The Hungarian Parliament Building (Országház) is a monumental neo-Gothic edifice on the Pest bank of the Danube, the working seat of Hungary's National Assembly and Budapest's defining landmark. Begun in 1885 and inaugurated in 1896 for the nation's millennium (fully completed around 1904), it is the country's largest building, with 691 rooms and a 96-metre dome; the Dome Hall has displayed the Holy Crown of Hungary under a permanent honour guard since 2000. The lavish interior can be seen only on a guided tour of roughly 45-50 minutes, and in the summer high season tickets sell out weeks ahead, so book in advance. It is fully open in 2026, though visits may be restricted during parliamentary sessions or state events, so check the schedule before you go.
The Dome Hall and Holy Crown: the sixteen-sided central hall beneath the 96 m dome, where the c.1000 AD Holy Crown sits under a round-the-clock honour guard
The Grand Staircase (96 steps): red carpet, four-ton granite columns and stained glass from the Miksa Róth workshop
The Danube facade: the 268 m neo-Gothic exterior, best seen from the river or the Buda side, especially when floodlit at night
The debating chambers: one of the two symmetrical assembly halls, opened for tours, with rich woodwork and gilding
Painted ceilings and sculpture: deep red-and-gold coffered ceilings and statues of figures from Hungarian history
Good to know
SafetyPickpockets work the M2 metro (Kossuth Lajos tér), the trams and busy tourist spots. Wear your bag in front and keep your passport and wallet in an inside pocket.
SeasonIn July and August tickets often sell out weeks ahead; book online at least two weeks in advance and prepare for summer heat and queues.
RulesThe interior is guided-tour only, and entry is through airport-style security. A photo ID (passport) is mandatory, and large bags, knives and sprays are banned (a cloakroom is available). Arrive 15-20 minutes early.
MannersAs a working legislature, modest dress covering shoulders and knees is expected and symbols of dictatorship are forbidden. Stay quiet near the Holy Crown, and wear comfortable low shoes for the marble floors and 96-step staircase.
CautionStreet exchange kiosks and Euronet ATMs near stations give poor rates and high fees; use banks or official exchange, and call a Bolt taxi to avoid being overcharged.
CautionUnofficial resellers add heavy mark-ups; buy from the official sites (parlament.hu / jegymester.hu) or the on-site Visitor Centre.
RulesAdmission differs for EU/EEA and non-EEA citizens - non-EEA visitors (including Koreans) pay the higher rate. Confirm current prices and times before visiting.
Practical info
Reach it by Metro M2 (red line) to Kossuth Lajos tér or by tram 2; tours begin at the underground Visitor Centre on the square. Opening hours are roughly 08:00-18:00 (1 Apr-31 Oct) and 08:00-16:00 (1 Nov-31 Mar), daily, but can change around parliamentary business; tickets are priced by EEA/non-EEA status and sell out in peak season, so verify the latest prices, hours and availability on the official site.
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