Szechenyi Chain Bridge

Szechenyi Chain Bridge showing a castle, heritage architecture and a bridge
Learn about the intriguing history and construction of the city’s most famous bridge, which offers interesting views along the River Danube.

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is the oldest bridge connecting the two sides of Budapest across the River Danube. Opened in 1849, it was considered a triumph of engineering and played a huge role in the growth of the city. Admire the elegant classicist design of this cast iron suspension bridge that has become an icon of Budapest.

See the iron chains that lead from the top of the pillars across the bridge. Encounter the lion statues that guard the entrances. Capture photos of the bridge that incorporate its two large arched towers. Couples attach locks to the side of this bridge as a romantic gesture.

Make your way through the tunnel in Buda Hill to reach the beginnings of the bridge. The tunnel is roughly the same size as the bridge, which has a total length of 1,230 feet (375 meters) and a width of 49 feet (15 meters).

See the structure at night, when its towers are illuminated against the night sky. Stand in the center of the bridge for a view of Budapest’s skyline, with Buda Hill and Gresham Palace among the nearby highlights.

Note the inscription on either side of the bridge bearing the name of its 19th-century architectural supervisor, Adam Clark. Read the plaque on the eastern Pest flank that commemorates another architect.

The construction of the bridge took 9 years from 1840. It takes its name from István Széchenyi, one of the main proponents of the project. English engineer William Tierney Clark designed it as a larger version of his Marlow Bridge on the River Thames in London. Hear how retreating German forces blew up the bridge at the end of World War II. It was reconstructed in 1949.

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge connects Buda with Pest right in the heart of the city. It is to the north of the Elisabeth Bridge on the River Danube. Ride the subway to the Vörösmarty tér metro stop on the eastern flank of the river. You can also take a bus or boat to one of the stops near the bridge.

Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa
Hard Rock Hotel Budapest
The Amberlyn Suite Hotel
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Szechenyi Chain Bridge

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
534
" "5 - Excellent 50.712250712250714%
4 - Good
472
" "4 - Good 44.82431149097816%
3 - Okay
45
" "3 - Okay 4.273504273504273%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.1899335232668566%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
22 Jul 2019

Literally just around the corner from the hotel.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Mar 2019

Nice walk along the Danube or short tram ride

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Feb 2019

Easy to walk over and great atmosphere

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Feb 2019

do night boat trip when lit up. Hop on hop off buses (EG Giraffe) include 1 hr boat trip for free from jetty 8 on Pest side, beautiful when bridge & city lit up. 3 day hop on hop off ticket is a good way to get around, costs barely more than the 1 day ticket, but has extensive routes, 47 stops..

5/5 - Excellent

PhilReames
18 Nov 2018

Great to use the bridges as a Landmark when walking through this city. Hop on Tour is okay but walking is better!

Popular places to visit


Top Szechenyi Chain Bridge Hotel Deals

Danubius Hotel Astoria City Center
Danubius Hotel Astoria City Center
4 out of 5
Kossuth Lajos utca 19-21, Budapest
Danubius Hotel Astoria City Center
Park Plaza Budapest
Park Plaza Budapest
4 out of 5
Bem Rakpart 16-19, Budapest
Park Plaza Budapest
InterContinental Budapest, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Budapest, an IHG Hotel
5 out of 5
Apaczai Csere Janos 12-14, Budapest
InterContinental Budapest, an IHG Hotel
7seasons Apartments Budapest
7seasons Apartments Budapest
4 out of 5
Király utca 8, Budapest
7seasons Apartments Budapest
D8 Hotel
D8 Hotel
3 out of 5
Dorottya u. 8., Budapest
D8 Hotel
Hilton Budapest
Hilton Budapest
5 out of 5
Hess A Ter 1-3, Budapest
Hilton Budapest
Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Four Seasons Gresham Palace
5 out of 5
Széchenyi István tér 5-6, Budapest
Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.