The European Parliament in Strasbourg
The European Parliament in Strasbourg is open to visitors six days a week throughout the year. Visits are always free of charge.
During your visit, you can see the European parliamentary chamber – the Hemicycle, the Parlamentarium Simone Veil and several exhibitions.
In Strasbourg, Members of the European Parliament meet twelve times a year during plenary sessions to debate and vote on European legislation. As a visitor, you can attend the session to see and listen to your representatives speak from the visitor gallery. Have a look at the calendar of plenary sessions.
There are different options to visit the parliament, depending on when you plan to come. Find all practical information below.
Visit the European Parliament outside plenary session
Discover the official seat of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. See the inside of the iconic building where European democracy comes to life. Take a tour with a multimedia guide available in the 24 official languages of the European Union, or book a guided tour in French, German or English for your group.
Visit the European Parliament during plenary session
Seize the opportunity to see European democracy in action during a plenary session. Visiting the European Parliament in Strasbourg during plenary sessions is a great way to soak up the atmosphere of the world’s largest transnational parliament and the only directly elected EU institution.
Events and exhibitions
In addition to the not-to-be-missed visit to the Hemicycle, you can explore permanent and temporary exhibitions during your visit, or take part in one of the many events happening in the European Parliament throughout the year.
Accessibility
The European Parliament is committed to constantly improving access for people with disabilities. If you or someone in your group requires special assistance, please notify the visitor service in advance:
Security
Security and safety are priorities for the European Parliament. For that reason, a number of security measures are in place in and around our buildings. In order to ensure a safe visit for all, we invite you to read and comply with these measures:
- A valid identity document (national ID card or passport) is required to access European Parliament buildings. If you registered in advance and you provided your ID document details, you must bring this same document to the Parliament on the day of your visit.
- Photocopies of IDs and driving licenses are not accepted.
- Minors under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
- All visitors and bags are subject to airport-style security checks before entry. Firearms, explosive or inflammable substances, pepper sprays, sharp items and other objects that could be considered weapons are prohibited. In accordance with national legislation, certain prohibited items may be handed over to the police.
- No trolleys, suitcases, or other large luggage are allowed into the buildings.
- Animals are allowed in the buildings only as trained guides for visually impaired persons or to assist persons with reduced mobility.
- If an access pass has been issued, visitors must visibly wear it whilst in the Parliament buildings.
- Photography and filming are permitted inside the visitor area, but are prohibited in the security area and in the Hemicycle gallery during plenary sessions as well as in restaurants and bars. For more information, please consult the Rules Governing Recordings on the Premises of the European Parliament.
- If the fire alarm goes off, leave the building immediately without running and follow the instructions given by the security staff and evacuation volunteers.
- For any safety emergency, call 33112 from any internal phone.
- Some areas are subject to video surveillance in accordance with the European Parliament Video Protection Policy.
- If you feel unwell, please stay at home and postpone your visit. We will be happy to welcome you back when you are feeling better.
Last update: 10.2024
