This yellow-brick building, our favorite parliament building in Europe, sounds a grace note amidst the urban landscape. The original neo-Romanesque exterior, constructed from 1861 to 1866, has been preserved, and the finest artists decorated the interior, with works depicting scenes from the country's history or daily life. You're shown through on a guided tour and can see where some of the world's most progressive and socially conscious politicians meet. The tours, which last 20 minutes, are open to the public. (There's no need to book ahead.)