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 Budapest Parliament, also called the Hungarian Parliament, is one of the city's most iconic structures. It's a must-see in Budapest photos and gives a great look into Hungary's political history. From independence to being part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, World War I, and Soviet influence, Hungarian politics have a rich and varied past. Today, the Hungarian Prime Minister and staff work here, and part of the building is open for visitors..
Budapest Parliament in a nutshell
Opening Hours
- 8am to 6pm, from Monday to Friday
- 8am to 4pm, 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 renowned worldwide, symbolizing the nation's enduring history. Prior to 1843, Hungarians lacked their own Parliament building. With the capital moving from Bratislava to Budapest, a grand structure became necessary.
In 1880, a competition sought the finest design for this new Parliament Building. Hungarian architect Imre Steindl's winning design drew inspiration from the British Parliament, situated like its counterpart by the Danube River. The building boasts neo-Gothic and Revivalist elements that enhance its beauty.
Construction commenced in 1885 and concluded in 1902, inaugurated in 1896 to commemorate Hungary's millennium. Tragically, Steindl lost his sight before completion and passed away in 1902. Despite enduring wars, uprisings, and revolutions, the Parliament Building remains a resilient symbol, standing tall along the Danube.
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Which Budapest Parliament ticket 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 Parliament Building's Dome Hall houses the Crown jewels and other insignia. Guards protect these jewels around the clock, with shifts changing every few hours. Visitors on tours can watch the guard change. Please note that photography of the crown jewels is not allowed.
2Staircase XVII
The tour begins with Staircase XVII, a gold-plated staircase adorned with decorations. It takes you to the main floor of the Parliament Building, where beautiful stained glass windows and rich, decorative frescoes greet visitors, showcasing the building's opulence.
3The Old Upper House Hall
This hall was once home to Hungary's Upper House of Parliament before Hungary switched to a single-house government. Nowadays, the hall is used for conferences and official meetings. It's a beautiful room adorned with gold-plated decorations and galleries. Above the podium hang paintings of Hungary's royal family coats of arms. The room can accommodate up to 453 people.
4The Upper House Lobby
The Upper House Lobby is known for its handmade turquoise floor carpet. The pillars are decorated with statues representing old Hungarian national groups, along with Hungarian crafts and culture. Additionally, the lobby features intricately designed gold gilded ceilings adorned with paintings.
5Dome Hall
The Dome Hall is where you can find the Hungarian crown and royal symbols. Inside, the dome features a rib vaulted ceiling adorned with beautiful stained glass paintings on the windows. The pillars supporting the vault display statues of Hungarian rulers on golden pedestals.
6Grand Stairway
This beautiful staircase is a prime example of beauty and luxury in the Hungarian Parliament building. It features 96 stairs covered with a red carpet, enhancing the regal appearance of the structure. Connecting the main entrance to the Dome Hall, it stands out with eight distinctive granite columns; globally, there are only 12 columns of this style. Additionally, the windows are decorated with charming 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.
Directions to Budapest Parliament
The Parliament Building is situated by the Danube River, specifically on the Pest side, at Kossuth Lajos Square. You can get there via the Kossuth Tér Subway station on the M2 underground line. Alternatively, you can take Tram Line 2 to the Kossuth Lajos Square Station.
Timings of the Budapest Parliament
- April 1st to October 31st (Monday to Sunday: 8am – 6pm)
- November 1st to March 31st (Monday to Sunday: 8am – 4pm)
Keep in mind that visits to the Budapest Parliament are limited during weeks when the National Assembly has its full sessions.
Important Information
- You need to show proof of eligibility when buying discounted tickets, which will be checked when you enter.
- There's a security check before you can enter the building.
- No photos of the crown or Dome Hall, but you can snap pictures in other areas.
- The Parliament Building is accessible for people with disabilities.
- Only guide dogs are allowed inside.
- Restrooms are in the Visitors Centre.
- Guided tours might get cancelled due to parliamentary events, even at the last minute.
Code of Conduct
The Hungarian Parliament Building strictly prohibits the following:
- Wearing or displaying symbols of dictatorship
- Bringing flags or any protest-related items into the building
- Speaking loudly or singing inside the premises
- Consuming food, drinks, or smoking within the premises
- Only guide dogs are allowed inside the building.
- Sitting, lying, or kneeling on stairs, floors, furniture, or furnishings is not permitted
- Noise-making devices such as whistles or megaphones are explicitly prohibited
Tickets, Tours, and Tips
If you're planning to visit the Hungarian Parliament Building, it's smart to book your tickets in advance. Only a limited number of tickets are available each day at the Visitors Centre, and there can be long lines. Online booking is the way to go for advance tickets.
Tours are offered in several languages, including Hungarian, English, French, Hebrew, German, Russian, Italian, and Spanish, at various times throughout the day:
- Hungarian: 10:45am, 2pm
- English: 10am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm
- French: 11am, 2am
- Hebrew: 12:45pm
- German: 10am, 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, 4pm
Budapest Parliament Guided Tour Details
- The tour lasts 50 minutes.
- If you've pre-booked your tickets, present them at the Visitors Centre.
- Bring a printed copy of your ticket for scanning.
- Remember to bring your ID for entry.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early as mentioned on your 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.
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.
