For one day in Budapest, start at the Hungarian Parliament Building, walk south along the Pest riverbank to Shoes on the Danube Bank and continue toward Chain Bridge. A stop at St Stephen’s Basilica adds a central landmark and panoramic terrace to the day.
- Starting point: Kossuth Lajos tér, beside Parliament
- Parliament to Chain Bridge: about 1 km, or 15–20 minutes without stops
- Memorial: on an open public embankment, with no admission charge or set opening hours
- Afternoon option: St Stephen’s Basilica, with separate church and terrace ticket options
Start with Parliament and Kossuth Lajos tér
The Hungarian Parliament Building stands on Kossuth Lajos tér on the Pest bank of the Danube and serves as the seat of Hungary’s National Assembly. From a bed and breakfast near Parliament, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the building; Kossuth Lajos tér is about 3 minutes on foot from the same starting point.
Give the square and the riverfront a look before setting off south. If you want to go inside Parliament, tour arrangements are a separate part of the day. Otherwise, keep the walk focused on the exterior and the riverside route.
Kossuth Lajos tér is served by metro line M2, making it a practical point to begin or rejoin the route. The Parliament quarter also puts the day’s first riverside landmarks within walking distance. If you’re planning an interior visit, use this guide to Parliament tours and visiting to plan that stop.
Walk the Danube to Shoes on the Danube Bank
Shoes on the Danube Bank is a memorial on the Pest embankment between Parliament and Chain Bridge, about 300 metres south of Parliament. From Anabelle Bed, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the memorial.
The memorial consists of 60 pairs of cast-iron shoes. Film director Can Togay conceived it, and sculptor Gyula Pauer created it; it was unveiled on 16 April 2005. It commemorates people murdered by Arrow Cross militiamen in 1944–45, primarily members of Budapest’s Jewish community.
The memorial sits on an open public embankment, so there is no admission charge or set opening time. Take time to pause here, then continue south along the river. Tram 2 serves the embankment, with stops at Kossuth Lajos tér and Széchenyi István tér.
How do you get from Parliament to Chain Bridge?
Walk south along the Danube embankment from Parliament, passing Shoes on the Danube Bank before reaching Chain Bridge. The route is about 1 km and takes 15–20 minutes without stops.
Chain Bridge is approximately 300 metres south of the memorial. From there, look across the river toward the Buda bank, or cross the bridge if you want to continue your walk on that side.
The riverfront tram stops at Kossuth Lajos tér and Széchenyi István tér; for more on routes and fares, use this guide to getting around Budapest by public transport.
Choose a Central Budapest Afternoon Stop
St Stephen’s Basilica is a central afternoon stop with a church hall, Panoramic Terrace and Treasury. The church hall is open Monday–Saturday, 9:00–17:45, and Sunday, 13:00–17:45; the terrace and Treasury are open 9:00–19:00 every day.
Adult admission is 2,600 HUF for the church, 5,000 HUF for the Panoramic Terrace and Treasury, or 6,800 HUF for a combined ticket. Church-hall admission is free for children under 6. A disabled visitor and one companion can also enter free with appropriate identification.
Weekend church-hall visits may be limited by wedding ceremonies, so check the official site before you go. If you’re planning to visit the church and terrace, check their hours and ticket options before choosing the order of your afternoon stops.
FAQs
Can you visit Shoes on the Danube Bank without a ticket?
Yes. The memorial is on an open public embankment, has no admission charge and has no set opening hours.
How far is Shoes on the Danube Bank from Parliament?
It is approximately 300 metres south of the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Which metro stop serves the memorial?
Kossuth Lajos tér is the nearest listed metro stop for Shoes on the Danube Bank, and it is served by line M2.
Does St Stephen’s Basilica have a combined ticket?
Yes. The combined adult ticket for the church, Panoramic Terrace and Treasury costs 6,800 HUF. Check the official site before you go for current visiting details.