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?
What's 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.
How to tour the Budapest Parliament
To tour the Budapest Parliament, you can follow these essential steps:
1. Plan Your Visit: Start by visiting the official Hungarian Parliament website. Check for tour availability, hours of operation, and admission fees.
2. Ticket Purchase: Purchase your tickets in advance, ideally online, to save time and secure availability. Alternatively, you can buy tickets on-site.
3. Arrival and Security Check: Arrive at the Hungarian Parliament on the scheduled tour day. Expect a security check, similar to airport procedures, including metal detectors and bag scans.
4. Guided or Audio Tour: Decide whether you prefer a guided tour or an audio guide for a self-guided experience. Guided tours provide informative insights, while audio guides offer flexibility.
5. 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
After your visit, you can also consider exploring nearby attractions like the Danube River and Margaret Island to enhance your Budapest experience.
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 book Budapest Parliament?
You can book your tour online at www.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, but advance booking is recommended to avoid potentially long wait times.
How much does it cost to enter Hungarian Parliament?
Family Tickets (Non-EEA Citizens):
Opening Hours
How long does it take to visit Budapest parliament?
Can I visit Budapest parliament for free?
Tips to visit Budapest Parliament
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 Taxi: 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.