How to visit and what to see at the Budapest Parliament: schedules, prices

Visit the imposing Parliament It is a reason why it is very worth making a sightseeing getaway to Budapest.

This great building is the protagonist of most of the best-known images of the Hungarian capital, so getting to know it is going to become one of your great priorities.

Regarded as one of the Heritage as an integral part of the urban landscape of Budapest, the Parlament It will impress you when you see it from the castle hill or during a cruise along the Danube river.

But when you are next to it and surround the building, you will learn even better its great architectural beauty, and why it is the most emblematic building in the city. city ​​of budapest.

Curiosities from the history of the Budapest Parliament

El Parliament of Budapest Construction began in 1885 and was not completed until 19 years later.

Designed by the architect Imre Steindl, it is a building eclectic architecture with neo-gothic preminence, and is the second largest in the world after the Parliament of Romania.

What are the dimensions of the Budapest Parliament?

To get an idea of ​​your dimensions, the information will help you that it occupies 16.000 square meters, with a length of 368 meters and a height of four floors, and currently more than a thousand people work in the building.

For Parliament building Up to 12 projects were presented, and the two finalist buildings along with the winner were also built in the area.

The building was not actually completed until 1904, although it was inaugurated in 1902, months after its architect had gone blind.

From its exterior it is worth highlighting the large dome 96 meters high that rises on the banks of the Danube riverAs well as 92 statues of historical figures from Hungary,

In addition, there are also 262 other statues inside the building.

How to visit the Budapest Parliament

To visit Parliament, the first thing you should know is that it is essential to make a book online in advance to your trip to the Hungarian capital.

It is the way to ensure the availability of dates and times that best suit you, since throughout the year this monument has a high demand for visitors.

You will actually sign up for one tour with audio guide in Spanish, which will last about 45 minutes,

If you prefer to go with a guide in spanish, you have this other option to sign up for a guided tour of Parliament, whose price already includes entry to the monument, and in which, prior to the audio-guided tour, you will have extensive information about this emblematic monument.

Access is in an exterior building located on the north façade, and to which you must go down some stairs.

The visit is carried out in large groups, and for it you must arrive well in advance of the time reserved for it because, before starting it, you must pass an exhaustive security check.

This is the experience of visiting the Budapest Parliament

I can tell you that there will be very few rooms that you will visit, but they are spectacular corners that will surprise you.

Firstly, you must climb a narrow staircase of 132 steps that will take you to the Staircase of Honor, a truly spectacular stay.

Throughout the visit you will be able to take photos and videos without problems, and in each of the places you will have enough time to listen to the audio guide and capture the images you want.

The Holy Crown of Hungary

From here you will reach the great Dome Room, the only place where you can't take photos or videos, because that's where the Holy Crown, a great national treasure that is protected by two soldiers.

It is an object of great cultural and historical importance for Hungary, made of gold and containing two kilos of precious jewels.

Tradition says that it is Saint Stephen's crown, the most important historical figure in the country, so it would be from the end of the 10th century, but the latest historical studies say that it is from the 11th or 12th centuries.

This great crown was only used by the Hungarian kings once in their lives, the coronation day.

As a curiosity, to protect it from the Soviets after the Second World War, the Holy Crown was moved to Fort Knox in the United States, and was eventually returned to the Hungarian state during the presidency of Jimmy Carter.

Since 2000 you can see this treasure in the Parlamente, and it should be noted that in the place where the Sacred Crown is exhibited you will also see the sword and scepter of the Coronation.

Upper House Hall

From there the guides will take you to the Upper House Hall, which was used for gatherings by parliamentarians.

It is currently used for press conferences, and as a curiosity you should look at its large handmade rug 21 meters long, the largest in Europe of its kind.

Council of Deputies

Finally you will reach the Council of Deputies, an impressive living room with striking decoration, without a doubt the most spectacular room you will see during your stay. visit of the Budapest Parliament.

It is the heart of the parliamentary building, and the place where deputies carry out their legislative function with their long debates.

Although it may seem that you are going to see very little of this great building, I assure you that it is a visit that is very worthwhile and that you should not miss in your trip to budapest.

Hours and ticket prices at the Budapest Parliament

The Visiting hours of the Budapest Parliament They are from 8,5 a.m. to 16 p.m., with various starting time options for the guided tour.

El price of admission for citizens of the European Union It is 5.000 forints (13,13 euros), and for the rest of the visitors, 10.000 forints (26,26 euros).

There are discounts for children, students and families.

Where is the Parliament of Budapest: how to get there

Located in full Budapest center, On the banks of Danubio and, specifically, in the Kossuth square Lajos ter, Parliament can be reached without problems by public transport.

Good options are metro line 2 and also tram line 2 that runs next to the Danubio.