National Gardens
Price guide: Free
Vas. Amalias Avenue, Athens
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#18 of 20
expert-rated things to do in Athens- Recommended for:
- Backpackers / Students, Couples, Families with younger children, Nature / wildlife, Relaxation
Expert review of National Gardens
Shady, pleasantly shabby park in the centre of town.
Henry Miller once described it as ‘the quintessence of a park’. Hardly true today – the National Gardens are a little rundown. But this is still a welcome burst of shade and greenery in the city centre. Built as the private pleasure grounds of Queen Amalia – whose former palace is now the Parliament building – the park was originally off limits to the hoi polloi. The Queen imported more than 500 species of plants, as well as peacocks, ducks, and turtles. The Mediterranean heat killed off the more exotic plants; but there’s still a small (and depressingly neglected) zoo. Pistachio vendors, portrait painters, and stray cats provide company and entertainment.
Expert tips:
The idyllic (but grossly overpriced) café is a lovely spot for an iced coffee.
Evzones (presidential guards) parade in tutus outside the park.
More information on National Gardens:
- Price guide:
- Type:
- National park / nature reserve, Park / garden, Zoo / wildlife park / aquarium
- Address:
- Vas. Amalias Avenue, Athens
- Months open:
- All year round
- Opening times:
- Sunrise to sunset.
- Indoor/outdoor?:
- Outdoor
- Free tags / Keywords:
- Park, Zoo, Cafe, Botanical Museum
