Hungarian Parliament Building Tour: everything you need to know

The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in Europe, and a symbol of Budapest’s beauty, history and national pride.

Sitting along the Danube and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, this architectural masterpiece is home to Hungary’s National Assembly, the Holy Crown and the Coronation Insignia, and remains one of the most visited places in the country.

Built between 1885 and 1902 during a period of extraordinary economic growth, the Parliament was intentionally designed to showcase Hungary’s strength and artistic excellence. More than 40 kilograms of gold were used in its decoration, and nearly every detail was crafted by Hungarian artists, sculptors and manufacturers.

Its breathtaking façade mixes Gothic Revival ornamentation with Renaissance-style ceilings and a Baroque-inspired floor plan, crowned by a 96-meter dome that defines the city skyline.

Today, the Hungarian Parliament Building tour is one of the most popular experiences in Budapest for anyone interested in architecture, history or Hungarian culture.

Visitors can explore its grand staircases, ornate halls and stunning interiors, admire the Crown Jewels up close, or enjoy the views from the Danube and discover the Parliament’s beauty from the outside.

Whether you choose to take the official guided tour, enjoy it from the riverside or book a night cruise, there are several ways to experience this world-famous landmark!

What is the Hungarian Parliament Building Tour?

The Hungarian Parliament Building tour is an official guided visit that takes you inside the most impressive rooms of the House of Parliament. Nearly 700,000 visitors join these tours every year. They run almost daily, are led by trained guides or available with audioguides, and cover the main highlights of the building in approximately 45 minutes.

Every tour begins at the Visitor Centre and follows a curated route designed to showcase the most spectacular spaces. This includes the gold-plated City Side Staircase XVII, the breathtaking Grand Stairway with its 96 red-carpeted steps and rare granite columns, and the magnificent Dome Hall, where the Hungarian Holy Crown has been displayed since 2000. Visitors also explore the Lounge of the Chamber of Peers and the historic former Upper House Chamber, richly decorated with oak panels, frescoes and pyrogranite sculptures from the renowned Zsolnay factory.

Tours are available in multiple languages and tend to sell out several days in advance, especially during weekends and high season. Booking early is highly recommended to secure your preferred day and language.

The guided tour is offered with a professional guide or audioguide in Hungarian, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Additional audioguide-only tours are available in an even wider selection of languages, including Russian, Polish, Slovakian, Croatian, Hebrew, Romanian, Serbian, Ukrainian, Korean, Portuguese, Arabic, Slovenian, Czech, Chinese, Japanese, Bulgarian, Turkish, Dutch, Greek, and Vietnamese.

During mixed audioguided tours, visitors can simply choose their preferred language on the spot and start the audio experience in seconds.

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Types of Hungarian Parliament Tours

There are several ways to experience the Hungarian Parliament Building, depending on how much time you have and whether you prefer a simple interior visit or a broader introduction to Budapest’s main landmarks.

Below are the two most common options chosen by visitors, including the official guided tour and combined sightseeing tours that finish inside the Parliament.

Official Guided Tour Inside the Parliament

The official Hungarian Parliament Building tour is the most popular option. It lasts around 45 minutes and includes all major highlights: the gold-plated staircases, the Grand Stairway, the Dome Hall with the Hungarian Holy Crown, and the historic Chamber of Peers.

This tour is ideal for visitors interested in architecture, history and Hungarian culture.

Combo Tours: City Tour + Parliament Tour

If you want a more complete overview of Budapest before entering the Parliament, combo tours are a convenient choice. They usually start with a guided route through the Castle District, Heroes’ Square, City Park, Andrássy Avenue, the Opera House and St. Stephen’s Basilica, giving you a great introduction to the city’s top landmarks.

After the sightseeing portion, the tour ends inside the Parliament for the official interior visit, including access to the Dome Hall and the Crown Jewels.

These tours typically include transport, a professional guide and the Parliament entrance ticket, making them an easy and time-efficient option for first-time visitors or travelers with a tighter schedule.

Prices: how much does the Hungarian Parliament Building Tour cost in 2026?

The prices below refer to the official Hungarian Parliament Building tour, as listed on the Parliament’s website. These are the base admission fees for the 45-minute guided visit inside the building.

If you choose a combined tour (such as a city tour + Parliament visit), prices will naturally be higher because extra services are included.

EEA citizens:

• Adult ticket: HUF 7,000 ≈ €18.30
• Student ticket (ages 6–24): HUF 3,500 ≈ €9.15

Non-EEA citizens:

• Adult ticket: HUF 14,000 ≈ €36.60
• Student ticket (ages 6–24): HUF 7,000 ≈ €18.30

Children under 6:

• Free entry

Family Tickets for EEA Citizens:

• Adult family ticket: HUF 4,900 ≈ €12.80 (max. 2 adult tickets)
• Student family ticket (ages 6–14): HUF 2,450 ≈ €6.40 (max. 3 children’s tickets)

Family Tickets for Non-EEA Citizens:

• Adult family ticket: HUF 11,200 ≈ €29.30 (max. 2 adult tickets)
• Student family ticket (ages 6–14): HUF 5,600 ≈ €14.70 (max. 3 children’s tickets)

Important Notes:

• Family tickets require at least one child aged 0–14;
• Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult;
• Proof of eligibility is required for all discounted tickets;
• Families visiting with a child under 6 (free entry) can request family tickets via email if needed.

Since prices can change, it’s always best to double-check the latest information on the Parliament’s official website before booking.

