Parliament of Budapest
The majestic and imposing Parliament of Budapest is one of the most important symbols of the country and a must-visit if it’s your first time in the city. Here, we share its history, the wonders within, ticket prices, how to get there, and much more.
Traveling to Budapest and overlooking its magnificent parliament is impossible. This gigantic neogothic marvel, located on the banks of the Danube, represents the history, identity, and national sovereignty for the Hungarians.
For visitors, it is incredibly fascinating, as we are faced with one of the most beautiful and photogenic buildings in Europe.
History of the Parliament of Budapest
The construction of the Parliament began in 1885, just as the country was preparing for its millennium. Designed by architect Imre Steindl, this majestic building is inspired by the British Parliament in London.
The work was completed 17 years later, in 1902, when the first parliamentary session was held inside. Unfortunately, Steindl could not enjoy his work, as he passed away before it was finished.
This iconic building of the Hungarian capital stands 96 meters tall, 123 meters wide, and 268 meters long. It is the tallest building in Budapest, alongside St. Stephen’s Basilica, and is also one of the largest parliaments in the world, covering an impressive 18,000 square meters.
It’s incredible to think that it has withstood two world wars, several revolutions, and drastically different political systems. It holds immense importance in the city’s landscape, culture, and economy, making it one of the must-see places in Budapest.
What to See Inside the Parliament of Budapest
Visiting the Parliament of Budapest is a fantastic opportunity to see the building’s interiors. Here is our list of must-see attractions inside this monument:
Grand Staircase
The Grand Staircase features 96 steps covered with a royal red carpet, and the ceiling is decorated with beautiful frescoes. However, what stands out the most are the eight granite columns, each weighing four tons, which were a gift from the Swedish government.
Dome Hall
Here, since January 1, 2000, the Holy Crown of Hungary and the Coronation Insignia, among the oldest in Europe, are kept. They are protected 24 hours a day by the Hungarian Crown Guard. There are also statues of 16 Hungarian rulers and kings.
House of Lords
This room is a true marvel. It features Slavonian oak panels, golden decorations, excellent acoustics, and a multi-level gallery. The seats are arranged in a horseshoe shape, in ordered rows, and at their back emerges a huge oak podium.
Béla Neÿ Room
This room contains curiosities such as the red star that once adorned the dome of the Parliament, a copper statue that served as a lightning rod, and a 1:100 scale model of the building. It also features 10 interactive screens to view areas not included in the tour.
Visiting the Parliament: Tickets and Guided Tours
Taking a guided tour of the Parliament of Budapest in Spanish is an incredible experience. The tour lasts about 45 minutes, including security checks, and you can choose between two time slots: either at 10:30 am or 2:00 pm. The prices are as follows:
EU Citizens
• Adults: €25.00
• EU Students (6-24 years): €20.00
• Children (0-5 years): free
Non-EU Citizens
• Adults: €35.00
• Non-EU Students (6-24 years): €25.00
• Children (0-5 years): free
Here’s a tip: combine your visit to the Parliament of Budapest with this Free Tour Budapest Essentials. You will learn about the history and curiosities of the city while strolling past its most famous monuments, ending right here. It’s a perfect plan, isn’t it?
Opening Hours
The Parliament of Hungary is open nearly all year round, with the following hours:
From November to March:
• 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
April:
• 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until 6:00 PM)
From May to October:
• 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Keep in mind that it is closed on the following dates:
• January 1
• March 15
• Easter Sunday and Monday
• May 1
• August 20
• October 23
• November 1
• December 24, 25, and 26
How to Get to the Parliament of Budapest
The Parliament of Budapest is located at Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055. See map. It is well connected to the rest of the city by various means of transportation, such as:
• Metro: Kossuth Lajos tér station, line M2 (red).
• Tram: Kossuth Lajos tér station, line 2.
• Bus: Kossuth Lajos tér, lines 15, 70, 78, and 115.
After your visit to this grand symbol of Hungary, we recommend continuing your sightseeing and exploring another iconic feature of the city: Budapest’s ruin bars. We’ll just hint that they are quite peculiar. Want to know why? Discover it for yourself!