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The Palace of Parliament

"people's house".

One of the most interesting to visit tourist objectives in Bucharest is the Palace of Parliament . No matter how many other palaces have you visited in your lifetime, this grand edifice will impress you with its size and its architectural style. Did we say „architectural style”? In fact, most architects blame this palace for not having one but more architectural styles. Also called the People's House , during Ceausescu’s regime, this building is, in fact, a symbol of the old communist times, an extravagance if you want to put it that way. Thanks to its solid wood furniture, crystal chandeliers, impressive dimensions, huge marble columns and other carefully chosen interior design elements for each room, this palace is one of Bucharest's most visited tourist objectives.

Nowadays, the Palace of Parliament is the scene of interesting new media events, such as iMapp Bucharest . 

The Beginnings

Shortly after the earthquake in 1977, the Romanian communist leader of the time, Nicolae Ceauşescu, initiated the plan to build a new political-administrative center in Bucharest, in the area of the Uranus hill, the higher part of the Dâmboviţa hill, area which was confirmed by specialists as being safe for the construction of monumental buildings. This plan started as a consequence of the urbanization campaign and it was influenced by the friendship with the North Korean leader at that time, Kim Ir Sen.

Starting in 1980, 5% of the Bucharest area was demolished. An area almost equivalent to the total surface of Venice. This was the end of Uranus neighborhood, the end of those small streets paved with cubic stone, with old and quaint Romanian houses with bohemian glamour, many of which brought to light by architects from that time. 20 churches were destroyed, 8 were moved, 10,000 homes were demolished, and over 57,000 families were evicted. Brâncovenesc Hospital which was the first forensic medicine institute in the world was demolished, also.

But this was only the beginning: People's House, the current Palace of Parliament, took almost 10 years of hard work that brought together over 100,000 workers, more than 20,000 persons working 24 hours three shifts per day. Between 1984 and 1990, 12,000 soldiers took part in the construction works, as well.

The building was erected with construction materials produced in Romania, amongst which: 1,000,000 cubic meters of marble, 550,000 tons of cement, 700,000 tons of steel, 2,000,000 tons of sand, 1,000 tons of basalt, 900,000 cubic meters of rich wood, 3,500 tons of crystal, 200,000 cubic meters of glass, 2,800 chandeliers, 220,000 sqm carpets, 3,500 sqm leather.

Interesting is the fact that, for the construction of the Palace of Parliament, all the foam models were made on a scale of 1/1000 presenting the entire Bucharest city, including the streets, plazas, buildings, houses and monuments, also with certain details. Some parts of the building, like stairs, for example, were made on a scale of 1/1! The Ceaușescu couple could not understand the architectural plans and this was the handiest plan for architects to show their plans. The couple was walking over the models on a rolling bridge, giving instructions. Every 7 days, the plans changed according to the new instructions given by the ruling couple.

In 1989, when the Revolution started, only 60% of the building was finalized. At that moment, giving the resentfulness of the population against the symbols of the past era, the demolition of the building was taking into account. Yet, following the economic considerations, it was decided to complete the construction as it was cheaper than demolishing it. Thus, between the years 1992 and 1996, the construction started again.

Now, when you are looking at this massive construction, you can see:

• the largest administrative building (for civil use), as confirmed by the Guinness World Records Book
• the 3rd place worldwide by its volume
• the heaviest and the most expensive building in the world

Sounds great, right?

So, let's have a look inside...

Inside the Building

We recommend you to quickly make a reservation for a tour. Worth a visit because what you will see here you will not see anywhere in the world!

Palace of Parliament Map Plan

Before presenting you a short description of each area that you are going to visit, let's show you the plan of the building. You will find this symbol inlaid in marble on the floor almost everywhere. Most people think it's just an intricate paint on the floor, but now you know it's not only that!

Palace of Parliament Official Entrance

With approximately 1000 rooms of which 440 are offices, more than 30 ballrooms, 4 restaurants, 3 libraries, 2 underground parking lots, 1 big concert room, 1 unfinished pool, and thousands of square meters in which no one knows what is happening, the Palace of Parliament offers you contradictory feelings every time you step on its doorstep.

This is the official entrance. Often used as an official entrance when fairs, exhibitions or other events take place here, the entrance fascinates with the red carpet, the huge chandelier, and, especially, with the stairs you will see: one on the left and one on the right. Built-in a mirror, the two stairs were created especially so that the Ceaușescu couple could use them when they were to receive their guests. One would descend on one side, the other on the other, and meet in the middle. The steps are 13 cm high, less than the usual dimensions and this was also done on purpose. Thus, you could descend naturally, without looking at your feet and without taking bigger steps to climb them. Remember what we have told you about foam models of stairs that were made on a scale of 1/1? These are the stairs we are talking about! In front of each staircase, there is a window covered with curtains. These curtains hold the record for the tallest curtains in the world in an administrative building. Their weight exceeds 250 kg each!

