Parliament Building (Vouli)

The basics

One of the highlights of the Greek capital, the Parliament Building features in most Athens city tours, whether on foot, by bike or e-bike, Segway, or car. Dramatically lit after sunset, the building is a stop on many night tours and photo tours, as well. Travelers of all ages enjoy watching the hourly spectacle of the Changing of the Guard by kilted soldiers from the evzones (presidential guard), so family-friendly tours often make a point to take it in.

The Parliament Building (Vouli) was completed in 1842 as the royal residence of Otto, the first king of the newly independent Greece. The vast and rather severe Neoclassical palace, designed by German architect Friedrich von Gärtner, was badly damaged by a fire in 1909, when the royal family decamped to the Crown Prince’s Palace nearby. It was not until 1932, eight years after the abolition of the Greek monarchy in 1924, that Parliament moved into Von Gärtner’s splendid building, from where its 300 representatives, elected for four years, have directed the country ever since.

Things to know before you go

• The hourly changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is fun to watch for adults and children alike, so be sure to stop by if visiting Athens with family.
• There is no shade outside the building, so wear a hat and sunscreen if pausing to watch the ceremony.
• The library inside is open to the public; other areas of the Parliament Building can be viewed via a guided tour. The tour is free of charge and must be booked at least five days in advance via the Parliament Building website.
• Syntagma Square outside the Parliament building is one of the most important in the city, and is ringed by restaurants and cafés for a snack or meal.

How to get there

The Parliament Building (Vouli) sits on Athen’s main Syntagma Square in the heart of the city, and can be reached via metro lines 2 and 3 (Syntagma stop). Alternatively, the building and square are an easy walk from many of the city’s main sights.

When to get there

By far the biggest draw at the Parliament Building is the changing of the guard outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which happens every hour, on the hour. Arrive a few minutes in advance, especially during the peak hours of midday, to snag a spot at the front of the crowd for an unobstructed view.

Athens’ Changing of the Guard

Greek’s monumental Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located outside of the Parliament Building, was inaugurated on Greek National Day (March 25, 1932), the centenary of independence from Turkey. At the top of each hour, throngs of tourists gather to witness the theatrical Changing of the Guard by presidential guards (evzones) kitted out in a fustanella kilt and pom-pom shoes, a uniform inspired by the clothing worn by the mountain fighters during the War of Independence. A more elaborate ceremony, with a marching band and platoon parade down Vasilissis Sofias to the tomb, is held every Sunday at 11am.

Is visiting the Athens Parliament Building worth it?

Yes, it’s worth visiting the Parliament Building in Athens. Built in the 19th century as a royal palace for King Otto, it’s now home to the country’s Hellenic Parliament. The building’s Syntagma Square location hosts a magnificent changing of the guards ceremony that’s an attraction in its own right.

How much does it cost to visit the Parliament Building?

It's free to visit the Parliament Building. However, most of the building is only accessible to visitors participating in a free guided tour (scheduled at least 15 days in advance). Without a tour, you can visit the building’s Main Library, which serves members of parliament as they’re crafting legislation.

Can you tour the Greek Parliament?

Yes, you can tour the Greek Parliament. Tours of the Parliament Building are free, and should be booked at least 15 days in advance. The building’s exterior is an included stop on many tours of Athens, including hop-on, hop-off bus trips, walking tours, private tours, and shore excursions.

Does the Changing of the Guard in front of the Parliament Building happen daily?

Yes, the Changing of the Guard happens daily at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens’ Syntagma Square. The round-the-clock event takes place hourly, rain or shine, in front of the Parliament Building. Each Sunday at 11am, a bigger event features a marching military band and more formal ceremonies.

What time should I arrive to see the Changing of the Guard in front of the Parliament Building?

If you’re coming to see a regular Changing of the Guard, plan to arrive a few minutes in advance—it’s not usually crowded. Sundays are different: The 11am ceremonies are very popular events, so staking out a good viewing spot usually means arriving at Syntagma Square 45 minutes early.

Where is the best place to watch the Changing of the Guard in front of the Parliament Building?

The best spot to watch the Changing of the Guard in Syntagma Square is right in front of the midpoint of the Parliament Building. If you secure a spot by the barriers, you’ll have unobstructed views of the passing parade. Otherwise, try to stand close to one of the guardhouses.

Ways to explore

One of the highlights of the Greek capital since it was built as a palace in 1842 and a defining feature of the city’s main square, the Parliament Building features in most Athens city tours. Tour options include on foot, by bike or e-bike, by Segway, by tuk-tuk, or by car or minibus. Dramatically lit after sunset, the building is a stop on many night tours and photo tours, too. Travelers of all ages enjoy watching the hourly spectacle of the Changing of the Guard by kilted soldiers from the evzones (presidential guard), so family-friendly excursions often make a point to catch it. Arrange tours of the interior in advance.

Accessibility

Syntagma metro station (lines 2 and 3) is accessible, and the square is flat and level, so there’s no barrier to watching the Changing of the Guard.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen and a reusable water bottle are essential when visiting Athens during the summer.

What to wear

There is no shade outside the building, so wear a hat and sunscreen if pausing to watch the ceremony.

Not allowed

The evzones won’t react no matter how hard you try to break their concentration, so don’t bother. This is an elite unit that undergoes specialist training, including staying still.

Amenities

Syntagma Square has public restrooms plus a wealth of restaurants and cafés.

Address

The Parliament Building sits on Athens’ Syntagma Square in the heart of the city, about a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) walk east of the Acropolis’ main entrance.

Driving

With congested traffic and limited parking, Athens is no city to self-drive. Take it easy on yourself and walk, rideshare, take a taxi, join a tour, or use public transportation.

Public transportation

The Parliament Building is a stone’s throw from Syntagma station, which is served by lines 2 and 3.

Best times to visit

By far the biggest draw at the Parliament Building is the Changing of the Guard outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which happens every hour, on the hour. Arrive a few minutes in advance—especially during the peak hours in the middle of the day—to snag a spot at the front of the crowd for an unobstructed view.

Best days to visit

The best (and busiest) time to watch the Changing of the Guard is at 11am on Sundays, when the entire guard unit marches out to the strains of a military band.

Best months to visit

Visit Athens during the shoulder seasons (April, May, September, and October) to avoid the heat and crowds that beset the summer peak.

Special events

Greek Independence Day on March 25 sees a spectacular military parade; be in Syntagma Square by 10am at the latest.