Around Christmas time there is an ice rink outside parliament and they do the best stuffed cabbage and ice cold beer you can get in Budapest. Cheap and out of their way friendly too.

Last week (14 February) we were refused a visit. Recent violent demonstrations near the Parliament mean that you now have to book tours 24 hours in advance (specifying 10h, 12h or 14h visit) via your hotel or tour operator so that "police checks" can be carried out.

Wonderful to view it especially from the Buda side, seems to be complicated to get in though. Get there early and try to negotiate security for the ticket office.