If you’re only familiar with one waltz, it would probably be Johann Strauss’ The Blue Danube. As I sat by the pier waiting for it to get dark so I can take a picture of the Hungarian Parliament, I couldn’t take the music out of my mind.
If I had been more spontaneous (or crazier, depending on how you look at it), I would probably have waltzed alone by the river Danube.
The beautiful Hungarian Parliament.
Overlooking the historic Danube river, the Hungarian Parliament Building looks very impressive. Inspired by the Houses of Parliament in London, it was designed and built in the late 1800s by Hungarian architect Imre Steindl, who unfortunately went blind before the building was completed in 1904.
It stands on Kossuth Square, so it’s also very easy to go there. The subway (M2) has a station near the square (Kossuth tér).
The Hungarian Parliament is one of the two tallest buildings in Budapest, and was in fact, at one time, the largest parliament building in the world (a title now held by Romania’s Palace of Parliament).
If you do find yourself in Budapest, and have some time to visit the Parliament building, you can take a guided tour inside where you will see, among others, the old House of Lords and the Crown Jewels of Hungary. At 19 euros, it’s indeed well worth the price.
During the summer season, it’d be best to book in advance. For those with an EU passport, the entrance fee is even waived! Here’s how to visit the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Have you been inside the Parliament Building in Budapest? How was your experience?
9 Comments. Leave new
Budapest was a wonderful city! There was a Parliament design contest and they built three in the city.
I have been there and it’s indeed amazing! 🙂
@ Bonzenti: You must visit Hungary then. It’s a beautiful country!
@ Georgia: Yes, Hungary is part of the Schengen area. To go there, you have to file for a Schengen visa. Here’s my guide on how to get one: http://solitarywanderer.com/2012/01/how-to-apply-for-a-schengen-visa-in-manila/. Good luck!
Hi, what visa do you need for travel to budapest? Is Hungary part of the agreement with the Schengen Visa? Thanks!
Hi Aleah. How are you. BTW, my father got my name from a Hungarian Bishop, Bishop Mendzenty.:-). A bishop during the communist era.
@ Monisima: Thanks 🙂 If I had not been so lazy when I was in Budapest, I would have enjoyed my time there more.
@ Shawi: Yes, the castle is in Buda, and yes, I took this on that side 🙂 Turo rudi is great! I bought one pack, I still have some now hehe
I keep on forgetting which one is the Pest and which is the Buda side.
Buda is where the castle is di ba? So you would’ve taken this from the Buda side?
I miss turo rudi. Did you try that mouth-watering dessert?
Lovely. Thanks for the description of the Parliament. Never knew of the museum. The photo is great:)