Parliament Building, Budapest — Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of Europe's most jaw-dropping architectural achievements, and the story behind it is just as dramatic as its facade. Commissioned in 1885 after an international design competition won by architect Imre Steindl, the building took 17 years to complete. By the time it was finished in 1902, Steindl had gone completely blind and never saw his masterwork with his own eyes. The height of 96 meters is deliberately symbolic, referencing Hungary's millennium celebration in 1896. The numbers behind this building are staggering: 691 rooms, 29 staircases, 27 gates, and approximately 100,000 workers involved in the construction. Around 40 million bricks, half a million precious stones, and 40 kilograms of gold went into the Gothic Revival design. The building stretches 268 meters along the Danube, making it Hungary's largest structure. Inside, the Parliament is largely symmetrical, with two identical chambers on opposing sides. Only one is used for legislative sessions today while the other hosts ceremonies. The facade features 90 stone statues depicting great figures from Hungarian history, while the interior dazzles with Renaissance-style ceilings and lavish decoration. The building survived World War II bombing but required extensive restoration. Today it remains a working parliament and one of Budapest's most visited attractions. Exploring the area around Parliament with Questo transforms a typical sightseeing stop into an interactive adventure full of historical discoveries you would never find on your own.