Temple and Synagogue Tickets and Tours in Budapest

If you plan to visit Budapest you will see that it is a city that stands out for its architectural richness. The castles, palaces, suspension bridges and medieval cobblestone streets contribute to create a fairytale skyline, but the churches and synagogues also do their part, which not only offer beauty, but also a sample of the religious tolerance that historically distinguished the Hungarian capital.

Visiting the Great Synagogue, touring the Basilica of St. Stephen, visit the Church of St. Matthias and be surprised with the Church of Gellert Hill Cave are part of the best activities you can do in Budapest, a multicultural and vibrant city that will leave you breathless.

The Great Synagogue of Budapest, also known as the Dohany Street Synagogue, is the largest synagogue in Europe and one of the largest in the world. During the Second World War, this temple became a temporary shelter for Jews persecuted by the Nazis, as well as a place where the belongings of the deportees were stored. That is why, today, it is not only a religious monument, but also a Holocaust memorial.

The synagogue is also a symbol of the rich Jewish history of Hungary and in its vicinity is the Jewish Museum, which houses objects that tell the story of Jewish life in Hungary before and after the war, besides being the place where Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, lived most of his life.

On the other hand, the architecture of this temple combines Moorish, Byzantine and Gothic styles with oriental decorative details. Its facade is adorned with red and yellow bricks and two octagonal towers crowned with onion-shaped domes. The interior is rich in detail, with hanging chandeliers and horseshoe arches. A visit to the Great Synagogue is a must for both its historical value and its architecture.

Details of interest

• Price: general admission has an initial cost of approximately 7 euros.
• Location: Dohány u. 2, Budapest.
• Hours: Sundays to Fridays from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm.

If you want to know one of the most beautiful buildings in Budapest and one of the protagonists of the itineraries of the best guided tours of the city, you can not miss the St. Stephen's Basilica. This Catholic church is one of the most important in Hungary and an essential landmark in the capital. The basilica is also named after the country's first king, considered the founder of the Hungarian state.

One of the most remarkable aspects of St. Stephen's Basilica is the relic it houses: the mummified right hand of King St. Stephen, known as the Holy Right Hand. This relic, revered by many, attracts both the faithful and tourists from around the world, giving the basilica both a spiritual and historical character. In addition, it has a capacity of more than 8,000 people, making it one of the largest temples in Hungary.

Architecturally, the basilica is a mixture of neoclassical and Renaissance styles, with a façade adorned with Corinthian columns and a dome that dominates the Budapest skyline. If you wish, during your visit you can climb to the top of the church, from where you can enjoy a wide panoramic view of the city.

On the other hand, the strategic position of St. Stephen's will allow you to visit other main attractions of this destination, such as Andrassy Avenue or the Parliament of Budapest, for which you can get tickets here.

Interesting details

• Price: from 17 euros.
• Location: Szent István tér 1, Budapest.
• Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9.00 am to 5.45 pm.

Located on the top of the Buda Castle hill, Matthias Church is one of the most emblematic temples of Budapest. Its history dates back to the 13th century and, over the centuries, it has witnessed some of the most important events in Hungarian history, such as royal coronations and religious ceremonies of great significance. In addition, during the Ottoman occupation, the church was converted into a mosque, thus showing a crossover of styles.

The church is famous for being linked to King Matthias Corvinus, one of Hungary's most important monarchs, who ruled in the 15th century. It was during his reign that the church was renovated and embellished, and it is to him that much of its late Gothic splendor is attributed. Likewise, Matthias celebrated two of his weddings in this church, which consolidated his historical link with the building.

The architecture of Matthias Church is a fusion of Gothic and neo-Gothic styles, notable for its towers, stained glass windows and diamond-shaped tile-covered roof. The interior is no less impressive and is decorated with frescoes, colorful details and a statue of the Virgin Mary on the main altar.

Nearby you can visit the Buda Castle, the Fisherman's Bastion and contemplate from the heights some of the best wide views of the Hungarian capital. It is also one of the attractions that are included in the list of the Budapest Card tourist pass.

Details of interest

• Price: from 5 euros.
• Location: Szentháromság tér 2, Budapest.
• Opening hours: daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

St. Anne's Church in Pest is one of the most outstanding baroque buildings in the city. Built by the Jesuits, this church has withstood invasions, wars and political changes, but has always maintained its importance as a place of worship and as a historical landmark, since during the Turkish occupation the area was devastated. However, the reconstruction of the church marked a spiritual and cultural renaissance in the region.

The exterior of this church, unlike other Jesuit temples, is majestic and features twin towers crowned with domes, creating a symmetrical balance. Details carved in stone and statues of saints, including St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, adorn the facade and give importance to the central nave.

On the other hand, its location adjacent to the Danube River makes it an easily accessible attraction for visitors touring the historic center of Budapest. In fact, just a few minutes away you can visit the Hungarian Parliament, the Chain Bridge and the Váci Utca shopping district.

Interesting details

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Szervita tér 6, Budapest.
• Opening hours: daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

If you want to know one of the best kept secrets of Budapest, you can not miss the Reformist Church of Szilagyi Dezso Square. Built in a neo-Gothic style with influences of the local Hungarian architecture, its construction coincided with a period of great development for the reformist community in Hungary, which sought to reflect its identity through a differentiated architecture.

The church, however, stands out for its sobriety and simplicity, typical of the reformist style, which rejects excessive decorations in favor of a more austere atmosphere focused on spirituality. Its facade is of red brick with geometric details and its octagonal bell tower, crowned by a pointed spire, has become a distinctive symbol of the Buda landscape. The equally simple interior features a wide nave and a carved wooden ceiling.

In terms of importance, this church has been a symbol of the Protestant community in Budapest since its inauguration. During the years of the world wars the temple suffered damage, but was successfully restored, standing as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Reformed community.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Szilágyi Dezső tér 3, Budapest.
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.

The Parish Church of St. Elizabeth of Arpad House is not one of the main temples of Budapest, but it is of great historical and architectural importance in the city. Built in honor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a Hungarian princess canonized for her dedication to the poor and the sick, the church was built during a period of great nationalist fervor, when it sought to honor key figures in local history, Elizabeth being one of the most beloved for her legacy of charity and Christian devotion.

With an unmistakable neo-Gothic architecture, designed by architect Imre Steindl, the same creator of the Hungarian Parliament, the church reaches 76 meters high and is inspired by the great medieval European cathedrals. The front is also adorned with ornate details, including pointed arches, gargoyles and stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of St. Elizabeth.

This church also hosts classical music concerts and significant religious events for the local community, especially during Christmas. If you plan to visit Budapest in December, you can attend the festive eve celebrations there.

Details of interest

• Price: from 5 euros.
• Location: Rózsák tere 8, Budapest.
• Hours: daily from 7.00 am to 12.00 noon and from 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm.

The Kazinczy Synagogue is one of the most important Hebrew temples of the city, but mainly it is an example of the Art Nouveau architecture of Hungary. Designed by the Loffler brothers, famous architects of the early 20th century, it remains a symbol of Budapest's Jewish community and, unlike other better known synagogues in the Hungarian capital, it represents the Orthodox tradition and its design is aligned with the strict rules of this branch of Judaism.

The history of the Kazinczy Synagogue, moreover, is deeply connected to the ups and downs of Budapest's Jewish community. During World War II, the Jewish quarter was turned into a ghetto and many of the religious buildings, including the synagogue, were damaged. However, in the decades after the war, the Kazinczy Synagogue was restored and is now a landmark of resistance and the continuity of Jewish life.

Nearby you can enjoy the surrounding area and participate in some of the best tours of Budapest's Jewish Quarter.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Kazinczy u. 29-31, Budapest.
• Hours: daily from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

If you are one of those who when visiting a city enjoy discovering the most unique sites of each destination, then you can't miss the Gellert Hill Cave Church, which is hidden in the heart of a cave carved into the rock.

Its history dates back to 1926, when it was established by Pauline monks who found this cave an ideal place for spiritual retreat and prayer. Inspired by the sacred cave of Lourdes in France, the monks decided to convert this natural space into a place of worship dedicated to the Virgin Mary. However, the communist regime sealed the entrance to the church and persecuted the monks. It was not until the fall of communism in 1989 that the church was reopened and restored, regaining its religious and spiritual function.

The most remarkable particularity of the Cave Church is its architecture, as it is carved directly into the rock of Gellert Hill, giving it a mystical and austere atmosphere. Instead of following the model of traditional churches with large facades and towers, its entrance is discreet, camouflaged by the natural rock. The interior is also made of natural limestone and features a series of altars and statues.

The location of the Cave Church is another attraction, as it is situated on the iconic Gellért Hill, which offers some of the best panoramic views of Budapest.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Szent Gellért rkp. 1, Budapest.
• Hours: Monday to Saturday 9.30 am to 7.30 pm.

The Ruined Church of St. Mary Magdalene is one of the most striking monuments of the city. Built by the Franciscans in the 13th century, the church originally served as the main place of worship for Hungarian Christians in Buda, while the nearby Matthias Church was intended for worshippers of other nationalities. However, it was razed during the Ottoman occupation and converted into a mosque.

The architecture of the church, or what remains of it, combines Gothic and Romanesque elements, reflecting the different phases of its construction and influences over the centuries. Although much of the structure was destroyed during the bombings of World War II, the Gothic bell tower and some walls have survived, standing as a reminder of Budapest's medieval Catholic history.

During the communist era, the ruins were abandoned, but in the late 20th century their historical significance has been enhanced. Today, the site is not only a place of reflection on the past, but also a cultural space where concerts and outdoor events are held. It is also a magical space to walk around during snowy days, a pleasure you can enjoy if you plan to visit Budapest during the winter.

Interesting details

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Kapisztrán tér 6, Budapest.
• Hours: daily from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.

St. Michael's Church is one of the oldest Catholic temples in the city. Built on the remains of a medieval church destroyed during the Ottoman occupation, this late Baroque temple survived the bombings of World War II, even serving as a shelter for the local community.

The church's main altarpiece, which is dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel and is the main attraction of this site, is a masterpiece depicting the archangel in his fight against evil. The side altars accompany the staging with sculptures and details that reflect the devotion and Hungarian grandeur of the time in which it was built.

On the other hand, in the vicinity of St. Michael's Church you can enjoy one of the most dynamic areas of the city: Váci Street. It is the main pedestrian and commercial artery of Budapest and there you can explore trendy stores, cafes and restaurants that are often included in the tours of the best gastronomic tours of the Hungarian capital

Interesting details

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Váci u 47/b, Budapest.
• Hours: daily from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.