Named after the first king of Hungary, St Stephen’s Basilica is a captivating Roman Catholic church that was built in the 1900s. On record, it is considered the largest place of worship in the whole country, and it is nestled in Budapest - Hungary’s capital. It showcases a stunning Neoclassical architecture design that leaves its guests in awe of its beauty. An interesting fact: the right hand of King Stephen was mummified, and it is housed in this very church dedicated to him. If you are planning to swing by this holy place, here is a guide to St Stephen’s Basilica that may come in handy when you visit Budapest. Feel free to browse below.
Things to do / Highlights
When you get to the iconic cathedral of St Stephen’s Basilica, you might be overwhelmed by its extravagant beauty and its immense size. It is a sight for sore eyes that you cannot miss when visiting Budapest. Here are some things to do at the cathedral.
Attend a mass
If you are a Catholic, you might want to attend a mass at the biggest Catholic Church in the whole country. Lucky for you, St Stephen’s Basilica conducts mass regularly. On weekdays, masses are scheduled at 7 am, 8 am, and 7 pm. On Sundays, you can come by at 8:30 am, 10 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm.
Catch a concert
Lots of locals and tourists visit this marvelous cathedral not only to attend a mass but also to catch an entertaining concert. Everyone is welcome to witness a live musical performance in the cathedral. If you are planning to visit this year, you might be able to catch some wonderful shows, including regular cathedral organ concerts, Mozart: Requiem, and a lot more.
Join a guided tour
People who are interested in touring this marvelous church are allowed to do so, provided that they book in advance. Marvel at the beauty of its architecture, learn about the church’s history, make friends with other tourists, and catch a 15-minute mini-organ performance. These are things to expect when you book a tour package at St Stephen’s Basilica. Church management offers guided tours from Mondays to Fridays. Tours can be in English, German, and Hungarian.
Witness the picturesque views of Budapest from Panorama Lookout Tower
Complete your whole St Stephen’s Basilica experience by witnessing the magical city views of Budapest from the Panorama Lookout Tower. If you like the idea, you can buy tickets on-site, online, or from third-party travel agencies that sell superb tour packages. The tower is open from 10 in the morning to as late as 6:30 in the evening from June to September.
What to eat
St Stephen’s Basilica is located in the heart of Budapest, within a short distance from the city’s retail stores, recreational areas, public squares, and most importantly, restaurants. After hours of exploring the basilica, you might be interested in indulging in delicious eats. Here are some nearby restaurants that you can check out after you visit this sacred place of worship.
Dip Me
If you plan to visit St. Stephen’s Basilica in the morning, you might want to try a fantastic restaurant called Dip Me. Located within a few steps away from the basilica, this restaurant is one of the best dining options for tourists who plan to swing by the church. It showcases bright interiors, exudes a cozy ambiance, and serves palatable French and Italian specialties that you will surely love.
Bazilika Café and Restaurant
Another excellent restaurant that you might want to try near the church is Bazilika Café and Restaurant. It boasts charming contemporary interior design and exudes casual vibes perfect for chill afternoons. While in the cafe, be sure to try some of its bestsellers like pumpkin quiche, vegan raspberry pie, and spinach panini.
Meatology Budapest
Do you consider yourself a meat lover? If so, Meatology Budapest is the right dining spot for you. Just like the first two restaurants, this one is located proximate to St Stephen’s Basilica. Open from 10 am to 10 pm every day of the week, the restaurant invites you to have a hearty breakfast, a heavy lunch, and a satisfying dinner. Be sure to try the Meatology burger, goat cheeseburger, Mangalica gray cattle Debrecen doubles, and matured Argentinian rib eye.
Travelers tips
Dress modestly
Just like other places of worship, you are expected to wear appropriate clothing when you visit St Stephen’s Basilica. You don’t need to go all-out formal wear - just strive to be presentable. For footwear, slippers and other beach footwear are not encouraged inside the basilica. Tops that reveal too much skin are also discouraged, so are mini-skirts and tattered jeans. Additionally, avoid wearing accessories that cause too much noise as they may distract other churchgoers. In conclusion, casual to semi-formal wear is the most ideal.
Accessibility
St Stephen’s Basilica has a wheelchair-accessible area in the entrance for guests with disabilities.
How to get there
On foot
If you are in the city center, you can simply walk to St Stephen’s Basilica, as it is located in the heart of the city, at Szent István tér 1.
Take a bus
If you prefer an affordable transportation method, you can take the bus. Be sure to take either the 914, 914A, or 950A buses. They depart from Népliget Station. Alight at Szent István Bazilika and from there it’s just a one-minute walk to the basilica.
Hail a cab
Just like other developed cities in the world, Budapest has a fair amount of taxis that provide transportation services for locals and tourists alike. Wherever you are, you can hail a cab to drive you to St Stephen’s Basilica, hassle-free.
Book a Bolt
Although Budapest is not familiar with Uber, it’s most popular ride-hailing app is Bolt. Similar to Uber, you just need to download the app on your phone, pin your location, and order a ride.
How to get tickets (from USD 16.18)
Planning to visit the sacred Catholic church of St Stephen’s Basilica soon? Want to catch a concert or marvel at the views of the city from the Panorama Lookout Tower? You can purchase tour tickets on-site or from third-party websites.
Budapest: St Stephen's Basilica Tour
Duration: 1.0 to 1.5 hour
St Stephen's Basilica Information
St Stephen's Basilica
Address: Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 1pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
Official website: St Stephen Basilica
Department of tourism: Visit Budapest
Organ Concert in St. Stephen's Basilica
Duration: 70.0 to 80.0 minute
History
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