It would be not an exaggeration to say that the Hungarian Parliament Building is sheer poetry set in stone. It's considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
The grandeur of this World Heritage Site has to be seen to be believed.
Per Trip Advisor Traveller's Ratings, this is the 10th most beautiful structure in the World!
The building is a classic example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture, with tall pointed and intricately decorated arches and spires surrounding a massive dome in the centre. The opulent interiors are decorated with 40 kilograms of 22-carat gold!!
Located on the Pest side of the city, on the eastern bank of the River Danube, this glorious structure evokes awe among tourists who flock to see it from every angle.
Around the Parliament Building
The Parliament Building is located on the Kossuth Square, a beautiful square surrounded by stunning buildings and statues. Tram line 2 and Budapest Metro line 2 take you to the Kossuth Lajos Station.
Adjacent to the Parliament Building in the open area outside, you will see a small staircase leading to an underground exhibition area. If I remember correctly, this exhibition is free to visit. The small museum tells the poignant tale of the uprising and massacre that took place in 1956 in front of the Parliament Building. The display includes photographs, interviews and video clips of survivors of that tragedy.
The museum is informative but only if you have some previous knowledge of the uprising in Hungary, if not, then it's just a viewing gallery.
The Kossuth Lajos Square with the Kossuth Lajos Monument is a few paces ahead of the building.
This stone tableau depicts the popular Hungarian revolutionary Lajos Kossuth leading Hungary's struggle for independence from Austria.
Each year on March 15th, this monument is the site for Independence Day celebrations in Budapest.
As you walk past the Parliament Building, you will see the equestrian statue of Francis II Rakoczi and the stunning building of the Palace of Justice on the other side of Kossuth Square.
Inside the Parliament of Budapest
Over 7 thousand visitors visit this building annually, so you can imagine the crowds waiting each day to get inside.
I have made a list of some pointers that could help you plan your visit.
Entry is paid and can be done only with the conducted tours that last 45 minutes in the language of your choice. An audio guide is provided to each visitor. The guide is very informative and explains in detail the architecture of this building as you walk through it.
Ideally, one should book online tickets beforehand to ensure that one gets entry into the building. Same-day tickets can be difficult, although we got two tickets for an English tour. But that was sheer luck I guess!
As you enter, each visitor is given the choice to either take the elevator to the top of the house or walk up the Grand Staircase. Take the elevator only if you are entirely incapable of walking up the 4 or 5 flights of steps. You should not miss the tour through the Golden Staircase.
The building is an active office of the Hungarian Legislative Assembly, it remains closed on certain days of the year. Please check their official website before planning your visit at https://www.parlament.hu/web/visitors
Visitors are led through the Grand Staircase through the corridors into the Central Hall where the Hungarian Holy Crown is placed. This Domed Hall is the only part of the tour where photography is not permitted.
You will see on your tour the Chamber of Peers, the grandiose legislative assembly hall of the parliament. The audio guide will tell you about its unique air-conditioning system.
Towards the end of the tour, you will be led into a small exhibition and display area where you can learn more about the construction of this building. You can plan to spend about 10 to 15 minutes here.
To sum up, I would say that even if you only have a day in Budapest, then visiting the Parliament Building should be top of your list. But it's a visit that needs to be planned and will take about 2 hours in all.
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