Greece
Day 2: Syntagma & Psyri
Syntagma and Psyri brought us a different slice of Athens - from its historic heart to its modern, artistic edge.
Syntagma Square & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Today we started at Syntagma Square, the heart of modern Athens. Here we found the iconic Hellenic Parliament building, a large neoclassical structure that once served as a royal palace. The building is best known for the changing of the guard, which takes place every hour at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We arrived just in time to witness the changing of the guard, where the Evzones, dressed in their distinctive pleated skirts and pom-pom shoes, perform a slow, deliberate march. This solemn ceremony is an important symbol of respect for the country’s history and military sacrifices.
National Gardens
After the ceremony, we took a stroll through the lush National Gardens, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. The gardens, with their shady paths, tranquil ponds, and vibrant flowerbeds, offered a refreshing break from the city center. We loved wandering among the trees, exploring hidden corners, and even spotting some ancient ruins tucked away in the greenery. As we walked, we noticed several animals living in the park, including ducks, goats, peacocks, and turtles - so many, in fact, that locals sometimes refer to the gardens as a small zoo.
Zappeion Park
At the edge of the gardens, we came across the Zappeion Park, home to the stunning neoclassical Zappeion Hall, which is regularly used for cultural events and exhibitions. The garden, dotted with benches and shaded by trees, offers a peaceful retreat during the day. Interestingly, it also transforms in the evening into a popular queer cruising spot, once the tourists and families have left.
Temple of Zeus
Next to the Zappeion Park, you'll also find the grand Temple of Zeus. Unfortunately, during our visit, the temple was almost fully covered in scaffolding - a downside of travelling during the low season. Hopefully, you'll have better luck when you visit!
Street art and vintage shops in Psyri
Next, we walked to the lively Psyri (also spelled Psiri or Psirri) neighborhood, known for its vibrant street art, quirky cafes, and unique vintage shops. We absolutely loved this area! You don’t need a map to explore Psyri - just wander through the streets, letting your curiosity guide you. Iroon Square is a great starting point. We spent at least an hour strolling around, occasionally stopping for a coffee break and browsing vintage shops like Treasure House and Kilo Shop. There are some real treasures to be found here!
Little Kook
One of the tourist highlights in Psyri is Little Kook, a whimsical, fairytale-themed café known for its extravagant décor and over-the-top desserts like waffles and pancakes. Every season, the theme changes. In November, the café is already transformed into a dazzling Christmas wonderland, making it the perfect spot to get into the holiday spirit early. However, we decided to skip it - the line was incredibly long, and we wanted to stay in a sunny mood. After all, that’s exactly why we came to Athens 😉
Lukumades
Here, you can try traditional loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) topped with a sauce of your choice, such as (white) chocolate, pistachio, speculoos, and more.
