Parliament Palace in Bucharest - World's Second Largest Building

The Parliament Palace is most famous building in Bucharest and is also the world's second largest (after the Pentagon in Washington). The Parliament Palace was the brainchild of the infamous hated dictator of Romania, Nicholae Ceausescu. This lavish 12-story building was also known as the "House of the People" and it looms above the surrounding area from a man-made hill. The Parliament Palace has over 3000 rooms, but only a few are open to the public.

The Romanian Parliament uses a small part of the building, and a conference center and museum also use some of the space. However, most of the building remains vacant or unfinished.

The Bucharest Parliament Palace is open, and a public tour is the only way to see the building. You will have to leave your passport with security in exchange for a pass and pay a fee to use a camera. The hassle is time consuming, but the lavish rooms, crystal chandeliers, gold ceilings, and view from the balcony make the fees and hassle worthwhile.