Athens: Most Instagrammable Photo Ops with Private Photo Expert

You will join your guide at Syntagma Square, near the Hellenic Parliament. Together with your guide you will discover this remarkable neoclassical building and learn its history in a fun, relaxed way. If you’re lucky, you might witness the changing guard ceremony.

Syntagma Square or Constitution Square is a center of the city, an important site of Athens politics and history. This square is a transport hub, general hang-out spot, and the epicenter for any demonstrations or strikes.

Get your tour started with a nice view on the Hellenic Parliament, also known as the Old Royal Palace, built in 1843 as the first royal palace of modern Greece. The Neoclassic building was designed and constructed by Bavarian architect Friedrich von Gartner for King Otto I. Learn some facts on why the palace had become "old" and some more details of its construction and life before proceeding to the next sight. The Hellenic Parliament is the parliament of Greece, located in a neoclassical three-story building, also known as the Old Royal Palace. In the forecourt of the palace, you can see another city landmark, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the Evzones, an elite regiment in an authentic traditional uniform.

Dive into the green sea of the National Garden, covering 15.5 hectares, and take a breath of fresh air in the quietude of the shaded alleyways just near Syntagma Square. Get shelter from the hot sun and enjoy ancient ruins, columns, mosaic remains, and a mini-zoo with a botanical museum. Immerse yourself in the diversity thsi place offers and explore the species you have never known before.

Continue to the next sight just across the road and discover the Neoclassical New Royal Palace, which is now the official residence of the president of Greece. Stroll around the big park areas around and watch the changing of the ceremonial Presidential Guard, the famous Evzones in their exuberant uniform. Let your local guide reveal some peculiarities of their clothes and shoes and their symbolism.

Get up close and personal with the Olympic Games and the restoration of the Olympic movement in the late 19th century while contemplating the grandeur of Panathenaic Stadium. Made entirely of white marble, it’s an incredible landmark with 50,000 marble seats that earned its second name, "Beautiful Marble". Take a walk in the footsteps of former Olympians and observe the site where every Olympic torch relay starts.

Admire the majestic building in the center of Athens, constructed by Theophil von Hansen as ordered by Greek philanthropists Evangelis and Konstantinos Zappas. The classic building was under construction for 14 years and was totally devoted to the Olympic Games. Get some insights about the history of the Olympics in Greece and learn about the Evangelis’ last will.

Stroll around the oldest neighborhood in Athens. Plaka has preserved its original authentic feel and image, the peculiarities of Greek culture, and its inimitable style. Revel in the plethora of small restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stalls, and soak in the coziness of the narrow streets where time seems to stop, giving you a chance to relish the moment at its fullest. While the rest of Athens is a bustling cocktail of ancient architecture, Christian churches, oriental bazaars, and luxurious boutiques, Plaka keeps its unique traditional character. Get a chance to encounter the most significant architectural styles of ancient times.

If you are eager to see Athens from above, Areopagus Hill is the best spot for that. Having been a center of the city’s public life, now it’s a perfect viewpoint overlooking the picturesque landscape and the historic center.

Head out to another breathtaking viewpoint located at the 147-meter-high Filopappou Hill, covered with pines and olive trees just south-east of the Acropolis. Known as Museon Hill before the 2nd century, it was devoted to muses. Get your spark of inspiration by soaking in the stunning views and uncovering the mysteries of the past.

Wander along the dazzling Dionysiou Areopagiton pedestrian street going through the Makrygianni neighborhood, named after Saint Dionysis, the first resident of Athens to be baptized and a student of Paul the Apostle. Marvel at gorgeous architecture of different ages and styles and encounter some archeological sites on your way.