One of the world's most beautiful structures, the Budapest Parliament is situated in Pest on the Danube and serves as a representation of the nation and everything that it has experienced through the years.The building is distinguished by a variety of architectural styles, including Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance.
On the eastern end of the Danube, the structure is 268 metres long, 123 metres wide, and 96 metres high. This final characteristic, which is equal in height to St. Stephen's Basilica, represents the city's equal value of civil and spiritual strength. We have jotted down all you need to know to make your trip to the Budapest Parliament a memorable experience!
Advantages of a Budapest Parliament Tour
Priority entrance
Visit the Hungarian Parliament, which represents the concentration of power and authority in Hungary! Be in awe of its dazzling jewels as well as its outstanding structure and design. You can opt for an instructive tour of the Hungarian Parliament, the third-largest Parliament building in the world. With privileged skip-the-line access, your tour will immediately begin after you have met your guide. Access to the Main Staircase, the Dome Hall, the Chamber of Peers, and the Grand Stairway are all included, along with a professional tour guide.
An expert tour guide in multiple languages
For EU and non-EU citizens, you can select between guided tours in English, Spanish, or German. The following times each day are when the tours are offered in different languages.
- English: 10:00AM, 12:00PM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:30PM
- German: 10:00PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM
- French: 11:00AM, 2:00PM
- Hebrew: 12:45PM
- Russian: 12:30PM, 3:30PM
- Italian: 10:30AM, 1:45PM, 2:45PM, 3:45PM
- Spanish: 10:30AM, 1:45PM, 2:45PM, 4:00PM
- Hungarian: 10:45 AM, 2:00PM
A Chance To Explore Other Attractions (Selected Tours Only)
Enjoy multiple ticket options at an affordable price while you explore other attractions such as Buda’s Castle District, Gellért Hill, Heroes’ Square, Hungary’s Crown Jewels. You can also choose to unwind at the Széchenyi Spa, and take a Danube cruise. With the same cost-effective combo ticket, you may enjoy both a guided tour of the Hungarian Parliament and a leisurely sightseeing cruise on the Danube.
AC Transfers Between The Attractions (Grand City Tour Only)
You can avail the benefits of a knowledgeable guide and transfers in air-conditioned vehicles with the Grand City Tour. Explore Buda's Castle District, which is home to the majority of the city's top museums and tourist destinations. Visit Heroes' Square, a popular sight in the city that features monuments of Hungarian monarchs and dukes. Take a tour of the Parliament with a guide and view the crown jewels of Hungary.
The Best Budapest Parliament Guided Tours
Guided Tours
Combo Guided Tours
Budapest Parliament: How to Reach, Timings and Tips
Choosing the Best Budapest Parliament Guided Tour
Before choosing your tour, take a look at the main features of each type of tour and then make an informed decision. Here’s a list of all your Budapest Parliament Tour options and their highlights.
1Guided Tour with Priority Entrance
You are invited for an instructive tour of the Hungarian Parliament, the third-largest Parliament building in the world. With exclusive skip-the-line access, your tour will immediately begin after you have met your guide.
The Hungarian Parliament building has been standing tall and proud for more than a century. This iconic building is a prime example of neo-gothic design with prominent Renaissance and Baroque elements.
There is much to anticipate, with 691 chambers, unusual stairs, and intriguing statuary. Visit the building's two main portions, the Dome Hall and the Old Upper House Hall.
2Grand City Tour
Explore Buda's Castle District, which is home to the majority of the city's top museums and tourist destinations.
Visit Heroes' Square, a popular sight in the city that features monuments of Hungarian monarchs and dukes. Gellért Hill's summit offers breathtaking views of the city.
Take a tour of the Parliament with a guide and view the crown jewels of Hungary. For EU and non-EU visitors, select among guided tours in English, Spanish, or German.
3Guided Tour
Discover the history of the most famous structure in the nation while looking for the Holy Crown, the ship that best represents Hungary. Skip the wait and begin your tour of the third-largest Parliament building in the world—the Hungarian Parliament—as you enter the building.
