Palace of the Parliament Tours

Palace of the Parliament featuring a sunset, a fountain and heritage architecture
Palace of the Parliament which includes a sunset, heritage elements and heritage architecture
Palace of the Parliament which includes an administrative buidling, a castle and heritage architecture
Palace of the Parliament showing an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and night scenes
Palace of the Parliament featuring a fountain, street scenes and heritage architecture


Wander through the extravagant and pompous rooms of this monstrous palace, which stands as a stark reminder of Romania’s troublesome communist years.

The Palace of the Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului) is the most recognizable creation of notorious dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and a constant memory of Romania’s communist era. Begun in 1984 and still incomplete, the palace is one of the world’s largest government buildings. It stands 276 feet (84 meters) tall and has 12 floors and over a thousand rooms. Join a guided tour to appreciate the garish beauty of its interior and learn about its fascinating history.

Together with a knowledgeable guide, visit the multiple floors and painstakingly decorated rooms. Saunter through ballrooms, banquet halls and reception rooms and walk up grand staircases. Marvel at the embroidered carpets, handwoven drapes, patterned ceilings and sparkling marble floors. Admire glistening crystal chandeliers, which total 480 throughout the structure.

Step out onto an upper-floor balcony to enjoy views along Bulevardul Unirii, Bucharest’s equivalent of the Champs-Élysées. Another part of the tour takes you down into the palace’s musky basements.

Hear thought-provoking stories about the building’s development. It was designed as the centerpiece of the socialist-era Civic Center. Ceaușescu destroyed large parts of the city to make enough space for it. He employed 700 national architects and about 20,000 laborers, who worked meticulously day and night.

While here, be sure to visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art which puts on temporary audio, video, painting and sculpture exhibitions by both national and international artists. Previously featured artists include well-known Romanians such as Constantin Brâncuși and Ștefan Luchian.

Get to the palace easily via public bus, trams or the metro. The nearest metro station is Izvor. The palace is also just a 20-minute walk from the historic Lipscani neighborhood.

Tours of the Palace of the Parliament take place daily, although the schedule is subject to change due to government meetings. For this reason, it’s advisable to book in advance. Remember to bring your passport to gain entry to the building. The museum is open daily and admission is free. More information is available on the palace and museum’s official websites.

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Best Lodging Options Near Palace of the Parliament

JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel

JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel

5 out of 5
Calea 13 Septembrie 90, Bucharest
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel
The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection

The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection

5 out of 5
2-6 Doamnei Street, Bucharest
The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection
Grand Hotel Bucharest

Grand Hotel Bucharest

5 out of 5
Bulevardul Nicolae Balcescu, Bucharest, Bucharest
Grand Hotel Bucharest
Novotel Bucharest City Centre

Novotel Bucharest City Centre

4 out of 5
37B Calea Victoriei, Sector 1, Bucharest
Novotel Bucharest City Centre
Radisson BLU Bucharest

Radisson BLU Bucharest

5 out of 5
Calea Victoriei 63-81, Sector1, Bucharest
Radisson BLU Bucharest
Park Inn by Radisson Bucharest Hotel & Residence

Park Inn by Radisson Bucharest Hotel & Residence

4 out of 5
Strada Luterana nr 2-4, Sector 1, Bucharest
Park Inn by Radisson Bucharest Hotel & Residence
Europa Royale Bucharest

Europa Royale Bucharest

4 out of 5
Franceza St. 60, Bucharest
Europa Royale Bucharest
Concorde Old Bucharest Hotel

Concorde Old Bucharest Hotel

4 out of 5
Splaiul Independentei 2D, District 3, Bucharest
Concorde Old Bucharest Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town

Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town

4 out of 5
12 Doamnei St, Bucharest
Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Palace of the Parliament

At the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, visitors can enjoy guided tours to explore the impressive architecture and rich history of this monumental building. Nearby, you can catch a theater performance or visit the tour desk for more activities. For some fun, consider ice skating at seasonal rinks, making your trip a blend of culture and leisure.

Food and drinks

For a taste of local cuisine near the Palace of the Parliament, try La Boheme for its cozy ambiance and traditional Romanian dishes. Capital's Pubs offers a lively atmosphere with hearty meals and local brews, perfect for immersing yourself in Bucharest's culinary scene.

Shopping

For great shopping near the Palace of the Parliament, check out Unirea Shopping Center, just 0.8 miles away, and Macca - Vilacrosse Passage, only 0.6 miles away. If you're up for a drive, visit Bucharest Mall, located 2 miles away, offering a vibrant atmosphere for families and entertainment seekers.

Recreation

At the National Arena, enjoy exhilarating sports events just 3 miles from the Palace of the Parliament. For ultimate relaxation, visit Therme Bucharest, a wellness haven located 12 miles away, featuring soothing treatments and thermal pools. Alternatively, catch a game at Dinamo Stadium, only 2 miles away.

Adventure

Aventura Park offers an exhilarating zipline ropes course located 18 miles from the Palace of the Parliament. Experience the thrill of soaring through the treetops while enjoying stunning views and embracing the great outdoors in this adventurous setting.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Palace of the Parliament! Try your luck at the Casino at JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel for a thrilling evening, or catch a show at the nearby Odeon Theatre for a cultural experience. For family fun, head to Funland arcade for adventure and excitement!

Find the best attractions near Palace of the Parliament

During your visit to the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, immerse yourself in the surrounding attractions like urban parks, piazzas, and history museums. These points of interest are perfect for travelers seeking culture and family-friendly experiences. Be sure to explore the grandeur of the Parliament Palace and its historical significance, while also considering nearby hotels for a comfortable stay in the heart of the city.

  • Piata Unirii: Located just 0.7 miles from the Palace of the Parliament, Piata Unirii is a vibrant modern square known for its lively atmosphere and stunning fountains. Here, you can soak in the energetic city vibes while enjoying shopping and dining options nearby.
  • Piata Romana: About 1 mile from the Palace, Piata Romana is a bustling town neighborhood filled with cafes, shops, and cultural sites. It’s a great spot to experience local life and enjoy the dynamic city energy.
  • University Square: Situated 0.9 miles away, University Square is a cultural hub where history meets modernity. Surrounded by educational institutions, it hosts events and offers a rich atmosphere filled with art and city vibes.

Best time to go to Palace of the Parliament

Visitor numbers around Palace of the Parliament is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Palace of the Parliament is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January31.8°F (-0.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February36.1°F (2.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March44.6°F (7.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July76.5°F (24.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.5°F (25.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
September68.5°F (20.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December36.5°F (2.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Palace of the Parliament

To save money on your visit to the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Herastrau Park and Manuc's Inn. For accommodations, the cheapest months to book are November to January; aim to reserve your hotel 1-3 months in advance. Utilize Expedia for last-minute deals and package savings on flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide additional discounts and cash rewards for future stays. Lastly, make use of public transport options for affordable travel around the city.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Palace of the Parliament are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Palace of the Parliament about 1-3 months out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Palace of the Parliament with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.