t that keen on numerous steps and was pleased there is a lift that takes you to the viewing point on the dome. When we visited there was a service taking place for schoolchildren - and you could visualise the splendour if the building. On the right hand side is the mummified fist of King Stephen .Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 October 2023
- Rick VSan Diego, California9 contributionsSt. Stephen’s Basilica reflects the best architecture in BudapestSt. Stephen’s Basilica’s dome and twin spires draws one to it. Once inside, its splendor captivates you. The small additional charge to access the tower is worth the price as the views are great.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 October 2023
- MartinRLS17 contributionsAmazing view from this beautiful churchFor me it was worth the combined ticket to visit the church, the treasury and the viewing level which is high up on the building. After visiting the church, which is beautifully decorated, the choice is whether to take the lift or walk up the stairs for the treasury and the views. The lift is small, so there may be a queue, so I chose the stairs, but that’s only recommended if you’re fit and healthy. The treasury is quite small, and it’s near the top, it displays items such as decorative robes. There is a large landing type area before the second stage lift to the top, which just takes 4 people, or the stairs which are quite narrow. Reaching the viewing area is very worthwhile. Budapest is a low rise city, and the church is maybe the tallest building on the Pest side, so you have great 360 degree views, including the Buda Castle complex. Well worth the effort to get to the top.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 6 October 2023
- WanderingOttersonsDenver, Colorado1,468 contributionsGo inside and on the roofA stunning monument in the middle of town, this has great architecture on the outside but inside is even better and more impressive. The other very great part of this one, is the ability to climb up to the bas of the done and go outside onto the terrace to see the city views. Fantastic all around.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 October 2023
- ScotAlbertaSherwood Park, Canada688 contributionsBeautiful Basilica in Heart of PestWhile a relatively new church (120 years) it celebrates the cities Christian heritage and is a center of Catholicism in Hungary. There is a charge to visit (ticket office across the street) but get the full pass which gets you into the church proper and also includes the panoramic view from the doom outside and the treasurary which mostly celebrates the life of Cardinal Mindszenty, a giant of a prelate who.stood up to both Nazis and communism. Worth the visitVisited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 19 October 2023
- Kayley H84 contributionsA must visit in BudapestMajestic church in the heart of Budapest, a must visit when in the city. The view from the top of the church was mind blowing and the best part was that you can either take the elevator up or the stairs. Going towards end of the day is the best as it’s less crowded.Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 7 November 2023
- legend187Colchester, United Kingdom448 contributionsWorth a visitThe entry fee is worthwhile paying to have a walk around this impressive building. There are information boards in a variety of languages to explain what you are looking at. It is worth paying the extra to go to the viewing balcony which provides views across Budapest.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 November 2023
- rfg05101740 contributionsBasilica visit!Absolutely fantastic building full of history and amazing architecture. Blown away by the size of it inside. Wife found it peaceful and calm as it was a must do on her list. Students inside drawing some were very good! Xmas markets just setting up but on the opening day gave a good feel around the front of building. Defo must visit!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
22,574 reviews
Excellent
14,273
Very good
6,724
Average
1,334
Poor
173
Terrible
71
Robin_K
Accrington, UK2,785 contributions
Jan 2020
Entrance to the church itself is free though donations are actively encouraged as you enter. The building is grand and again takes on a different character at night time, when the exterior is floodlit. It’s nice to wander around and admire the structure and the statues and religious icons and art amidst the majesty of this great church building. In Hungary church Christmas decorations remain long after the traditional Christmas season ends and the church interior was still seasonally lit and with a magnificent nativity scene
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DFamily_12
Harrogate, UK317 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
A truly beautiful church from the outside but quite stunning inside. It was quiet when we visited and we found tourists to be respectful that it was a church. If the weather is good the additional cost for going to the top of the dome is well worth it to get a panoramic view of a wonderful city.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MikeT19278
San Jose, CA170 contributions
Oct 2019
My wife and I visited St. Stephen's twice. First for a concert one evening (you'll see vendors selling these concert tickets around Budapest and even on the steps of the cathedral,) The tickets were pricey, but it was good music (Mozart) in beautiful surroundings, so a bit of a splurge.
