Zen Garden Athens
Serene island in a concrete jungle
Zoe from Athens
You won't believe your eyes easily when you come up to this spot. You cross some of the busiest avenues of the city, where the biggest museums, hospitals, and hotels are located. And suddenly the traffic and the bustling crowds give way to the first (and only) Japanese garden in the city. In 2022, the garden opened to the public, after being constructed according to a biophilic design, serving as a green, calming 3.500 sq m zone in the center of the city.
According to Wikipedia zen gardens were intended to imitate not the actual appearance of nature, but its very essence, and to serve as an aid for meditation. I will read more about the symbolisms of every element in zen gardens before my next visit; for example, rocks may either symbolize mountains or living creatures such as turtles. The Japanese garden boasts plants indigenous to the Mediterranean climate as well as characteristic trees of the Japanese flora. There are carefully designed pathways and benches, along a small pond and a torii. You can cross the garden and let yourself in the Japanese culture after visiting one of the museums and before heading to the heart of Pagkrati.
Athens Spotter Zoe
About this spot
Νηρηίδων 12
- 247
€
free
Our Athens City Guide
Find your way with 265 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Athens
Votsalakia beach
A beach at downtown Piraeus!
Votsalakia beach is one of my favourite spots to relax near Athens. Enjoy the view, its sports courts, a café, an open pool, and even a summer cinema.
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Koumpaki
A cute shop for indie girls & boys!
Koumpaki in Athens is the vintage accessory shop for you if your sense of aesthetics is that of Sundance, if you like cats or are a lover of David Bowie.
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Bookshop Lemoni
My dearest bookstore!
Bookshop Lemoni in Athens is a bookstore that offers not only great books but also hospitality and tenderness. My regards to Spyros and Avgoustinos!
by
Marilena
Salamanou
House with Caryatids
An urban legend
The house is known for the two wonderful Caryatid sculptures located on the balcony of its facade. The house was built in the late 19th century and is a typical example of Athenian neoclassicism.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Zaharias Records
A music lovers' paradise
My favorite morning walk in the Monastiraki Flea Market always ends with a visit to Zaharias Records. Here I can browse a huge and ever-changing collection of second-hand vinyl records and CDs and always discover something to buy.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Agios Ioannis of the Column
A hidden gem
Agios Ioannis of the Column is one of the most interesting hidden attractions in the center of Athens. The church was built in the 6th century AD, and its sanctuary was formed around an ancient Corinthian column.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Louka Nika Street
A street art gallery
Street art has developed mainly in large urban centres, and Athens is no exception. The Psirri neighbourhood in the city centre is inextricably linked to the history of street art in Athens.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Mets
Athens most charming neighbourhood
Many artists, musicians, actors, and painters have relocated to Mets, giving it a more bohemian feel. There are only a handful of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants in the area, a fact that creates a more intimate and cosy atmosphere.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Giorgio Hatter
For the hat lovers
Quality and unique materials, special and simple colors, fashion, and personal style are combined in a large collection of men's and women's hats.
by
Andreas
Papadopoulos
Buho Bruncherie
The ideal place for brunch
The unique pancakes at Buho (sweet and savory) are in my opinion, the best I have tried in the city and the menu has enough options to satisfy all tastes.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Lefteris o Politis
Simply delicious souvlaki
A well-cooked pita, a juicy burger, tomato, and onion are a unique and tasty combination. It is the epitome of delicious simplicity.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Zefyros
An open air cinephile experience
Here is where viewers, myself included, got to know the worlds of Bunuel, Welles, Tarkovsky, Ozu, Bergman, and many more emblematic filmmakers.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Heading to Athens?
265 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 265 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Athens
Get to know our other Spotters from Athens
As featured on:
