St Stephen's Basilica: Tickets and Tours

St Stephen’s Basilica is one of Budapest’s most beloved buildings, featuring a spectacular Neo-Classical exterior and gilded mosaic interiors. Alongside simply admiring these design elements, visitors with St Stephen’s Basilica tickets can discover surprising artifacts, learn the history of Hungary’s royals and be introduced to a plethora of talented artists, whose work is displayed inside.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, culture lover or history buff, you’ll find that St Stephen’s Basilica is a must-see attraction while in Budapest and a worthwhile addition to any itinerary.

Here's all you need to know about St Stephen’s Basilica, one of the most exciting attractions in Budapest.

How much do St Stephen’s Basilica tickets cost?

There are a range of St Stephen’s Basilica tickets on offer to purchase, depending on whether you wish to visit certain parts of the attraction or explore the whole site. It’s worth noting that you’ll receive 20% off your passes if you hold a Budapest Card.

Church entry tickets

These are the most budget-friendly St Stephen’s Basilica tickets, which enable visitors to explore the majority of the attraction, including its pulpit, artworks and chapel.

• Adult: HUF2,000 (US$6)
• Concessions: HUF1,500 (US$4)
• Children under 6: Free

Panoramic terrace and treasury tickets

Many choose to skip the church itself and visit its panoramic terrace to snap a selfie with Budapest’s lofty spires, and terracotta roofs in the background. You’ll also be able to discover the treasury, which is home to a collection of significant items, including St Stephen’s right hand.

• Adult: HUF3,200 (US$10)
• Concessions: HUF2,700 (US$8)
• Children under 6: Free

Combination tickets

Tourists who are serious about history, religion and culture can choose to extend their experience by purchasing combination St Stephen’s Basilica tickets, which allow access to the church, terrace, and treasury.

• Adult: HUF4,500 (US$13)
• Concessions: HUF4,000 (US$12)
• Children under 6: Free

Who is eligible for discounts?

Senior citizens, children over the age of 6 and students with appropriate identification all benefit from a concessionary rate on the St Stephen’s Basilica admission fee.

What are the best St Stephen’s Basilica tours?

St Stephen’s Basilica tour

On this guided tour of St Stephen’s Basilica, you’ll follow an expert around the 19th-century building, admiring its Neo-Classical architecture. You’ll discover a multitude of artworks, from intricate mosaics by Bertalan Székely to paintings of St Stephen offering his crown to the Virgin Mary, created by Gyula Benczúr. See the mummified hand of the saint himself who served as the first king of Hungary in the 11th century.

This unusual artifact was once thought to hold miraculous properties and was removed from the rest of the king’s body 45 years after his death. If you wish to explore more of the basilica, you can extend this guided tour to include the panoramic terrace, which provides spectacular views over the city from heights of almost 100 meters, as well as the treasury, containing historic religious objects, including chalices, vestments and censers.

Organ concert in St Stephen’s Basilica

Those looking for a special experience to commemorate their Budapest vacation need not look further than a musical concert in St Stephen’s Basilica. While you sit and admire the breathtaking artworks that fill the church, your ears will be treated to a medley of classical music, written by several masterminds, including the Italian composer, Vivaldi, as well as the Austraian-born musical genius, Mozart. You’ll hear the religious “Pietà Signore", which begs God for mercy, as well as Verdi’s vulnerable “Aria of Fiesco”.

Alongside the brilliant sounds of the church’s organ, you’ll also hear from several other instruments, making this classical concert a one-of-a-kind experience in Budapest.

Private guided tour of St Stephen’s Basilica

If you’re seeking greater personalization that can be found on a group tour, you should consider booking a private St Stephen’s Basilica excursion. You’ll be paired with a guide who is dedicated to your enjoyment of the tour and you can pepper them with all your questions related to the church’s history, architecture, and links with royalty.

You’ll ascend the attraction’s lofty dome together for sweeping views of Budapest’s many architectural gems before wandering through the treasury at your own pace.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including St Stephen’s Basilica and other attractions?

Purchasing your St Stephen’s Basilica tickets as part of a combination tour package enables you to save money on several activities versus booking separately. You’ll also save time by seeing more of the city in just a few short hours. Another bonus of these types of tours is that they take care of all the details for you, meaning you simply need to show up and enjoy the experience.

●       St Stephen’s Basilica organ concert and Danube River cruise: Listen to the uplifting sounds of Vivaldi filling St Stephen’s Basilica before hopping on a boat for a nighttime cruise along the Danube.

Should you book St Stephen’s Basilica tickets in advance?

While booking St Stephen’s Basilica tickets in advance is not mandatory, it is advisable for all travelers. By purchasing your passes online before your visit, you'll guarantee yourself admission on the day of your choosing. You’ll save precious vacation time that would otherwise be spent queueing, and you’ll also be able to plan your Budapest itinerary better, knowing exactly when you’ll be visiting the church.

What will you see inside St Stephen’s Basilica?

Construction was begun on St Stephen’s Basilica in the middle of the 19th century and was not completed until the turn of the century, over 50 years later. The Roman Catholic church was built upon an older, 18th-century theater that held animal fights, and is the third-largest in Hungary. The basilica was constructed by three different architects and in 1968, its original dome collapsed. When it was finally finished, St Stephens held the consecration service for Emperor Frances Joseph, who served as both the Hungarian king and Austrian emperor. Legend tells that the king was extremely nervous about the dome and was constantly checking it during the service, fearful of a second collapse.

The place of worship is dedicated to King Stephen I, who served as both the last prince and the first king of Hungary throughout his lifetime, which stretched from 975 to 1038. The king’s right hand was removed from his body in 1083 after his casket was opened and it was seen that the limb was still intact more than 40 years after his death. One of the church’s most prominent features is its two bell towers, which stand at 96 meters tall,  making the building the tallest in Budapest, alongside the Hungarian Parliament Building.

The attraction can house around 8,500 visitors comfortably at any one time. The south tower is home to the largest bell in the country, which weighs approximately 9 tonnes. Visitors with St Stephen’s Basilica tickets can climb the church’s cupola and discover a unique view of the city from its viewpoint. Many artists were commissioned to create masterpieces for the basilica, including the sculptor, Károly Senyei, whose relief of the saint can be found in the lobby.

How to get to St Stephen’s Basilica?

St Stephen’s Basilica is located in the center of the Pest side of Budapest. The destination has a wide network of public transportation available, meaning there are plenty of ways to reach the attraction.

The easiest way to get to St Stephen’s Basilica is via metro Line M3. You’ll depart at Arany Jànos station and continue the journey on foot, which takes just 5 minutes, and follows a straight line along Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út.

Alternatively, you can catch bus Lines 151, 171, 236 or 236A, all of which stop nearby the landmark.

When is the best time to visit St Stephen’s Basilica?

St. Stephen's Basilica is beautiful both during the day and at night. Consider visiting at different times to experience the cathedral in different lighting and atmospheric settings. For a less touristy experience, visit on weekdays or during off-peak tourist season, like Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).

If you are interested in attending a concert or special service at St. Stephen's Cathedral, please check the schedule of events in advance.

Which other attractions can be visited in Budapest?

• Jewish Quarter in Budapest
• Parliament in Budapest
• Buda Castle in Budapest
• Great Synagogue in Budapest
• Fisherman's Bastion

Travel tips

• As St. Stephen's Basilica is a religious site, it is respectful to dress modestly.
• Take the stairs to the Dome Observation Deck for spectacular views of Budapest.
• Remember that St. Stephen's Basilica is a place of worship. Keep your voice low, avoid disruptive behavior, and be respectful to those praying.