Planning Our Visit to St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest
When I started planning our short trip to Budapest, I wanted to make the most of every hour. What was supposed to be just one day in Budapest quickly turned into two – and I’m so glad it did!
Our hotel turned out to be only a few hundred meters (about 300) from one of the city’s most famous landmarks: St. Stephen’s Basilica, dedicated to King Stephen, the founder of the Hungarian state. The moment I realized that, I knew we had to visit this stunning church.
My husband had work in the city that day, so it was just me and my 13-year-old son exploring – and we had an amazing time! In this article, I’ll share everything about visiting St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest: what to see inside, why the Panorama Terrace is worth the ticket, the best tips for first-time visitors, and a few fun moments from our day.
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St. Stephen’s Basilica, a magnificent church, is not only a place of worship but also an architectural masterpiece, a museum, and a viewing spot that offers some of the best panoramas of the city.
We spent a few hours here, and it was worth every minute. Let me take you through our experience and share everything you need to know if you’re planning to visit this iconic landmark.
Where Is St. Stephen’s Basilica and How to Get There – Practical Information for Your Visit
Here are a few of the things to know before visiting St. Stephen’s Basilica Budapest.
Address: Szent István tér 1, Budapest
How to Get To St. Stephen’s Basilica Budapest: The basilica is centrally located. Take Metro M1 to Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út or M3 to Arany János utca. Trams and buses also stop nearby.
For us, as mentioned, it was within walking distance of our hotel.
Opening Hours:
Basilica: Mon-Sat 9:00–17:00
Panorama Terrace & Treasury: Daily 9:00–18:30
(Check the exact schedule, as it may be updated, here)
Tickets: Entry to the basilica requires a small fee (around €/USD7). A combined ticket for the church, terrace, and treasury is about €/USD19. Discounts are available for children and seniors. Buy on-site or online.
Dress Code: Modest attire – keep in mind that it is a place of worship.
First Impressions: A Grand Welcome + a LOOOONG Way to Get the Tickets (Avoid This Mistake)
The basilica dominates Szent István Square, a lively pedestrian area filled with cafes, gelato shops, and street performers. As we approached, the…