Hotels near Széchenyi Chain Bridge

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd) was the first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest when it opened in 1849. Designed by English engineer William Tierney Clark and built by Scottish engineer Adam Clark, the suspension bridge spans 375 metres across the Danube. The stone lions guarding each end were sculpted by János Marschalkó and have become symbols of the city.

A full reconstruction completed in 2023 restored the Chain Bridge to its 19th-century appearance while upgrading the structural steel underneath. The chain bridge walk across takes about 10 minutes and connects Clark Ádám tér (Buda) with Széchenyi István tér (Pest). The bridge is illuminated every evening, and walking across after dark is one of the best free experiences in Budapest.

Pro Tip: Walk the bridge at sunset heading from Pest to Buda. You will face the castle bathed in golden light, with the sun setting behind Gellért Hill - the single best photo opportunity in the city.