Nicolae Titulescu Hall

This Hall is currently used by the President of the Chamber of Deputies and President of the Senate during the official meetings. The French style was chosen to decorate this room. The color used for this camera was not randomly chosen. Pink is a neutral color and is not used by any political party. So, apart from the fact that it inspires calm, no one can accuse anyone of being subtly influenced in decision-making.

Human Rights Hall

This hall is one of the most impressive that you are going to see. It was projected in order to hold the meetings of the Executive Political Committee of the Communist Party. You will see here a huge round table, 60 identical chairs for the Executive Political Committee members (the armchair for Nicolae Ceaușescu was never finished), and the second-largest chandelier in the Palace of Parliament.

Take Ionescu Hall

This Hall does not have natural light, but the 12 chandeliers and the over 20 sconces manage to illuminate the room, highlighting the beauty of the columns that support it. Pay attention to the ornaments on the ceiling. They are covered with gold leaf. You will notice that the acoustics in this room are special and even the whispers are echoed. In this room, Ceausescu was to be received on the occasion of various events. At his entrance, everyone had to applaud enthusiastically. The echo would have made the applause louder, the effect becoming one with great impact.

This is the largest hall in the building. It has 2200 sqm. The carpet you will see in this room (most of the time it is rolled because it is a room where many events take place) has 1100 sqm and weighs 3 tons. It was woven directly inside the room, being too big to be transported. On two of the walls of the room, on the left and your right, you will see the place where the portrait of Nicolae Ceaușescu should have been on one side and a huge mirror in which it should be reflected on the other side.

Alexandru Ioan Cuza Hall

At the end of your visit, you will see the Alexandru Ioan Cuza Hall. This hall is impressive due to its' highs (it is the highest in the Palace of Parliament), but also due to its balcony. From here you can see Unirii Boulevard. The only person who addressed the crowd speaking from this balcony was Michael Jackson in 1992. He addressed to his fans "Hello, Budapest!" instead of "Hello, Bucharest!", but he wasn't the first or the last personality to confuse the two capitals.

Would you like to learn more about the curiosities that make the Palace of Parliament one of the most impressive buildings in the world?

Opening hours & ticket price

• March - October, daily 09:00 am - 5:00 pm  (last round at 4:30 pm )
• November - February , daily 10:00 am  - 4:00 pm (last round at 3:30 pm )

Ticket prices:

Standard tour.

• Adults: 40 lei / person ~ 8 euro
• Students: 20 lei/person (19 - 26 years old, with student card approved) ~ 4 euro
• Children: 10 lei / person (7-18 years) ~ 2 euro

Standard tour + basement (2 stairs descent)

• Adults: 45 lei / person ~ 10 euro
• Students: 23 lei/person (19 - 26 years old, with student card) ~ 5 euro
• Children: 15 lei / person (7-18 years) ~ 3 euro

Tour Panorama of the city - Terrace (elevator access)

Maximum 6 people / group

• Single rate: 600 lei / tour ~ 125 euro

Standard Tour Package 35

• Single rate: 1400 lei / tour ~ 290 euro

Standard tour package + Basement 35

Single rate: 1575 lei / tour ~ 330 euro

Free admission for:

• children aged 0-6 years , accompanied; persons with disabilities (with evidence) and their companion; accompanying guide (for organized groups, minimum 10 adults).
• Professional photo shooting: 300 EURO/hour
• Professional film shooting: 5000 EURO/hour
• For professional photography and shooting, please send your request to [email protected] or to the fax number: + 40 21 312 09 02.

The tickets for the visit of the Parliament Palace are purchased on the day of the visit, only from the ticket office inside the Exhibition Hall "Constantin Brâncuși", Izvor Street, no. 2-4 . Payment can be made in cash or by bank card.

For reservation:

• Bookings for 1 to 9 people can be made only by phone, 24 hours prior to the visit, between 09:00 – 16:00, at the following telephone numbers: + 40 733 558 102 or +40 733 558 103
• Bookings for groups of 10 people + can be made at the following email address: [email protected]
• Requests for bookings made via email for 1 to 9 people will not be taken into consideration

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How to Visit the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest

Bucharest’s Palace of the Parliament, formerly known as “The House of the People” (“casa poporului”), is one of Romania’s most iconic landmarks. The socialist-era building is the second-largest government building in the world and will likely be at the top of your to-do list if you’re planning a trip to Bucharest.

The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest welcomes tourists all throughout the year, seven days-a-week. To visit, you’ll need to schedule your tour in advance, bring proper identification, and carry adequate cash to pay for your tour.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through planning your tour to this socialist relic and give you a glimpse of what you can expect from each tour package. I’ll also provide information that doesn’t appear on the building’s official tour site, like how to find the entrance (seriously, how did they leave this out).

Hours of Operation

Impressively, the Palace of the Parliament is open seven days-a-week year-round, though it is closed for government holidays. This site provides a list of government holidays in Romania.

