Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square and Ermou Street form the vibrant heart of Athens and are absolutely worth a visit, especially during the late afternoon hours when the heat begins to ease. Syntagma is not only historically important—with the Parliament building and the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony—but also a great starting point for exploring the city. Right next to it, Ermou Street stretches out as one of Athens' busiest shopping streets, lined with a fantastic mix of international brands, Greek fashion stores, and small boutiques. Whether you're looking for clothes, shoes, souvenirs, or just browsing, there’s something for everyone. The street is pedestrian-friendly and shaded in some parts, making it a pleasant walk even in warm weather. There are also plenty of cafes, bakeries, and juice bars along the way if you need to cool off with a drink or grab a quick bite. Street performers and local musicians often add to the lively atmosphere, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. If you're visiting Athens, this area should definitely be on your list—great for shopping, relaxing, people-watching, and feeling the energy of the city. It's where ancient charm meets modern Athenian life.

A beautiful and lively part of Athens. I went in August; there was live music and plenty of both tourists and locals enjoying the ambience. Very busy but amazing vibes! In front of the parliament and near beautiful hotels. The metro station is right here, as well as bus stops going to the airport and other destinations. In the daytime, there’s also places to sit down in the shade when it’s hot.

Pretty busy square located in the center of Athens. This place will most likely be your first attraction you see in Athens after getting down from the X95 Airport Bus. There are some amazing photo angles up on the stairs looking towards the city. You can also enjoy a full view of the Hellenic Parliament (Former Royal Palace). Make sure to check out the "changing-of-the-guards" event at the Hellenic Parliament every hour!

Pretty busy square full of life, it was pleasant to visit . You can watch the guards and there’s a McDonald’s nearby so you can eat something.

The very centre of Athens that has wonderful views of the surrounding area. It's a pleasant place to relax, especially by the fountains.

A nice area to relax in a usually very busy part of Athens right in front of the Parliament Building that’s across the street.

Beautiful square with a lot of shops and eateries nearby. The parliament building is across the street where you can see the charging of the guards.

Syntagma Square is one of the oldest and famous squares in Athens, Greece. During New Year's Eve of 2025, there were fireworks and a concert, and the place was incredibly crowded. On other days, it's frequented by people from all walks of life - from retired veterans to the new immigrants, as evidenced from the chat and buzz going around. We enjoyed eating chicken gyros and McDonald's, which are located next to the square. The Parliament building is adjacent, and the changing of the guard ceremony takes place several times a day.