Budapest Parliament: a complete guide
- attractionsthings to do
- November 8, 2023
Planning to go to Budapest Parliament and want to learn more about it first? You’ve come to the right place. In this article we’ll delve into the Parliament’s history and architecture, uncover intriguing facts, and provide essential information on tours, including pricing, accessibility, and much more.
Budapest Parliament History
The Budapest Parliament, a monument reflecting Hungary’s saga, was conceived when Hungary’s capital shifted from Bratislava to Budapest in 1843. However, it was only completed on the country’s 1000th anniversary, in 1896. In 1902 the keys were handed over, and in 1904 it opened fully, just five weeks after the architect, Imre Steindl, died.
Originally designed to accommodate two houses of legislative power, the parliament became a single chamber after World War II. And during the Hungarian People’s Republic from 1949 to 1989, a red star, symbolizing the socialist regime, was placed on the building’s cupola.
Despite its tumultuous history, including surviving two World Wars, uprisings, protests, and revolutions, the Hungarian Parliament stands tall and majestic on the banks of the Danube river. It is not only a symbol of the country but also a testament to its resilience and endurance.
Budapest Parliament building and architecture
The Hungarian Parliament Building, exemplifying Gothic Revival style, features a symmetric façade and a central dome, the latter reflecting Renaissance Revival architecture. Internally, it’s symmetrical with two parliament halls; one hosts the Hungarian National Assembly sessions, the other serves for ceremonies and tours.
This architectural marvel, one of the world’s largest parliamentary buildings in the world, is adorned with 242 sculptures, including Hungarian rulers and military figures. Notable elements include the eastern staircase guarded by lions, ornamental stairs, frescoes, and a bust of architect Imre Steindl. The hexadecagonal central hall, stained glass by Miksa Róth, and the Holy Crown of Hungary are key highlights.
Why is Budapest Parliament famous?
The Parliament Buildings serve as the home of Hungary’s National Assembly, notable as both a prominent Hungarian landmark and a popular tourist attraction in Budapest. Located in Lajos Kossuth Square and situated alongside the Danube, it’s the largest building in Hungary, the tallest in Budapest, and one of the biggest parliaments in the world.
How big is parliament Budapest?
The building is currently the fourth largest parliament building in the world, following those in Romania, India, and the US. It contains 691 rooms, spans 268 meters in length, 118 meters in width, and features a dome that is 96 meters tall. Its centerpiece, an imposing cupola, soars to a height of 96 meters, adding to the grandeur of this architectural marvel.
Inside Budapest Parliament
There’s plenty to see inside the Budapest Parliament – here’s the key highlights:
The Hungarian Crown. This is not just a symbol of sovereignty, but a tangible link to Hungary's past. It's the crown used in the coronation of Hungarian kings for centuries, embodying the nation's monarchy. Detail: it's forbidden to photograph the crown jewels.
Staircase XVII. This gold plated staircase, which leads to the main floor of the Parliament, serves as a testament to the building's design. Its decorations, craftsmanship, and the frescoes reflect the artistic standards of an era.
The Old Upper House Hall. Once central to legislative activity, the hall, with 453 seats, now hosts conferences and official meetings. Paintings of Hungarian royal family coats of arms adorn the area behind the podium.
The Upper House Lobby. In this corridor leading to the Upper House, a huge hand-knotted turquoise carpet captures attention, alongside salmon-pink pillars, adorned with statues symbolizing Hungarian crafts and culture.
Dome Hall. The Dome Hall, at the heart of the building, houses the Hungarian crown and royal insignia. Featuring a rib-vaulted ceiling, it's adorned with stained glass paintings and, at the base of the pillars, statues of Hungarian rulers.
Hungarian Parliament Museum. Deep into Hungary's History, this museum, in the Visitors Centre, is free to all, and features key exhibits like "1000 Years of Hungarian Legislation", about the nation's legal history, and the "1956 Memorial," about a pivotal year.
Grand Stairway. Featuring 96 carpeted steps and connecting the main entrance to the Dome Hall, the Grand Stairway is pure elegance. Its 8 granite columns are among only 12 worldwide, and the windows have decorative stained glass panels.
Can you go inside the Budapest Parliament?
You can go inside the Parliament. For that, you have some options. Tickets for the official tour can be purchased online or directly at the Parliament. But independent agencies also offer other tours to the building, which might include unique perspectives or specialized themes, sometimes including a tour to the city.
How to tour the Budapest Parliament: best tips
To tour the Budapest Parliament making sure you enjoy the experience, first have a read of the following tips:
- Plan Your Visit: Start by visiting the official Hungarian Parliament website. Check for tour availability, hours of operation, and admission fees.
- Buy your tickets in advance: Purchase your tickets with time, preferably online, to secure availability and avoid lines. If you have pre-booked tickets, remember to bring a printed copy to the Visitors Center, along with your identification. If you’re going for a discounted ticket, carry proof of eligibility
- Aim to arrive about 15 minutes before the time indicated on your ticket.