Anyways, the next morning we returned and toured the cathedral. Amazing architecture! We also climbed up to the top of the dome, which was also an exciting hike. The view of Budapest from the dome was beautiful.
Anyways, the next morning we returned and toured the cathedral. Amazing architecture! We also climbed up to the top of the dome, which was also an exciting hike. The view of Budapest from the dome was beautiful.
Written 19 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kadimre
Budapest, Hungary36 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a very attractive building from the outside, built in the most successful period in Hungarian history, the 'dual monarchy' years when the Habsburgs ruled the country (1867-1914). The interior does a good job of imitating a a grandiose renaissance church, but it is all make-believe - nothing is really ancient. Entry is free (as it should always be in a church, a public building par excellence), but if you do not speak Hungarian, the person at the entrance door will try to force you to pay. Feel free to refuse!
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nikmay19
Dorset, UK42 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
My partner and I visited St Stephen's Basilica on our last day in Budapest. We had walked past it several times and the architecture of the building is stunning.
We decided to have a look inside and were asked for just 200HUF for both of us, but I have since found out my partner put in 200HUF each! Nevertheless, it is next to nothing for entry to such a beautiful building.
The decoration inside is awe-inspiring and we spent 45mins to an hour inside. It would be absolutely criminal to not visit this building given how cheap it is for to be able to go inside.
We decided to have a look inside and were asked for just 200HUF for both of us, but I have since found out my partner put in 200HUF each! Nevertheless, it is next to nothing for entry to such a beautiful building.
The decoration inside is awe-inspiring and we spent 45mins to an hour inside. It would be absolutely criminal to not visit this building given how cheap it is for to be able to go inside.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marina D
London, UK13 contributions
Jan 2020
There are plenty of reviews on the subject and undoubtedly a place to visit in Budapest. To add that the entrance is free but suggested donation is 200HUF and to get up to the panoramic viewing platform cost 1000HUF (local cash is the only option) via lift and some stairs. You will get a magnificent unobstructed view of the central part of Budapest (both Buda and Pest bank and Danube river, Parliament’s roof and many other interesting buildings) because all other buildings are shorter and the Basilica dominates over the area.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Perttu R
Rovaniemi, Finland526 contributions
Jul 2020
Very impressive, big church with hundreds of super beautiful decorations and astonishing details. Seeing all this makes you wonder engineering and construction skills of the past centuries. Entrance fee for the church for about 1 euro and 1000 forints (=less than 2,90 euros) per person for lookout dome and treasury. Lookout dome had very impressive views over the city but it is not a place for you if you are afraid of heights. Too bad we didn't have any face masks with us so they denied our access to treasury. :(
Written 17 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LoveTravelVentures
Cork, Ireland2,535 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Tip - if you want the church as the perfect backdrop where you can admire the views, I recommend having a drink at the High Note SkyBar.
It emerges between 2 streets and makes for such an impressionable view. Completed in the early 1900s it is a magnificent piece of architecture reflective of the era 👌🏾
It emerges between 2 streets and makes for such an impressionable view. Completed in the early 1900s it is a magnificent piece of architecture reflective of the era 👌🏾
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzie G
Holmes Chapel, UK213 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Beautiful building, worth a quick trip inside. They ask for a donation of 200 HUF to go in but you can pay to go up to the tower in a lift. Inside the church is what is believed to be the hand of St. Stephen which is interesting to have a look at and read about.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MoonaMuslim
739 contributions
Oct 2019
The impressive St. Stephen's Basilica (Hungarian: Szent István-bazilika), in the Pest district, leaves an impressive impression from the outside with its beautiful facade, the richly decorated mosaic on the square in front of the basilica and its impressive dome. The St. Stephen's Basilica is among the top 15 most photographed buildings in the world. For good reason! In addition to many other buildings in Budapest, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are many good cafes and restaurants nearby.
