How long does it take to walk from Syntagma to the Panathenaic Stadium?

The walk typically takes 20 to 30 minutes if walking directly, but exploring the stops along this route usually takes 2 to 3 hours. The total distance is approximately 2.5 kilometers.

Is the Temple of Olympian Zeus worth visiting?

Yes, the temple is one of the most significant Roman-era monuments in Athens. Even though only 15 columns remain, their 17-meter height provides a stunning sense of the scale of ancient architecture.

Can I enter the National Garden for free?

Yes, the National Garden is a public park and does not require an entrance fee. It is open from sunrise to sunset and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to relax.

Is the Panathenaic Stadium accessible for wheelchairs?

The area around the stadium is flat and accessible, but the internal tiers of the stadium consist of steep marble steps. Visitors with mobility issues can still enjoy a great view of the structure from the main entrance area.

What is the best time to see the changing of the guard in Athens?

The ceremony happens every hour on the hour in front of the Hellenic Parliament. For the most elaborate version with a full band, visit on a Sunday morning at 11:00 AM.

How far is the Arch of Hadrian from Syntagma Square?

The Arch of Hadrian is about 700 meters south of Syntagma Square. It is a flat, easy 10-minute walk down Amalias Avenue or through the National Garden.

Are there restrooms near the Zappeion?

Yes, there are public restrooms located near the Zappeion Hall and within the National Garden. Additionally, several cafes in the area provide facilities for customers.

Is this walking route suitable for kids?

Absolutely, this route is very family-friendly because it includes the National Garden, which has a playground and a duck pond. The wide paths and lack of steep hills make it easy for children and strollers.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

2 hr 30 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Athens is a city where the weight of antiquity meets the vibrancy of a modern Mediterranean capital. While most visitors flock immediately to the Acropolis, this self-guided walk through the Syntagma and Mets neighborhoods reveals a more graceful, verdant side of the city. This walking route takes you through the Royal Athens of the 19th century, seamlessly blending it with the colossal ruins of the Roman era and the athletic spirit of the ancient world. Your journey begins at the Hellenic Parliament, where the rhythmic precision of the Presidential Guard serves as a living link to Greece's revolutionary past. From there, you will escape the urban bustle by entering the National Garden. This lush oasis, once the private retreat of Queen Amalia, offers a refreshing canopy of bitter orange trees and exotic flora right in the heart of the city. As you explore independently, you will encounter the Zappeion Hall, a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture that played a pivotal role in the revival of the Olympic spirit. The scenery then shifts from green groves to soaring marble as you approach the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Even in its ruined state, these massive Corinthian columns evoke the sheer scale of ancient religious devotion. Just a stone's throw away stands the Arch of Hadrian, a symbolic gate that once divided the old city of Theseus from the new Roman quarters. Finally, this neighborhood stroll concludes at the Panathenaic Stadium, a breathtaking sight constructed entirely of white Pentelic marble. Whether you are a history buff or a photography enthusiast, this walking tour Athens experience provides a tranquil yet intellectually stimulating way to see the city. By following this route, you avoid the rigid schedules of a traditional guided tour Athens and instead discover the layers of Hellenic history at your own pace. The transition from royal gardens to ancient sanctuaries offers a unique perspective on how Athens has evolved from a small village into a majestic capital over the millennia.

Highlights

Changing of the Guard at the Hellenic Parliament
The exotic flora and tranquil paths of the National Garden
The Neoclassical grandeur of Zappeion Hall
The colossal Corinthian columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus
The symbolic and historic Arch of Hadrian
The all-marble Panathenaic Stadium

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Hellenic Parliament

The Hellenic Parliament building, originally the Royal Palace for King Otto, dominates the top of Syntagma Square. In front of it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a cenotaph guarded by the elite Evzones. These soldiers are famous for their traditional uniform, which includes a kilt-like fustanella with 400 pleats—one for every year of Ottoman occupation. Their slow, high-stepping ceremonial walk is a mesmerizing display of discipline. This site represents the heart of modern Greek democracy and national identity. The changing of the guard occurs hourly, providing a poignant moment of reflection on the country's turbulent path to independence and its enduring traditions.

2

Athens National Garden

The National Garden is a 15.5-hectare sanctuary that offers a reprieve from the heat of the city. Created in the 1830s by Queen Amalia, the first Queen of Greece, it was originally the private Royal Garden. As you wander through its labyrinthine paths, you will see a mix of native Mediterranean plants and exotic species brought from all over the world. The garden also houses ancient ruins, including a Roman floor mosaic, and a small pond that is a favorite for local families. It is a perfect example of 19th-century landscape architecture, designed to provide a green lung for the burgeoning capital.

3

Zappeion Hall

The Zappeion Hall is a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture, characterized by its striking orange walls and grand Corinthian portico. Completed in 1888, it was the first building in the world designed specifically for the modern Olympic Games, serving as the fencing hall in 1896. Today, it is used for official ceremonies and exhibitions. The surrounding gardens are filled with statues of notable Greek figures and offer wide, paved walkways that are popular for evening strolls. The building stands as a testament to the philanthropic spirit of Evangelos Zappas, who helped revive the Olympic movement in the 19th century.

4

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Standing before the Temple of Olympian Zeus, one can only imagine the sheer scale of the original structure. Construction began in the 6th century BCE but was not finished until the 2nd century CE by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Originally, 104 colossal Corinthian columns stood here, making it one of the largest temples in the ancient world. Today, only 15 remain standing, with a 16th lying in segments on the ground after a storm in 1852. The temple was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods, and its ruins still dominate the Ilissos valley, providing a dramatic backdrop for photography.

5

Arch of Hadrian

The Arch of Hadrian is a triumphal gate that stands as a bridge between two eras of Athenian history. It was erected by the citizens of Athens in honor of Emperor Hadrian’s arrival and his many contributions to the city. The arch features two inscriptions: on the side facing the Acropolis, it reads 'This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus,' while the side facing the Temple of Zeus says 'This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus.' This symbolic boundary marked the expansion of the city during the Roman period, celebrating the blend of classical Greek heritage and Roman imperial power.

6

Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium, or Kallimarmaro, is a sight unlike any other in the world. Reconstructed from the remains of an ancient Greek stadium, it is the only stadium on earth built entirely of white Pentelic marble. It was here that the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896, and it continues to serve as the finishing point for the annual Athens Classic Marathon. The U-shaped structure can hold up to 50,000 spectators and its gleaming surfaces are particularly beautiful at sunset. As you stand at the entrance, you are looking at a site that has hosted athletic competitions for over 2,300 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

This self-guided walking route through the National Garden is ideal for nature enthusiasts. It covers 15.5 hectares of greenery, featuring exotic plants and tranquil ponds right in the city center.