Walking Around the National Garden (Self Guided), Athens

The National Garden is an impressive, historic park in the center of Athens, complete with artificial streams and duck ponds. Formerly known as the Royal Garden, it was commissioned by King Otto’s queen, Amalia, in 1838, reason why it is located directly behind the Old Palace (currently the Greek Parliament building). Not only is it a welcome refuge from the swirl of traffic just outside the gates, but strolling around its landscaped grounds will lead to quite a few brilliant attractions.

First among these is the Benaki Museum, which affords a fascinating vast reflection of Greek art in all its manifestations, and where a lovely lunch can be had on the terrace restaurant with a modern version of local cuisine. The route will then take you by the seat of the Prime Minister and the next-door Presidential Mansion, where most folks like to take a selfie with the guards.

To see where the first modern Olympic Games took place, head to the Panathenaic Stadium and the famous statue of the Discus Thrower, inspired by models from classical antiquity, opposite to it.

The Záppeion, an imposing neoclassical building designed as a national exhibition hall in 1878, is set in its own gardens, and is immediately followed by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the largest temple ever built on Greek soil. Today only 16 columns still stand, but their Corinthian capitals have a wonderful form and elegance.

Comprising these and more, our self-guided walking tour will help navigate your way through some of the National Garden’s most alluring attractions - so wear comfortable shoes and explore at your own pace.