It is important to note that the Palace of the Parliament is a functioning parliament building, so you cannot simply wander around on your own. As a tourist, you are only permitted in the building if you are taking part in an official, scheduled tour.

The building’s operational hours vary according to the time of year:

• March-October: Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• November-February: Open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The last tour of the day begins thirty minutes before closing time, so keep this in mind when scheduling your visit.

Additionally, visitors are required to be at the information desk at least 15 minutes before their scheduled tour begins, otherwise the tour may be canceled without notice. Plan your trip so that you will have plenty of time to get to the building and find the information desk.

Tickets and Packages

Standard tour.

Adults:       40 lei ($10 USD)/person

Students:   20 lei ($5 USD)/person (19 – 26 years old, with a valid student ID)

Children:    10 lei ($2.50 USD)/person (7 – 18 years old)

Standard + Underground Tour (access 2 floors on stairs)

Adults:       45 lei ($11 USD)/person

Students:   23 lei ($6 USD)/person (19 – 26 years old, with a valid student ID)

Children:    15 lei ($4 USD)/person (7 – 18 years old)

Panoramic Tour – Terrace (lift access)

Maximum 6 people/group

Admission price: 600 lei ($150 USD)/tour

Scheduling your Visit

One cannot visit the world’s largest monument to Socialism without encountering some form of post-socialist bureaucracy.

Anyone who has visited Rome, where the Colosseum or Vatican can be visited on a whim, will be surprised by the amount of fussing it takes just to visit a landmark in this part of the world.

Before you can tour the Palace of the Parliament, you must schedule your tour, by phone, with a live operator, at least 24 hours beforehand. For most of you, this means you will have to make an international call in order to schedule your visit.

If your telephone provider does not allow international calls to Europe or if they charge an arm and a leg, then I recommend using Skype to place the call. I’ve used Skype many times in the past to make calls to landlines and cellphone numbers in Europe without any hassle. Simply create a Skype account, add $10 of credit, and place your call. It couldn’t be simpler, really.

You must schedule your tour by dialing either of these lines during operational hours:

• + 40 733 558 102

Luckily, the tour staff speaks English so you should be able to communicate easily when you call in. The scheduler should let you know if they have availability on the date you are requesting and what type of tours are being offered that day.

Finding the Entrance

Finding the entrance to the Palace of the Parliament can be quite daunting. The grounds are completely walled off except for a few designated places. Complicating matters further, the grounds are bordered by busy boulevards with few crosswalks.

The entrance you must use to arrive at the information desk is located on the north side of the palace, across from Izvor Park (Parcul Izvor). If you are traveling via metro, you’ll want to exit at Izvor station, located in Izvor park. From the station, you’ll have to walk through the park and toward the Palace.

Using the designated crosswalk, traverse Izvor Boulevard and enter the palace grounds where the car approach and security booth are located. Walk up the long sidewalk toward the building’s facade and enter through the doors at the center of the building.

Once inside, you will have to undergo a brief bag check and metal detector screening. Be careful not to bring anything sketchy (knives, lighters, fireworks, etc.). You will also be asked to present a recognized form of identification.

You must bring your valid passport in order to enter the Palace of the Parliament and participate in a tour.

Is It Worth It?

At a price point of just $10, it would be hard to argue against visiting the Palace of the Parliament.

The sheer scale of the Palace speaks to the grandiose vision of Romania’s brutal dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu, who demolished entire historic neighborhoods to make space for his grand tribute to socialism, the House of the People.

Walking through the building’s unused chambers and empty halls inspire visions of a different Romania, one far removed from the bustling shopping malls and commercial centers that now dot the cityscape. A visit to this monument allows for moments of reflection, fascination, and learning from the past.

Happy exploring.

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Visit Palace of Parliament Bucharest | Timings, Location, Facilities & More

Palace of parliament bucharest | visitor information at a glance.

• What are the Palace of Parliament Bucharest opening hours? The Palace of Parliament in Bucharest is open daily from 9am to 5pm. 
• Where is the Palace of Parliament Bucharest located? The Palace of Parliament stands proudly in the heart of Bucharest, the vibrant capital of Romania. You can find it nestled between Unirii Boulevard and Izvor Street, in the bustling sector 5 of Bucharest.
• How many entrances does the Palace of Parliament Bucharest have? The Palace of Parliament Bucharest is a massive building, but there is just one main entrance designated for visitors.
• How many visitors does the Palace of Parliament Bucharest see per year? The Palace of Parliament in Bucharest attracts around 200,000 visitors every year, making it one of Romania's most popular tourist attractions. 

Book your Palace of Parliament Bucharest tickets

Palace of parliament bucharest opening hours.

