St. Stephen's Basilica Tours and Activities

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


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.

Tours & day trips

See all 130 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 43 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 32 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 7 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 5 activities

Popular places to visit


Top St. Stephen's Basilica Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
Ikonik Parlament

Ikonik Parlament

4 out of 5
Kalman Imre u. 19, Budapest
Ikonik Parlament
K+K Hotel Opera Budapest

K+K Hotel Opera Budapest

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

Park Plaza Budapest

4 out of 5
Bem Rakpart 16-19, Budapest
Park Plaza Budapest
Continental Hotel Budapest

Continental Hotel Budapest

4.5 out of 5
Dohany Utca 42-44, Budapest
Continental Hotel Budapest
Corinthia Budapest

Corinthia Budapest

4.5 out of 5
Erzsebet krt 43-49, Budapest
Corinthia Budapest
Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest

Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest

4.5 out of 5
Terez Krt 43, Budapest
Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest
Florin Apart Hotel

Florin Apart Hotel

3 out of 5
Karoly Krt. 9, District 7, Budapest
Florin Apart Hotel
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

St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest is a vibrant hub of activity, offering a range of entertainment options including theatres and art galleries nearby. Visitors can explore the stunning architecture of the basilica itself, while also enjoying the lively atmosphere of the surrounding area, perfect for sightseeing and soaking up the local culture. This touristic hotspot promises a delightful blend of history and modern entertainment.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near St. Stephen's Basilica, head to Hunyadi Ter, just 1.1km away, or explore the vibrant Paloma shopping mall, located 805m from the basilica. Philanthia store is also nearby, only 644m away, offering unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience rejuvenation at Rudas Baths, where you can indulge in traditional thermal baths and relaxing treatments, located 1.3km from St. Stephen's Basilica. For a lively atmosphere, enjoy a music concert at Vigado Square, just 644m away, or challenge your family at the TRAP Team Race Against Puzzles, 1.6km away.

Adventure

Experience the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular, a thrilling ride located 1.3km from St. Stephen's Basilica, offering stunning views. For water fun, head to Aquaworld Budapest, 11.3km away, where adventure awaits in a vibrant waterpark. For motor racing enthusiasts, Hungaroring, 16.1km away, delivers high-speed excitement.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near St. Stephen's Basilica with a ride on the Ferris Wheel of Budapest, offering adventure vibes just 322m away. For a cultural evening, enjoy a show at the Budapest Operetta Theatre, located 483m away, or test your skills at PANiQ-Room, 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

While visiting St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest, explore the vibrant piazzaSquare, immerse yourself in local culture at nearby museums, and admire the historic synagogue. This area offers a rich blend of experiences for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Be sure to check out Szent István Bazilika and its surrounding attractions for a truly memorable visit to this iconic landmark.

  • Parliament Building: Marvel at the stunning neo-Gothic architecture of Hungary’s Parliament Building, a symbol of national pride. Located 966m from St. Stephen's Basilica, its intricate details and impressive dome make it a must-see. Guided tours provide insights into the country’s legislative history.
  • Szechenyi Chain Bridge: Spanning the Danube River, this historic bridge connects Buda and Pest. Just 644m from the Basilica, it's perfect for a leisurely stroll while enjoying scenic river views and the backdrop of the castle.
  • Hungarian State Opera House: Experience world-class performances in this opulent venue located only 483m away. Its lavish interiors and rich history create an enchanting atmosphere, making it a romantic spot for culture enthusiasts.

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, consider travelling between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book about a month in advance for the best rates, and aim for a Tuesday stay to avoid Friday's higher costs. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and look for package deals that combine flights and activities for extra savings. Don't forget to explore free attractions nearby to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option 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 some cash by combining your hotel stay near St. Stephen's Basilica with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.