Located on the banks of the Danube River in Hungary’s capital, the Budapest Parliament is undoubtedly one of the city’s must-see landmarks.
This magnificent building stretches an impressive 268 meters wide and 123 meters long, reaching a height of 96 meters. Constructed in the early 20th century, its creation began in 1885, designed by the acclaimed architect Imre Steindl, who tragically lost his vision only months before its completion.
The Parliament took 17 years to complete and was officially inaugurated in 1902. Today, it remains Hungary’s largest building and the second-largest parliamentary building in all of Europe.
Visiting the Budapest Parliament
If you’re planning to spend a few days exploring Budapest, a stop by the Danube is essential to experience the majestic Budapest Parliament. Visitors can explore it independently or enjoy a guided tour in Spanish, which we highly recommend.
This stunning building showcases a beautiful neo-Gothic design. At the main entrance, visitors are greeted by two lion statues, which stand proudly on either side of the grand exterior staircase, commemorating King Béla III, educated in Byzantium.
The Parliament features an intricate structure with 13 elevators, 29 staircases, 27 entrances, and 142 statues, all built at a remarkable cost of 38 million Austro-Hungarian crowns.
Exploring the Budapest Parliament is a truly exceptional experience, offering an up-close view of one of Europe’s most distinguished legislative assemblies. Here, visitors can admire the Royal Crown, marvel at the lavish gold and marble decorations throughout the building, and step into the historic old upper chamber.
Main Staircase
The main entrance of the Budapest Parliament is one of its most breathtaking attractions.
Three grand red carpets line the staircase, which is divided into three sections surrounding the central hall. The staircase is flanked by four imposing red marble columns, each standing six meters high. Additionally, various stone sculptures and the iconic Hungarian cross embellish the surrounding walls, adding to the grandeur of this remarkable structure.
In this area of the Budapest Parliament, you’ll find two exquisite lamps adorned with 23-carat gold, adding a touch of opulence to the surroundings.
The grand entry hall here beautifully showcases the neo-Gothic style, which is deeply influenced by both Renaissance and Byzantine art. Looking up, visitors can admire three allegorical frescoes on the ceiling: “The Apotheosis of Legislation,” “Glorification of Hungary,” and “The Hungarian Coat of Arms,” all of which capture the essence and grandeur of this hall.
The main facade of the Budapest Parliament faces the banks of the Danube, while the primary entrances are located on the opposite side, opening onto Kossuth Square.
Did you know that in 1904, a bronze bust of the architect Imre Steindl was placed on the left wall of the main staircase in his honor?
The Grand Dome Hall
This stunning room, designed with sixteen sides and crowned by a circular ceiling, offers an impressive sense of space and grandeur.
Around the room’s 16 walls stand statues and coats of arms representing Hungary’s historical rulers. These figures include Árpád, Saint Stephen, Saint Ladislaus, Kálmán Könyves, András II, Béla IV, Louis the Great, János Hunyadi and Mátyás Hunyadi, István Báthory, István Bocskai, Gábor Bethlen, Charles III, Maria Theresa, and Leopold II.
The interior dome ceiling, although lower than the outer dome, is skillfully designed to create a powerful sense of grandeur with its 27 meters of height. This magnificent room stands as the architectural and symbolic heart of the Budapest Parliament.
Old House of Lords
For a time, the Budapest Parliament housed what was known as the House of Lords, now used as the chamber for the House of Representatives. Here, you’ll find remarkable depictions of Hungarian legends such as the Dream of Emese, the Mythical Stag, the Death of Buda, and the Sword of Attila, all painted by the celebrated Hungarian artist Zsigmond Vajda. Additionally, paintings symbolizing technical sciences, commerce, and industry adorn the walls.
The room is illuminated by pointed-arch windows and contains 438 leather chairs crafted specifically for the members of parliament. The inner circle seating, upholstered in plush velvet, is reserved exclusively for government ministers.
