The Likiou Street exit of the National Garden of Athens is located on the western side of the garden and can lead to different directions depending on which way you go.
If you go northwest on Likiou Street, you can reach the Kolonaki district of Athens. Kolonaki is an upscale neighbourhood known for its designer boutiques, art galleries, and trendy cafes. It's a popular destination for shopping and dining, as well as for its vibrant nightlife.
From the National Garden, the walk to Kolonaki takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your route, and it offers a pleasant stroll through some of Athens' most picturesque neighbourhoods. Along the way, visitors can also see many historic landmarks and cultural attractions, such as the Benaki Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum.
Starting from the Arch of Hadrian, the walking tour of Athens takes visitors through some of the city's most iconic landmarks and attractions. The Arch of Hadrian, a triumphal arch built in the 2nd century AD, stands at the entrance to the ancient city and serves as the gateway to the tour.
From the arch, visitors can walk towards the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which is one of the largest ancient temples in Greece. The temple was completed in the 2nd century AD and was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology. Although much of the temple has been destroyed over the centuries, its impressive columns still stand today, and visitors can appreciate their sheer size and intricate details.
After exploring the temple, visitors can go to the nearby National Garden of Athens. The garden is a lush and peaceful oasis in the city's heart, featuring an array of trees, plants, and flowers from around the world. Visitors can stroll through the garden's paths, relax by the small lake, and visit the Terrapin Pond to see the turtles.
The walking tour then continues towards the Benaki Museum, which is one of the most famous museums in Athens. The museum is located in a beautiful neoclassical building and features a collection of art and artefacts from ancient to modern times. Along the way to the museum, visitors can walk through the upscale neighbourhood of Kolonaki, known for its designer boutiques, art galleries, and trendy cafes.
At the Benaki Museum, visitors can explore the extensive collection of artefacts and art, including ancient icons and terracotta figurines, which offer a glimpse into the rich history of Greece and the wider Mediterranean region.
Overall, the walking tour of Athens is a great way to explore the city's ancient landmarks and modern cultural offerings. It offers a mix of history, nature, and art and takes visitors on a journey through the many different facets of Athens.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
