This is the third-largest parliament in the world. The Parliament of Budapest is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and one of the main attractions. It’s in Pest and it faces the Danube River. Its construction was finished in 1902 and inaugurated in 1904. The Parliament of Budapest is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It has a gothic style of architecture. It has a 96-meter-high dome in the center and 691 rooms.
The limestone walls are affected by air pollution. In my visit last summer, there was a scaffolding to the right of the building for restoration.
One of the best views of the Parliament is on the opposite side of the bank, on Gellért Hill and the Castle Hill (Kerület). You can book a guided tour during the day or book a day/night cruise tour in advance.
Although we had our night cruise booked, in an earlier visit in the Buda side, a guide warned us not to go on the cruise because of a recent fatal accident in which 27 out 34 people died (30 South Korean tourists) after a larger boat, Viking Sigyn, rammed and sank the small tourist cruise, The Mermaid. It took The Mermaid 7 seconds to overturn and sink. The Danube River is well known for its strong currents and cold temperatures. Unfortunately, the passengers did not get life jackets. Seven South Koreans were rescued.
From the opposite side of the bank, you can sit and enjoy the sunset while waiting for the Parliament lights to turn on at night. Saint Stephen’s holy crown and the royal insignia are held in Parliament. Saint Stephen was the first Hungarian King.