Mar 14, 2024 - Athens (Piraeus), Greece

The main attraction in Athens is Acropolis.  Since we visited it twice perviously, we decided to just doing self walking tour in Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma Square and Athens National Garden.  First, we wandered to Plaka which is the oldest and most beautiful neighborhood in Athens with cobblestone narrow streets, neoclassical buildings, and is the popular shopping hub.  We walked by the Tetraconch Church, Roman Agora, and Library of Hadrian

Outdoor restaurant in Plaka

Winding Alley in Plaka

Roman Agora

Roman Agora

Library of Hadrian

Then, we walked to Monastiraki Square.  It was around lunch time therefore we went to "360 Cocktail Bar" on the square for lunch.  It is a vibrant bar with a rooftop garden and having Acropolis as backdrop.

Monastiraki Square

Rooftop 360 Cocktail Bar with Acropolis as backdrop

Rooftop 360 Cocktail Bar with Acropolis as backdrop

The next stop was Syntagma Square.  On the way there, we passed by Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. This massive, 3-aisled basilica is the cathedral church of the Archbishop of Athens and all Greece.

Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens

Then, we arrived to the Syntagma Square to see the changing guards.  We were there a little bit early and got a chance to take photos freely.  At the time of changing quards, we noticed that a lot of policemen were coming out to fence out the square and block people from a nearby demonstration to enter the square.  Later we found out this demonstration was for the group asking for more public colleges.  The demonstration sort of ruining a perfect changing guards ceremony.  However, we still got the change to witness the ceremony.

Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square

Above is a Changing Guard video.

Then, we walked across the Athens National Garden to our cruise shuttle meeting point. 

Athens National Garden