Beautiful Day at the Free Athens National Gardens
Let's go look at a completely free attraction in Athens, Greece and save a little money while we discover ruins, statues and all sorts of beautiful things...without spending a dime.
Greece's National Garden
Today, we're visiting the National Gardens, a free attraction that is typically open even during holidays and events in Athens.
One of the few. See my upcoming blog about what I learned in Athens for more about that.
Today's location is very cool if you like nature, if you like seeing ancient stuff and if you like free. And around here, we love free.
How the Garden Grew in Athens
The National Garden was built beginning in 1839 and it is the only historical garden in all of Greece, so it's pretty special. It's also incredibly beautiful.
The garden style is English, even though it is full of native plants and ancient ruins, which are literally everywhere in Athens.
The garden is incredibly grand because it was originally a royal garden, built during the reign of Queen Amalia while Greece was a monarchy.
Athens itself is now in charge of the National Garden, and it's a public space for all to enjoy.
The Plants of Athens and the World
The National Garden is full of native Mediterranean plants and trees, but many foreign species as well. This includes the palm trees along the central avenue, which were named the Washingtonias in honor of U.S. President George Washington. There are eucalyptus trees from Australia and plants from Central and South America, as well as China. There are also wisteria, pine trees and evergreens mixed in with cypress trees.
Special Features
You'll also see a variety of animals in the garden, notably ducks and geese, but there are also parrots, peacocks and cockatiels who live here. The pond is where you'll see a lot of water birds. You can also visit the small zoo. There's an entire botanical garden area as well, and I recommend a stop at the Spanish fountain.
For me, of course, the best part of the garden is the ancient ruins. It's really amazing how easy it is to connect with ancient history in Athens because it's absolutely everywhere. It's really incredible to realize how many people have been here before, how many walked these gardens and how many came here way, way before there was any garden.
How to Visit the National Gardens of Greece
It's really an incredible place, whether you like nature or history or beautiful plants and flowers. Or, heck, if you just like free stuff it's also great.
The National Garden is open daily sunrise to sunset and it's always free. The only negative thing I'll say about it is that it is difficult to navigate. Take a picture of the map when you see one and try your best, because there are a lot of winding paths and it is confusing.
I really enjoyed the garden and I think you will, too.
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