Guide to Syntagma Square: Things to Do, Top Attractions, History

Aktualisiert am 3. August 2023 von Athens-Tourist-Information

As the political center of Greece and a popular meeting place, Syntagma Square is one of the city's top 10 things to do.

Read this guide to Syntagma Square in Athens to find out what attractions the historic square has to offer.

Let's start!

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Things to Do at Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square in the center of the city is home to the Greek Parliament, making it the most important square in Athens. It is visited by tourists as well as locals.

See below some of the square's highlights:

1. Greek Parliament & Change of the Guard

The current Parliament building was once the royal palace of King Otto. Although the imposing building itself is well worth seeing, it hides another Athenian attraction that is considered the highlight of the square: the changing of the guard of the Evzones. The ceremony of the traditionally dressed guards, who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament building, takes place every hour.

For more details, see our page: Changing of the Evzones guard.

2. Stroll & Unwind

With its white marble steps, the two green areas as well as the fountain and statues, the Syntagma Square forms a graceful backdrop. One can linger nicely and observe the colorful hustle and bustle that always prevails here.

An idyllic retreat, on the other hand, is offered by the nearby National Garden.

3. Shopping & Gastronomy

The Syntagma Square is also famous for the popular shopping street Ermou, which starts here and is a must for all shopping fans. Visitors can stroll along the shopping street and discover all sorts of stores, designer stores and boutiques.

In addition, numerous cafes, bars and clubs are lined up around the square and in the side streets.

4. Christmas Market

In addition, Syntagma Square is a popular venue that attracts especially at Christmas with its Christmas market. If you're here for the season of Advent, don't miss the Christmas magic.

5. Staying at Syntagma Square

In the area around Syntagma Square you can find many hotels that belong to an upscale price category.

The square is an important transportation hub with a direct metro connection. Moreover, since it is located in the center of Athens, with nightlife destinations such as Plaka and Kolonaki within easy reach, it is an ideal place to stay when traveling to Athens.

You can find more about this and other great places to stay during a city trip on our page about the Districts in Athens: Good Places to stay.

How to Get to Syntagma Square?

Syntagma Square is located in the center of Athens. Since it is a major transportation hub, the easiest way to reach it is by public transport.

By Public Transport: You can easily take the metro 2 or 3 to "Syntagma". By the way, in the metro station "Syntagma" archaeological findings are exhibited, which were discovered here during the excavation works.
By Hop on Hop off Bus: Alternatively, you can take the hop on hop off bus tour to station A1 "Syntagma Square".
From Piraeus Cruise Port: Cruise passengers arriving from the port in Piraeus can go to the nearby Piraeus metro station and board the M1 line. A one-way ticket is sufficient for the 16-minute ride to the "Monastiraki" station. There change to metro line 2 and go one stop to "Syntagma" station.

FAQ about Syntagma Square

Where is Syntagma Square Located?

Syntagma Square is located in the center of Athens. The address is: Pl. Sintagmatos, Athens 105 63, Greece

What Can I Do at Syntagma Square?

The main attraction at Syntagma Square is the hourly changing of the guard of the Evzones. But sights like the Parliament and the National Garden are also located here. Thanks to the famous Ermou shopping mile, shopping enthusiasts will get their money's worth. Restaurants, bars, clubs and cafes are also located here.

Is Syntagma Square a Good Place to Stay During a Trip to Athens?

Thanks to the direct metro connection and the central location, Syntagma Square is ideal to stay in during an Athens trip. Many sights and entertainment options are within walking distance, including the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka. Some hotels even offer a view of the Acropolis. However, hotels here are comparatively more expensive than in other parts of the city.

How Do I Get to Syntagma Square?

The easiest way to get to Syntagma Square is to take Metro 2 or 3 to "Syntagma". Alternatively, you can take the Hop on Hop off bus tour to station A 1 " Syntagma Square".

Cruise passengers arriving from the port in Piraeus can go to the nearby Piraeus metro station and board the M1 line. A one-way ticket is sufficient for the 16-minute ride to the "Monastiraki" station. There change to metro line 2 and go one stop to "Syntagma" station.

History and Facts about Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square was created in 1837 and at that time it was known as Castle Square.

A few years later it was declared Syntagma Square, in English: Constitution Square. This was preceded by a significant historical event. King Otto, after the popular uprising of September 3, 1843, had agreed on the balcony of the royal palace to abolish absolutist rule and agree to a constitution.

Since 1934, the former palace of King Otto has housed the Greek Parliament, which is why the imposing building has been known as the Parliament ever since.

During the construction of the metro station in the 1990s, foundations from ancient Greece were found. Today, a part of them is displayed in the metro station "Syntagma".

Syntagma Square also gained fame due to the riots and demonstrations that took place here as a result of the financial crisis in Greece in its recent history.