Budapest's tallest structure is the Hungarian Parliament building, which continues to stand tall and proud after a century. You will be guided through the magnificent neo-gothic structure by your knowledgeable tour guide.
4Combo Tours
By choosing this combo ticket, you can cross three Budapest must-dos off your list: explore the Hungarian Parliament, unwind at the Széchenyi Spa, and take a Danube cruise.
With the same cost-effective combo ticket, you may enjoy both a guided tour of the Hungarian Parliament and a leisurely sightseeing cruise on the Danube.
Budapest Parliament Tours Deconstructed - A Typical Guided Tour Experience
Whether history is your thing or not, the Parliament building is the ideal place to experience a world about which we know very little because it is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. You can avail exclusive and combo packages to see the following famous attractions:
Exclusive Tours
The Hungarian Crown
In the Dome Hall of the Parliament Building are the Crown Jewels and various adornments. These jewels are protected by guardians around-the-clock. Visitors taking a tour can see the changing of the guard, which occurs every few hours. The crown jewels are not allowed to be photographed.
Staircase XVII
The first staircase on the trip is Stairway XVII, a spectacular gold-plated staircase. Your journey starts at Staircase XVII, one of the twenty-eight stairs of the House of Parliament. It connects to the Parliament Building's main floor. Visitors are greeted by stunning stained glass windows and lavish, artistic frescoes in the splendour of the Parliament Building.
The Old Upper House Hall
Up until Hungary decided to become a one-house government, this Hall served as the home of the Upper House of Parliament. Currently, conferences and official events are held at the Hall. It is a magnificent space with galleries and gold-plated embellishments. The coats of arms of the royal families of Hungary are depicted in artworks behind the platform. This room has capacity for 453 people.
Dome Hall
The Hungarian crown and royal symbols are kept in the Dome Hall. The ceiling of the dome is rib vaulted and features stained glass artwork on the windows. There are sculptures of Hungarian kings and queens on gold pedestals at the base of the ribbed pillars. Don't miss the sculptures of the 16 monarchs and rulers who helped to make Hungary what it is today. The most well-known figures are St. Laszlo and St. Istvan.
Hungarian Parliament Museum
This museum is open to the public and is housed in the Visitors Centre. The major exhibits are present.
- Stone Museum: You may witness sculptures and stones from the reconstruction era in this area.
- 1956 Memorial: Symbolizing the 1956 Uprising against the Soviets is the 1956 Memorial.
- 1000 Years of Hungarian Law: This exhibit welcomes visitors on a tour of Hungary's history over a period of a 1000 years. This segment fits in well with the tour of the Hungarian Parliament.
- History of the Construction of the Courtyard: The history of development of the courtyard includes audio and video components and discusses the Parliament Building.
These public exhibits provide historical information about Hungary. The Parliament Building is discussed in the history of the building, which is replete with audio and visual components.
Combo Tours
Széchenyi Spa
The Széchenyi Baths are now a famous location in Budapest, serving as both a tourist attraction and a way for people to unwind and recuperate. The baths' history dates back more than a century, and they have continued to play a significant role in the city's culture ever since.
With many indoor baths and 3 outdoor pools, the Szechenyi Spa Baths in Budapest are among the best and biggest spa baths in Europe. By selecting a combo tour, you may check three items off your list for things to do in Budapest: tour the Hungarian Parliament, relax at the Széchenyi Spa, and enjoy a Danube cruise.
Danube River Cruise
On a scenic river cruise across the Danube, get ready to experience Budapest in an entirely new light. Despite the fact that both day and night cruises are offered, a sunset cruise during the golden hour fading into the deep night - with all of Budapest's sights beautifully illuminated - is a truly beautiful sight to watch. Take a path that will allow you to see the riverbanks' hidden attractions from a shoreline vantage point. Sail beneath six bridges, including the Liberty and Elisabeth Bridges, each of which has a special importance.
See sights including the Buda Castle from the Middle Ages, the Fisherman's Bastion, and the renowned House of Parliament, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover Budapest's magnificent skyline from a distinctive waterfront vantage point.
