The Palace of the Parliament (Casa Poporului) in Sector 5 of Bucharest is among the largest administrative buildings in the world and the most visited single sight in Romania's capital. Ordered by Nicolae Ceausescu and built between 1984 and 1997 on a levelled hill above the Dambovita River, it required the demolition of a large part of the historic district and now houses the Romanian Chamber of Deputies and Senate alongside conference halls and a contemporary art museum. Visits are by guided tour only. Groups enter through the B3 gate on Calea 13 Septembrie, pass airport-style security, and follow a route of roughly 1 to 1.5 hours through a small fraction of the more than 1,000 rooms. Typical stops include the vast marble staircases and corridors, the Human Rights Hall, the Union Hall, and ceremonial salons clad in Romanian marble, oak, crystal chandeliers and heavy curtains woven in domestic workshops. The tour ends on the balcony facing Unirii Boulevard, which offers one of the best city views for photographs and shows the scale of the axis the regime built to rival the Champs-Elysees. Photography is permitted for a separate fee in most halls. A passport or ID card is mandatory and must match the booking; walk-in tickets are rarely available, so reservations through cic.cdep.ro several days ahead are the norm. Crowds peak at midday and on summer weekends, while weekday mornings right after opening tend to be quietest. Some guides offer longer routes that include the basement levels and rooftop terrace, at higher prices. Visitors should allow extra time for security and for walking between halls, because distances inside are long and the tour is mostly on foot. The Romanian-language and English-language groups depart at fixed times, and tours can be cancelled without notice when parliamentary sessions or official events take place. The building is also a useful orientation point, as it anchors the western end of the city's main boulevard and is visible from many parts of Bucharest.
| Admission | Adult About 70 RON (about $15 USD) for the standard guided visit; confirm the current tariff at cic.cdep.ro · Child About 25 RON (about $5 USD) ages 7-18; free under 7 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Guided visits only. March-October daily 9:00AM-5:00PM; November-February daily 10:00AM-4:00PM. Book in advance at cic.cdep.ro and bring a passport or ID card |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings; book several days ahead |
| Getting there | Metro Izvor, then a 10-minute walk along Strada Izvor; or tram/bus to Piata Constitutiei |
| Address | Strada Izvor 2-4, Sector 5, Bucharest 050563, Romania (visitor entrance B3, Calea 13 Septembrie) |
Location
Strada Izvor 2-4, Sector 5, Bucharest 050563, Romania (visitor entrance B3, Calea 13 Septembrie)
44.4275, 26.0875 View on map
Highlights
- Guided walk through marble halls, staircases and ceremonial salons
- Balcony view down Unirii Boulevard across central Bucharest
- Scale of one of the world's largest administrative buildings
- Contemporary art museum (MNAC) housed in the same wing
Tips for visiting
- Reserve at cic.cdep.ro several days ahead; same-day tickets are rarely available
- Bring the passport or ID used for the booking, since entry is refused without it
- Arrive 30 minutes early for security screening at the B3 entrance
- Photography is typically an extra fee, so ask when buying the ticket
- Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends and summer midday
- Wear comfortable shoes; the route involves a lot of walking and stairs
When to visit
Weekday mornings after opening are the least crowded; summer weekends and midday are busiest. Book several days ahead in any season.
Accessibility
The tour route is largely on level floors with lifts available, and groups can usually accommodate wheelchair users if notified when booking. Distances are long, so mobility-limited visitors should request assistance in advance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Palace of the Parliament take?
The standard guided tour lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, plus time for security. Visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes before the booked slot.
Do visitors need to book in advance?
Yes. Tours are guided only and booked through cic.cdep.ro, usually several days ahead, and a passport or ID card must be presented at entry.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography is generally allowed in the tour areas, often for an additional fee. Rules can change, so confirm when booking.
Is it worth it for kids?
Older children interested in history or architecture usually enjoy it, but younger children may find the long walking tour tiring. Children under 7 enter free.