Exploring the grandeur of Bucharest’s Palace of Parliament is a must-do experience for visitors to the city. Offering guided tours in English, Italian, and Romanian, this monumental building captivates with its lavish interiors and historical significance. Priced at €21.17 per person, the 1-hour and 15-minute tour provides access to key areas like conference halls and the Plenary Room, all while adhering to security protocols. With the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is both flexible and enriching. Prepare to be mesmerized by the sheer scale and opulence of this architectural marvel, as you uncover the fascinating stories that lie within its walls.
Key Points
- The Palace of Parliament in Bucharest offers guided tours priced at £21.17 per person, with a duration of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Tours provide access to significant areas like conference halls, main staircases, and the Plenary Room on weekends, showcasing the building’s lavish interiors.
- Tours are available in English, Italian, and Romanian, with small group options to skip ticket lines.
- Visitors must present a valid passport or ID card and undergo strict security checks before entry, with prohibited items including large bags, pets, and weapons.
- The Palace of Parliament is known as the second-largest administrative building globally and a symbol of the former Communist regime in Romania.
Tour Overview and Pricing
Tickets for the Palace of Parliament tour in Bucharest cost £21.17 per person, and the experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, including the entry procedure.
Visitors can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. For added convenience, there’s a ‘reserve now & pay later‘ option available.
The Palace of Parliament is the second-largest administrative building globally, making this an unmissable destination for those seeking to explore the architectural and historical significance of Bucharest.
Travelers can expect a guided tour through the lavish interiors, featuring marble, crystal, and intricate carpets, providing an immersive glimpse into Romania’s communist past.
Loving the local insights? Here are more guided experiences we recommend in Bucharest
Palace of Parliament Details
The Palace of Parliament, also historically known as the Casa Republicii (House of the Republic) or Casa Poporului (House of the People), is the second-largest administrative building globally, serving as a powerful symbol of Communist architecture in Bucharest. Construction began in 1984 under the direction of the former dictator, Nicolae Ceaușescu, and the building now boasts 9 stories above ground and 4 underground levels. The lavish interiors are made from local materials, including marble, crystal, and luxurious carpets, showcasing the grandiose opulence of the Communist regime. This architectural marvel stands as a testament to the former regime’s ambition and excess.
Characteristic | Detail |
---|---|
Size | Second-largest administrative building globally |
Architecture | Main symbol of Communist architecture in Bucharest |
Construction | Started in 1984, with 9 stories above ground and 4 underground levels |
Interiors | Lavish, made from local materials like marble, crystal, and carpets |
Historical Names | Casa Republicii, Casa Poporului |
Tour Experience
Guided tours of the Palace of Parliament are available in English, Italian, and Romanian, allowing visitors to explore the building’s impressive galleries and views of the main square.
Small group options are offered, enabling travelers to skip the ticket line and access key areas such as the conference halls, main staircases, and the Plenary Room of the Senate (on weekend tours only).
The tour experience provides an up-close look at the lavish interiors made from local materials like marble, crystal, and carpets, showcasing the palace’s grandeur and the scale of its Communist-era architecture.
Visitors can learn about the building’s history as the main symbol of Communist rule in Bucharest, known historically as the Casa Republicii and Casa Poporului.
Important Information
Visitors to the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest must present a valid passport or ID card, as copies aren’t accepted, before undergoing an airport-style security check prior to entry.
Large bags, pets, weapons, and sharp objects are prohibited from being brought into the building.
Meeting points for the tour may vary, so travelers should check availability for specific details.
The security measures are in place to ensure the safety and protection of both visitors and the historic site.
Adhering to these important guidelines will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the impressive Palace of Parliament, one of the most iconic landmarks in Bucharest.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Palace of Parliament tours, awarding an impressive overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 582 reviews.
While the value for money score sits at a respectable 3.8/5, guests consistently highlight the professionalism and empathy of the tour guides as a standout aspect of the experience.
However, some visitors have expressed disappointment at not being able to access certain areas, such as the balcony, despite having paid for the tour.
The combination of awe-inspiring architecture, informative guides, and a generally positive experience has solidified the Palace of Parliament tour as a must-do attraction for those visiting Bucharest, with the vast majority of guests reporting a highly satisfactory visit.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Bucharest
- Palace of Parliament in Bucharest – Fast-Track Tickets and Guide
- Ticket to Ferestroika Museum of Family Life During Communism
- Skip the Line Palace of Parliament in Bucharest Ticket
- Bucharest: Salt Mine Entrance Ticket and Transfer
- Bucharest: Palace of Parliament Tickets and Guide
- Bucharest: Parliament Palace Skip-the-line Ticket
Meeting Point and Security
The meeting point for the tour may vary, so guests are advised to check availability for the specific details. Security protocols require visitors to undergo an airport-style check before entering the Palace of Parliament, with prohibited items including pets, large bags, weapons, and sharp objects.
