English
EUR
Language
Currency
Contents

Discover What's Inside Hungarian Parliament: The Heart of Hungarian Democracy

One of the most iconic buildings in Hungary, and perhaps Central Europe, the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest is a neo-Gothic style building with a symmetrical façade and a central dome. The building is 96 meters (315 feet) tall and has 691 rooms - with approximately 40 kilograms of 22 to 23 Carats of gold adorning it! It is one of the few parliament houses you can see in session with opulent art, intricate decor and stunning architecture.
Here’s all you need to know about what to see inside the Hungarian Parliament House.

What's inside the Hungarian Parliament?

Hungarian Parliament Inside

Grand Stairway

Comprising 96 steps, this majestic staircase with its red carpet leads from the main entrance to the Dome Hall. See the beautiful frescoes on the ceiling, all crafted by the esteemed painter Károly Lotz, and the decorative stained glass windows from the workshop of Miksa Róth on both sides of the staircase.

The Dome Hall

The Dome Hall

Towering nearly 27 meters high, the Dome Hall features an ambulatory on its lower level, leading to a magnificent vaulted ceiling adorned with vibrant stained glass windows. Since January 1, 2000, this hall has housed the Hungarian Holy Crown, protected by the Crown Guard of the Hungarian Armed Forces.

The Great Hall

The Great Hall

It is the largest room in the building, where the Hungarian Parliament meets. The hall is 200 feet long and 100 feet wide, accommodating up to 1,000 people at a time. The ceiling of the hall is decorated with a beautiful stained glass window depicting the coronation of King Saint Stephen, the first king of Hungary.

Hungarian Parliament Inside

The Clock Tower

At a height of 96 metres, the Clock Tower is the tallest point in the building, offering unparalleled views of Budapest. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, climb 365 steps leading to the top. Why 365? Well, one for each day of the year, of course! The tower has four bronze clocks, one on each side, that chime every hour.

Hungarian Parliament Inside

The Matthias Room

This one is named for King Matthias Corvinus, who ruled Hungary in the 15th century. Matthias is known for establishing a solid standing army, reforming justice, and patronizing art and science, making Hungary the first country to embrace the Renaissance. He is revered as a hero in Hungarian and Slovak folk tales, and this room, decorated with frescoes depicts scenes from his life and also houses a collection of his armor and weapons.

The Crown Jewels

Dating back to the 12th Century, the most important treasures of Hungary are kept in a secure vault in the Parliament Building. The jewels include the Holy Crown along with Hungarian monarchy’s Coronation Regalia, including the Orb, the Scepter, and the Sword of St. Stephen, which is said to have belonged to Saint Stephen, the first king of Hungary, and a symbol of the power and authority of the Hungarian monarchy.

Sculptures & statues

See the statues of Lajos Kossuth and István Széchenyi in the Great Hall. János Fadrusz sculptures, including the statue of Gyula Andrássy, stand tall in front of the building. György Zala’s realistic portraits also dot the Hungarian Parliament interior, including the statues of Ferenc Deák and Lajos Batthyány in the Great Hall. On the exterior, you can see Mihály Kolozsváry’s decorative sculptures, alongside László Marton’s sculptures of the statues of Justice and Liberty.

Stained glass paintings

The Hungarian Parliament is home to some of the most beautiful stained glass paintings in the world. These paintings were created by Miksa Róth, who is considered to be one of the masters of stained glass. Some of the most famous paintings include The Coronation of Saint Stephen, located in the Great Hall, The Battle of Mohács, in the Matthias Room, and the most familiar of all, The Tree of Life, located in the Rotunda of the Parliament House.

The Béla Neÿ hall

The Béla Neÿ hall

See intriguing artifacts, including copper statues and a 1:100 scale model of the Parliament. Modern technology enhances the exhibition with thematic insights on ten screens, revealing hidden spaces not included in your tour and presentations on the Parliament's construction history.

The City Side Staircase

The City Side Staircase

Adorned in gold plating, the City Side Staircase is one of the twenty-eight staircases within the Hungarian Parliament. Leading to the main floor of the building, this beautiful staircase is adorned with statues, stained glass windows, and intricate frescoes and offers lovely views of the Kossuth Square.

