European Parliament

The European Parliament in Brussels gives you a closer look at the institution and the work of the European Union. At the Parlamentarium visitor centre, interactive displays explain the EU’s history, its representatives and how its democratic system works, with information available in all 24 official EU languages. Guided visits add context on how decisions are made and can include the Hemicycle, the chamber used for parliamentary debates. Entry is free. Allow time for security checks, and bring your passport for entry.

Start at the Parlamentarium

The Parlamentarium is the European Parliament’s visitor centre. Its interactive displays introduce the institution, the people who represent EU citizens and the Parliament’s part in the European democratic system. The material is available in all 24 official EU languages.

The exhibits help explain how the European Union works and how its parliamentary institution fits into that system. This makes the visitor centre a useful starting point before a guided visit to the Parliament buildings.

See the Hemicycle and learn how decisions are made

The Hemicycle is the Parliament’s central debating chamber. A visit can include the chamber and other halls and exhibition spaces, with a guide explaining the Parliament’s role and how decisions are reached. Guided tours are available in official EU languages, and some visits include a question-and-answer session.

Security checks take place at the entrance. Arriving early and having your passport ready can help you prepare for entry. A free cloakroom near the entrance provides a place to leave luggage during the visit.