At night, the Hungarian Parliament transforms into a glowing landmark along the Danube. Thousands of lights outline its Neo-Gothic towers, central dome, and riverside arches, making it one of Europe’s most photographed buildings after dark.

The reflections on the water add to the effect, drawing both locals and travelers to pause along the promenade. This nightly illumination highlights the scale and detail often missed during the day.

Why see the Budapest Parliament at night?

Stunning illumination: Over 40,000 LED lights outline the Parliament’s towers, dome, and arches after sunset. This carefully designed lighting system highlights architectural details in the facade, like lion heads, coat of arms, and sculpted arches, letting you spot details that are easy to miss in daylight.
Danube reflections: The Parliament’s lit-up facade reflects perfectly on the Danube’s surface, creating a double image that’s especially striking on calm nights. The effect transforms a beautiful building into a visual landmark that dominates the riverbank, offering one of Budapest’s most iconic postcard scenes.
Night photography: Whether you're shooting with a phone or DSLR, the building’s symmetry, golden glow, and river backdrop provide frame-worthy results without needing extra filters or equipment. It’s a favorite spot for both amateur and professional photographers.
Contrast with Buda Castle: The Parliament’s golden glow stands out dramatically against the warmly lit Buda Castle across the river. Seeing both buildings lit at night offers a unique side-by-side comparison of Hungary’s political and royal history in a single frame.

More about Hungarian Parliament

Best spots to view the Parliament at night

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Evening river cruises with Parliament views

Night cruises on the Danube offer the most complete view of the Parliament, lit up from the water. Boats pass directly in front of the building, giving you an unobstructed look at its illuminated facade, dome, and spires—perfect for photography or simply taking in the city’s night glow.

Batthyany Square (Batthyány tér)

Located directly across the river from the Parliament, this square provides a straight-on view of the building’s riverfront side. It’s easily accessible by Metro Line 2 and offers benches and open space ideal for all ages.

Fisherman’s Bastion

From this lookout in the Buda Castle District, you get a panoramic view of the Danube and Parliament from above. The lit arches of the Bastion frame the Parliament beautifully, especially at night, making it a popular photo and postcard spot.

Margaret and Szechenyi Bridges

Szechenyi Chain Bridge and Margaret Bridge offer great views of the parliament across the river. Walk halfway across Margaret Bridge for a diagonal view of Parliament with the Danube background, where the Parliament appears perfectly framed with the water and city lights.

Kossuth tér

Find the small pool on Kossuth tér’s north side for a mirror-like reflection of the Parliament Ethnographic Museum Rooftop: The new rooftop terrace (open to visitors) offers a rare elevated angle. Pair your shot with coffee from the museum café!