General timings:  Daily from 9am to 5pm

Last admission:  4:30pm

Recommended duration:  1-2 hour

Best time to visit the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest

Weekdays vs. Weekends

• Weekdays are generally better than weekends to avoid crowds while visiting the Palace of Parliament Bucharest. 
• Tourist groups tend to flock to the Romanian Parliament on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so expect larger crowds and potentially longer waits for tours. 
• However, if you can't visit the People's Palace on a weekday, then try to plan your weekend visit during the earlier opening hours to snag a spot on a tour before the crowds build.

Peak season vs. low season

• Bucharest experiences peak tourist seasons from April to October. Expect more crowds at the palace and potentially higher accommodation prices during this time, particularly in the summer months. 
• The low tourist season is from November to early March. While some months can be chilly during the low season, you'll likely encounter fewer crowds and shorter queues. 
• The best option is visiting during the shoulder seasons spanning from April-May and September-November as they offer mild temperatures and the crowds are also not too large. 

Where is the Palace of Parliament Bucharest located?

Address:  Strada Izvor 2-4, București, Romania Find on maps

The Palace of Parliament Bucharest sits majestically on Dealul Arsenalului in Bucharest's Centrul Civic. Its central location makes it easily accessible by all kinds of transportation available in the city.

Closest landmark:   Catedrala Mantuirii Neamului  ( 1 km)

How to get to the Palace of Parliament Bucharest?

By bus:  Hop on any of the buses numbered 104, 123, or 385 from the   Piata Natiunile Unite bus stop  near Old Town Bucharest. Hop off at the  Palatul Parlamentului bus stop , which is the nearest one to the Palace of Parliament. Once you're there, it's just a quick walk to the grand building.

By metro:  Head to  Piața Unirii 1 metro station  from Old Town and catch either the M1 or M3 metro line. Get off at   Izvor  station. From Izvor, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll all the way to the Palace of Parliament.

Parking facilities

If you're driving to the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, you might want to check out the parking options nearby. One spot is at  "Piața Constituției" Parking  – it's right across from the palace, but it tends to fill up fast, especially during busy times.

Another option is the  Grand Parking , which is a bit further away, about 1.2 km from the attraction. It's a decent backup if the first spot is full.

Know before you go

Do you want to avoid waiting in long lines outside the Palace of Parliament and gain direct entry inside? Here are a few things you can do to skip the lines:

• Purchase your tickets online in advance:  This is the most effective way to guarantee your entry and avoid waiting in line to purchase tickets onsite. Booking your Palace of Parliament tickets in advance also allows you to choose your preferred date and time, ensuring a smoother visit.
• Opt for skip-the-line tour tickets:  Most Palace of Parliament tours  include skip-the-line access as part of the package. This will help you gain direct entry into the Romanian Parliament building and is also a great option if you want to learn about the palace's history and architecture from an expert guide.
• Visit during the low season:  Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) or the low season (November-February). These periods typically see fewer visitors, resulting in shorter wait times.
• Arrive early:  The lines tend to grow longer as the day goes on, especially during the peak tourist season.   Aim to arrive at the palace close to opening hours to snag a spot on an earlier tour.

There is one designated visitor entrance to Palace of Parliament Bucharest:

• Main visitor entrance:  This Bucharest Parliament entrance is designated for all public visitors. It is located on the northern side of the Palace, facing Izvor Park. You will find it on the Bulevardul Națiunile Unite lane. Whether you have pre-booked a Palace of Parliament tour or purchased tickets on-site, this is the entrance you'll use to enter the Romanian Parliament building.
• National Museum of Contemporary Art entrance: If you're headed to the National Museum of Contemporary Ar t, look out for its entrance on the west side of the Palace of Parliament. You'll find it if you enter from Calea 13 Septembrie lane.

• Restrooms:  Restrooms are available within the Palace of Parliament for visitors. 
• Elevators:  The Palace has elevators, but you can not go inside them unaccompanied.
• Conference Halls : The Palace houses a well-equipped International Conference Center with multiple halls that can accommodate conferences, exhibitions, symposiums, and receptions of various sizes.
• Exhibition Halls:  The Palace occasionally features temporary exhibitions showcasing art, history, or cultural artifacts. 

• Wheelchair-accessible entrance:  The main Palace of Parliament Bucharest entrance features level access and automatic doors for a smooth entry experience.
• Wheelchair availability:  Wheelchairs are available for use on prior arrangements.
• Lifts:  Lifts are available throughout the Palace, ensuring easy access to different floors during the tour.
• Accessible restrooms:  Restroom facilities within the Palace are designed to be accessible for visitors using wheelchairs. This includes wider stalls with grab bars, lower sink vanities, and accessible door openers.

While the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest is an interesting structure for adults, it has limited facilities and activities catering to young children. Here are some helpful tips to enhance your experience with kids:

• Opt for a short tour:  Choosing a condensed tour can help keep children engaged and prevent boredom. Luckily, most  Palace of Parliament tours  last only around 1 hour.
• Explore Centrul Civic:  After your Palace of Parliament visit, explore Bucharest's Centrul Civic area. Here, you'll find parks, fountains, and pedestrian walkways where kids can play and have fun. Additionally, this area offers a variety of restaurants with menus suitable for children.

