Syntagma
Syntagma — 'Constitution Square' — is Athens' beating civic heart, dominated by the Hellenic Parliament and the Evzone guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It's the city's transport and hotel hub, where wide boulevards, luxury shops and the National Gardens converge.
Where to eat & drink
Syntagma's food scene spans grand cafes like Zonars and the Hotel Grande Bretagne's terrace to casual souvlaki joints on side streets. The arcades off Voukourestiou hide old-school ouzeries. Ermou Street's lower end has quick gyros spots for shoppers. For fine dining, the Kolonaki border is a 5-minute walk uphill.
What to see
The Hellenic Parliament and Changing of the Guard ceremony (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evzones) (every hour) are the main draw. The National Gardens, a 15-hectare oasis of palm trees and duck ponds, stretch south to the Zappeion. Ermou Street, Athens' prime shopping strip, heads west to Monastiraki. The Numismatic Museum is housed in Heinrich Schliemann's former mansion.
Getting around
Syntagma is Athens' central transport hub — metro lines 2 (Red) and 3 (Blue) intersect here, with direct airport service on line 3 (40 minutes). Trams to the coast depart from the square's southern edge. Most major bus routes originate here.
Safety
Syntagma Square is heavily policed, well-lit and safe at all hours. The surrounding streets are fine; exercise standard caution in crowded metro areas. During protests or strikes, the square itself can fill with demonstrators — these are nearly always peaceful.
Questions & answers
- When is the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma?
- Every hour on the hour, 24/7. The full ceremonial version with white kilts is every Sunday at 11:00.
- How do I get from Syntagma to the airport?
- Metro line 3 (Blue) runs directly from Syntagma to Athens Airport in about 40 minutes, with trains every 30 minutes.