Hungarian Parliament Building tour
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Hungarian Parliament Building - by Vojtěch Bulant on Unsplash





Description
The Hungarian Parliament Building (Országház) is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary and, along the Chain Bridge and Buda Castle, the most recognizable landmark of Budapest. It was designed by architect Imre Steindl in neo-Gothic style at the turn of the 20th century with a symmetrical facade overlooking the Danube River. There are 45mins guided tours organized by the Visitor centre in several languages (Hungarian, English, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish) with audio-guide option available in other languages. The route does include highlights such as the Grand Stairway with its red carpets and granite columns, the Dome Hall where the Hungarian Holy Crown and the Coronation Insignia are kept under watch, the Lounge of the Chamber of the Peers with its impressive hand-knotted carpet, and the Chamber of Peers where the 453 MPs sit.
Access & Transport
The building is on the eastern bank of the river, between the Chain and Margaret bridges. The official entrance however is from the square on the east side (not the riverside) and the visitor centre is on the northern side Metro station Kossuth Lajos (M2 and trams 2, 2B, 2M, 23 + ferry pier) is located on the southern side and the tram stop 'Parliament, Visitor Centre' (2, 2B, 2M, 23) is on the northern one.
Instructions & Recommendations
Make sure to enjoy views of the building from the Buda side in the evening / at night as well; it is impressively lit up. On your way to the tour (or back), you can check out the Shoes on the Danube Bank and can combine a visit of the Parliament building with some time exploring Margaret Island, a 15mins walk away.
Environmental & Social
The guided tours are not the primary users of the building so we deem this activity environmentally neutral. Part of the city's and country's architectural and artistic heritages.
Conclusion
The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of Europe's most striking buildings and you are bound to see it when visiting Budapest. As for the tour of the interior, it is definitely nice but it is really quite short so, for non-EEA citizens on a tight budget, it is not great value and the decision really depends on personal interests.
Key positive
Stunning exterior and interior
Centrally located with good public transport connectivity
Key negative
Visit is short and expensive
Unnecessarily restrictive language policy for the tours
Suitability
Accessible for wheelchair users (lifts)
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 15m
est. visit time:1h
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY08:00 - 18:00
TUESDAY08:00 - 18:00
WEDNESDAY08:00 - 18:00
THURSDAY08:00 - 18:00
FRIDAY08:00 - 18:00
SATURDAY08:00 - 18:00
SUNDAY08:00 - 18:00
Start of Season 2:Nov, 01
MONDAY08:00 - 16:00
TUESDAY08:00 - 16:00
WEDNESDAY08:00 - 16:00
THURSDAY08:00 - 16:00
FRIDAY08:00 - 16:00
SATURDAY08:00 - 16:00
SUNDAY08:00 - 16:00