Castles & palaces
Old Royal Palace
Old Royal Palace
Completed in 1843 during the Kingdom of Greece, this building originally served as the royal residence. It now functions as the Hellenic Parliament building. Travelers visit the site to see the architecture of the Greek monarchy era and to observe the changing of the guard ceremony taking place outside the entrance.
Getting There
The palace is located in the center of Athens. It is easily accessible via the Metro, Syntagma Metro station, which puts visitors directly in front of the building. From most central hotels, it is a short walk or a brief taxi ride of under 10 minutes.
Time Commitment
Allow approximately 1 to 2 hours. Most of the visitor experience is focused on the exterior architecture and the ceremonial guard changes, as the interior is an active government workspace with limited public access.
When to Visit
The area is frequently crowded, particularly during the guard change ceremonies. To avoid the largest crowds, visit during weekday mornings. The site is outdoors, so mid-day summer heat can be intense; early morning or late afternoon is preferable during the warmer seasons.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its central location, the palace can be combined with several other sites within walking distance:
- Syntagma Square (0.2km)
- National Garden of Athens (0.2km)
- Numismatic Museum of Athens (0.3km)
- Benaki Museum (0.3km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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