Meeting Point | Security Checks |
---|---|
Varies | Airport-style |
Check availability | Prohibited items: |
for specifics | Pets, large bags, |
weapons, sharp objects | |
Valid ID required |
Ensuring the safety and smooth flow of visitors is a top priority, and guests are expected to cooperate fully with these necessary security measures.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
Upon completing the mandatory security checks, visitors gain access to the guided tour, which includes key areas of the Palace of Parliament.
Guests can expect to view the lavish conference halls, main staircases, and the Plenary Room of the Senate (on weekend tours). Plus, the tour showcases the building’s impressive galleries and offers panoramic views of the main square.
However, the tour doesn’t include access to certain restricted areas, such as the balcony, despite payment.
Guided tours are available in English, Italian, and Romanian, and travelers can choose between skip-the-line and small group options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common visitor inquiries about the Palace of Parliament tour cover a range of topics, from entry requirements to restricted areas within the building.
Tourists frequently ask whether photography is allowed during the tour, and the response is that cameras are permitted for personal use, though flash photography is prohibited to preserve the delicate interiors.
Another common question is whether the entire building can be accessed. The answer is that while the tour includes visits to key rooms like the conference halls and the Senate’s Plenary Room, certain areas such as the building’s balconies are off-limits.
Queries about tour duration and starting times are also common. The tour operator is transparent about the approximate 1 hour and 15-minute length and the varying meeting points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos Inside the Palace?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the Palace of Parliament, except in certain restricted areas. Photography policies may vary, so it’s best to check with the tour guides before taking pictures during the tour.
Are Children Allowed on the Tour?
Yes, children are allowed on the tour. The Palace of Parliament offers guided tours that welcome visitors of all ages, including families with children. However, certain restrictions may apply, such as minimum height or age requirements for specific areas of the palace.
Are Guided Tours Offered in Other Languages?
Guided tours of the Palace of Parliament are offered in English, Italian, and Romanian. The tours provide an opportunity to explore the lavish interiors and learn about the building’s history and significance.
Is the Palace Wheelchair Accessible?
The palace is partially wheelchair accessible. Visitors can access the ground floor and most exhibition areas, but access to upper floors and certain rooms may be limited. Guests should inquire about accessibility options when booking their tour.
Can I Purchase Tickets on the Day of the Tour?
Yes, visitors can typically purchase tickets on the day of the tour. However, to avoid long queues, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance online. Walk-up tickets are subject to availability at the time of arrival.
Recap
The Palace of Parliament in Bucharest offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s largest administrative buildings.
With guided tours available in multiple languages, visitors can discover the palace’s lavish interiors and historical significance, while adhering to security protocols.
The flexible booking options and free cancellation policy make this an accessible and enriching experience for anyone interested in the architectural and political history of Romania.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tickets in Bucharest
- Private Transfer and 3H Tickets to Therme Bucharest
- Dracula & Peles Castle – Tickets Included
- Bears Sanctuary & Dracula Castle – Tickets Included
- Private Tour Bear Sanctuary & City of Brasov One Day Trip – Tickets Included
- Ceausescu Villa – Fast Track Tickets and Guide
- Therme-Entrance Ticket and Transfer Pick-Up/Drop-Off Bucharest
More Tours in Bucharest
- 3 Days Private Tour in Transylvania From Bucharest
- 2-Day Hiking Tour in Bucegi Mountains From Bucharest
- Pompeii From Naples Private Tour With Personal Guide
- 3-Day Private Tour of Transylvania – Starting Bucharest
- A Taste of Bucharest Private Tour
- Prahova Salt Mine & Wine Tasting – Private Day Tour From Bucharest
More Tour Reviews in Bucharest
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Bucharest we have recnetly reviewed
- 2 Best Craft Beer Tours And Tastings In Bucharest
- 4 Best Dining Experiences In Bucharest
- 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Bucharest
- 3 Best Dinner Tours In Bucharest
- 20 Best 3 Day Tours In Bucharest
- 20 Best 4 Day Tours In Bucharest
- 3 Best Shopping Tours In Bucharest
- 13 Best Full-Day Tours In Bucharest
- 2 Best Coffee Tours And Tastings In Bucharest
- 6 Best Lunch Experiences In Bucharest
- 13 Best Food Tours In Bucharest
- Veliko Tarnovo and Medieval Bulgaria Private Day Trip From Bucharest