Where to buy tickets for the Parliament

There are two main ways to buy tickets for the Hungarian Parliament Building tour: directly through the official Parliament website or through GetYourGuide. Both options are reliable, but they offer slightly different experiences depending on what type of tour you want.

1. Official Parliament Website

If you want to book the official 45-minute guided tour, the Parliament’s website is the most direct place to purchase your ticket. This option gives you access to the standard interior visit at the official price, with the full list of available languages and time slots. Tickets often sell out several days in advance, especially on weekends and during high season, so booking early is highly recommended.

2. GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is another popular and convenient option, especially for travelers who prefer a more flexible booking process. Through GYG you can buy the traditional Parliament interior tour, but you’ll also find combo tours that include extra experiences such as a guided city tour or hotel pickup.

GYG is also helpful if you prefer customer support in English, a more user-friendly interface and same-day availability in some cases.

Is the inside tour worth it?

If you have the time and room in your budget, the inside tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building is absolutely worth it. The interiors are breathtaking, from the gold-plated staircases to the Grand Stairway and the Dome Hall where the Holy Crown is displayed.

It’s the most beautiful government building in the world, and the guided visit gives you a fascinating glimpse into Hungarian history, architecture and national identity.

But even if you're traveling on a budget, you can still enjoy the Parliament without going inside. The exterior of the building is truly spectacular and completely free to admire!

Many visitors consider the façade — especially its Gothic Revival details, riverside location and perfect symmetry — one of the most beautiful sights in Budapest.

Whether you see it during the day or illuminated at night, the view alone is worth the trip!

Hungarian Parliament ar night

The best way to enjoy the Parliament view at night is by taking a night river cruise.

There are many options available, including short panoramic rides, open-bar cruises, longer dinner experiences and even wine-tasting tours.

Most last between 1 hour and 2.5 hours, and they all pass not only in front of the Parliament but also along Budapest’s most iconic riverside landmarks.

A night cruise is truly a must-do in Budapest. The reflection of the Parliament on the Danube, the glowing bridges and the skyline of Buda Castle create one of the most memorable scenes in the city.

To make the most of the experience, it’s ideal to book a cruise after sunset, when the city lights are already on. Sunset in Budapest varies significantly throughout the year (around 16:00 in winter and 21:00 in summer) so check the time before choosing your slot.

Another important detail: the Parliament lights do not stay on all night. In winter, they turn off at 22:00, and in summer at 23:00. For that reason, avoid booking a cruise too late, or you might miss the illuminated façade.

No matter which type of cruise you pick, seeing the Parliament from the river at night is an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Budapest!

Best Spots to See the Parliament

Even if you don’t take the interior tour, there are plenty of beautiful places around the city where you can enjoy unforgettable views of the Hungarian Parliament Building. Here are some of the best viewpoints:

• Batthyány tér: one of the classic postcard views of Budapest, directly across the river from the Parliament. Perfect for photos both day and night;
• Fisherman’s Bastion: from this fairytale lookout in Buda Castle, you get a higher, sweeping view of the Parliament and the Danube;
• Margaret Bridge: the middle section of the bridge offers a fantastic angle of the Parliament, specially at sunset;
• Tram 2 Route: often called one of the most scenic tram rides in Europe, Tram 2 runs along the river and passes right in front of the Parliament.

@budapestfortourists This is the tram 2, one of the best (and cheapest!) ways to see Budapest lights. ➡️ Take the tram 2, 2B or 23 from Jászai Mari tér! 💰HUF 500 ( €1,25) for a single ticket - or you can use your transport pass You can do this both day and night. The view is worth it anytime! #budapest #budapestnight #traveltips ♬ Amore mio aiutami - Version 3 - Piero Piccioni

Practical yips for your Hungarian Parliament Building Tour

A few practical tips can make your experience smoother and even more memorable. Here’s what to keep in mind before you go:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early: all visitors must pass a security check before entering, and late arrivals may be denied entry without a refund;
• Bring your ID or passport: identification is required for the visit and also for validating any discounted tickets purchased online;
• Security restrictions apply: large bags, sharp objects, sprays, and anything that could be considered dangerous are not allowed. You may only bring a transparent, non-alcoholic drink or necessary liquid medication in an unbreakable plastic bottle of up to 0.5L;
• Dress respectfully: there is no formal dress code, but visitors are expected to dress appropriately for such an important national institution;
• Avoid the busiest time slots: late mornings and early afternoons tend to be the most crowded. For a quieter visit, choose early morning or late afternoon;
• Accessibility: the Parliament is accessible for visitors with disabilities, but wheelchair users are encouraged to email ahead for smooth entry;
• No pets allowed: only guide dogs are permitted inside the building;
• Follow the instructions of the guide: visitors must comply with staff directions. Those who don’t may be asked to leave the building;
• Visits may be cancelled: Parliamentary or state events can lead to last-minute cancellations. It’s rare, but good to keep in mind.

Conclusion

The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most unforgettable landmarks in Budapest, whether you explore its magnificent interiors or admire it from the river at night.

If you have the chance, taking the inside tour is absolutely worth it. But even a simple walk around the exterior or a nighttime cruise will leave you impressed. No matter how you choose to experience it, the Parliament is a highlight in any Budapest itinerary.

If you're looking for another landmark to add to your trip, you might also enjoy reading our guide to St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of the most beautiful churches in Budapest and home to some of the best rooftop views in the city!