Things to Do at Parliament Haus

Parliament Haus stands as Papua New Guinea's seat of democracy, a striking modernist building that's actually quite impressive when you first see it rising from the Waigani area of Port Moresby. The architecture blends contemporary design with traditional PNG elements - you'll notice the distinctive peaked rooflines that echo traditional haus tambaran (spirit houses) found throughout the country. It's not just a government building; it's genuinely symbolic of the nation's journey from colonial administration to independence in 1975. What makes Parliament Haus particularly interesting is how it represents PNG's unique position as one of the world's most culturally diverse nations trying to function as a unified democracy. The building houses the National Parliament, where representatives from over 800 language groups come together - which, when you think about it, is pretty remarkable. The surrounding parliamentary precinct includes various government offices and creates what locals call the 'government triangle' of Waigani.

Parliament Haus sits in Waigani, roughly 8 kilometers from central Port Moresby. Grab a taxi or PMV bus-just say "Parliament Haus, Waigani" and any driver will know the spot. Simple enough. If you are driving, parking is available but you will need to clear security checkpoints first. The government district keeps this area well-maintained with clear signs pointing the way. Traffic gets brutal during peak hours, so add extra time for any scheduled tours.