• Carry a valid ID for entry:  Ensure you have a valid ID (passport or national identity card) for entering the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest.
• Mandatory security check:  Every visitor has to go through a security check before entering the parliament building. This includes an inspection of all your belongings.
• Stay with the group:  Don't stray from the designated route or attempt to explore the Palace independently for security reasons.
• Wear respectful attire:  There's no strict dress code enforced, but respectful attire is recommended. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing, tank tops, or beachwear.
• Photography:  Photography is allowed within limitations. Avoid flash photography, tripods, and capturing other visitors in your frame.
• Additional fee for professional photography:  There's an additional if you want to use a professional camera inside the Bucharest Parliament building. This fee is 300 Euros/hour for professional photography and 5000 Euros/hour for videography.
• Show respect for property:  Sitting on the stairs or any furniture is prohibited for the preservation of the Palace's interiors.

• Caru' cu Bere  (The House with Beer) (1.1 km):  This architecturally significant Romanian restaurant with a warm ambiance is located right across from the Palace and features traditional Romanian cuisine alongside international fare.
• Restaurant Allucinante  (1 km):  This charming restaurant near the People's Palace serves modern European cuisine with a focus on presentation.
• Hanu'lui Manuc  (Manuc's Inn) (2.4 km):  Step back in time at this historic inn located on Strada Stavropoleos. Enjoy a taste of Romanian culinary heritage in a charming setting steeped in history.
• Burgeria Cotroceni  (2.5 km):  Burgeria Cotroceni offers juicy gourmet burgers in a casual setting close to the Palace.
• Winestone Victoriei 37  (2.8 km):  This place specializes in contemporary European cuisine and boasts a huge wine selection within walking distance of the Palace.

Budget:  Kretan Hostel  (1.7 km),  Nest Boutique Hostel  (2.1 km),  Hostel Sport Bucharest  (2.8 km)

Mid-range:  Filitti Boutique  (1 km),   Union Plaza Hotel & Sky Bar  (3 km),  Boutique Hotel Monaco  (3.3 km)

Luxury:  JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel  (1 km),  Vila Cotroceni Boutique Apartments  (2.3 km),  Suter Palace Heritage Boutique Hotel  (2.3 km)

• Izvor Park  (270 m):  Relax at the Izvor Park, located right across the street from the Palace of Parliament. Stroll along the walking paths, rent a paddleboat to take a spin on the water, or simply soak up the fresh air amidst the beautiful greenery. If you're traveling with children, the park also features a playground where they can burn off some energy.
• The National Museum of the Romanian Peasant  (3.1 km):  Immerse yourself in Romanian rural life and traditions at this expansive museum. Explore exhibits showcasing everyday objects, folk clothing, intricate wood carvings, and traditional painted eggs.
• Stavropoleos Church (Biserica Stavropoleos)  (4.8 km):  This beautifully restored 17th-century church is a hidden gem near the Palace of Parliament Bucharest. Step inside to admire its ornate frescoes and baroque architecture, a stark contrast to the grandeur of the People's Palace. Marvel at the detailed religious paintings adorning the walls and the intricately carved wooden altar.

Visitor tips

• Plan your visit:  Book your Palace of Parliament Bucharest tickets in advance, especially during peak season (March-October). This ensures a guaranteed spot and avoids long waiting lines.
• Arrive early:  If you haven't booked online, aim to reach the Palace close to opening hours, especially during peak times. This gives you a better chance of getting on an earlier tour with shorter waiting lines.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes:  The Palace is vast, so prioritize comfortable shoes suitable for walking long distances. 
• Mind your belongings:  Due to security measures, the Palace doesn't offer cloakrooms or lockers for storing bags or backpacks. So, travel light and avoid bringing valuables.
• Food and drinks:  Consuming food or beverages is not permitted inside the Romanian Parliament building. Consumption of alcohol and smoking are strictly prohibited. You are permitted to carry non-alcoholic liquids in plastic or glass bottles.
• Time allocation:  A standard guided tour typically lasts around an hour to an hour and a half. However, factor in additional time for security checks and waiting, especially during peak season.
• Be respectful:  The Palace is a working government building. Maintain respectful volume during your visit and follow your guide's instructions to avoid disruptions.
• Explore more of Bucharest:  The Palace of Parliament Bucharest is a central landmark. After your visit, take time to explore the surrounding Centrul Civic area. Visit nearby museums and parks, or grab a bite at a local restaurant.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Palace of Parliament Bucharest

The Palace of Parliament Bucharest is a must-see for several reasons. It's the world's second-largest administrative building, boasting architectural grandeur and a fascinating history. Explore its opulent interiors, learn about its controversial past, and marvel at its sheer scale.

