See opulence and history around every corner at the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Hungarian Parliament Building Tickets & Tours
Join a 4.5-hour guided tour and see the city’s top sights without waiting in line:
🏛️ Hungarian Parliament Building: skip the line and see the stunning architecture inside
🏰 Castle District: go around the historic streets, enjoy the views, and feel the city’s history
⛰️ Gellért Hill: climb or stroll for some of the best panoramic spots in Budapest
🌳 City Park: relax, take a walk, and enjoy the green spaces
Along the way, live guide will share stories, fun facts, and hidden gems to make the tour even more memorable. Perfect for first-time visitors who want to see it all in one trip!
Benefits
Tickets and Prices
There’s only one ticket type, and it gives you a Parliament tour with a fantastic live guide in multiple languages. Keep in mind that prices differ for EEA and non-EEA visitors.
Plan Your Visit
| Period | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| November 1 – March 31 | 8:00 – 16:00 (daily) |
| April 1 – October 31 | 8:00 – 18:00 (daily) |
Tip:
The best time to visit the Hungarian Parliament Building is in the morning when crowds are smaller and the lighting is perfect for photos, especially on the riverside.
Thanks to its central location, the Hungarian Parliament Building is easily accessible by several modes of transport:
Metro: Take Line 2 (Red) to Kossuth Lajos tér station. The Parliament is a short walk from the exit.
Tram: Trams 2 and 2A run along the river. Hop off at Kossuth Lajos tér for the closest access.
Bus: Buses 15, 115, and 178 stop at Kossuth Lajos tér, a quick walk away.
Hop On Hop Off Bus: Both the red and green Big Bus routes stop right at Parliament.
The main entrance for visitors is on the building’s eastern side, facing Kossuth Lajos tér. Look for the area marked for guided tours and the ticket office, and follow the signs for Parliament visitors.
Visitors with visual or mobility impairments can join the Parliament tour, with ramps at the main entrance and lifts inside that take you to most areas open to visitors.
To make your visit smooth, the staff ask for a heads-up by emailing [email protected] before you arrive.
- Everyone goes through a quick security check. Leave large bags and anything sharp or weapon-like at home. There’s a free coat check for jackets, but not for bags.
- You can bring up to 0.5L of clear, non-alcoholic drinks, medications, or baby food/formula in a sturdy plastic bottle.
- Photos and videos are welcome everywhere except the Dome Hall to protect the Holy Crown.
- If you’ve had recent radioactive isotope treatment, you’ll need a hospital summary confirming you can attend.
- While inside, keep it respectful: no protests, loud shouting, or political symbols.
- Also, treat the building and staff respectfully: no damage, no noise-makers, and no disturbing staff at work.
- Please don’t eat, drink, smoke, or sprawl across the stairs or furniture.
What to See & Do
You’ll see the Parliament’s most stunning halls and treasures on your guided tour. This building has housed Hungary’s National Assembly for over a century and reflects the nation’s rich history in every detail.
The City Side Staircase XVII
Your tour kicks off on the gold-plated City Side Staircase XVII, one of 28 staircases in the Parliament. It takes you to the main floor, considered the building’s most spectacular level, where statues of Hungarian leaders and saints stand beside stained-glass windows and frescoes.
From here, you can also glimpse the renovated Kossuth Square, Hungary’s symbolic “Main Square of the Nation.”
The Grand Stairway
MatteoGabrieli/DepositphotosContinue onto the Grand Stairway, one of the Parliament’s showstoppers. Károly Lotz, Hungary’s most famous fresco artist, painted its vaulted ceilings.
Look out for the eight massive granite columns, which are so rare they had to be shipped from Sweden. Miksa Róth’s stained-glass windows bathe the staircase in color, adding to its dramatic effect.
The Dome Hall
pajche/DepositphotosThe Dome Hall is home to the Hungarian Holy Crown and Coronation Insignia, guarded by the elite Crown Guard 24/7. It’s the most sacred room in the Parliament, so photos are forbidden.
Fun fact: the crown is over 800 years old and has travelled across Europe before returning to Hungary.
The Lounge of the Chamber of Peers
MatteoGabrieli/DepositphotosThe next stop is an ornate lounge decorated with pyrogranite sculptures from the world-renowned Zsolnay Factory, known for their durability and detail. Each figure represents traditional Hungarian trades and communities, offering a glimpse into the nation’s cultural past.
The Chamber of Peers
tupungato/DepositphotosOnce seating 453 members in seven rows, the Chamber of Peers is designed in a horseshoe shape for better acoustics. Oak panels, golden accents, and murals of Hungary’s royal dynasties line the space.
It serves as a conference venue today, but it still feels like stepping back into Hungary’s political golden age.
The Béla Neÿ Hall
The final stop is full of curiosities, including the red star that once sat on the Parliament’s dome during the Communist era. There’s also a copper soldier statue and a detailed 1:100 scale model of the entire building.
Interactive screens and plaster models explain behind-the-scenes details on how the Parliament was constructed in just 17 years, making it one of Europe’s largest and fastest-built legislative buildings.
Did You Know That? Facts
- The Parliament has 691 rooms, 28 staircases, 10 courtyards, and nearly 20 kilometres of corridors.
- Almost half a million precious stones, 40 million bricks and 40 kilograms of gold were used to build and decorate the Parliament.
- The Parliament’s dome is 96 metres tall, a symbolic number marking Hungary’s founding in 896 AD.
- Heating and cooling originally ran through a system of pipes from a huge boiler house two blocks away, with ice blocks used for summer cooling.
- The Hungarian Holy Crown inside is older than the building, dating back over 800 years. Naturally, soldiers guard the crown 24/7.
Insider Tips
History
1882
An international competition launches to design Hungary’s new Parliament building.
1885
Construction begins under architect Imre Steindl, inspired by London’s neo-Gothic Westminster Palace.
1896
The central dome and parts of the building are completed in time for Hungary’s 1000th-anniversary celebrations.
1902
The Parliament was officially inaugurated, though construction continued until 1904.
1944 – 1945
The building suffers damage during World War II, particularly from bombings and the Siege of Budapest.
1949
Hungary became a communist state, and the red star was placed atop the Parliament dome.
1989
The red star is removed following the fall of communism, marking the beginning of democratic reforms.
2000
The Hungarian Holy Crown is moved from the National Museum to the Parliament Dome Hall for permanent display.
2014
A major renovation of Kossuth Square is completed, restoring the Parliament’s surrounds.
FAQs
Are there any security checks?
Yes, all visitors pass through security. Large bags and weapon-like items are not allowed.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, the Hungarian Parliament Guided Tour is the only way to see inside Parliament.
Can I visit without a tour?
No, entry is only possible with a guided tour ticket.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes, everywhere except the Dome Hall.
How long is the tour?
Tours last about 45 minutes, covering the building’s key highlights.
Is the Parliament accessible?
Yes, there’s step-free access and special arrangements for wheelchair users, but it’s best to notify staff before your visit.
Do I need to bring ID?
Yes, EU/EEA citizens need ID for discounted tickets, while non-EEA visitors may need their passport for entry.
Can tours be cancelled?
Yes, they can cancel tours at short notice if Parliament is in session or during official events, so they recommend always checking ahead.