If you’re looking for Roosevelt Square, ask for Széchenyi Square since it was officially given that name in 2011. The new but historic name honors Count István Széchenyi, who donated one year of his income in 1825 to establish the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, which borders the square. He also initiated construction of the Chain Bridge. Find the statue of Széchenyi that has been in place in the square since 1880, far predating Roosevelt’s presence.
The square was given its Roosevelt name in 1947 in tribute to Franklin Delano Roosevelt for his Allied leadership during World War II, helping to end the Nazi occupation of Budapest and Hungary.
The Four Seasons Hotel along the square occupies the neoclassical Gresham Palace. Be sure to view the outside and visit the lobby to see the stained glass, ironworks, mosaics and garden details that make this site a popular photo destination. The palace was built in 1906 and has served as an office building, aristocrat home, Soviet military residence and apartment building, all leading to decay of its original grandeur. In 2001, the Four Seasons hotel company purchased the building and turned it into a luxury hotel, restoring many of the original details.
The Roosevelt Square on the Pest side is connected to Buda by the Széchenyi Chain Bridge spanning the Danube River. Note the resemblance of this bridge to the Marlow Bridge on the Thames River in England. William Tierney Clark designed both. This is the first of eight bridges built in Budapest. It was opened in 1849, providing significant enhancement to merging of Buda and Pest economies. During World War II, the bridge was badly damaged and was rebuilt to reopen in 1949, 100 years after its original construction.
Enjoy the night view of the illuminated bridge and Buda Castle from Roosevelt Square or from a Danube River boat cruise. You can easily walk across the 1,230 feet (375 meters) from Pest to Buda and look back to see the view of Roosevelt Square and Parliament slightly to the north.
The square and bridge are both open at all times.
Szechenyi Istvan Square Tours and Activities
Visit Szechenyi Istvan Square
Tours & day trips
See all 666 activitiesOpens in new tabBudapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise
Private & custom tours
See all 290 activitiesOpens in new tabZagreb - Budapest
Wildlife & nature
See all 11 activitiesOpens in new tabBudapest Segway Tour
Attractions
See all 8 activitiesOpens in new tabEntrance to Szechenyi Spa in Budapest
Classes & workshops
See all 37 activitiesOpens in new tabBudapest: Hungarian Cooking Class with a Professional Chef
Popular places to visit
Szechenyi Chain Bridge
Learn about the intriguing history and construction of the city’s most famous bridge, which offers interesting views along the River Danube.
Budapest Eye
Enjoy a stop at Budapest Eye, an entertaining place to visit in Budapest. Experience the area's acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums.
Little Princess Statue
You can learn about the history of Budapest when you stop by Little Princess Statue. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.
Vorosmarty Square
Find out about the history of Budapest with a stop at Vorosmarty Square. Experience the area's entertainment choices and acclaimed art scene.
Danube Promenade
You can find out about the history of Budapest with a visit to Danube Promenade. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this family-friendly area.
Adam Clark Square
You can learn about the history of Budapest with a stop at Adam Clark Square. Experience the area's fascinating museums and entertainment choices.
Best Lodging Options Near Szechenyi Istvan Square
Check availability on hotels close to Szechenyi Istvan Square
- Vacations and getaways similar to Szechenyi Istvan Square
- Other Hotels near Szechenyi Istvan Square, Budapest City Centre
- Hotels near popular Budapest Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Szechenyi Istvan Square
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Gellert Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool
- Buda Castle
- Parliament Building
- Szechenyi Thermal Bath
- St. Stephen's Basilica
- Szechenyi Chain Bridge
- Hungarian State Opera House
- Fisherman's Bastion
- Budapest Castle Hill Funicular
- Hungarian National Museum
- Andrassy Avenue
- Hungexpo Budapest Fair Center
- Elisabeth Bridge
- Las Vegas Casino
- Matthias Church
- Prestige Hotel Budapest
- Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
- Four Seasons Gresham Palace
- Emerald Hotel
- Hotel Vision
- 7seasons Apartments Budapest
- Barcelo Budapest
- Three Corners Downtown Hotel
- Ana Palace by Eurostars Hotel Company
- The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest
- Pullman Budapest
- Monastery Boutique Hotel Budapest
- Hotels near Gellert Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool
- Hotels near Parliament Building
- Hotels near Szechenyi Thermal Bath
- Hotels near St. Stephen's Basilica
- Hotels near Szechenyi Chain Bridge
- Hotels near Vaci Street
- Hotels near Fisherman's Bastion
- Hotels near Ferenc Puskas Stadium
- Hotels near Hungexpo Budapest Fair Center