One of the most iconic shots of Budapest is a brightly lit building at the banks of a blue river,enticing tourists to visit Budapest. That building stands tall during the day, contrasting the Danube’s azure hues. This attraction makes it to the top of things to do in Budapest in all the lists and continually impresses with the brilliant architecture. It is the Hungarian Parliament.
The Hungarian Parliament, also known as the Budapest Parliament is one of the city’s most iconic buildings, indeed, no photo of Budapest is complete without some part of the building being shown. The stunning architecture is the current seat of the Hungarian Parliament and offers a keen insight into Hungary’s political past. From being an independent state, to being a part of the Austro-Hungarian empire to World War I, to being a Soviet Satellite state, Hungarian politics are diverse and the history is rich. Hungary’s current Prime Minister and his staff use the office and a portion of the building is opened for visitors.
Budapest Parliament in a Nutshell
Opening Hours
- 8 am to 6 pm, from Monday to Friday
- 8 am to 4 pm, on Saturday and Sunday
Know before you go
Best time to visit - The best time to visit the attraction is in the evening, when the parliament lights up and looks all kinds of pretty
Starting Prices for Budapest Parliament Tickets - €18.50
Suggested duration 50 minutes to an hour
Location - Budapest, Hungary
Address
Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Hungary
Get there
History of Budapest Parliament
The Hungarian Parliament is one of the finest buildings in the world, and it stands as a symbol of the country and everything it has gone through over the years. Until 1843, the Hungarians did not have a Parliament building of their own. Following the shift of the capital from present day Bratislava to Budapest, it was found necessary to build an imperial building for the Government.
To find the best design for the Parliament Building, a competition was held in 1880, and Hungarian architect, Imre Steindl won. His design was inspired by the British Parliament. Similar to the British Parliament, the Hungarian Parliament is also located on the banks of a river- the Danube. The elements of the building had neo-Gothic and Revivalist elements which have added a beautiful charm to the building.
The work for the building began in 1885 and was inaugurated in the year 1896, to mark the 1000’s anniversary of Hungary. The building was completed in the year 1902, but the architect went blind before the building was completed and died in 1902. The Parliament Building is resilient and has stood the test of time. It has survived two World Wars, uprisings, protests and revolutions. In spite of the tumultuous history it has witnessed, the building stands tall and majestic on the Danube riverside.
.jpg?auto=compress&fm=webp&w=1200&h=750&crop=faces&fit=min)
Which Budapest Parliament Tickets Should You Buy?
Since the Parliament building is a popular choice among tourists and locals alike, as it should be - it IS the perfect way to dive into history (irrespective of the fact if history is your jam or not), and explore a world that we know very little about.
Hence, long waiting lines are natural. Here are some Budapest Parliament Tickets you can buy, so you can save time and dime:
Plan Your Visit
Budapest Parliament Opening Hours
The Budapest Parliament is open from 8 am to 6 pm through the week (Monday to Friday) and from 8 am to 4 pm on the weekends (Saturday and Sunday)
Getting to the Parliament
By Bus
- Bus 100E is the best option to get to the Parliament from the airport.
- Metro Line 2 is one that takes you the closest to the Hungarian Parliament.
- Tram line 2 from Kossuth Lajos Square Station, is your ride to the Parliament
By Metro
By Tram
Best Time To Visit Budapest Parliament
In a day, the best time to visit the Parliament is the evening, because that's when you'll find the Parliament the prettiest, what with it being lit up entirely.
In a year, visiting Budapest is ideal from March to May or September to November. During these seasons, the weather is idyllic, and tourist crowds are minimal.
Top Things to Do at Budapest Parliament
1The Hungarian Crown
The Crown jewels and other insignia lie in the Dome Hall of the Parliament Building. These jewels are guarded 24 hours a day by guards. There is a change of guard every few hours which can be observed by the visitors coming on tour. Photography of the crown jewels is not permitted.
2Staircase XVII
The tour starts off with Staircase XVII, which is a decorated gold plated staircase. It leads to the main floor of the Parliament Building. Beautiful stained glass windows, rich and decorative frescoes welcome visitors to the opulence of the Parliament Building.
