Library of the Hungarian Parlament

The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World

"This hidden gem, the main branch of Budapest’s broader Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library, is tucked away in a 19th-century neo-baroque palace. While it might seem like a deceptively normal public library when you enter, the fourth-floor royal reading rooms stun with glowing chandeliers, spiral staircases, and of course, plenty of books. Whether you grab one there or bring your own, something to read is a must-have when you visit, tourists say—there’s no better way to take in the atmosphere when you're visiting one of our 24 Best Places to Go in 2024." - Caitlin Morton, Anna Borges