For a tip of 100 forints you can also visit the largest church in Budapest from the inside. It is also worth looking at this building from the inside. It has a Greek cross as ground plan.
The Basilica is rich in fine arts. The interior is an impressive and beautiful mix of classicism and neo-renaissance style. At the main entrance you can see the Saint Stephen's relief and mosaics.
It is worth visiting the basilica twice. Once a day and once in the evening when it is illuminated.
There are many good cafes and restaurants nearby.
For a tip of 100 forints you can also visit the largest church in Budapest from the inside. It is also worth looking at this building from the inside. It has a Greek cross as ground plan.
The Basilica is rich in fine arts. The interior is an impressive and beautiful mix of classicism and neo-renaissance style. At the main entrance you can see the Saint Stephen's relief and mosaics.
It is worth visiting the basilica twice. Once a day and once in the evening when it is illuminated.
Written 4 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can I go in wearing a knee length skirt and my partner wearing shorts?
Written 10 April 2024
Hi, do I need to get a ticket in advanced to enter the basilica
Written 27 June 2023
Hi, do I need to get a ticket in advanced to enter the basilica
Written 27 June 2023
What is the dress code to visit St. Stephen's Basilica?
Is it allowed to enter in shorts?
Both for women and men?
Written 6 June 2023
Its recommended to dress appropriately to enter any church. As long as its modest, normally smart and casual and not anything offensive, you shouldn't have any issues getting in wearing shorts. In summer, most tourists wear shorts and shirts. Just be respectful.
Written 6 June 2023
I have a couple of questions regarding the Organ Concerts at St. Stephen's Basilica
1. What is the age of children for the children ticket?
2. How in advance will the Basilica be opened if a concert starts at 17:00?
3. Are the tickets with places? Or first come first serve?
Thanks in advance for your help,
Written 6 May 2023
Sorry we have visited the Stephen's Basilica without going to the concert. I actually took some tickets for the wrong day.. I think it is a must do .
Written 11 May 2023
Is there an entry fee to get in to view the church(without a tour)?Are there toilets?
Written 6 March 2020
As far as I remember the entrance is free. Sorry, no idea about toilets. Enjoy Budapest!
Written 6 March 2020
hi I walk with a walker is there accesibile entrance without steps is there toilets with thanks
Written 12 January 2020
This is a church, so i do not think that there is a toilet.
Check en bazilika biz for more details on accessibility.
Written 12 January 2020
My mum and I always attend midnight mass together, and this year we will be in Budapest so would love to attend. I understand it will be incredibly busy.
What time do you recommend arriving for midnight mass?
Written 4 November 2019
the length of the lines at midnight, but judging from the lines earlier, an hour is probably needed. Should you get in early, the extra time spent inside will be well spent.
Written 6 November 2019
meno di un euro prer entrare , su su non mi sembra un' esagerazione
Written 23 September 2019
Sicuramente non fa simpatia pagare, anche se una cifra assolutamente irrisoria, per entrare in una chiesa, ma mi rendo conto che i costi di manutenzione e gestione sono davvero molto alti.
Written 3 October 2019
I am finding all kinds of info on St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest. Am in Budapest right now, and want to attend Mass on Sunday. Can’t find a Mass Schedule. Getting frustrated: No, I don’t want a tour.....no, I don’t want to attend a concert.....I just want a Sunday Mass in a beautiful Catholic Church in a beautiful old city.
Written 9 May 2019
Here you go:
Sunday:
08:30 – Mass
10:00 – Great Mass (in Latin )
12:00 – Holy Mass
17:00 – Holy Mass in English in the Chapel of the Holy Right
18:00 — Holy Mass
Written 16 May 2019
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