Yes, Palace of Parliament guided tours are highly recommended. They provide valuable historical context, point out architectural details you might miss on your own, and ensure a smooth flow through the palace.

A standard guided tour lasts around an hour. However, factor in additional time for security checks and potential queues, especially if purchasing tickets on-site.

There's no strict dress code, but respectful attire is recommended. Opt for comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking through the vast palace interiors. Avoid overly revealing clothing, large backpacks, or anything that could be seen as a security risk.

No. Unfortunately, food and drinks are not permitted inside the Palace of Parliament. But you can enjoy refreshments at the numerous cafes and restaurants located nearby before or after your visit.

Booking your tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season (March-October) or on weekends. This helps guarantee your spot on the  Palace of Parliament tour  and ensures a skip-the-line entry.

Yes, the grandeur of the  Romanian Parliament building  can be intriguing to young minds. However, please note that there are no play areas or dedicated facilities for children within the Palace.

No, pets are not allowed inside the Palace building.

You can easily reach the Palace of Parliament Bucharest via the metro, bus, or taxi from Old Town Bucharest.

Bringing food items is not allowed, but you can carry liquids in plastic or glass bottles.

No, a single ticket is valid for one entry only.

Ideally, you should book your  Palace of Parliament tour  tickets at least 24-48 hours in advance, especially during peak season. You might find last-minute slots available online or by calling the Palace on the day of your visit (subject to availability).

The Palace is wheelchair accessible, and prams should be allowed. However, due to the narrow corridors in some areas, navigate with caution and be prepared to fold the pram if necessary.

Palace of Parliament

Top choice in Bucharest

The Palace of Parliament is the world’s second-largest administrative building (after the Pentagon) and former dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu’s most infamous creation. Started in 1984 (and still unfinished), the 330,000-sq-metre building has more than 3000 rooms. Entry is by guided tour only (book ahead). Entry to the palace is from B-dul Naţiunile Unite on the building's northern side (to find it, face the front of the palace from B-dul Unirii and walk around the building to the right). Bring your passport.

Several types of tours are available, including a 'standard' tour of the main rooms and hallways, and 'complete' tours that combine the standard tour with views of the basement. The standard tour takes around 45 minutes; add an extra 15 minutes to see the basement. Today, the building houses the country's parliament and associated offices – though much of it stands unused.

B-dul Naţiunile Unite

Get In Touch

0733-558 102

https://​www​.cic​.cdep​.ro​/

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Bellu Cemetery

The city’s most prestigious burial ground houses the tombs of many notable Romanian writers – a map inside the gate points out locations. Many Romanians…

Nearby Bucharest attractions

1 . National Museum of Contemporary Art

The Palace of Parliament houses a superb art gallery, which displays temporary, ever-changing exhibitions of eclectic installations and video art. Check…

2 . Antim Monastery

This beautiful walled complex was built in 1715 by the metropolitan bishop Antim Ivireanu. Today it's hidden by communist-era housing blocks.

3 . St Apostles’ Church

Tiny St Apostles’ Church, north of B-dul Unirii (west of the Piaţa Unirii), survived Ceauşescu's 1980s demolition project – to a degree. The church, built…

4 . Prince Mihai Monastery

The former symbol of Bucharest, the 16th-century Prince Mihai Monastery was built from 1589 to 1591 under the orders of Mihai Viteazul (r 1593–1601)…

5 . Holocaust Memorial

West of Calea Victoriei is the country's formal memorial to Romanian Jews and Roma who died in the Holocaust. The monument, the shape vaguely recalling a…

6 . CEC Bank Palace

Across the street from the National History Museum, the headquarters of the Romanian Savings Bank, CEC, is a gleaming and thoroughly renovated…

7 . National History Museum

Hardly a 'national' museum of history, given the rather small collection of maps, statues and jewels on display. The museum is strong, however, on the…

8 . Patriarchal Cathedral

From the centre of Piaţa Unirii, look southwest to the Patriarchal Cathedral, the centre of Romanian Orthodox faith, built between 1656 and 1658. It…

The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest: History, facts and tours

I will never forget the odor when I entered the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest . To this day, I can’t decide if it was just bad air or if somebody failed to boil cabbage properly. Somehow, this smell inside the Palace of the Parliament can still trigger a set of impressions from my visit. It was actually this building that made me want to visit Bucharest. Therefore, taking a tour through the Palace was a high priority when I visited Romania’s capital.

The so-called Casa Poporului , or The People’s House, is an impressive building lots of records are associated with it. In this article, I’m going to present to you my impressions of the tour, lots of facts, photos, plus a video. If you’d like to book a tour, make sure to check the section at the bottom of this post, where I link to the best tours to the Palace of the Parliament.

So, let’s start.