- Choose a guided tour or an audio guide: Decide whether you prefer an informative guided tour, or a more flexible experience with the audio guide for a self-guided experience.
- Explore the Parliament: During your tour, explore various parts of the Parliament building, including the Grand Hall and the Upper House, and pay close attention to the historical and architectural details.
- Be prepared for a mandatory security check.
- Pay attention to photography restrictions in designated areas.
- You can’t bring your dog, unless it’s a guide dog.
- Restrooms are located in the Visitors Centre.
- Check for potential tour cancellations in advance due to parliamentary events.
- It’s not allowed to bring flags and things like materials for protests or symbols of dictatorships.
- It’s also prohibited to talk loud, sing, using noise-making devices, eat, drink or smoke.
Bonus: After your visit, you can also consider exploring nearby attractions like the Danube River and Margaret Island to enhance your Budapest experience.
How long does it take to visit Budapest parliament?
The Parliament building offers a 45-minute guided tour, available with either an audioguide or a professional tour guide. Languages offered include Hungarian, English, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.
Booking Budapest Parliament
You can book your tour online at jegymester.hu/parlament, as that’s the official website selling tickets to the National Assembly.
Can you buy tickets at Hungarian Parliament?
Tickets for touring the Hungarian Parliament can be purchased on-site, although online advance booking is recommended to avoid potentially long wait times.
How much does it cost to enter Hungarian Parliament?
Entrance fees to the Hungarian Parliament Building
EEA Citizens’ Tickets:
• Adult: HUF 5000
• Student (Ages 6-24): HUF 2500
Non-EEA Citizens’ Tickets:
• Adult: HUF 10000
• Student (Ages 6-24): HUF 5000
Free Admission:
• Visitors under 6 years old
Family Tickets (EEA Citizens):
• Adults (Maximum 2 tickets): HUF 3500 each
• Students (Ages 6-14, Maximum 3 tickets): HUF 1750 each
Family Tickets (Non-EEA Citizens):
• Adults (Maximum 2 tickets): HUF 8000 each
• Students (Ages 6-14, Maximum 3 tickets): HUF 4000 each
Note: EEA refers to European Economic Area nationals or residents. Family tickets require at least one child (0-14 years) and one or two accompanying adults. Proof of eligibility is required for discounted rates. Visitors under 6 enter free, and those arriving with a child under 6 can request family tickets via email to [email protected].
Can I visit Budapest parliament for free?
You can’t visit Budapest Parliament for free – entry to the Parliament is only free for children under six years old. Nonetheless, there are some discounts for certain cases, like EEA Citizens or Family members, for which is needed valid proof to qualify.
Opening Hours
The Budapest Parliament is open for tours on the following days and times:
• Monday to Thursday: 8 AM – 6 PM
• Friday to Sunday: 8 AM – 6 PM
What's the best time to visit the Parliament?
The optimal time for a daily visit to the Parliament is in the evening, when its full illumination enhances its beauty. And you don’t need to book a tour in order to take your pictures – actually, the best place to photograph the Parliament is either from Batthyany Square (Buda side), from the Margaret Bridge, or from the Fisherman Bastion.
Annually, the best months to visit Budapest are between March and May or from September to November, when the weather is most pleasant and there are fewer tourists.
Budapest Parliament: getting there
The Budapest Parliament is located on Pest side, in Kossuth Lajos Square. To get there, you have several options:
- Bus: Take the 100E Budapest Airport Bus for direct access from the airport.
- Metro: Metro Line 2 is the nearest metro to Budapest Parliament, with a station right next to it.
- Tram: Use Tram Line 2, departing from Kossuth Lajos Square Station, to reach the Parliament.
- Bolt: There’s no Uber in Hungary, but there’s Bolt, which is essentially works the same way, and can drop you very close to the Parliament.
- Lime scooters or Bubi MOL bikes: take one of these options to get to the Parliament in a flexible and affordable way.
Where to eat close to the Parliament
There are several options to have a meal close to the Hungarian Parliament. We’ll list some of our favorites:
• Madal cafe: It’s not really a restaurant, it’s a café. But if you don’t want anything too heavy, you’ll find a lot of vegetarian cakes, pastries, sandwiches, and so on.
• Hummus Bar: Offers a variety of hummus-based dishes, catering to vegetarian tastes (but not only).
• Iguana Bar and Grill: Mexican restaurant, probably one of the best of its kind in the city.
• Elysee Bistro: A bistro serving a mix of international and local cuisine.
• Biarritz Restaurant and Cafe: Offers a selection of dishes combining traditional and contemporary flavors.
• Mokka Cukka: A cozy spot featuring a variety of culinary choices.
• Grazia & Graziella: Known for its authentic dishes with a modern twist.
• Hungarinkum Bisztro: A bistro offering traditional Hungarian cuisine.
• Titiz Turkish Restaurant: Specializes in Turkish cuisine, with a range of traditional dishes.
• Mazi Greek: A Greek restaurant offering classic Greek dishes.