St. Stephen’s Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of Budapest’s most remarkable landmarks, known for its towering dome, ornate interior and rich religious heritage. Dedicated to Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen, the basilica features breathtaking frescoes, marble details and one of the city’s finest panoramic terraces. Visitors can explore the grand nave, view the Holy Right Hand relic, and enjoy world-class organ concerts in one of Europe’s most acoustically impressive sacred spaces.

This venue is also included in select MegaPass city passes, making it easy to combine with other top attractions during your trip.

Completed in 1905 after more than 50 years of construction, St. Stephen’s Basilica represents the pinnacle of Hungarian neoclassical architecture. The building survived structural collapses, wars and restorations, ultimately becoming a symbol of national identity. Its dome and ornate interior reflect both artistic craftsmanship and religious devotion, while the basilica’s treasury preserves sacred relics and historical artifacts.

The basilica offers a rare combination of architectural beauty, spiritual significance and cultural experiences. Visitors can admire the grand interior, explore the treasury’s religious artifacts, and climb or ascend to the dome terrace for sweeping 360-degree views of Budapest. The venue is also renowned for its organ concerts, performed by celebrated Hungarian musicians, making it an unforgettable cultural event for music lovers.

Tickets for Széchenyi Spa typically include access to the thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms and locker or cabin usage depending on the ticket type. Visitors can choose standard daytime entry, upgraded comfort options or combined experiences. Some tickets include skip-the-ticket-line purchase, making entry smoother during busy hours. Towels and slippers can be rented inside, and all guests receive a secure wristband for facility access.

Prices differ based on the ticket type—standard entry, Dome access, Treasury admission or concert tickets. Combination tickets offer cost-effective access to multiple areas. Prices may change seasonally or during special events. Reduced rates for students or seniors may apply in certain categories. Checking updated prices before visiting is recommended.

St. Stephen’s Basilica has separate operating hours for the main interior, Treasury, Dome terrace and concert evenings. The basilica generally opens early and closes in the evening, but hours vary based on services, weddings or religious events. The Dome terrace operates with seasonal hours and may close during poor weather. Concerts follow fixed performance schedules.

Located in central Budapest near Deák Ferenc Square, St. Stephen’s Basilica is easily reached by metro lines M1, M2 and M3. Several bus and tram routes stop nearby, making it an ideal landmark to combine with other city-center attractions. Taxis and rideshares provide quick access from most districts, while the area is highly walkable.

• Grand neoclassical interior
• Holy Right Hand relic of King St. Stephen
• Dome terrace with 360° city views
• Treasury with sacred artifacts
• World-class organ concerts
• Stunning mosaics and marble decorations
• Panoramic photography opportunities
• Architectural details from the 19th century

• Dress respectfully as it is an active church
• Visit early to avoid crowds, especially for the Dome terrace
• Bring a camera—the interior and dome views are spectacular
• Reserve concert tickets in advance during peak seasons
• Check the schedule for religious services that may limit access
• Wear comfortable shoes for climbing stairs to the Dome
• Keep belongings secure in busy visitor areas
• Allow extra time for the Treasury if you enjoy religious history

Visitors typically spend 45 minutes to 1 hour inside the basilica. Adding the Treasury and Dome terrace extends the visit to 1.5–2 hours. Concert experiences last around 70 minutes and may require additional arrival time. Those exploring all areas at a relaxed pace may spend up to 2.5 hours at the venue.

Winter is a beautiful time to visit, with fewer crowds and a festive atmosphere around the basilica square. The interior remains warm and well-lit, providing a cozy setting for exploring. Concerts during winter are especially atmospheric. The Dome terrace can be cold and windy, so dress warmly if you plan to go up. Afternoon winter light offers excellent photo conditions, while holiday decorations often enhance the area around the basilica.