Palace of the Parliament
A colossal testament to ambition, this palace offers a glimpse into Romania's past with its immense scale and opulent, locally-sourced interiors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Palace of the Parliament
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal testament to ambition, this palace offers a glimpse into Romania's past with its immense scale and opulent, locally-sourced interiors.
"A must-have visit when you are in town; the history is quite interesting to hear."
🎯 Book Ahead for Tours
Secure your spot by booking tours at least 24 hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
🛂 Bring Your ID/Passport
Essential for security checks and entry into the Parliament building.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Ballrooms
Various halls
Marvel at opulent ballrooms and conference rooms, showcasing Romania's rich history and craftsmanship.
Ornate Interiors
Throughout the palace
Experience the lavish decorations, including intricate carpets, chandeliers, and marble.
Panoramic City Views
Specific viewpoints (ask guide)
Catch glimpses of Bucharest from unique vantage points within this colossal structure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Navigating the Massive Building
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting parliament
🎯 Book Ahead for Tours
Secure your spot by booking tours at least 24 hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
🛂 Bring Your ID/Passport
Essential for security checks and entry into the Parliament building.
Visiting Bucharest for 8 days - advice on what to do
💧 No Liquids Inside
Drink water before entering; you can buy it after security if needed.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking and stairs, even on a guided tour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Tours
Secure your spot by booking tours at least 24 hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
🛂 Bring Your ID/Passport
Essential for security checks and entry into the Parliament building.
💧 No Liquids Inside
Drink water before entering; you can buy it after security if needed.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking and stairs, even on a guided tour.
⏳ Allow Extra Time
Factor in time for security checks and potential waiting periods.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Palace of the Parliament as a must-see Bucharest landmark, highlighting its impressive scale and opulent interiors. Guides are often commended for their knowledge and engaging delivery. However, some find the history behind its construction somber, and the limited access to only a fraction of the building can be a point of minor disappointment.
"Really interesting place, a staple on the map in Bucharest. If you only have a time to see one thing I would recommend exactly this. Tickets are bought by the counter when you enter, we manage to enter 1.5h later on the last tour. Entering only with the tour guide and the group. The whole touring is 1 hour. The guide was really nice and funny. Had a great experience!"
Ela Sosna
"Worth doing a tour. For ease, we booked online through a third party but if you call the official sales office directly I think it’s cheaper. This place was an insane Ceausescu folly but it’s an impressive building they are trying to put it to good use. Ensure you get (and read) detailed instructions about where to enter the building because it’s massive."
David Smith
"This is a must-have visit when you are in town. There are many local resources used to built this extraordinary building but also the history is quite interesting to hear. Sad to know that the cost is high but the full extent is not used. The tour gives you 7% of the whole building but still enough to see the major ballrooms and conference rooms that are unique for this building. This building offer many one of a kind and world records so highly recommend to see it with your own eyes.
We did not do any pre-work, thus we managed to book the time slot on spot, wait 2h and came back. There is a security check (no liquids, can buy after entering) into the building and then ID check once the guided tour starts. There is no possibility to wander around alone. I actually had a positive experience, especially thanks to the guide (man, under 30ties, laid back, sarcastic humour and attentive). Unfortunately cannot remember the name of the guide but highly recommend him.
For fellow pregnant ladies, we did total over 100 stairs which was not bad at all. Buy water and bring it with you of visiting on a hot summer day."
Katre K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Palace of the Parliament is accessible by public transport, including buses and trams. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. It's a prominent landmark, so it's hard to miss!
Limited parking options are available, but it's often easier and more convenient to use public transport or a taxi due to the building's size and potential traffic.
If you are staying in the city center, it might be a pleasant walk, but the palace is quite large and located a bit outside the immediate core. Check your map for distances.
Follow the specific entry instructions provided when you book your tour, as the building is vast and has designated access points.
Yes, the National Museum of Contemporary Art is located within the palace complex, and other city center attractions are a short distance away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can book tickets online through the official website or by calling the sales office directly. Booking at least 24 hours in advance is highly recommended.
While sometimes possible, it's not guaranteed. You might have to wait for a later tour slot or risk not getting in. Booking ahead is best.
Tour hours vary, but generally run throughout the day. It's crucial to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule when booking.
There isn't a strict dress code, but smart casual attire is generally appropriate for visiting such a significant government building.
You will need to present a valid ID or passport for security checks and to participate in the guided tour.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The standard guided tour typically lasts about one hour, covering a significant portion of the palace's accessible areas.
No, independent exploration is not permitted. You must join a guided tour to see the interior of the palace.
Yes, there are numerous stairs throughout the building. While some tours might be manageable, pregnant individuals or those with mobility issues should be aware.
While the palace is massive, accessibility can be challenging due to its historical construction and numerous stairs. It's advisable to contact the palace directly to inquire about specific accessibility arrangements.
Built during the communist era under Nicolae Ceaușescu, it's a symbol of his megalomania and the country's past. The tour provides insights into its construction and history.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the palace during tours, but it's always best to confirm with your guide, as restrictions can sometimes apply to specific areas.
Typically, professional equipment and tripods are not permitted for standard tours. Check with the palace administration for specific rules regarding photography.
The grand ballrooms, ornate chandeliers, and vast halls offer stunning photographic opportunities. Your guide can point out the most impressive areas.
Yes, the exterior is equally impressive. Various viewpoints around the building offer excellent opportunities for exterior shots, especially from the front plaza.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Midday can be harsh, but the sheer scale is always impressive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's recommended to prepare children for the scale of the building and the historical context. The guides are often engaging and can make the tour interesting for younger audiences. Consider bringing snacks and drinks to consume before entering, as liquids are not permitted inside.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, consider combining your visit with other free or low-cost activities in Bucharest. The sheer scale of the palace itself is a major draw, and the guided tour provides substantial historical and architectural insights for the ticket price.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Colossal Scale of the Palace
Visitors often express awe at the vastness of the interior, with its numerous halls, chambers, and corridors. The guided tours, while covering only about 7% of the total building, are designed to showcase the most impressive and ornate sections. This includes grand ballrooms, conference rooms, and areas adorned with materials sourced entirely from Romania, such as marble, wood, and intricate carpets. The experience is a journey through a unique period of the country's architectural and political past.
Despite its grandeur, the palace also carries a somber history, representing a period of significant economic hardship for the country during its construction. Many locals have mixed feelings about it, acknowledging its architectural marvel while remembering the sacrifices made. Understanding this context adds another layer to the visitor experience, making it more than just a sightseeing stop.
Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Fellow Travelers
Entry procedures are also a key point. Be prepared for a security check, similar to airport security, where liquids are not allowed inside. You'll need to present your ID or passport for verification. The building is immense, so paying close attention to the specific entrance instructions provided with your booking is crucial to avoid confusion.
Comfort is also a consideration. Many reviewers mention the presence of numerous stairs throughout the palace, so wearing comfortable shoes is a practical tip. For those with mobility concerns or pregnant individuals, it's wise to inquire about accessibility beforehand, as not all areas may be easily navigable.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit