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Széchenyi Lánchíd
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Széchenyi Lánchíd

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Széchenyi Lánchíd
4.5
About
Completed in 1849, this bridge was the first to be built across the Hungarian section of the Danube and is now considered to be one of the city's major landmarks.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Várkerület
How to get there
  • Vörösmarty tér • 8 min walk
  • Kossuth Lajos tér • 10 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,233 within 3 miles
Retek Bisztró
1,476
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Hungarian • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Tokio
945
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
KOLLAZS - Brasserie & Bar
1,335
0.2 mi$$$$ • European • Central European • Hungarian
Aranybástya Étterem - Kávéház
144
0.3 miBar • Cafe • International • European
Bigfish Lánchíd Restaurant and Bar
338
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • International • Mediterranean
Dubarry Restaurant
793
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • International • European • Eastern European
Lanchid Brasserie
881
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • European • Pub
Mak
1,033
0.2 mi$$$$ • International • European • Contemporary
Paris Budapest Bar and Restaurant
1,142
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • International • Hungarian • Vegetarian Friendly
Marvelosa
617
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • European • Eastern European
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Attractions
681 within 6 miles
Roosevelt Square
135
27 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Danube River
14,322
0.3 miBodies of Water
Korzo - Danube Embankment (Dunakorzó)
352
0.2 miHistoric Walking Areas
Gresham Palace
579
0.2 miArchitectural Buildings
Shoes on the Danube Bank
21,383
0.3 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Tram Number 2
818
0.2 miScenic Railroads
Clark Adam Square (Clark Adam ter)
170
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Buda Hill Funicular
1,934
0.2 miTrams
Varhegy
10,667
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Halászbástya
32,166
0.5 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
17,583 reviews
Excellent
10,268
Very good
5,610
Average
1,543
Poor
131
Terrible
31
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand3,422 contributions
Historic bridge... iconic symbol of Budapest!
Nov 2022
The fabulous Széchenyi Chain Bridge is currently under renovation, but the beauty of the bridge can still be observed from various vantage points. The original bridge was completed in 1849 -- the first across the Danube in Budapest. It has undergone various repairs and renovations over the years, but largely retained the original look. Like nearly everything in their wake, the bridge spans were blown up by the Nazis in 1945. Fortunately, the pylon towers remain and the bridge was rebuilt and reopened in 1949, a century after the original opening.
Written January 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maggi713
Baltimore, MD11,976 contributions
Being Renovated!
Nov 2022
The Chain Bridge was the first stone bridge connecting the regions of Buda and Pest. It is the second of two permanent bridges that cross the entire length of the Danube River. It is also architecturally beautiful and the city's most recognizable symbol. The bridge name is the Széchenyi Chain Bridge for Count Istvan Szechenyi and construction began in 1839. It was built by Scottish engineer Adam Clark. The official inauguration took place on November 20, 1849.

The bridge spans 662 feet, which made it one of the largest of its kind back in the 1840s. You will also want to check out the lions that adorn the abutments. They are a reproduction of the Trafalgar Square Lions. At night, it’s usually all lit up and just astonishing. At the bridge, you will be able to have breath-taking views of the city on both sides, as well as the magnificent view of St. Stephen’s Basilica. Whether during the day or the night, taking a walk on the Chain Bridge is a must do! It is currently being renovated.
Written November 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
arshadmiantravelling
Middle East711 contributions
A Real Hungarian Icon
Aug 2019
AKA The Chain Bridge, this is a must see for its historical significance as well as architectural mastery.It is the symbol of the city, and you can even see it on a 200-forint coin. At some point in history, it had been the longest suspension bridge in Europe.

