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.

Palace of Parliament Bucharest

Palace of Parliament Bucharest opening hours

General timings: Daily from 9am to 5pm

Last admission: 4:30pm

Recommended duration: 1-2 hour

Palace of the Parliament Bucharest opening hours

1-Hour Palace of Parliament Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

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1 hr.

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From Bucharest: Bran Castle, Peles Castle & Brasov Full-Day Guided Tour

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12 hr.

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Combo (Save 5%): Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Palace of Parliament + Entry to Therme Bucuresti Spa Tickets

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Combo (Save 5%): 1-Hour Palace of Parliament Skip-the-Line Guided Tour + From Bucharest: Bran Castle, Peles Castle & Brasov Full-Day Guided Tour

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Guided tour

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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)

Palace of Parliament Bucharest location

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 – 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

Online tickets of Palace of Parliament Bucharest

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 Art, 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.

Facilities at Palace of Parliament Bucharest

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.

Accessibility atPalace of Parliament Bucharest

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)

Stavropoleos Church (Biserica Stavropoleos) near Palace of Parliament Bucharest

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.

Palace of Parliament facts

Frequently asked questions about visiting Palace of Parliament Bucharest

Why should I visit the Palace of Parliament in 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.

Should I take a guided tour of the Palace of Parliament Bucharest?

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.

How long should I spend at the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest?

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.

What should I wear when visiting the Palace of Parliament Bucharest?

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.

Can I buy food and drinks at the Palace of Parliament Bucharest?

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.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

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.

Can I visit the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, Romania, with the kids?

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.

Are dogs allowed inside the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, Romania?

No, pets are not allowed inside the Palace building.

How can I reach the Palace of Parliament Bucharest from Old Town Bucharest city center?

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

Can I bring my own food and drink to the Palace of Parliament Bucharest?

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

Can I enter the Palace of Parliament Bucharest several times in one day with the same ticket?

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

How far ahead should I book my Palace of Parliament tour?

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).

Are prams allowed in the Palace of Parliament Bucharest?

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.