Palace of the Parliament
The world's second-largest administrative building and Bucharest's defining landmark.
<p>The Palace of the Parliament is the world's second-largest administrative building, after the Pentagon. 365,000 m². 1,100 rooms. 84 m high. 92 m underground (the bunker). Built between 1984 and 1997 — Ceaușescu never lived to see it finished — and estimated to have cost €4 billion in today's money. A fifth of historic Bucharest was demolished to build it.</p><p>The guided tour covers a fraction of the building — the standard route takes about 60 minutes and includes the Senate plenary chamber, the Human Rights Hall, the Union Hall, the Nicolae Bălcescu Hall. You see chandeliers weighing tons, hand-woven carpets, marble clocks, 12-meter mirrors. Controlled excess.</p><p>Tip: book online at least 24 hours ahead and bring your passport — security is strict. Tours come in 1h, 1h30, and 2h versions, plus a separate underground bunker tour. Friday afternoons are quieter. About €12-15 per adult.</p><p>After your visit, walk Bulevardul Unirii toward Constitution Square and the Old Town. You'll see the total contrast: the monumental scale of the regime versus the restored streets of the real city.</p>
