Use this guide to plan your visit to Budapest’s Parliament and find essential visitor information.
Plan a visit to the Hungarian Parliament
- When can visitors enter the Hungarian Parliament?
Visitors can tour the Hungarian Parliament building between 8am - 4pm (November to March), or 8am - 6pm (April to October). - In which city and at what address is the Hungarian Parliament?
Budapest, Hungary, is home to the Hungarian Parliament. Find it at Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Hungary. - Where should visitors enter the Hungarian Parliament?
There are multiple entrances to the Hungarian Parliament. The Visitor Centre serves as the entrance for visitors and sits underground on the northern side of Kossuth Square. - What is the Hungarian Parliament's annual visitor count?
Each year, approximately 700,000 people visit the Hungarian Parliament. - What other name is used for the Hungarian Parliament?
Budapest Parliament is another common name for the Hungarian Parliament.
- When can visitors enter the Hungarian Parliament?
Hungarian Parliament: visiting hours
Visiting hours:
- April through October: 8am - 6pm
- November through March: 8am - 4pm
Last entry: One hour before closing time.
Closures: The Hungarian Parliament can close on certain days for state events of the National Assembly.
Opening hours for the Hungarian Parliament
When should you visit the Hungarian Parliament?
Peak season and off-season
- Budapest is busiest with tourists from June to August. The Budapest Parliament building can be crowded, and tours may sell out.
- From September to May, fewer visitors come to the parliament, and the atmosphere is more relaxed. Accommodation in the city also costs less.
Weekdays and weekends
- Weekdays usually have fewer visitors than weekends. Visit on a weekday, if possible, for shorter queues and a more relaxed visit.
- Weekends are busier, especially during peak tourist season. If you visit on a weekend, arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday rush.
Where can you find the Hungarian Parliament?
Street address: Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Hungary
The Hungarian Parliament stands on the eastern bank of the Danube in Kossuth Square, on the Pest side of Budapest. Buda Castle lies across the river. The site is accessible from different parts of the city.
Nearest landmark: Széchenyi Chain Bridge (1.2 km from the Parliament)
How can you reach the Hungarian Parliament?
Getting there on public transport
Metro: The M2 (Red Line) brings you to Kossuth Lajos tér station, beside the Parliament building.
Tram: At the underground visitor entrance, right outside the Parliament building, use the Parliament Visitor Centre stop on tram line 2.
Bus: Lines 15, 70, 9, and 105 serve the Kossuth Lajos tér M stop; from there, Parliament is a 5-minute walk.
Arriving by car
Driving from central Budapest, head along the main road towards the Danube River, then use signs directing you to Parliament or Kossuth tér.
Nearby places to park by the Hungarian Parliament:- Kálmán Imre utca Parking Garage: 550m from Parliament
- Hold Utca Parking Garage: 550m from Parliament
- Szabadság Tér Parking Garage: 600m away
- Pesti Vigadó Parking Garage: 1.4 km away
What to know ahead of your visit
Facilities & accessibility
- Cloakrooms: Visitors can store coats, bags and other belongings in the Hungarian Parliament's cloakrooms before entering.
- Restrooms: The Visitor Centre has restrooms for visitors.
- Accessibility: The Hungarian Parliament building is accessible to people with disabilities. Elevators, ramps and wheelchairs are available on request from the Visitors' Center. Guide dogs are allowed inside.
Audio guide
Visitors can choose a 45-minute Budapest Parliament tour led by a guide or accompanied by audio. With audio available in 23 languages, guests can select their preferred option for an immersive, in-depth look around.
Taking your family along
- Free entry for kids: Entry to the Hungarian Parliament costs nothing for children younger than 6.
- Restrooms: Baby changing facilities are provided in the restrooms at the Visitors' Center, beside the Parliament Building.
- Stroller accessibility: Families can navigate the Parliament with strollers or young children using features such as ramps and elevators, as the building aims to accommodate them.
Dress code
- Appropriate dress is required. Visitors may not wear clothing that bears dictatorship symbols or that shows disrespect toward the National Assembly, the Holy Crown, or human dignity.
