This is the official seat of the European Parliament, where the full body meets in plenary session for a few days most months, even though most committee work and day-to-day staff are based in Brussels. The Louise Weiss building's hemicycle, the large circular debating chamber, is the centerpiece of the guided tour when the building is accessible to visitors. Strasbourg's choice as a seat reflects the city's location on the historically contested French-German border and its symbolic role in postwar European reconciliation.
The European Parliament in Strasbourg is the official seat of the 720-member European Parliament for its monthly plenary sessions and the only directly elected supranational parliamentary chamber in the world. The main building — the Louise Weiss complex, opened in 1999 and designed by Architecture Studio Paris — is a landmark of postmodern architecture: an enormous horseshoe-shaped structure in glass and steel, with a tower rising 60 metres above the Ill river banks in the Wacken quarter. The building's design, with its deliberate appearance of an unfinished structure, alludes to the ongoing project of European integration. Guided tours of the interior are free but must be pre-booked via europarl.europa.eu; tours cover the main hemicycle chamber, the visitor lobby, and exhibitions on EU history and institutions. On days when plenary sessions are in progress — approximately four times per month, typically Monday to Thursday — members of the public can observe debates from the public gallery, offering the most vivid sense of Parliament in operation. The building is in the Wacken quarter, 3 km from Strasbourg city centre, accessible by tram line E in approximately 15 minutes. The adjacent Council of Europe and European Court of Human Rights buildings form a European institutions cluster, and a combined exterior walk of all three makes for an interesting architectural and political-historical excursion.
| Admission | Free guided tours (must pre-book at europarl.europa.eu) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tours available weekdays (not during plenary sessions); check website |
| Typical visit | 1–1.5 hours (guided tour) |
| Best time | Plenary sessions (usually 4 days/month) allow public gallery access |
| Getting there | Tram line E to Parlement Européen stop; 15 min from city centre |
| Address | 1 avenue du Président Robert Schuman, 67000 Strasbourg |
Location
1 avenue du Président Robert Schuman, 67000 Strasbourg
48.5977, 7.7764 View on map
Highlights
- Louise Weiss building — postmodern horseshoe structure by Architecture Studio Paris
- Hemicycle chamber seating 720 MEPs — the world's largest directly elected parliamentary assembly
- Free guided tours covering the chamber, visitor lobby, and institutional history exhibitions
- Public gallery access during plenary sessions (approximately 4 days per month)
- Proximity to Council of Europe and European Court of Human Rights in the Wacken quarter
Tips for visiting
- Book guided tours well in advance at europarl.europa.eu — free but required, and slots fill quickly
- Plenary session weeks (usually Monday–Thursday, 4 times/month) allow public gallery access without a guided tour; check the plenary calendar on the website
- Bring valid photo ID — a passport or national identity card is required to enter the building
- The European institutions cluster is best combined with a city-centre morning, then a tram journey to Parliament in the afternoon
- Photography of the hemicycle interior is permitted on guided tours; security screening at entry is thorough
When to visit
During plenary session weeks for the most engaging visit; otherwise weekday guided tours run year-round. Spring and autumn have shorter booking lead times than the summer peak.
Accessibility
The Louise Weiss building is fully accessible by wheelchair, with adapted lifts and ramps to all public areas including the hemicycle gallery. Pre-notify when booking if specific assistance is required.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the European Parliament free to visit?
Yes — guided tours are free but must be pre-booked at europarl.europa.eu.
How long does a guided tour take?
Guided tours typically run 1–1.5 hours.
Can visitors watch a debate?
During plenary sessions (approximately 4 days per month), members of the public can observe from the public gallery. Check the plenary calendar on the Parliament website for dates.