National Gardens of Athens (Ethnikos Kipos)

The basics

This formal royal garden was commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838, and is home to more than 500 species of plants and animals and a vast park dotted with the busts of historic Greek poets, gods, and political figures.

Set in the heart of Athens near the Greek Parliament, the National Gardens are a popular stop on many Athens city tours on foot or by bike, e-bike, Trikke, or Segway. The kid-friendly space with a playground and duck ponds is a paradise for younger travelers, and family-focused Athens tours also often make a visit here. Close proximity to the Olympic stadium makes it a destination for workout experiences and running tours, and many Athens food tours also include a stroll through the park.

Things to know before you go

• With shaded paths, wide grassy areas, a playground, and two ponds, the National Gardens are ideal for families with children.
• The park’s two ponds are populated by hundreds of rather assertive ducks. If you feed one, be prepared to feed them all.
• There is a small café inside the park that serves snacks and drinks.
• The park is free to enter, as is the tiny zoo and Botanical Museum.
• The National Gardens are largely accessible to wheelchairs, though some of the paths are a bit rough.

How to get there

The National Gardens of Athens (Ethnikos Kipos) is located in the center of Athens. The main entrance is on Leoforos Vasilissis Sofias near the Greek Parliament and the Syntagma stop on metro lines 2 and 3. You can also enter from Irodou Attikou to the east or the adjacent Zappeion on the south side of the park.

When to get there

The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, though is most crowded on weekends and holidays. Visit during midday for a welcome shady respite from Athens heat, or in the late afternoon when the temperatures are milder to enjoy a walk along the park paths.

Athen’s Attica Zoological Park

For decades, the tiny collection of animals in the National Gardens was the only zoo in Athens, but today the modern, 49-acre Attica Zoological Park in the suburb of Spata is Athens’ premier zoo. Home to one of the largest collections of birds in the world and more than 400 species of animals, this is a popular destination for families and animal lovers from Athens and across the world.

Ways to explore

Plan on taking about an hour to stroll through the National Gardens of Athens, which is free and open to the public. Walk or bike down some of the shaded paths that cross through its green spaces. Allot an extra hour if you plan on including a visit to the Botanical Museum of the National Garden, which is housed in a historic building that once served as a hunting pavilion for King Otto, Queen Amalia’s husband. Many guided walking or biking tours include a stop at the National Gardens, as do some hop-on hop-off bus tours through Athens.

Accessibility

The National Gardens of Athens is accessible to wheelchairs through ramps and walkways.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Snacks, refillable water bottle, a book to read

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, hat for sun protection

Not allowed

Picking flowers, carving your initials into a tree, leaving trash behind

Amenities

Public restrooms, a small café

Address

The National Gardens of Athens is located east of the Acropolis and next to the Parliament, a short walk from the Benaki Museum. Its central location makes it easy to include on any Athens sightseeing itinerary. It’s reachable by both car and public transportation.

Driving

While the National Gardens of Athens can be reached by car, driving in the Greek capital can be challenging, and is usually best left to professionals (or locals). Consider taking a taxi or rideshare instead.

Public transportation

Take lines 2 or 3 of the Athens Metro and get off at Syntagma Station. A half-dozen OASA bus lines also stop out front, or you can take the T6 tram.

Best times to visit

The gardens are open from sunrise to sunset. Come in the early morning for the quietest experience.

Best days to visit

Weekends are busiest, so plan to visit on Saturday or Sunday if you prefer a buzzy, lively crowd. Otherwise, aim for a weekday.

Best months to visit

Shoulder seasons are best, especially in the spring, when flowers are in full bloom. But many of the garden’s trees are evergreens, so you can expect greenery year-round.

Special events

Each spring, the Greek capital celebrates the month-long Athens City Festival. Expect over 200 free events spread throughout the city, including folk dance performances taking place within the National Gardens of Athens.