- Flags may not be brought into the Budapest Parliament building, and dictatorship symbols cannot be worn or displayed there.
Rules
- Parliamentary or state-related occurrences can cause a scheduled Hungarian Parliament tour to be cancelled with little warning, including moments before the planned entry.
- Entry to the Parliament requires visitors to undergo security checks.
- Do not bring large bags, dangerous items, or devices that make noise.
- Only colorless, non-alcoholic drinks, liquid medication, or special food may be carried, and these must be in unbreakable plastic bottles holding no more than 0.5 liters.
- Inside the building, visitors may not sing, demonstrate, or speak in a raised voice.
- Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited inside the Parliament building.
- Stairs, the ground, and furnishings are not places to sit, kneel, or lie down.
- Visitors may take photographs inside the Parliament Building, but not in the Dome Hall. Some areas may restrict flash photography and tripods.
Tips
- Book tickets ahead: Buying Budapest Parliament tickets online before your visit can help you avoid ticket queues and secure entry, especially during busy periods.
- Wear comfortable clothes: Comfortable shoes and clothing are useful for walking through the Parliament's halls and corridors.
- Bring identification: Carry a valid document, such as a passport or ID card, as it may be requested at entry or during security checks.
- Prepare for screening: Leave large bags and dangerous items at home to speed up security checks.
- Follow staff instructions: Listen to guides and staff, and observe restrictions on photography or access to parts of the Parliament building.
- Explore the area: Set aside time to visit the Danube River and nearby landmarks such as the Chain Bridge and Margaret Island.
Shop
House of Parliament Souvenir Shop
Visitors looking for gifts near the Hungarian Parliament can browse this store’s selection of locally themed goods and items inspired by the building. Its offerings include:
- Parliament Building designs on T-shirts, mugs, and keychains
- Hungarian craftwork and traditional mementos
- Publications and postcards covering Hungarian culture and history
- Specialty Hungarian beverages and food products
Dine
- Budapest Bisztró: Diners can choose from Hungarian fare and European dishes at this restaurant near the Parliament, with tables available indoors or outside.
- Café Kör: Within walking distance, this bistro-style venue pairs a laid-back atmosphere with Hungarian favorites and international options.
- La Pampa Steakhouse: Grilled meats and steaks are the focus at this welcoming, cozy restaurant a brief walk from the Parliament.
- Mokka Cukka: This Budapest lounge and brunch venue brings together seasonal plates, coffee, and Hungarian wines in a comfortable setting.
Stay
- Hotel Clark Budapest: From this stylish boutique property, guests can look out toward the Parliament building and Chain Bridge; it stands on the opposite side of the Danube River.
- Hotel Moments Budapest: Guests staying a short distance from the Hungarian Parliament building will find refined rooms and suites, plus amenities such as a wellness center and a snug café.
- Opera Garden Hotel & Apartments: A rooftop terrace, spa, and gym accompany the hotel’s modern art nouveau apartments near the Hungarian Parliament.
- Hotel President: In a central, nearby location, this accommodation is noted for its attractive exterior and comfortable rooms.
Nearby
- Széchenyi Chain Bridge: From this celebrated Budapest suspension bridge, visitors can take in sights of the Danube River and the Buda Castle district.
- Buda Castle: Built as a palace complex from the 13th century onward, Buda Castle stands on the opposite side of the Danube River from Parliament. The Royal Palace, Matthias Church, and Fisherman's Bastion are among the places to explore, with sweeping city views as well.
- Hungarian State Opera House: Architecture and performances have made this venue renowned. Visitors may discover its lavish interior on a guided tour or attend a classical music concert, ballet, or opera.
- St. Stephen's Basilica: Budapest's architectural highlights include St. Stephen's Basilica, whose design is grand and neo-classical. Visitors can view the mummified hand of St. Stephen and ascend to the top for panoramic city vistas.
What to know about a visit to the Hungarian Parliament: FAQs
What makes a visit to the Hungarian Parliament worthwhile?
A guided tour of the Hungarian Parliament takes visitors through Hungary's political and architectural heritage. Along the way, admire the building's stunning architecture, discover Hungarian history, and see the country's democratic processes.
