Hungarian Parliament Building — Attraction in Budapest

The building itself is beautiful. But few things to say about purchasing the tour inside: The tour is quite short, with limited areas you are allowed to walk through. The most interesting part for me was the dome area where the Holy Crown is placed. The audio guide gives you primarily: the history of the building & description of its interior details, brief history of Hungary, how the parliament functions. The tour didn't feel like 45mns, but anyway it gave us a good overview.

Ticket purchasing process is a whole story by itself: A week before the trip, I went to their official website. No available tickets at all for the 2 possible days I intended to go; I later went on a bunch of websites that offer the tickets. Some had tickets for certain timeslots during my 2 possible days, but the audio guide languages attached to these tickets were not in the preferrable language for my family. The published prices were higher than on the official website, plus we were not sure these were legit. (maybe they are, we were really NOT in a position to judge). Ended up not buying them, When in Budapest, we called the ticket office, were told they had tickets for the day. 30mns later we came (ard 10am) just to see they put the sign "Run out of ticket for today". The ladies in ticket booth said: "Come back tomorrow at 8am, we only sell for the same day". We almost gave up, hearing that hint of bureaucracy. 8am next morning, I went on their official ticketing website again, just to have a quick look. Voila, they released some tickets for that day (not for all timeslots though). We finally bought on their website for same day tickets.

Entry to the building: I checked online before going - was informed that we needed to bring passports for security check. Also to verify if you are qualified for the ticket class you bought. They didn't check our passports at all. The classification of tickets based on audio language was also not applied in reality. They will just hand out a set of audio guide, you can choose whatever language after.

To sum up, not sure the tour worths all the trouble I went through just to get the tickets. If you can get them easily and the price is acceptable for your budget, why not. But I wouldn't sweat over it...

My visit to the Budapest Parliament Building was an extraordinary experience, one that stands out as a highlight of my time in Budapest. This architectural marvel is not only a symbol of Hungarian history and democracy but also a masterpiece of art and design.

As I approached the building, I was immediately struck by its grandeur and elegance. The Parliament Building, with its Gothic Revival style, is a feast for the eyes. The intricate details, from the ornate spires to the stunning façade, are a testament to the architectural prowess and attention to detail that went into its construction. Walking around the building, I was captivated by its symmetry and the way it beautifully reflects on the Danube River, especially during the evening when it's illuminated.

The interior of the Parliament is equally impressive. The guided tour was an insightful journey through Hungarian history and politics. The lavish decor, the grand staircase, the stunning frescoes, and the iconic Holy Crown of Hungary housed within are all awe-inspiring. Each room and hallway tells a story, rich in history and artistry.

What really enhanced my visit was the knowledge and friendliness of the tour guide. The stories and facts shared about the Parliament's history and its current role in Hungarian politics were fascinating, making the tour both educational and engaging.

Additionally, the location of the Parliament Building is perfect for tourists. Situated along the banks of the Danube, it’s easily accessible and surrounded by other attractions, making it a convenient and essential part of any Budapest itinerary.

In conclusion, visiting the Budapest Parliament Building was a memorable and enlightening experience. The blend of architectural beauty, historical significance, and the insightful tour makes it a must-visit landmark in Budapest. It’s a place that beautifully encapsulates the essence of Hungary's rich cultural and...

The Hungarian Parliament Building (Hungarian: Országház [ˈorsaːkhaːz], which translates to "House of the Country" or "House of the Nation"), also known as the Parliament of Budapest after its location,[5] is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary, a notable landmark of Hungary, and a popular tourist destination in Budapest. It is situated on Kossuth Square in the Pest side of the city, on the eastern bank of the Danube. It was designed by Hungarian architect Imre Steindl in neo-Gothic style and opened in 1902. It has been the largest building in Hungary since its completion.

Budapest was united from three cities in 1873, namely Buda, Óbuda, and Pest. Seven years later, the Diet resolved to establish a new, representative parliament building, expressing the sovereignty of the nation. The building was planned to face the Danube River. An international competition was held, and Imre Steindl emerged as the victor; the plans of two other competitors were later also realized in the form of the Ethnographic Museum and the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture, both facing the Parliament Building. One reason that Steindl's proposal was chosen is that his neo-Gothic plans bore a strong resemblance with the Palace of Westminster in London. Leading Hungarian politicians of the 19th century found it extremely important that the country's new parliament building should symbolise their commitment to Western Europe, especially Britain, the country Hungarian reformers considered a political role model. Construction from the winning plan was started in 1885, and the building was inaugurated on the presumed 1,000th anniversary of the country in 1896. With the keys to the building being handed over in 1902, however, it was not fully completed until 1904. The architect of the building first went blind and later died before the...