Strasbourg is one of the capitals of Europe, and the European Parliament is the clearest reason why. The city was chosen after the Second World War as a symbol of reconciliation between France and Germany, and today it is the formal seat of the Parliament, whose members gather here twelve times a year for plenary sessions. The complex stands in the European quarter, north-east of the old town, a district of glass towers, canals and wide lawns that feels a world away from the half-timbered lanes of the Grande Île. Its curved glass facades and the great tower, which locals nickname after a famous round cheese, are among the most photographed modern buildings in Alsace. Inside, visits are free of charge and possible throughout the year on six days a week, and they take in the Hemicycle, the vast semicircular chamber where debates and votes take place, together with the Parlamentarium Simone Veil, an interactive visitor centre that explains how European law is made, and several exhibitions. Outside plenary weeks you tour the building with a multimedia guide that is available in all 24 languages of the Union, while groups can arrange a guided tour in French, German or English. During a plenary session, individual visitors can watch the debates from the public gallery, an unusual chance to see democracy at work, although photography and filming are not allowed there. In the warmer months the panoramic terrace of the Weiss building also opens, weather and crowds permitting, and gives a long view over the quarter.
How to visit
The Parliament stands on the Allée du Printemps in the European quarter, about two kilometres from the cathedral. The easiest way to get there is the tram, since line E runs out to the European institutions, and the walk from the station is a pleasant forty minutes or so along the canal. Because the building is a working parliament, advance registration is required, and the visitor service asks individual visitors to get in touch ahead of time, so check the visitor pages before you travel and do not simply turn up.
You must bring a valid physical identity document, either a national ID card or a passport; photocopies and images on a phone are not accepted. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Expect an airport-style security check at the entrance, and leave large luggage such as suitcases and trolleys at your hotel, because they are not allowed in.
What to expect
A visit outside plenary weeks is a self-paced tour with a multimedia guide, and you can see the Hemicycle from the gallery when it is empty, which gives a sense of scale that television never does. The Parlamentarium Simone Veil is the most family-friendly part, with touch screens, short films and games that explain the Union’s history and institutions in an accessible way.
Allow two hours for the whole visit. In plenary weeks the corridors are busy with members, assistants and interpreters, the gallery is the highlight, and hotels in the city fill up, so book your stay early.
Making the most of it
Combine the visit with a stroll through the nearby Orangerie park, or a Batorama boat trip, whose longer circuit continues into the European quarter and shows the institutions from the water. Check the weekly closing day before you go, because the Parliament is open six days a week rather than seven.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-paced tour with a multimedia guide through the Hemicycle, the Parlamentarium Simone Veil and exhibitions, or a seat in the public gallery during a plenary session.
Best time
Outside plenary weeks for a quiet tour; during a plenary week for the gallery, and book your hotel early.
How long
About two hours for the Hemicycle, the Parlamentarium and an exhibition.
Tips
Bring a valid ID card or passport, leave large bags at the hotel and register with the visitor service before you travel.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Curious first-timers, history and politics fans, and anyone looking for a free indoor visit on a rainy day.
- Families
- The Parlamentarium’s touch screens and games work well for older children, and under-14s must come with an adult.
- Couples
- Pair the visit with a stroll through the Orangerie park, which is a short walk away.
- Pair with
- The Orangerie park and the longer Batorama circuit through the European quarter.
- Time needed
- Half a day including the tram ride from the old town.
Good questions
Is it free to visit the European Parliament in Strasbourg?+
Yes, visits are free of charge and possible all year round, on six days a week. You should register in advance with the visitor service.
What do I need to bring?+
A valid physical ID card or passport, because photocopies and phone images are not accepted. Airport-style security checks apply and large luggage is not allowed.
Can I watch a debate?+
Yes, during plenary sessions, which take place twelve times a year, individual visitors can watch from the public gallery. Photography and filming are not allowed there.
Can children visit?+
Yes, but children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The Parlamentarium Simone Veil is interactive and works well for older children.
How do I get to the Parliament from the centre?+
Take tram line E towards the European institutions, or walk along the canal for around forty minutes from the station.
