The Hungarian Parliament Building is Budapest’s most striking landmark. Up close, it impresses with its wealth of detail, but the best view of the entire façade is from the opposite bank of the Danube.

You can view the Parliament from the outside free of charge. Access to the interior is only available as part of an organised tour at a specific time, and we recommend buying your ticket in advance.

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A monumental building on the banks of the Danube

The Parliament Building, known in Hungarian as Országház, is 268 metres long and its dome rises to a height of 96 metres. The Neo-Gothic building was designed by the architect Imre Steindl and was constructed between 1885 and 1904.

Inside, there are almost 700 rooms, and it is the seat of the Hungarian National Assembly. The Parliament is therefore still a functioning political institution, not merely a monument.

A tour of the Parliament: what you’ll see inside

The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and follows a fixed route. You’ll see the monumental main staircase, the reception rooms and the former chamber of the Upper House.

The highlight of the tour is the Dome Hall, home to the Holy Crown and the Hungarian coronation regalia.

It is here that you will be able to see, up close, the distinctive slanted cross at the top of the crown.

Photography is not permitted in the Dome Hall. In the other parts of the building open to the public, photography is generally permitted.

Admission

Ticket prices are based on nationality, not place of residence.

Visitor	Price
Adult EEA citizen	7 000 huf
Student aged 6 to 24, EEA citizen	3 500 huf
Adult from a country outside the EEA	14 000 huf
Student aged 6 to 24, non-EEA national	7 000 huf
Child under 6	free of charge

Identity documents are checked at the entrance. Students must also present a valid international student card.

Where can I buy tickets, and do I need to book in advance?

Buy tickets through the official ticket seller, Jegymester. You can choose a specific time and language for the guided tour or audio guide.

Places are limited and popular dates sell out quickly. You should therefore book as soon as you know the date of your visit. A small number of tickets may also become available at the visitor centre itself, but you shouldn’t rely on this.

Tickets are usually sold out 1–1.5 months in advance.

• Buy official tickets:jegymester.hu

Opening hours

Season	Opening hours
1 April to 31 October	8.00 am–6.00 pm
1 November to 31 March	8.00 am–4.00 pm

Tours do not run continuously. The time stated on your ticket and the current availability in the booking calendar are decisive.

As the Parliament continues to serve its original purpose, tours may be restricted or, in exceptional cases, cancelled due to parliamentary sessions or state events.

Practical information before your visit

• Entry – tours start at the underground visitor centre on the north side of Kossuth Lajos tér.
• Allow plenty of time – arrive at least 20 minutes before the start. Every visitor undergoes a security check, and arriving late may mean you are not allowed in.
• Identification – bring your ID card or passport. Your ID is also used to verify your eligibility for a specific ticket price.
• Luggage – large suitcases and bulky items are not suitable. Do not bring sharp objects or other items that will not pass through security screening.
• Languages – tours are available with a guide or audio guide in many languages. You can select your preferred option when booking.
• Total duration – allow around 75 minutes, including arrival, security checks and the tour itself.

Is the interior tour worth it?

In my opinion, yes, especially if you’re interested in architecture or history. The Grand Staircase and the Dome Hall are among the most impressive interiors in Budapest, and you won’t be able to see them from the outside.

However, if you’re short on time or want to save money, walk round the building from Kossuth Lajos tér and cross over to the opposite bank of the Danube.

The tour itself is fairly short, follows a set route, and for citizens of countries outside the EEA, the admission fee is double.

Where is the best view of the Parliament?

The best spots aren’t right by the main entrance:

• Batthyány Square and the Buda embankment – the best frontal view of the entire building. From here, you can take the classic photograph of Parliament reflected in the Danube.
• Fishermen’s Bastion – you’ll see Parliament from a height and as part of a wider city panorama, but it will be considerably further away.
• A sightseeing cruise on the Danube – the best view of the long riverfront façade and its many details.
• Kossuth Lajos Square – a good spot for a detailed view of the towers, statues and main façade.

The building is illuminated after dark. For photography, we recommend arriving during the blue hour, when the sky and surroundings are still visible.

Location and transport

The Parliament stands on the Pest side of the Danube in the city centre. The nearest station is Kossuth Lajos tér M:

• Metro M2 – Kossuth Lajos tér station
• Tram 2 – Kossuth Lajos tér M stop

It is about a 15-minute walk from St Stephen’s Basilica or Nyugati railway station. We describe ticket prices and how to use the metro and trams in the article ‘Transport in Budapest’.

Accommodation near the Parliament Building with the best views

If you’d like to see the Parliament from your hotel room as well, don’t look for a place right next to it. The best views are offered by hotels on the opposite Buda side of the Danube.

• Novotel Budapest Danube – the best combination of price, location and view. It’s situated directly opposite Parliament; when booking, choose a specific room with a view of the river.
• Park Plaza Budapest – A higher-quality hotel on the Buda embankment. Some rooms and suites have a direct view of Parliament, whilst others face the courtyard or the city.
• Áurea Ana Palace by Eurostars Hotel Company – An elegant hotel in Pest, just a few minutes’ walk from the entrance. It’s a good choice if you prefer proximity to the sights over a view from your room.

The type of room with a view must be specified directly in the name of the booked category. The hotel’s location on the riverfront alone does not guarantee a view.

Don’t you choose a hotel based on just one sight? In the article ‘Where to stay in Budapest’, we compare specific hotels based on price, location, views and spa facilities.

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