St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest (must see)
Overlooking its namesake square, Saint Stephen鈥檚 Basilica is one of Budapest鈥檚 crown jewels鈥攂oth spiritually and architecturally. Dedicated to King Istv谩n, Hungary鈥檚 first monarch who brought Christianity to the country, the church holds an unusual and revered relic: the king鈥檚 mummified right fist, encased in a glass box. Pilgrims from all across Hungary come to see it, although casual visitors might easily walk right past. Also laid to rest here is Ferenc Pusk谩s, the legendary soccer player hailed as one of the greatest in history.
For many Hungarians, Saint Stephen鈥檚 is the most important religious site, much as it is a key local attraction for tourists. The building can hold up to 8,500 people at a time and rises 96 meters into the air, matching the height of the Parliament Building鈥攁 record legally reserved for Budapest鈥檚 most iconic structures.
To create this Neoclassical marvel took the work of three architects, including the renowned Mikl贸s Ybl. Adorned with a bust of Saint Istv谩n right above the doorway, the facade features a huge arched portal with Ionian columns, flanked on both sides with huge bell towers. Topping the right tower is the heaviest and largest bell in the country, tipping the scales at nine tonnes!
Entry into the basilica is free, although a small fee grants access to the treasury and the dome. Whether you climb the stairs or take the elevator, reaching the top rewards you with one of the best panoramic views over the city. The interior, meanwhile, dazzles with marble surfaces, golden ornamentation, stained glass windows, as well as intricate mosaics and frescoes. Look for Saint Stephen himself presiding over the main altar, surrounded by artworks from Hungary鈥檚 finest artists.
Another unforgettable highlight here is the grand pipe organ. Music lovers should keep an ear out for concerts鈥攈earing it in action is nothing short of an awe-inspiring experience.
Tip: After visiting, take some time to relax in the square鈥攁 great place to enjoy coffee at open-air cafes while soaking up the view.
For many Hungarians, Saint Stephen鈥檚 is the most important religious site, much as it is a key local attraction for tourists. The building can hold up to 8,500 people at a time and rises 96 meters into the air, matching the height of the Parliament Building鈥攁 record legally reserved for Budapest鈥檚 most iconic structures.
To create this Neoclassical marvel took the work of three architects, including the renowned Mikl贸s Ybl. Adorned with a bust of Saint Istv谩n right above the doorway, the facade features a huge arched portal with Ionian columns, flanked on both sides with huge bell towers. Topping the right tower is the heaviest and largest bell in the country, tipping the scales at nine tonnes!
Entry into the basilica is free, although a small fee grants access to the treasury and the dome. Whether you climb the stairs or take the elevator, reaching the top rewards you with one of the best panoramic views over the city. The interior, meanwhile, dazzles with marble surfaces, golden ornamentation, stained glass windows, as well as intricate mosaics and frescoes. Look for Saint Stephen himself presiding over the main altar, surrounded by artworks from Hungary鈥檚 finest artists.
Another unforgettable highlight here is the grand pipe organ. Music lovers should keep an ear out for concerts鈥攈earing it in action is nothing short of an awe-inspiring experience.
Tip: After visiting, take some time to relax in the square鈥攁 great place to enjoy coffee at open-air cafes while soaking up the view.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Budapest. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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St. Stephen's Basilica on Map
Sight Name: St. Stephen's Basilica
Sight Location: Budapest, Hungary (See walking tours in Budapest)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Budapest, Hungary (See walking tours in Budapest)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Budapest, Hungary
Create Your Own Walk in Budapest
Creating your own self-guided walk in Budapest is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Margaret Island Walking Tour
Stretching for around 2.5 km, Margaret Island (鈥淢argit-sziget鈥�) on the river Danube is a popular green oasis / recreational area that serves as Budapest's playground since the 1870s. Flush with beautiful landscaped parks, ancient ruins and various sports facilities, the island can be accessed either by the historical Margaret Bridge on the south or the Arpad Bridge in the north, from... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Buda Introduction Walking Tour
Hungary鈥檚 capital is relatively young, having emerged in the late 19th century after the merger of two neighboring towns鈥擝uda on the western bank of the Danube and Pest on the eastern side. Buda, with its hills and historic character, is home to the grand Hapsburg palace, still exuding the imperial charm of a time when wealth and power reigned.
From the heights of Castle Hill or Gell茅rt... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
From the heights of Castle Hill or Gell茅rt... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Souvenir Shopping
It will definitely be a pity to leave Budapest without exploring local specialty shops and bringing home something authentically Hungarian. A large number of the city鈥檚 specialty shops are found on V谩ci Street, a pedestrian thoroughfare that parallels the Danube, extending for more than 15 blocks, with something for every taste and wallet. At its most southerly end, you will find Central Market... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Andrassy Avenue Walking Tour
Dating back to 1870 and recognized as a World Heritage site, Andr谩ssy Avenue is a long, wide boulevard named after Prime Minister Gyula Andr谩ssy (served 1867鈥�71) that connects Budapest's downtown with the City Park. The entire stretch is lined with caf茅s, restaurants, luxury shops, as well as cultural institutions, elegant neo-Renaissance apartment blocks, mansions, and embassies with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
Jews were officially allowed to settle in Pest in the early 18th century. By the late 1700s, a small but growing community had taken root, and the 19th century brought rapid urbanization and expansion. The Jewish population soared, with many Jews becoming integral to Budapest鈥檚 economic and cultural life.
Following the Nazi occupation in March 1944, they were forced into a ghetto centered in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Following the Nazi occupation in March 1944, they were forced into a ghetto centered in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Pest Introduction Walking Tour
Separated from its western neighbor Buda by the wide sweep of the Danube, the eastern side of Budapest takes up almost two-thirds of the city. While Buda rises in hills and castle-topped cliffs, Pest spreads out across a flat plain, buzzing with energy and a rather bourgeois spirit. Some of Hungary鈥檚 most iconic landmarks call this side home, including the grand Parliament building itself. No... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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Other than the standalone language and catchy Czardas tune, there's a lot more to memorize Hungary by. Here are some of the things you might want to carry from Budapest to your family and friends back...