3The Old Upper House Hall
This Hall used to house the the Upper House of Parliament till Hungary decided to turn into a one House Government. The Hall is used for conferences and official meetings at present. It is a resplendent room, with gold plated decorations, and galleries. Behind the podium, there are paintings of coats of arms of Hungary’s royal families. There is seating for 453 people in this room.
4The Upper House Lobby
The speciality of the Upper House Lobby is a hand knotted turquoise floor carpet. The pillars are adorned with statues of old Hungarian national groups and Hungarian crafts and culture. The lobby has ornate gold gilded ceilings with paintings.
5Dome Hall
The Dome Hall houses the Hungarian crown and royal insignia. The dome has a rib vaulted ceiling replete with stained glass paintings on the windows. On the base of the rib vaulted pillars, there are statues of Hungarian rulers on gold pedestals.
6Grand Stairway
This stunning staircase is the epitome of beauty and opulence in the Hungarian Parliament building. This stairway has 96 stairs which are carpeted with a red carpet. This adds to the royal look of the building. It connects the main entrance to the Dome Hall. The speciality of this are eight granite columns, the style of which is so unique that there are only 12 such columns in the world. The windows are adorned with decorative stained glass panels.
7Hungarian Parliament Museum
This museum is located in the Visitors Centre and is free for everyone to visit. It currently has the following exhibits,
- 1000 Years of Hungarian Legislation
- History of the Construction of the Courtyard
- Stone Museum
- 1956 Memorial
These exhibits are open for the public and tell the history of Hungary. The history of construction talks about the Parliament Building and is filled with audio and visual elements. The Stone Museum houses carvings and the 1956 Memorial is a symbol for the 1956 Uprising against the Soviets.
Attractions near the Budapest Parliament
Dubbed the 'City of Baths' or 'Spa City', Budapest is a city rich with thermal springs. You know where you should be going for your next vacation if relaxing in a spring is ideal for you. Because there so many to choose from, finding the perfect Budapest Bath is nothing short of a herculean task. Don't worry though, we've got you!
St. Peter's Basilica is that one structure that represents Rome and Christianity insanely well. In fact, a visit to the Vatican City where you've not visited this marvel - would be considered incomplete. Sorry, we don't make the rules!
On the Buda side of the city, the Gellért Hill & Castle District Guided Tour has to be one of the most wholesome experiences in the city. Walking around the Castle district is a good way to soak up the history of the city and admire everything that the city has on offer.
If you're in Budapest, and you don't go on a Danube River Course ,are you really in Budapest? It's often said that the best way to feel the romance in the city, is to take a Danube River Cruise. Well, what are you waiting for?
Budapest Parliament: Visitor Tips
These are a few important tips to know before you plan your trip to the Hungarian Parliament building.
Getting to The Budapest Parliament
The Parliament Building lies at the bank of the Danube. It is on the Pest side of the city, at Kossuth Lajos Square. It can be reached on Subway station Kossuth Tér on the M2 underground line. It can also be reached with Tram Line 2 on the Kossuth Lajos Square Station.
Timings of the Budapest Parliament
- From 1st April to 31st October (Monday through Sunday: 8:00AM – 6:00PM )
- From 1st November to 31st March ( Monday through Sunday: 8:00AM–4:00PM )
Please note, visits to the Budapest Parliament is restricted during weeks in which the National Assembly holds its plenary sittings.
Important Information
- It is necessary to provide proof of eligibility while purchasing discount tickets. This proof will be checked at entry.
- There will be a security check before entry into the building.
- Photography of the crown and the Dome Hall is prohibited. However, it is allowed in other parts of the building.
- The Parliament Building is accessible to people with disabilities.
- Guide dogs are the only animals permitted in the building.
- Washrooms and lavatories are located in the Visitors Centre.
- Guided tours may be cancelled in case of parliamentary events, even as late as immediately before admission.
Code of Conduct
The Hungarian Parliament Building expressly prohibits the following:
- To wear or display symbols of dictatorship
- To bring flags and any matter signifying a protest into the building
- Talking in loud voices and singing in the premises
- Eating, drinking and smoking within the premises
- Guide dogs are the only animals permitted in the building.
