A summary of what you can do when visiting The Scottish Parliament. Find out what there is to do on a particular day of the week or find out about guided tours and watching Parliament in action.
One hour guided tours of The Scottish Parliament are free of charge. They usually include a visit to the Debating Chamber, Garden Lobby and a Committee Room.
How to book tickets to watch a meeting of Parliament in the Debating Chamber.
Committees are where small groups of MSPs meet to consider and discuss legislative and other issues. Visitors can observe these meetings free of charge.
The Parliament Shop in the Main Hall stocks a great variety of exclusive souvenirs and Scottish gifts.
The Cafe offers a wide selection of food, from cakes and shortbread (made at the Scottish Parliament) to soup, sandwiches, salads and hot lunches.
The Scottish Parliament is open to visitors Monday to Saturday. Opening times vary according to time of year and the sessions of Parliament.
Directions to The Scottish Parliament building by road and public transport.
The public crèche at the Scottish Parliament is the only facility of its kind in Europe and is considered by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to be an important part of creating an open and accessible Parliament
The Scottish Parliament has produced an access guide that aims to help disabled people who are visiting the Holyrood building.
Find out more about the Parliament's art collection
If you are visiting the Parliament to watch proceedings in the Chamber or at a committee meeting, there is a code of behaviour which you need to follow, by order of The Presiding Officer.
Visiting the Scottish Parliament from October 2012 onwards?
The Scottish Parliament building will be changing over the next few months. Work on our new entrance and external security facility takes place from Monday 8th October until summer 2013.
Please note: The Parliament Café will be closed on Saturday 18th May. It will be open again from Monday 20th May.
The disabled parking area on Horse Wynd will be unaffected.
Official Guidebook
A guidebook is available to enhance your visit.
Special offer! When you book a tour online and indicate that you would like to purchase a guidebook you will receive one voucher for a 10% discount in the shop and one voucher for 2 for 1 hot drinks in the café. The guidebook costs £5 and can be paid for when you arrive for your tour. You will receive the vouchers when you purchase the guidebook on arrival.
Please select the check box on the online tour request form where it asks "would you like to purchase a copy of the official guidebook?" to take advantage of this special offer.