Skip the line and take a guided tour of Saint Stephen's Basilica including an exclusive visit to its dome for spectacular panoramic views over Budapest. Learn about the history, admire beautiful artworks, and see the oldest human hand in the world.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 1 hour
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Skip the ticket line
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
- Private or small groups available
Experience
Highlights
- Visit Saint Stephen's Basilica, the main Catholic church in Budapest
- Enjoy skip-the-line entry and save precious vacation time
- Take a guided tour of the church in English, including its monumental artworks and relics
- Admire panoramic views over the city from the dome
- Explore the treasury and historical exhibition
Full description
Meet your English-speaking tour guide in front of Saint Stephen's Basilica and start your guided tour inside the church. Built in the 2nd half of the 19th century, it is one of Budapest’s highlights, known for its monumental dome and beautiful Neo-Renaissance architecture. See the mysterious relic the Holy Right, the naturally mummified right hand of the first Hungarian king Saint Stephen who ruled the country in the 11th century and converted Hungarians to Christianity. Learn about the 1000 years old Christian history of a proud nation.
Enjoy a guided tour inside the church to see its rich interior covered with real gold and decorated with many frescos and sculptures made by the best local artists of the late 19th century. Then, take an elevator and continue your guided tour to the panoramic terrace around the dome, an amazing lookout point above the whole of Budapest.
After the guided tour you can use your ticket to enter the treasury and history exhibition of the basilica which you can explore at your own pace. If the church cannot be visited because of an unforeseen special ceremony, you will be compensated with a guided tour in the treasury and history exhibition where you will learn about the history of the building and about Cardinal Mindszenty the brave leader of the Catholic church who was tortured and imprisoned during the Communist regime.
Includes
- Guided tour in English inside Basilica and on the lookout terrace around the dome
- Entry to the church
- Use of the elevator and entry to the panoramic terrace
- Entry to the treasury and historical exhibition
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All required protective equipment is provided
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
On the steps in front of St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest, Szent István tér 1., 1051 Magyarország
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Not allowed
- Shorts
- Sleeveless shirts
Know before you go
- The church is closed on some special occasions like wedding ceremonies
- Please wear clothes appropriate for a church (no sleeveless tops, short skirts or shorts); men should uncover their heads
- It is forbidden to eat, drink, or smoke in the church area
- To reach the dome panorama terrace there are 2 elevators: a bigger one in the lower part and a smaller one in the upper part of the building; instead of using the second smaller elevator you may climb about 200 steps to reach the top of the dome, in case there are too many people waiting for the elevator
- People who cannot climb steep steps should choose the tour option for people with limited mobility. Unfortunately this option is still not suitable for wheelchair users