Table of Contents

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An introduction to the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest

The Palace of the Parliament is the heaviest building in the world . It actually weighs 4,098,500,000 kilos, and it is supposedly sinking a few millimeters per year. It is located in Bucharest, Romania’s capital, and its construction lasted 13 years: it started in 1984 and finished in 1997. The idea of constructing such a massive building belonged to Nicolae Ceausescu, the Romanian Communist Party’s general secretary. Ceausescu was executed in December 1989 during the Romanian Revolution, which was an era of political turmoil for the country. That said, Ceausescu never saw the building he envisioned.

The architect that supervised the construction of the Parliamentary Palace was Anca Petrescu. She wasn’t, of course, alone in this task. She actually had 700 architects with her. The number of workers is equally impressive: more than 21,000 people worked on the project. Nicolae Ceausescu wanted to prove that he could build it using Romanian materials and local workers exclusively. It was a house for the people, after all. Those 21,000 workers worked in three shifts, 24 hours per day. That said, for these 13 years, people were working on the project non-stop.

Today, the building houses the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, the two sections of the Parliament of Romania. In addition, several museums are hosted in the building, among them the Museum for Contemporary Art of Romania . But of course, these things occupy just a tiny percentage of its use. The Palace of the Parliament has more than 1,000 rooms . There are also offices operating in the building, and its number is calculated to be 440. The Palace itself occupies an area of 365,000 square meters.

Known also as the House of the Republic, Ceaușescu’s dream building is also the world’s largest civilian building with an administrative function. It’s also the second biggest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. In the early ’90s, Rupert Merdoch tried to buy it for 3 billion dollars. However, the Romanian State didn’t accept his offer. To this day, the Palace of the Parliament is also the most expensive administrative building in the world.

Taking a tour of the Palace of the Parliament

Everyone can visit the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest. However, walking through its interior is only possible with a guide. You can either sign up for a tour in the Palace directly from the website of the Parliamentary Palace or find a tour online. The day I visited the Palace, I was lucky enough to arrive on time for an English guided tour. However, as I figured out, not every tour is in English. Therefore, cross-check if the tour you’re about to take is in English.

As an alternative, you can pre-book an English-speaking tour online. There are actually a few certified guides offering them. You can book a tour here and also here . Make sure to arrive fifteen minutes in advance : it’s obligatory to go through a security check. Bring also your passport with you; otherwise, you won’t be allowed to enter.

It honestly feels like being in an airport. And the truth is that maybe you are: you’re about to land in a different era.

What you’ll see in the Parliamentary Palace tour

As I wrote earlier, this is the biggest administrative building in the world. You will probably need days to tour all around it. Even the people working there haven’t seen the whole building. The visitors taking the Parliamentary Palace tour will only have access to 5% of the building. You will walk approximately 1,5 kilometers , and you will visit a couple of rooms. If you add the so-called Underground option to your tour, you’ll also see some rooms in the basement. For the latter addition, make sure you are fit enough to take the stairs. You should calculate approximately 300 stairs in total -but not in one strike, of course.

According to online information, the tour lasts about two hours. This is probably an exaggeration, though: the tour I took lasted one hour and fifteen minutes. I think that the two-hour timeframe considers things like unforeseen delays or a group that might ask lots of questions.

How much does the tour of the Palace of the Parliament cost?

As of 2021, the tour costs 45 lei. That’s approximately 9-10 euros/dollars . If you book one of the various tours that you can find online, expect a few extra euros since you’re also paying for the guide. By booking online, though, you reserve a place, so you’re sure that you won’t miss it. I’ll add the two best tours at the bottom of this post.

There is no extra charge for shooting photos. I double-checked that because I wanted to shoot both photos and videos. I had my Ricoh with me as well as the DJI Osmo Pocket . During the tour, I also saw people carrying large DSLRs. That said, you don’t have to worry about your bulky DSLR. Have it with you because the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest is a great attraction and you want to remember everything about it.

What to expect from the tour to Parliamentary Palace

The guides are very knowledgeable and friendly. They will always ask you if you have any questions, and they are happy to answer them. They will also provide lots of information, but it’ll be hard to remember every detail unless you write everything down or record it. The only downside of the tour for me was that it felt pretty short. In one hour and fifteen minutes, it’s hard to digest what you see. Plus, if you (like me) would like to shoot photos and videos, you’ll have to sacrifice some of the info for finding and composing your images.

The day I took the tour, I counted approximately 35 people in the group. In some of the rooms, you won’t walk inside; therefore, everybody will stand in front of the door. That said, if you’d like to take some decent photos, you’ll have to wait until the group moves on to the next room. Of course, you’ll then lose some info.

Overall, I’m happy that I had the Parliamentary Palace tour . It offers a memorable experience because, in this building, modern history was written. Apart from that, the scale of the building itself is breathtaking. If you are into history or simply interested in such things, this is one of the must things to do in Bucharest.

20 quick facts about the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest

Before presenting even more photos (and a video) from the tour, I’d like to add some quick facts about the building. Plus, I got some info from our tour guide that might not be available anywhere else online.

