Enjoy breathtaking Budapest views from St. Stephen’s Basilica.
St. Stephen’s Basilica Tickets
Experience one of Budapest’s most iconic attractions with ease. Choose your ticket:
⛪ Skip The Line Entry Ticket: Choose your ticket to visit the church only, or go all-in with the Treasury and Dome for panoramic views.
🎟️ Entry Ticket + Grand Organ Concert: This ticket allows you to skip the line to St. Stephen’s Basilica and enjoy a 20-minute Grand Organ concert.
🎹 Organ Concert in St. Stephen’s Basilica: If you love Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Schubert, and many of the world’s greatest composers, this 70-minute classical organ concert at St. Stephen’s Basilica is for you.
Benefits
Tickets and Prices
Book together and save up to 5%!
Combine your ticket with an extra experience at checkout and enjoy even more attractions and activities in Budapest. Limited availability.
Visiting St. Stephen’s Basilica comes with plenty of options. Choose between a ticket for the Church and Hall or the Panoramic Terrace and Treasury, or go all in with a combination ticket that covers both.
Discounts are available for kids, seniors, families, people with disabilities, and Budapest/Hungary Card holders.
Tiqets/TiqetsDon’t miss the Grand Organ Concert every Wednesday at 10:00
At the Basilica, the organist showcases the impressive organ and then performs beloved pieces throughout the church.
Reserve Your SeatPlan Your Visit
| Area | Days | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Inner Area | Monday – Saturday | 09:00 – 17:15 |
| Sunday | 12:30 – 17:15 | |
| Panoramic Terrace & Treasury | Daily | 09:00 – 18:30 |
Visits to the church hall can be limited on weekends if there’s a wedding ceremony.
Evenings are special if you can catch an organ or classical concert, but it’s best to avoid midday when tour groups fill the space.
Tip:
The best time to visit St. Stephen’s Basilica is when it opens at 9:00, as it’s quieter and filled with soft light, or late afternoon for golden-hour views from the dome.
Here’s how to reach St. Stephen’s Basilica with ease:
On foot: The Basilica is in the heart of Pest, so if you stay downtown, you can easily stroll there.
Metro: Take Metro Line 1 (yellow) or Line 3 (blue) to Deák Ferenc tér station. From there it’s just a five-minute walk.
Tram: Hop on tram 47 or 49 and get off at Deák Ferenc tér, then walk a few minutes to the Basilica.
Bus: Buses 15 and 115 stop nearby at Hercegprimás utca.
Car: There’s no dedicated Basilica car park, but you’ll find paid street parking and underground garages nearby, including beneath the square. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as spots can fill quickly.
You’ll find the main entrance on Szent István Square, directly facing the open plaza. The grand steps, massive wooden doors, and twin bell towers make it impossible to miss.
St. Stephen’s Basilica welcomes all visitors. There’s a lift at the main entrance and to access the Panoramic Terrace, so wheelchair users can easily explore the church.
To make the most of your Basilica visit while showing respect, keep these simple guidelines in mind:
- Keep your voice down and avoid loud conversations inside.
- Switch off your phone and skip calls or voice messages while in the church.
- Dress modestly: no miniskirts, shorts, strapless tops, or bare shoulders for women, and men should remove head coverings.
- Talk to children beforehand so they know to behave quietly in this holy place.
- Be mindful of worshippers who may be praying nearby.
- Stick to the public areas, as the Sanctuary and roped-off sections are off-limits.
- Don’t bring food, chewing gum, drinks, animals (except service dogs), or large suitcases into the Basilica.
What to See & Do
St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, and a visit lets you admire its artistry and learn its history before enjoying panoramic city views.
Basilica Facade
Romas_ph/DepositphotosThe front of St. Stephen’s Basilica is a masterpiece of faith and art. Look up to read Jesus Christ’s words: “EGO SUM VIA VERITAS ET VITA” (“I am the way, the truth, and the life”), framed by sculptures of the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus in her lap, and Hungarian saints and kings. Tower niches hold the four Church Fathers, while four Evangelists face the four cardinal directions.
