The Hungarian Parliament

Beyond its obvious charm as a tourist attraction, the Fisherman’s Bastion also offers a royal view of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Hungarian Parliament. Stretched along the Danube with perfect symmetry and a soaring central dome, it’s impossible to miss. Built between 1884 and 1902, during the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Parliament was designed to showcase the power and identity of the Hungarian nation. At that time, Hungary had just regained significant autonomy within the empire, thanks to the Compromise of 1867. Creating a grand parliament building in Budapest was a powerful symbol of that newfound independence. And if it reminds you a bit of the Palace of Westminster in London, that’s no coincidence. The design was directly inspired by the British model—then seen as a beacon of parliamentary democracy. Architect Imre Steindl chose a neo-Gothic style to evoke a sense of grandeur and continuity with the past, while giving the building a strong national and European presence. The message was clear: Hungary was a great nation, and it wanted the world to know it. The result is nothing short of monumental: around 700 rooms spread over 18,000 square meters, making it one of the largest parliament buildings in the world. And it’s still in use today as the seat of the National Assembly. Since 1987, it’s been part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing that includes the banks of the Danube and the Buda Castle district. The outside alone is a spectacle, but the interior is just as impressive. Guided tours give you access to some of the most iconic rooms, including the stunning Dome Hall, where the Hungarian royal crown—belonging to King Saint Stephen—is displayed under heavy security. Let’s just say Hungarian MPs aren’t working in the worst conditions.