• You can access the Palace of the Parliament only from the side of Izvor Park. Since the building is enormous, don’t lose time searching for the entrance. Walk straight to Izvor Park and cross the street.
• The English-speaking tours usually start early in the afternoon. Mine began at 14:00, some of the online ones start at 15:00.
• The tour will last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes . I think that the two hours that you’ll see online is probably an exaggeration.
• You can take photos everywhere in the interior but not at the security check . So keep your cameras and smartphones down.
• Before starting the tour, you will be given a badge. You’ll have to return it when exiting, so if you are into such memorabilia, make sure to take a photo.
• Don’t forget your passport ! Without it, you can’t enter the Palace of the Parliament. Remember that this is an administrative building and people want to know who’s attending.
• One of the paintings that you will see presents the back of a woman. This is supposedly Ceausescu’s wife, Elena. Her back is naked, and rumor says the painter didn’t want to use her as a model because he found her ugly. Some other stories say that Elena was, in fact, running the State, not Nicolae.
• When you are accessing the first floor, you will see huge curtains hanging in front of the windows. They are dark red in color, sixteen meters high, and they weigh 200 kilos each.
• Sabin Balasa was one of the most famous artists in Romania. One of his most known paintings is in the Palace of the Parliament. Its name is “ Apotheosis ,” and it’s from 1984.
• Along the long corridors of the Palace, you’ll also see traditional Romanian costumes . Some of them are more than 100 years old.
• The Palace of the Parliament is not far away from the city center. You can easily access it on foot .
• There are days that international conferences and other events take place in the Palace. However, even on the busiest days, only 65% of the building is in use .
• Nicolae Ceausescu dreamed of having a theater in the building. And indeed, there is one, but it was never used as such. The reason? Well, there was not enough reason for backstage. By the way, the chandelier in that room weighs 3,000 kilos.
• Since Romania has major earthquakes from time to time, there are visible damages on some walls.
• The Palace also has eight underground levels , and the very last one is a nuclear bunker. The walls are 1,5 meters thick, and radiation cannot penetrate them.
• According to the official website, in the standard tour, you’ll visit the following rooms: The Press Gallery, The Gallery of Honour, The “Nicolae Iorga”  Hall, The “Nicolae Bălcescu” Hall, The “Nicolae Titulescu” Hall, The “Drepturilor Omului” Hall, The C4 Hall, The “I.I.C. Brătianu” Hall, The “Take Ionescu” Hall, The “Unirii” Hall, The “Al. I. Cuza” Hall, The Gallery of Honour, The Press Gallery, The “C. A. Rosetti” Hall. Taking the extended tour will grant you access to some underground areas as well.
• The tour is, unfortunately, not accessible to people with mobility disabilities.
• Most of the materials were produced in Romania . Among them: 1,000,000 cubic meters of marble and 550,000 tons of cement.
• The palace’s location was not an empty space before: 20 churches were destroyed, 8 were moved, and 10,000 homes had to be demolished. The State evicted more than 57,000 families.
• Before the Revolution of 1989, the Parliamentary Palace was a symbol of Socialism. After 1989 it became a symbol of Democracy because it hosts several public institutes.

A short video from the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest

So, here you can see a 6-minute video from the Palace. I tried to include as much footage as possible. Moreover, I preferred not to add any music and let you hear what the tour guide had to say.

Opening times of the Palace of the Parliament

The Palace is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m .

More photos from the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest

So, in this section, you can see some extra pictures from the tour.

Book your tour for the Palace of the Parliament

Here you can find four selected tours for the Parliamentary Palace . All of them will book tickets for you; therefore, you won’t have to queue. There’s, of course, a guide to help you navigate through the building, and they will provide lots of info. The tours are in English. You have the following options:

• Palace of the Parliament skip-the-line tour . This one is exactly what its name says: you’ll skip the line and take the tour without waiting in the queue. You can book this tour here .
• Parliamentary palace tour with Pickup . This option offers a plus: the tour guides will pick you up from your hotel in Bucharest. The Palace’s ticket is included in the price. Check this tour here .
• Private Bucharest full-day tour with entrance fees . That’s probably the most comprehensive Bucharest tour you’ll find online. The guides will pick you up from your accommodation, and you’ll have a full day tour in the city. A visit to the Parliamentary Palace is, of course, part of the price. Book the full-day tour here .
• Communist tour . As its name betrays, this is a tour dealing with the communist past of the city. It’s a private full-day tour around Bucharest, including, of course, the Palace of the Parliament. If you have a thing for modern history, then this one is for you. Book the Communist tour here .

So, that was it with my article about the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest. Please let me know if you have already visited the Palace and your thoughts about it.

More about Bucharest : My travelogue from the capital of Romania & Bucharest travel guide

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Last Updated on November 23, 2021 by George Pavlopoulos

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