Szechenyi Chain Bridge Tours

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.

Plan a trip to see Szechenyi Chain Bridge

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Ikonik Parlament

Budapest City Centre

￥173,814

per person

Sep 5 - Sep 7

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Osaka (OSA) to Budapest (BUD)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,011 reviews)

Eurostars Palazzo Zichy

Budapest City Centre

￥175,434

per person

Sep 5 - Sep 7

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Osaka (OSA) to Budapest (BUD)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,008 reviews)

Three things make this hotel stand out among many, many options - (1) if you don't speak Hungarian - no worries - they don't either! When we checked in at night, the desk clerk said we were the first to use Hungarian that day among his guests. They speak Spanish and English, as the hotel is a Spanish concern. (2). If you have anyone in your group with some limited mobility/old, again this place is perfect as it is 30 steps from three really good restaurants, and 200 feet from a dozen places to eat, easy. Even if you group goes their separate ways throughout the day (like us!), they can reunite at the hotel, and 10 minutes after changing their clothes be at an (expensive) Hungarian restaurant, a really solid Czech option, or a wonderful and affordable Italian place around the corner. (3) the square upon which the hotel is located is delightful. Small, shady, peaceful, and if you are a member of the Church of Rome, the church which is 70 feet away from the front door has got a 6 PM mass option. Their bells aren't too loud either! Easy to have Uber meet you at the front of the hotel without causing a traffic jam/shouting from random people as it is so peaceful and off the main drag. You can just leave granny at the hotel and she'll have a great time within a radius of less than 200 feet. We used to stay at the Astoria every summer because of transit connectivity, but are switching to this one. Strongly recommended.

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2026