Budapest Parliament – Best Activities, Highlights & Things to Do (2025)
Explore the Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest’s most iconic landmark on the banks of the Danube. Walk through grand staircases, golden halls, and the famous Dome Hall where the Holy Crown of Hungary is displayed. This 2025 guide covers the best Parliament tours, must-see interiors, nearby river cruises, and smart tips to plan your visit.
Top Experiences Inside the Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament isn’t just impressive from the outside – the interiors are full of royal symbols, rich decoration, and national history. Here are the main highlights to look for on a guided tour or audio tour of the building.
Main Staircase & Golden Hall
Walk up the grand main staircase lined with red carpets, stained glass, and gold-leaf decoration. This is one of the most photographed areas inside Parliament and sets the tone for the rest of your visit.
Dome Hall & Holy Crown
The centerpiece of the building is the Dome Hall, where you can see the Holy Crown of Hungary and other royal regalia. Guides explain why these objects are so important to Hungarian identity.
Old Upper House Chamber
Step into the richly decorated chamber where the Upper House once met. Today it is used for ceremonial sessions and gives a clear idea of how Hungary’s parliament functioned in the past.
Corridors & Historic Statues
Wander through long corridors decorated with statues of Hungarian rulers, coats of arms, and detailed frescoes. It’s a good place to slow down, look up, and take in the craftsmanship.
Guided Tours in Multiple Languages
Parliament visits are organized in timed groups with guided or audio-guided tours in several languages. This makes it easier to understand what you are seeing in a short time.
Exhibition Areas & Models
Some tours include small exhibition spaces with architectural models, old photos, and documents showing how the building was designed and how it survived wars and political changes.
Views Over the Danube
From windows and terraces, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Danube, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge. Try to notice how the building is aligned with other monuments across the river.
Night-Time Illuminations (From Outside)
Even if your tour is during the day, come back in the evening. The whole Parliament is illuminated in gold and reflects in the river, making it one of the best night photo spots in Budapest.
Best Things to Do Around Budapest Parliament & the Danube
The Parliament stands in the heart of the city, on the Pest side of the Danube. You can easily combine your visit with river cruises, historic squares, and walks along the promenade.
Danube River Day or Night Cruise
Take a Danube sightseeing cruise to see Parliament from the water together with Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and bridges like the Chain Bridge and Margaret Bridge.
“Shoes on the Danube Bank” Memorial
Just a short walk from Parliament, this simple but powerful memorial remembers Jews shot into the river during World War II. It’s a quiet, reflective stop on the riverside.
Walk the Danube Promenade
Stroll along the riverside promenade, stopping for photos of the Parliament façade and wide views across to Buda Castle Hill. Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful.
Visit Buda Castle & Fisherman’s Bastion
Cross to the Buda side and explore Castle Hill, St. Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion for storybook views back toward Parliament and the Pest riverfront.
Margaret Island Parks & Baths
Take a tram or river cruise to Margaret Island for parks, running tracks, small gardens, and relaxing thermal pools – a calm break from the city center.
St. Stephen’s Basilica & Downtown Pest
Combine your Parliament visit with St. Stephen’s Basilica, nearby squares, and café-lined streets in downtown Pest for a full day of classic Budapest sights.
Which Budapest Parliament Ticket or Tour Should You Choose?
You can visit the Hungarian Parliament with a simple entry ticket or join guided tours that include other sights. Below are popular options that regularly include Parliament access and explanations in different languages.
Parliament Entry Ticket & Audio Guide
Secure timed entry to the Parliament Building with an audio guide. Ideal if you mainly want to see the interiors at your own pace while still hearing key facts.
Guided Parliament Tour (Spanish)
Join a guided tour in Spanish that combines an outdoor walk around Kossuth Lajos Square with a full interior visit including the Dome Hall and Crown Jewels.
Budapest City Tour + Parliament Visit
A half-day city tour by bus or minivan that includes stops at major viewpoints and a guided visit inside Parliament – good if you have limited time in Budapest.
Parliament & Surroundings Walk with Folk Music
Combine a walking tour around Parliament Square with stories of modern Hungarian history, finishing with a relaxed folk-music experience nearby.
Danube Evening Cruise with Parliament Views
End the day with a Danube night cruise to see Parliament fully lit up, often with a drink included and audio commentary about landmarks along the river.
Tip: Many Budapest Parliament and cruise tickets offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so you can keep your itinerary flexible if the weather or your plans change.
Food & Drink Near Budapest Parliament
The area around Kossuth Lajos Square and the Danube promenade is full of easy food options, from casual cafés to riverfront restaurants with Parliament views.
Danube Promenade Restaurants
Enjoy riverfront terraces with direct views of Parliament, especially at sunset. Many places serve Hungarian dishes and international classics.
Local Bistros & Lunch Spots
Wander a few streets back from the river to find smaller bistros and canteens popular with locals working in the government district.
Cafés & Cake Shops
Try traditional Dobos cake, Eszterházy torte, or chimney cake in nearby cafés for a sweet break before or after your Parliament tour.
Ruin Bars & Craft Beer
In the evening, head slightly further into the Jewish Quarter and inner Pest for famous ruin pubs and craft beer bars, an easy tram or metro ride away.
Quick Visitor Tips for the Hungarian Parliament (2025)
Book in Advance
Parliament tours often sell out, especially in summer and on weekends. Reserve tickets online in advance to secure your preferred language and time slot.
Bring Passport or ID
For security and ticket checks, you usually need to show a valid passport or identity card. Students claiming a discount should bring proof.
Security Screening
Expect airport-style security. Large bags, weapons, and sharp objects are not allowed. Arrive a little early so you don’t miss your timed tour.
How Long to Allow
Most Parliament visits last about 60–90 minutes. Combine this with time for photos outside and a short riverside walk.
Best Time of Day
Morning tours are often calmer inside. For photos of the façade, late afternoon and sunset give soft light and reflections in the Danube.
Photography Rules
Photography is allowed in many areas, but flash and tripods are often banned, and some rooms may not allow photos at all. Always follow staff instructions.
Dress Comfortably
There is no strict dress code, but the building is formal in style. Comfortable shoes help for stairs, corridors, and any walking tour you combine with your visit.
Getting There
The Parliament area is well-served by metro line M2, trams 2 and 2M, and several buses. Many visitors also walk from the city center along the river.
Ready to Explore Budapest Parliament?
Discover one of Europe’s most beautiful parliaments, set right on the Danube with views across to Buda Castle. Book your Hungarian Parliament tickets, add a Danube cruise or city tour, and enjoy the best activities around this landmark in 2025.