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.
Νηρηίδων 12
€
free
Find your way with 263 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
A well-cooked pita, a juicy burger, tomato, and onion are a unique and tasty combination. It is the epitome of delicious simplicity.
by
The flower bouquets are naturally dried and painted with water-soluble, non-toxic colors. The dried flowers can decorate a space for 1 to 2 years!
by
Namaste presents classic Indian cuisine enriched with the dishes of the unique mountain country of Nepal and the flavours are authentic and refined!
by
"Au Revoir" is, simply put, the oldest bar in Athens. It opened in 1958 and has been serving classic drinks since then. Even Frank Sinatra paid a visit.
by
"Babouras" Athens is a cafe/bar in Petralona that combines the old with the new. My tip would be to bring your camera with you - the light's very pretty.
by
The "Eugenides Digital Planetarium" (est. 2003) in Athens is a fantastic place to get to enjoy an educational spectacle! I have so many memories from here.
by
"Rema Pikrodafnis" is one of the few relatively untouched streams in Athens. I love this seemingly abandoned part of it, a symbol of what Greece really is.
by
"Alsos Neas Smyrnis" in Athens is my neighborhood park where I go to run. It's an ideal place to relax and enjoy a low-key Athenian park setting.
by
"Homesick" Athens is my go-to cafe/bar in Eksarheia when I want some retro decoration and a nice beer with hearty freebies. Don't miss talking to the owner!
by
It's at the perfect location, on a pedestrian zone close to this Athens' neighborhood, Nea Smyrni, central square, playing music and throwing parties.
by
"Parko Eleftherias" in Athens is one of the few well-kept, moderately large parks in the city. I recommend it for picnics and just relaxing on the grass...
by
263 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 263 Insider Tips