Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Changing of the Guard Ceremony
4.5
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Top ways to experience Changing of the Guard Ceremony
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Syntagma
Perhaps the best place to get your bearings is Syntagma Square, crowned by the imposing Parliament building on its upper side and surrounded by other large structures, such as the exclusive Hotel Grande Bretagne. The grand avenues that lead towards Omonia are also full of massive Neoclassical edifices like the Numismatic Museum and those around smaller Platia Kolokotroni. Here you will find lots of travel agents, bookshops and fashion shops, especially on Ermou Street. Just south of Syntagma Square, you can take a breather in the lush National Gardens, which extend into the grounds of the Zappeio palace and beyond to the ancient Temple of Olympian Zeus.
How to get there
- Syntagma • 1 min walk
- Nomismatokopio • 4 min walk
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
3,620 within 3 miles
Attractions
621 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- David TWhitley Bay, United Kingdom975 contributionsA must see when in Athens!!We were told that the best time to see the changing of the guard was 11.00 on Sunday morning. We duly arrived with several hundred others. The pomp and ceremony was quite unique and interesting to observe. However, with the numbers watching, we missed a lot. So having realised the event happens one the hour every hour we went back at 15.00 on the same day. There were no crowd's anndd we got a much better view and it really was worth going back. Would recommend ass a must do when Inn Athens.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 21 October 2023
- Ali921Edinburgh, United Kingdom1,479 contributionsUnique ceremony.Unique ceremony. Get here early at least 30min beforehand. Stand on the left as you face the tomb. No one is allowed on the right and those facing the tomb directly are pushed back across the road.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 October 2023
- andrewjennyHervey Bay, Australia619 contributionsUnique experienceWas lucky enough to be in area when guards were changing. Great experience to see this unique part of Athens culture. Happens everyday at 1pm. Get a little bit early so you can be at front to view.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 January 2024
- JohnRegoParkRego Park, New York1,242 contributionsPrecision and poiseWe made the mistake of appearing at the bottom of the hour. The ceremony at the top of the hour is a lot more interesting and formal. There is a lot of slow motion posing and stepping to an unheard rhythm. I would suggest going for the spectacle.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 4 May 2024
- jmonagh23 contributionsTraditional uniforms and precise movementsI attended the Sunday 11 am Changing of the Guard ceremony in Athens, which was more elaborate than the hourly routine event. The event was interesting, showcasing traditional uniforms and precise movements. The ceremony lasted about 15 minutes and offered a glimpse into Greek military traditions. While it was a unique experience, it can get crowded, so arriving early for a good view is recommended. Overall, it's a decent activity to include in your itinerary if you have some extra time in Athens.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 7 August 2024
- JohnM18 contributionsAll the pomp and circumstances you wantEvery hour there's the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown solider at the base of the Greek Parliament building. There is the basic ceremony every hour or two (depending on the season). However, to get the full effect, go on Sunday morning. Walk up Vasilas Sofias avenue to the edge of the National Gardens at about 10 am so you can watch and hear the military parade as it proceeds down and around to the Parliament. (Be prepared for big crowds in front of the Parliament so bring your selfie stick and your patience!)Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
271 reviews
Excellent
161
Very good
88
Average
16
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Lawrence V
502 contributions
Aug 2022
One of the few things that are free! The major changing of the guard is on Sundays, but they do a change of guard hourly. So you have an opportunity to see a smaller version even if you are not there on a Sunday.
They March in from the street with high leg kicks, stand at attention and get inspected then do the ceremony. They show great body control as they stand one leg fully extended and completely still. They then proceed to do a very interesting march involving leg kicks and arm movements, As I was watching, it struck me that Monty Pythons "Ministry of Silly Walks" skit must have had its origins here.
A good show, lasts about 15 minutes
They March in from the street with high leg kicks, stand at attention and get inspected then do the ceremony. They show great body control as they stand one leg fully extended and completely still. They then proceed to do a very interesting march involving leg kicks and arm movements, As I was watching, it struck me that Monty Pythons "Ministry of Silly Walks" skit must have had its origins here.
A good show, lasts about 15 minutes
Written 3 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
letsgoazcardinals
Anthem, AZ356 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Going on Sunday to see the changing of the guard is a whole different experience. It starts off around 10:30am, the best viewing spot is from the median straight in front of the parliament. Realize that the crowd will be backed up away from being in front for this special event. Hold your spot at the front of the median. Get ready for the marching band and all of the guards marching toward the parliament from your left…and watch the rest of the show that finishes right at 11:00am. Get there a bit early to get a spot 10:15am latest unless you are really tall ;)
Written 30 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas G
Amsterdam, The Netherlands1,834 contributions
Jan 2022
Every hour of the day the guards change, but on Sunday at 11am (or a bit earlier) the big changing of the guards start. There are a lot of guards that will walk and scream and it is pretty cool and impressive. Only 2 guards will actually change on Syntagma but around 30 guards will be present. The outfits and 'dances' are very interesting and spectacular to see it up close. There are also people that make music. If you are in Athens on a Sunday this is a place you should visit!
