Syntagma (Constitution) Square - It is, together with Omonoia Square, one of the two points of reference of this city. So, do not be surprised if you keep hearing the word Syntagma (which means Constitution), when you ask for directions in Athens. Plaka, the Acropolis, the Cathedral of Athens, the National Garden, the Byzantine church of Kapnikarea, Ermou Street (one of the main commercial streets of the city), even Kolonaki Square, are all near Syntagma.

The House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the spectacular changing of the guard takes place every hour, are actually in it. Syntagma Square is the centre of all activity. The buildings surrounding the square itself house hotels, Greek and Street (one of the main commercial streets of the city), even Kolonaki Square, are all near Syntagma. The House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the spectacular changing of the guard takes place every hour, are actually in it. Syntagma Square is the centre of all activity. The buildings surrounding the square itself house hotels, Greek and foreign banks, ministries and airline offices. Some of the trendiest bars and night clubs, which are open only during wintertime, are to be found here too. The square never sleeps. In its kiosks, you will find all manner of things, ranging from aspirin to Greek souvenirs, as well as all the major foreign newspapers and magazines.

The House of Parliament - It overlooks Syntagma Square and was originally built as a palace for King Otto, the first King of Greece and Queen Amalia. Its construction took six years, from 1836-1842. The second King of Greece, King Georgios, also lived in this palace. But during his reign two serious fires destroyed the building to the extent that it was judged unfit for royal occupation. It was in 1924 that the government decided to house the Greek Parliament in the building. Renovation work finished in 1934. The interior of the building was redesigned by the architect A. Kriezis. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in the front of the building, was built in 1929-1930.
This monument where Greek , officials and visiting dignitaries lay wreaths on major holidays, is guarded day and night by a pair of elite soldiers called Evzones. The changing of the guard every hour Ioffers onlookers a very spectacular event. You can visit the Parliament House, which keeps precious national treasures like the First Greek Constitution and many valuable paintings. Also worth visiting is the Parliament's large library.

Kolonaki Square - the trendiest - One of the things you must do when you are in Athens is have a cup of coffee in one of the coffee shops in Kolonaki Square. To have spent a few hours eating, drinking and just chatting in one of this square's coffee shops, is a prerequisite for trendy Athenians and foreign visitors alike. Kolonaki also offers some of the best shopping in town, some of the best organised and biggest kiosks (periptera) in the city and some very interesting walks around its busy streets.

The National Garden - Open dawn to dusk. An oasis in the middle of the city. An area of almost 40 acres full of flowers, plants, bushes and trees from all over the world. Five hundred different varieties of plants under a canopy of trees. Designed to be the garden of the Royal Palace of King Otto and Queen Amalia, it was planted between 1838 and 1860.
You can enter the garden from one of four gates: the central one, on Vasilissis Sophias Avenue, another on Herodou Atticou Street and the third on Amalias Avenue. The fourth gate connects the National Garden with the Zappeion park area. Wander along the pathways, listen to the birds, sit on a bench and relax. In the National Garden you will find: a duck pond, a small zoo, a Botanical Museum, a small cafe, and a Children's Library and playground.

Zappeion - The Zappeion is the small park area between the National Garden and the Olympieion. In it you will see the handsome Zappeion Megaron, designed by the architect Theofil Hansen and built in 1874-1888. In recent years this "Congress and Exhibition Hall", has witnessed some of the most important moments in this country's modern history: European leaders' summits, election day results and important political announcements. It also houses important art exhibitions and occasionaly concerts are given here.

The Panathinaikon Stadium - A really impressive sight, built of white marble in the shape of a horseshoe, it stands opposite the National Garden. The first Stadium to be built on this site was constructed of wood in 330 B.C. The marble structure, of which the present day Stadium (Stadio) is a faithful replica, was built by Herodes Atticus. It was used as a venue for the athletic games held during the feast of Panathenaea, hence its name Panathenaikon. The Stadium we see today was built between 1869 and 1870 for the first Olympic Games held in modern times in 1896.

The three temples of learning - In Panepistimiou Street there are three buildings, which were built at approximately the same time, in the decades after Independence. They were designed by the Hansen brothers, two famous Danish architects who lived in Greece at the time.
The University (1839-1864) - The Athens University was designed by the elder brother. Hans Christian Hansen and its construction began in 1839. Notice the graceful fountain in its courtyard. its circular staircase and the colourful frescos of classical subjects, which adorn the walls behind a row of columns in its porch. The frescos were painted by the Bavarian Karl Rahl.
The Academy (1859-1887) - The Academy of Athens is flanked by two wings decorated with friezes and a pair of tall columns adorned by statues of Apollo and Athena. It was designed by the younger brother Theofil Hansen. The statues are the work of the sculptor L. Drosis and the painted decorations were again done by Karl Rahl. The Academy is considered the finest example of the Greek order in architecture.
The National Library (1887-1902) - Yet another wonderful building, designed by the younger brother Theofil Hansen. It is the largest library in the country housing thousands of books in all languages. Theofil Hansen first started designing this simple, stately building in 1858 and concluded it in 1884.