Experts' Choice Award National Garden
What the experts agree on
This 1860s royal oasis offers a shady escape from Athens' heat with 500+ plant species, a botanical museum, and quirky mini-zoo—perfect when city chaos gets overwhelming.
“It has nearly 500 species of different trees and plants, a botanical museum (a charming neoclassical construction) and a small zoo.”
– Michelin Guide
Fodor's "When you can't take the city noise anymore, step into this oasis completed in 1860 as part of King Otto and Queen Amalia's royal holdings." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"A delightful, shady refuge during summer." Full review
Let's Go "It contains a botanical garden, turtle pond, romantic footbridges, vendors selling shiny oversized balloons, and a quirky mini-zoo with roosters, rabbits, more roosters, and…stray cats. " Full review
New York Times "If you decide to trek it, wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat — and pass through the National Garden en route"
Lonely Planet "The National Garden was laid out as walled royal gardens in the early 1800s and is now a rambling park for all Athenians. Although the greenery can be a bit wild and even somewhat dusty..."
Green is the word: the best parks in Athens
September 27, 2021
National Geographic "To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, I head to the National Gardens. Located behind the Parliament building, there’s a small zoo, a café, ancient ruins, jogging paths, gazebos,..."
Independent "Beyond it, the National Gardens (open sunrise to sunset) provides a couple of essential square kilometres of lungs for the city. Note the impressive Zappeion, a palace created by a rich..."
Athens
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Lonely Planet "Escape the heat of the summer in the National Gardens, which stand between the neighborhoods of Pangrati and Syntagma Square. Dip into the dappled shade of the gardens, where the kids can..."
How to explore Athens with kids
February 25, 2022