Written 13 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phat_dawg_21
Alpharetta, GA16,948 contributions
Aug 2021
We arrived about 5 minutes before the top of the hour and were able to get a place to stand with a good view. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes, so it is not big investment in time.
We had a guide for the day. He explained that there was historic significance and symbolism attached to all the elements of the ceremony. The different parts of the uniforms have special meaning. There is symbolism in the way they move their legs like houses and a reason why they move in slow motion. The loud stomping sound the guards make with their boots had special meaning, and it was not to remind a king of his homeland.
The background added to the experience.
We had a guide for the day. He explained that there was historic significance and symbolism attached to all the elements of the ceremony. The different parts of the uniforms have special meaning. There is symbolism in the way they move their legs like houses and a reason why they move in slow motion. The loud stomping sound the guards make with their boots had special meaning, and it was not to remind a king of his homeland.
The background added to the experience.
Written 5 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paantha
San Diego, CA185 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Very fascinating and interesting to watch this ceremony. We were here on a Sunday at 11 am and it was very crowded, if you want to get the first row, definitely come around 10:15-10:30am. We got there at 10:45 am and it was packed. The ceremony started at 10:50 am and was done around 11:05 am. We perched our kids on our shoulders and they could see the ceremony and they enjoyed it.
Written 14 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
permia
Ireland64,692 contributions
Mar 2020
We luckily saw the famous Evzones a few times and in differing uniforms.
Undoubtedly the grandest is their Sunday morning apparel for this ceremony, the kilt-like Foustanella that feature 400 pleats, one for each year of Ottoman occupation.
It’s a great enjoyable sight seeing them march and stride.
Other symbols of their uniform include the red cap calling to mind blood shed during the long arduous struggle for Independence and the black tassels signifying tears cried under Occupation.
Distinctive footwear is also outstanding. Reddish leather with large black pompons, they are surprisingly heavy with about 60 nails at base to replicate the sound of battle when they march.
Undoubtedly the grandest is their Sunday morning apparel for this ceremony, the kilt-like Foustanella that feature 400 pleats, one for each year of Ottoman occupation.
It’s a great enjoyable sight seeing them march and stride.
Other symbols of their uniform include the red cap calling to mind blood shed during the long arduous struggle for Independence and the black tassels signifying tears cried under Occupation.
Distinctive footwear is also outstanding. Reddish leather with large black pompons, they are surprisingly heavy with about 60 nails at base to replicate the sound of battle when they march.
Written 3 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karl B in Spain
Segur de Calafell, Spain16 contributions
Feb 2020
The changing of the guard is fun. But even in February the crowd was quite large and arriving at 10:30 is much too late to get a great view. We did ok for viewing but arrive closer to 10:00 if you want to really be able to see and take unobstructed pictures.
The guard change happens every hour, though with much less fanfare. Go to one of those before the Sunday morning change, just to get a sense of what they do. Sorry, no music during those other changes - that's Sunday 11:00 only.
The guard change happens every hour, though with much less fanfare. Go to one of those before the Sunday morning change, just to get a sense of what they do. Sorry, no music during those other changes - that's Sunday 11:00 only.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I W
Leicestershire, UK346 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
I would recommend watching the changing of the guard at the Presidential palace rather than the Syntagma square. It's not on a major road junction and it's a lot quieter, so you don't have to compete with other tourists to get a good view. It's free and happens every hour.
Written 28 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TWal1
Canberra, Australia2,944 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We viewed the changing of the guard at 9am, which avoided the hot temperatures in the middle of the day. This precision ceremony is captivating with the deliberate military drill movements. The other noticeable feature is the impressive statue of the guards who look fit and must be at least 6 feet 4 inches tall. Traditional military culture at its best.
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jmonagh
Alexandria23 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
I attended the Sunday 11 am Changing of the Guard ceremony in Athens, which was more elaborate than the hourly routine event. The event was interesting, showcasing traditional uniforms and precise movements. The ceremony lasted about 15 minutes and offered a glimpse into Greek military traditions. While it was a unique experience, it can get crowded, so arriving early for a good view is recommended. Overall, it's a decent activity to include in your itinerary if you have some extra time in Athens.
Written 7 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where is best location to stand and view the Sunday morning Changing of the Guard Ceremony? Also, we plan to arrive around 10:30AM. Is that early enough for mid-May?
Written 23 April 2023
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