Above the entrance, a relief of St. Stephen watches over visitors, while a group of Jesus and the 12 Apostles can be found on the front gallery’s eastern side. Don’t miss the shimmering mosaic of Christ on clouds in the foyer, adding a heavenly touch. Come early in the morning for softer light and fewer crowds.
Bells
rognar/DepositphotosMost original bells were lost in World War II, but one survived. The current set, donated in the 1990s, includes five bells in the northwestern tower.
Hungary’s largest bell resides solo in the southwestern tower, weighing 9250 kilograms. It rings only on special occasions, like the St. Stephen Procession on August 20.
Sights of the Church Hall
MatteoGabrieli/DepositphotosStep inside the Church Hall and prepare to be blown away by the grand Greek cross layout, rich gold and crimson interior, marble columns, and soaring central dome.
The ornate high altar features a canopy by József Kauser and a statue of St. Stephen by Alajos Stróbl, surrounded by stunning frescoes and paintings depicting key biblical scenes.
Don’t miss the Holy Right Hand of St. Stephen in its silver-and-glass reliquary, one of Hungary’s most treasured possessions. The basilica’s acoustics and the grand organ’s 7000 pipes make organ concerts unforgettable.
Treasury – Thesaurus Basilicae Sancti Stephani Regis
Step inside the Treasury to see treasures that blend history and faith. Opened in a space three times larger in 2011, the Treasury isn’t just a museum, as many items are still used in ceremonies today.
With its vaulted ceiling, the first hall showcases memorabilia from the Basilica’s construction, including models, plaster casts, the papal letter granting it “basilica minor” status, and a Herend porcelain copy of the Holy Crown.
Two interior rooms form a symbolic reliquary chapel, and a connected tower room displays the most precious ceremonial objects. Highlights include gifts from Pope John Paul II, the Holy Right Hand of St. Stephen, Cardinal Mindszenty’s Shrine, and the country’s largest Art Deco monstrance from 1938.
Panorama Viewpoint
zoltangabor/DepositphotosFor sweeping 360-degree views, head to the 65-meter-high stone terrace around the central dome. It’s Budapest’s highest viewpoint, and since 2003, an elevator has made reaching it easier, avoiding the 304-step climb.
From here, you can spot landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament Building, Chain Bridge, and Gellért Hill. If visiting in winter, go in the late afternoon for sunset views and stunning photo opportunities over the Danube.
Did You Know That? Facts
- The Basilica is named after Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen, and houses his mummified right hand, the Holy Right.
- At 96 meters, it ties with the Hungarian Parliament Building as Budapest’s tallest structure, a rule set so no building would rise higher than religion or politics.
- Hungary’s largest bell resides in the southern tower.
- The Basilica is home to one of Europe’s largest and most powerful pipe organs, with over 7,000 pipes shaking the walls during concerts.
- Construction took over 50 years to complete, with setbacks including the original dome collapsing in 1868. It now seats 8,500 people.
Insider Tips
History
1851
Construction begins on the Basilica, designed by architect József Hild.
1868
Disaster strikes when the dome collapses, forcing major redesigns.
1875
Construction resumes under architect Miklós Ybl (the Hungarian State Opera House designer), who fixed the design flaws and reinterpreted the church using Renaissance elements.
1891
Ybl passes away, and József Kauser takes over to see the project through, focusing on the interior design, furnishings and building decorations.
1905
After more than 50 years, the Basilica is completed and consecrated.
1931
The church is elevated to the rank of Basilica Minor by Pope Pius XI.
1944 – 1945
The Basilica suffers damage during World War II bombings.
1983
Major restorations begin to preserve the building after decades of wear, and don’t finish until 2003.
2003
A new organ is installed, enriching the Basilica’s musical reputation.
FAQs
Can I attend a concert here?
Yes, there are weekly organ concerts at St. Stephen’s Basilica. They sell out quickly, so booking tickets in advance is recommended.
Can I attend religious services here?
Yes, it’s an active church, and visitors are welcome to attend mass. The English Catholic Mass is every Sunday at 10:00.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes, but flash photography and tripods aren’t allowed.
How long should I plan to spend at St. Stephen’s Basilica?
One to two hours is plenty for the church, dome, and terrace.
Is there a lift in St. Stephen’s Basilica?
Yes, you can access the church and terrace via the lift.