Chamber of Peers

Chamber of Peers

The Chamber of Peers now turned into a conference hall, boasts Slavonian oak panels, impeccable acoustics, a multi-level gallery, a substantial oak podium, and horseshoe seating. Adorning the main wall behind the podium are paintings featuring the coats of arms of Hungary's royal families.

Chamber of Peers lounge

Chamber of Peers lounge

The lounge, located next to the Dome Hall, preserves the memory of the old Hungarian national groups and crafts. There are many pyro granite sculptures, but the masterpiece that will catch your eye is Europe's largest hand-knotted carpet in a turquoise shade spread all across the hall.




How to go inside the Hungarian Parliament?

Hungarian Parliament Audio Guided Tour
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
45 min.
Audio guide
More details
from
€25.90
Combo (Save 5%): Hungarian Parliament Guided Tour + Danube River Sightseeing Cruise Tickets
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Audio guide
Guided tour
More details
from
€34.10
Combo (Save 5%): Hungarian Parliament Multilingual Audio Guided Tour + Széchenyi Spa Fast Track Tickets with Locker or Cabin
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Audio guide
More details
from
€52.15
Combo (Save 5%): Hungarian Parliament Audio Guided Tour + Light Art Museum Tickets
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Audio guide
Guided tour
More details
from
€43.60

Visitor tips

  • Carry a valid ID: Individuals must present a valid ID or passport and undergo a security screening to gain access to the Budapest Parliament premises.
  • Don't carry prohibited items: Prohibited items include anything that could potentially cause harm to others, such as pocket knives, blades, or pepper spray. Additionally, firearms, weapons, explosives, or any related devices are strictly forbidden inside the premises.
  • Accessibility: The entire tour of the Hungarian Parliament is accessible to visitors in a wheelchair. 
  • Animal Access: Except for guide dogs, no other animals are allowed within the building.
  • Dress code: Please wear appropriate clothes for the tour. Visitors are not allowed to wear anything promoting propaganda during their tour. 
  • Follow the code of conduct: Eating, drinking, and smoking are not permitted inside the building. Likewise, bringing flags or any protest paraphernalia inside is prohibited. Activities such as raising one's voice, singing, or demonstrating are also not allowed.
  • Behavior restrictions: Please note that sitting, kneeling, or lying on the stairs, floors, or furniture inside the Hungarian Parliament building is strictly prohibited.
  • Photography: You can take pictures and videos during the tour, except within the Dome Hall. 

Frequently asked question about what's inside the Hungarian Parliament building

Is photography allowed inside the Hungarian Parliament?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the Hungarian Parliament except the Dome Hall, where the Holy Crown is kept. Please remember to be respectful of other visitors and any guidelines provided by staff while capturing the majestic interiors.

Is there a specific path or recommended route to follow inside the Hungarian Parliament for the best experience?

Yes, the guided tour takes you through key areas of the Hungarian Parliament, exploring iconic rooms and halls. The tour begins with a stroll up the City Side Staircase and the Grand Stairway, making way to the Dome Hall. After that, you will swing by the Lounge of the Chamber of Peers, check out the former Chamber of Peers, and wrap it all up with a visit to the Béla Neÿ Hall. It's quite the journey!

Is there a dress code when going inside the Hungarian Parliament building?

There is no dress code for visiting the Hungarian Parliament Building, but you are expected to dress appropriately. This means no shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops.

What is the interior layout of the Hungarian Parliament?

The interior layout of the Hungarian Parliament is grand and intricate, featuring ornate halls, stunning chambers, and historic artifacts throughout. From the impressive Dome Hall to the intricately decorated Assembly Hall, each space showcases the Parliament's architectural beauty and cultural significance.

What are the most popular things to see inside the Hungarian Parliament Building?

The most popular sights inside the Hungarian Parliament Building include The Great Hall, The Matthias Room, The Clock Tower and of course, The Crown Jewels.

Is the interior of the Hungarian Parliament wheelchair-accessible and friendly for those with mobility challenges?

Yes, the Hungarian Parliament interior is wheelchair-accessible, with ramps and elevators provided to ensure that visitors with mobility challenges can explore the building comfortably. Additionally, staff members are available to assist individuals as needed.

Is Wi-Fi available inside the Hungarian Parliament?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available inside the Hungarian Parliament, ensuring visitors can stay connected while exploring this architectural marvel.