The bridge features a sculpture of the Kossuth Coat of Arms at the crown of the tower arches, which is a variation of the Hungarian coat of arms that does not include the Holy Crown on top. The famous lion statues are at the ends of this bridge, with their own fascinating history.
Would recommend taking a walk across the bridge, and just like most landmarks near the Danube and across it, marvel at its beauty under the lights in the night.
Written July 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TravelMan1952
Solihull, UK78 contributions
Beware under reconstruction
Apr 2022
The Chain Bridge is under major reconstruction & is covered in scaffolding & protective sheeting. This has been going on since June 21 & doesn't look likely to be completed until 2§3 at the earliest in my estimation. No access, not lit up at night. If this is one of the reasons for your visit to Budapest. I strongly recommend you delay it until the work is completed.
This also applies to the Royal Palace & The Fisherman's Bastion. Both building sites!
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vadim
Murmansk, Russia25,880 contributions
The second landmark of Budapest is now clearly visible only from the Buda Fortress.
Jul 2022
The Széchenyi Chain Bridgei is the same landmark of Budapest as Orsagaz. The reason is not only aesthetic, but also historical. The bridge was built first across the Danube and actually became a condition for the unification of Buda and Pest in Budapest. Interestingly, the bridge was designed by English engineer William Turner Clark and built under the guidance of Scottish engineer Adam Clark, who are connected only by a common surname and this bridge. It is symbolic that the construction of the bridge and subsequent reconstructions were connected with the war. The bridge was put into operation in 1849 during the War of Independence, the first reconstruction took place during the First World War. During World War II, the Germans blew up the bridge and restored it immediately after in 1849, exactly 100 years after construction. And here is another reconstruction and another war. I couldn't repeat my hike 14 years ago - the bridge is closed for reconstruction. It is impossible to go to the bridge. The best way to see from the Buda Fortress.
Written October 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Calvin K
4 contributions
Closed until 2023
May 2022 • Solo
Closed until 2023.
As another user stated it has been closed since June 2021.
No access and everything under covers and lots of scaffolding. Quite a few areas under construction until 2023 (150 year anniversary or something like that) so bear in mind before you travel here if it will affect you:
Gellerts hill cave. Elizabeth Lookout Tower. Seven places in Castle Hill. Citadella. Liberty statue etc
Chairlift is closed until 3.06.22 (from 01.05.22) still plenty to see though.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Juliet R
Budapest, Hungary366 contributions
Absolute Favorite Bridge in Budapest
Jan 2020 • Solo
A great place to walk or linger to admire the Danube. You can walk across in minutes to either side and there are steps down to waterside and underneath. Well placed benches waterside and great photo ops from alongside the boats or docks. As you walk across check out the inscriptions at beginning and end and also by the Lions on all sides.
I think evenings or early mornings are best because less vehicles and people and you can get better unobstructed views of the surrounding buildings & Danube.
Enjoy walking in the evenings as the sun sets all the city is lit with golden lights.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Onleaveagain
Stratford-upon-Avon, UK8,116 contributions
Iconic bridge undergoing renovation work
Aug 2022
During our recent visit to Budapest, this bridge was undergoing major renovation works and therefore it wasn’t possible to walk over it. In fact, a lot of the structure was concealed with hoardings and the like. Having visited Budapest before this is an iconic landmark and one which must not be missed once the works have been completed
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dhritiman_B
Eindhoven, The Netherlands31 contributions
Going to the dreamland...
Dec 2022
Chain bridge was one of the major attractions which pulled us there. Thanks to some bollywood sequences. However there was a heart break when we realized no pedestrians are allowed on this bridge. No worries, we took to the otherside through bus and took the snaps and let this unfulfilled wish a "to do" for the next trip. Another let down was, due to ongoing renovations, the lights were off during the night. Thus the major beauty of this bridge during night was lost :(
Written January 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alex S
Leicester, UK152 contributions
A Magnificent Suspension
Oct 2019
If you stroll along the River Danube embankment from the Parliament building or walk from St Stephen's Basilica directly towards the bridge you can cover so many interesting tourist venues in 1 day. Everyone knows this bridge as " Chain Bridge " but officially as the " Szechenyi Chain Bridge".
The suspension bridge was designed and made in sections in England and imported to Budapest.Hungary. The bridge spans the River Danube between Bude and Pest ie the Western and Eastern sides of Budapest. The bridge was designed by an English Engineer namely William Tierney Clark and built by a Scottish Engineer called Adam Clarke. The construction was overseen by Adam Clark and was completed in 1849. It was the 1st permanent bridge crossing the Danube in Budapest. Prior to this people used to cross the River by a ferry. The bridge's Span is 380 mtrs with facilities for the flow of 2 lane traffic and provides enclosed safe pavements for pedestrians either side. The bridge is anchored on the Pest side in Szechenyi (formerly Roosevelt Sq) adjacent to the Gresham Palace and on the Bude side to the Adam Clark Sq near the lower end of Castle hill Funicular leading to Budha Castle.
The Bridge Towers are richly decorated with the Hungary Coats of Arms with the crown and a wreathed of leaves and the Portals are decorated with Stone Lion Statues by Sculptor Jan Marschalko.
During the protests against Soviet Rule in 1989 the bridge was the site of demonstrations, this added to the people's love of the bridge and made it a symbol of Independence. The Chain Bridge and the Parliament building stands out with their glittering night illuminations. It's a must you should visit Bath venues during the day and night.
The bridge's of Budapest Are:-Megger, Arpod, Margaret, Chain, Elizabeth, Liberty, Pitofi, Lagymanyosi.
Do visit the Fisherman's Bastion and the Budha Castle and take some spectacular photos of the lower part of the River embankment etc of course the Chain Bridge and Parliament House. Thisis a must on your visit list.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Széchenyi Lánchíd (Budapest) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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