St Stephen's Basilica
The St. Stephen's Basilica, also known as the Szent István-bazilika, is the largest place of worship in all of Hungary. The basilica was given its current name in honor of Stephen, the first monarch of the Hungarian kingdom. Within its walls is the right hand of the great king who ruled the Kingdom of Hungary more than a thousand years ago.
Due to the enormous dome atop the church, it is possible to see the structure from virtually any high-rise building in Budapest. The Neoclassical structure was built in 1905, and both the interior and outside of this architectural marvel are a delight to investigate. The view from atop the cupola is really breathtaking and encompasses the entire city in all directions.
The visit to the basilica does not cost anything, although a donation is always appreciated! On weekdays, between the hours of 9:00 and 17:00, the building is available for any and all visitors; on weekends, however, it is only open until 13:00. The St. Stephen's Basilica is open from 13:00 to 17:00 local time on Sundays. Even better news for people who enjoy music is that the basilica frequently hosts performances in its auditorium. For the most up-to-date information, be sure to check out the official website.
It is important to keep in mind that the St. Stephen's Basilica will be in close proximity to you during your tour of Budapest. Just get off the sightseeing bus at the first or 21th stop and you're good to go. From either stop, the Basilica may be reached in a few minutes on foot; alternatively, if you prefer strolling, you should look into Hop On Hop Off Budapest's Walking Tours. Check out our map of the Hop On Hop Off buses to find the bus stops and other sights in the neightbourhood!
FAQ
Standard adult entry to the church interior starts at approximately 11,00 € (approx. 4,400 HUF). For a full experience, Combined Tickets (covering the Church, Treasury, and Panorama Terrace) are priced around 21,00 €. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and families.
As an active place of worship, a strict dress code is enforced. Both men and women must have their shoulders and knees covered. Sleeveless tops, miniskirts, and shorts are not permitted. Men must remove their hats inside.
The Panoramic Terrace and Treasury are open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The main church area is typically open for tourists Monday–Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:45 PM.
Yes, the Holy Right Hand (Szent Jobb), the mummified right hand of Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen, is the church's most sacred treasure. It is kept in an ornate reliquary within the Chapel of the Holy Right, located to the left of the main altar.
Regular organ concerts are typically held on Monday and Thursday evenings at 8:00 PM. These 70-minute performances often feature celebrated Hungarian musicians like Miklós Teleki. In 2026, special "Ave Maria" concerts are also scheduled on select Sundays.
Visitors can reach the Panoramic Terrace by climbing 364 steps or by taking one of two elevators. The 96-meter-high lookout offers a 360-degree view of the entire city.
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