Hungarian Learning Community and Resources

The Most Beautiful Views of Budapest: The Illuminated House of Parliament

Without a doubt, one of the favorite panoramas in the capital is of course, the illuminated Parliament, which is worth seeing from afar, from the Buda side of the Danube, and up close, from the water.  

"The Danube has two banks, like rivers in general. I think it is also normal that the two coasts here are two different worlds. Like in Paris. Musical coffee houses are open and close on the Pest shore, chestnut trees on the Buda shore..." wrote Antal Szerb in his 1935 Budapest travel guide. 

If you walk around the Batthyány Square, you can see the same as the writer did in the 1930s: on the other side of the river is the Parliament, to the left is the Margaret Bridge, and to the right the Liberty Bridge (at that time Franz Joseph Bridge). Couples on the square, tourists taking photos, the sound of passing yellow trams, cyclists, with the Parliament in the background - this is undoubtedly one of the most atmospheric locations on the Buda side. 

Source: Nora Farmosi

"This part of the world is not without a certain maritime atmosphere and you can meet all kinds of life forms trapped here. I have sat here, for example, on upside-down stilts, like a boatman, and sometimes you can go down small steps and sit directly above the water, like in Venice and count the light strips of shore lamps on the Danube. Sir, you have no idea how rich this city is in possibilities," wrote Antal Szerb. 

Seeing the Parliament is on the list of every Erasmus students who visits here, many of them even pay for boat trips to see one of the most beautiful buildings in Europe. From the water, the view is enhanced: the golden colored monumental Parliament with its 96-meter-high dome is also reflected on the water, offering an amazing sight. 

We are probably already used to it, the golden Parliament, the Danube, and the lights. That's why it's important to stop sometimes: either on Batthyány square or on one of the bridges. Let's slow down and look around at the wonders that surround us! Take a photo and keep the memory forever. This city will always welcome you with open arms. 

Which is your favourite spot to watch the Parliament? Tell us how is your language learning journey going? Share your favourite sentence in Hungarian language! 

Nora, OLS Community Manager – Hungarian