The European Parliament in Strasbourg – Outside plenary session
Welcome to the official seat of the European Parliament! All visits include the discovery of the Hemicycle, the Parlamentarium Simone Veil as well as permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Visits are free of charge, last around 60 minutes and are available in all 24 official languages of the European Union. Advance booking is not mandatory, but is recommended for groups.
Self-guided tours for visitors
Individual visitors and groups are welcome during the opening hours indicated below. During the visit you can use the ‘EP Visit Strasbourg’ app, which is available from the App Store and Google Play in the 24 official languages, or it can be used on the devices provided on site. At busy times there might not be enough devices for everyone. In this case, staff members will be on hand to answer questions and speak about the European Parliament in English, French and German. We invite you to bring your own headphones.
Opening hours
Please note that opening hours change during plenary sessions.
| Monday − Friday | Saturday | |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 – 18:00 | 09:30 − 12:00; 13:00 − 18:00 |
Last entrance: 17:00
The building is closed on Sundays and on the following days – 2024: 01-05/01, 20/02, 29/03, 01/04, 26/04, 01/05, 9/05, 20/05, 15/08, 01/11, 23/12-03/01/2025.
Guided tours for groups
Groups (20 people or more) can book a guided tour. Guided tours are available in English, French or German. For part of the visit you can use the ‘EP Visit Strasbourg’ app, which is available from the App Store and Google Play in the 24 official languages, or it can be used on the devices provided on site.
Booking must be made at least two days in advance, but can be booked up to 6 months in advance.
The Alsace-Moselle Memorial in Schirmeck
Groups visiting the European Parliament in Strasbourg can also visit the Alsace-Moselle Memorial in Schirmeck for free during the same week of their visit. To benefit from free entry, groups must show their booking confirmation. If the visit was not booked in advance, groups can ask for a certificate during their visit to the European Parliament.
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. Should you or someone in your group require special assistance, please notify the visitor service in advance:
Facilities
From Monday to Friday, a cafeteria is open in the visitor area.
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