The entire room is decorated in a rich brown, symbolizing the dark oak wood from the Slavonian region, lending a sense of stateliness to this distinguished chamber.
In this hall, you can observe three gilded statues representing Harmony, Peace, and Wisdom, alongside three others embodying Glory, Eloquence, and War.
Upper Chamber
In the northern wing of the Budapest Parliament, directly opposite the House of Representatives and to the right of the Dome Hall, lies the Upper Chamber, also known as the House of Clipper.
The ceiling of this room is adorned with historical frescoes of immense cultural value. Among these are depictions of King Kálmán Könyves outlawing witch burnings, the Apotheosis of the Holy Cross, Louis the Great ordering the construction of the Kassa Church, and King Matthias administering justice.
The chamber’s decor is marked by a blue carpet and walls complemented by brown and gold accents. The space is graced by majestic gilded statues representing Science, Power, Truth, Criticism, Faith, and Charity. Additionally, there is a depiction of a pledge of allegiance to young Maria Theresa, symbolizing loyalty to the Habsburgs.
After World War II, this hall underwent a restoration, though not to its original form.
Holy Crown and Regalia
The Holy Crown, used to crown King Stephen, is on display in the Dome Hall. This historic crown is presented alongside the royal regalia, offering a glimpse into Hungary’s monarchical heritage.
The crown and jewels are housed within a glass vault, guarded by two officers at all times. It’s truly worth witnessing how the guards, in a ceremonial display, change their stance every five minutes, brandishing their sabers in ritualistic movements.
History of the Budapest Parliament
For over a thousand years, Hungarian parliamentary sessions were held in various locations, moving from Sopron to Szabolcs, Besztercebánya to Szeged, and Nagyszombat to Rákos.
In the 18th century, sessions became more regularly held in Pozsony, now known as Bratislava.
In 1843, a reform was passed to establish a permanent parliamentary building, sparking competitions for its design. However, nearly forty years passed before legislation was finally approved for the Parliament’s construction.
This led to a new design competition, ultimately won by Imre Steindl, a professor at the Technical University and the visionary behind this iconic building.
Tickets for the Budapest Parliament – Prices and Hours
To visit the Budapest Parliament, you can purchase tickets through the official Parliament website or by booking a guided tour, which we highly recommend. A tour guide can share fascinating stories and historical insights about this grand building.
Guided Tour
Here are your two options for guided tours:
- Guided Tour of the Parliament in Spanish
- Guided Tour of the Budapest Parliament
- Guided Tour of Budapest + Parliament
These tickets include access to the building under the guidance of a certified tour leader.
Standard Visit
Standard visitor entry starts at 8:00 a.m. local time in Budapest, from Monday to Sunday. Exceptions may apply on certain days when parliamentary sessions or holidays are scheduled; these details are clearly explained on the website.
Ticket prices vary based on the language you select for your tour:
- Tourists from the European Economic Community pay 15 euros, while non-EU tourists pay 30 euros.
- EU students pay 7.5 euros, and non-EU students pay between 6 and 24 euros, depending on age.
- Children under 6 of any nationality can enter free of charge.
How to Get to the Hungarian Parliament
The most efficient way to reach the Budapest Parliament is by taking the red metro line to Kossuth Lajos Square, where you’ll exit diagonally towards the parliament building.
Alternatively, you can take Tram #2 to Kossuth Lajos Square as well. If you’re staying in the Pest area, you can also walk along the Danube River banks, which will lead you straight to this majestic building.
For those staying in Obuda, you could make your way to Fisherman’s Square and take a scenic boat ride down the Danube, offering a unique view of the Parliament from the river.
Did you know… Budapest gets its name from the union of its two main settlements along the Danube, Obuda and Pest.
Whichever way you choose, you’ll enjoy the beauty of Hungary’s capital and its rich historical and cultural heritage as you journey to the iconic Budapest Parliament.