Buda’s Castle District
This hidden gem of a place is not that well known by the locals and tourists alike. The Bardini gardens become magical when the Buda’s Castle District has long served as the city's defining feature and is now a significant centre for culture and history. Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion, two well-known Budapest landmarks, are located in this region, which is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Even among those who haven't been to Budapest, the castle district is well recognized. Everyone who visits is mesmerised by the city's cobblestone streets, the general ambiance created by the lovely houses and alleyways, and the cityscape.
Gellért Hill
Buda's Gellért Hill towers 140 metres above the Danube. Include a trip to Gellért Hill on your itinerary if you have a few hours to spare while in Budapest. There are various additional practical attractions on the hill. One of Budapest's most beautiful views can be seen from the summit of the hill. It is also home to numerous historical landmarks and a wealth of protected natural resources and is worth seeing.
Heroes’ Square
Budapest's Heroes’ Square is one of the city's major squares .The Millennium Memorial, which features the seven chieftains of the Magyar tribes that created Hungary and other significant heads of state, is one of the city's most recognizable icons. A huge column bearing Archangel Gabriel's crown stands between the statues.
One of the most significant avenues in the city, Andrássy Avenue, terminates at the square. In 2002, both the square and Andrássy Avenue were designated as World Heritage Sites. The Museum of Fine Arts, which is also one of Budapest's top museums, is the most recognizable structure in Heroes' Square.
Are Budapest Parliament Tours Really Worth it?
The Parliament's interior is so magnificent and lovely that the trip is worthwhile! Additionally, you'll get to see the coronation crown, which is cool, as it is guarded by 2 guards in the centre of the building. Of course, learning interesting trivia about the structure from the tour guide also makes up for a fascinating experience. After the tour, you can enjoy some time in a gallery learning more about the Parliament building or watching videos there.
Budapest Parliament Practical Information
Opening Hours
1st April to 31st October (Monday-Sunday: 8:00AM – 6:00PM )
1st November to 31st March ( Monday-Sunday: 8:00AM–4:00PM )
Please be aware that during the weeks the National Assembly has its plenary sessions, access to the Budapest Parliament is restricted.
Getting to Budapest Parliament
- By Bus: Bus 100E is the best option to get to the Parliament if you’re coming from the airport.
- By Metro: Metro Line 2 takes you the closest to the Hungarian Parliament.
- By Tram: Tram line 2, from the Kossuth Lajos Square Station, would be your ride to the Parliament
Insider Tips
- When purchasing discounted tickets, eligibility documents are required. This proof will be verified at the entry point. Before entering the building, a security check will be performed.
- It is not permitted to take pictures of the crown or the Dome Hall. It is permitted in other areas of the structure, though. People with impairments can enter the Parliament Building.
- Only service dogs are allowed within the structure.
- In the Visitors Centre are restrooms and lavatories.
- In the event of parliamentary events, guided tours may be cancelled, even just before the entrance.
- No huge bags, boxes, or potentially harmful items—such as pocket knives, knives, chemical spray, etc.—are allowed on the premises.
FAQs
In the center of the city, close to the Danube River, is where you'll find the Budapest Parliament.
The following national holidays are off-limits for tours of the Hungarian Parliament Building.
January 1
March 5
Sunday and Monday of Easter
May 1
August 20
October 23
November 1
24, 25 and 26 of December
Every guest must dress adequately to respect the dignity of the House of Parliament. This does not imply that you need to dress formally for the Parliament Building tour; instead, jeans, t-shirts, shirts, and skirts are perfectly acceptable casual attire. It is highly forbidden to wear or show emblems of a dictatorship.
The best time to see the Parliament is in the evening when it is fully lit up, making it the nicest time to see it.
Budapest is best to visit in the months of March through May or September through November. The weather is perfect, and there aren't many tourists around during these times.
Between 1884 and 1904, the largest complex of its sort in Hungary was constructed using Imre Steindl's designs.
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Fancy heading out to some other stunning Budapest attractions? Take inspiration from our list of the best things to do in Budapest here.
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