- Sitting, lying or kneeling on the stairs, the floor or any furniture or furnishings
- Noise making devices like whistles, megaphones are expressly disallowed
Tickets, Tours and Tips
It is advisable to book tickets to the Hungarian Parliament Building beforehand. Only a limited quantity of tickets are available each day at the Visitors Centre. It may take a while due to queues to get the tickets. Advance tickets can only be purchased online.
The tours are available in Hungarian, English, French, Hebrew, German, Russian, Italian and Spanish at the following times every day.
- Hungarian: 10:45 AM, 2:00PM
- English: 10:00AM, 12:00PM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:30PM
- French: 11:00AM, 2:00PM
- Hebrew: 12:45PM
- German: 10:00PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM
- Russian: 12:30PM, 3:30PM
- Italian: 10:30AM, 1:45PM, 2:45PM, 3:45PM
- Spanish: 10:30AM, 1:45PM, 2:45PM, 4:00PM
Budapest Parliament Guided Tour Details
- The duration of the tour is 50 minutes.
- For tickets booked in advance, present the tickets at the Visitors Centre
- It is necessary to have a printed copy of the ticket for scanning.
- ID proof is required at entry.
- It is advisable to arrive 15 minutes before the timings mentioned in the ticket.
Restaurants near Budapest Parliament
Here are some top restaurants which are located near the landmark, that you must add to your plan for the day!
If relaxing and having good food after a day of sight-seeing is your idea of a perfect end to a perfect day, Elysee Bistro & Kavehaz,is JUST the place for that. Popularly known for great service and better food...well, what are you waiting for?
Biarritz Restaurant and Cafe, is your gateway to a perfect lunch in Budapest. Widely known for its pasta, interiors, and service - this restaurant is sure to leave your taste buds in awe for a long, long time.
Mokka Cukka is your one-stop-shop for the best breakfast in town (or so say their visitors) - try it out and find out for yourself!
Everyone who has been here, has termed this place as their favourite. With great food, views and an amazing outdoor area...who wouldn't call this their go-to spot? Grazia & Graziella is where you should be going, for the time of your lives.
For everyone who wants to give Hungarian cuisine a shot, Hungarikum Bisztro is the solution. Very well recommended by locals and tourists alike, this place will take care of all your food needs, to the best-of their abilities.
Hotels near Budapest Parliament
Although a day's trip is enough to see everything there is at the Parliament, it's never enough for Budapest. And honestly, who doesn't love a vacation?!
With views for days and rooms that'll feel like home, the Budapest Marriot Hotel is a MUST-stay at when in Budapest. Beautiful, comfortable, and chic - you're sorted.
Located in a renovated pre-historic building, this 4-star hotel is closest to your possibly your favourite attractions in town. With a great in-house restaurant and comfortable rooms, what else do you really need?
1.5 kms away from Dohany Street Synagouge, and 1.9 kms away from the Hungarian State Opera - the location is sorted then, obviously! If you're looking for a GREAT stay that's in budget, S23's your pick.
Budapest Parliament Reviews
An absolutely spectacular building from the outside. You have to look at it during the daytime but definitely do not miss it all lit up at night especially from across the river. We took so many pictures and still haven’t decided which ones to delete. We also signed up for the tour. You do need to show proof of immunization and the Green Pass just makes it so much easier. The tour was relatively small and very informative. Pictures are allowed in virtually all the areas of the building. There is a gift shop and a small snack area as well at the entrance of the building. There were a ton of guards all over the place and an occasional protest as well. We would definitely revisit every time we are in Budapest. Enjoy.
Very beautiful building and well organized tour (although not surprisingly with a bit of the "official line" on some points). But book in advance! The first time we came it was booked up in English for a week, but luckily we were staying longer.
- RobertB667D, January 2022, Tripadvisor
Beautiful place to see, charming interiors, interesting speech about history. Better to buy the tickets online before.
- zizu28, October 2021, Tripadvisor
FAQs
The Budapest Parliament is open from 8 am to 6 pm during the week, and from 8 am to 4 pm during the weekend.
The Budapest Parliament is located of the edge of river Danube which is at the heart of the city.
The building complex of the Parliament, the biggest of its kind in Hungary, was built on the plans of Imre Steindl between 1884 and 1904.
Imre Steindl is a famous Hungarian architect, and is the designer of the Parliament.
Situated on Kossuth Square, which is situated in the Pest side of the city, on the bank of Danube.
