Things to Do at Parliament House
Complete Guide to Parliament House in Port Moresby
About Parliament House
This remarkable destination showcases Parliament House's unique character through distinctive architecture and authentic cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the site with entrance fees typically K5-20 (2-8 USD), and guided tours are available from certified local guides who share fascinating historical details not found in standard guidebooks. Experience footsteps echoing off stone pathways as you wander through carefully preserved spaces that tell the story of Port Moresby's cultural evolution. The location offers multiple vantage points for photography, each revealing different aspects of the architecture's relationship with its surroundings. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Local vendors nearby offer authentic refreshments and small souvenirs crafted by artisans who have worked in this area for generations.
What to See & Do
Parliamentary Chamber
The main debating chamber where you might catch MPs in heated discussion - PNG parliamentary sessions are known for being particularly animated and dramatic
Traditional Art Displays
Various PNG cultural artifacts and contemporary art pieces are displayed throughout the building, giving you a decent sense of the country's diverse cultural heritage
Public Gallery
When parliament is in session, you can observe proceedings from the public gallery - worth checking if there's anything significant being debated during your visit
Ceremonial Areas
The building's formal reception areas and ceremonial spaces showcase a blend of modern governmental architecture with PNG design motifs
City Views
The elevated position offers surprisingly good views over Port Moresby - on a clear day you can see across to the harbor and surrounding hills
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Generally open for tours Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, though this can change when parliament is in session. It's worth calling ahead to confirm - things tend to be flexible here.
Tickets & Pricing
Tours are typically free, but you'll need to arrange them in advance through the parliamentary services office. Security clearance is required, so don't expect to just walk in.
Best Time to Visit
During parliamentary sessions if you want to see the real action, otherwise mid-morning on weekdays tends to work well for tours. Avoid Fridays if possible - things wind down early.
Suggested Duration
A guided tour usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, though you might want to allow extra time if parliament is sitting and you can observe from the gallery.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
The country's premier university campus is just down the road and worth a quick look - the grounds are quite pleasant and there's often student activity
About 10 minutes away, this is actually one of the better museums in the Pacific region with excellent displays on PNG's diverse cultures
An unexpected patch of wetland that's surprisingly good for birdwatching - you might spot some interesting species if you're into that sort of thing
PNG's main sports venue where you can sometimes catch rugby league matches or other events - the atmosphere can be electric when there's a big game on