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 262 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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.
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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.
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And really, what to choose first? Takis Bakery produces every day thirty different types of bread, sandwiches, biscuits, pies, and sweets, in addition to the always fresh koulouri.
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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.
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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.
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Aside from the freshly ground coffee, which is either made on the spot or purchased in bulk to take home, you will find exceptional and always fresh nuts in sufficient variety.
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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.
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My favourite burger is the Bacon Mushroom Melt, and my favourite sandwich is the Tika, which is slightly spicy and causes a chain of flavour explosions!
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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.
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262 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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