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Presidential Mansion – Changing Of The Guard

Presidential Mansion - Changing Of The Guard

Presidential Mansion - Changing Of The Guard

Presidential Mansion – Changing Of The Guard Overview & Key Highlights

Witnessing the Changing of the Guard at the Presidential Mansion in Athens is a memorable cultural experience. The elite Evzones, members of the Greek Presidential Guard, perform this ceremonial duty with precision and tradition. The hourly Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Hellenic Parliament in Syntagma Square. This precise ritual lasts approximately 10-15 minutes. On Sundays at 11 a.m., a larger, more elaborate ceremonial event occurs, featuring the entire Evzone contingent and a military band, which marches from the Presidential Mansion to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square. The Evzones, members of the Greek Presidential Guard, perform this duty in traditional foustanella skirts and pom-pom shoes, reflecting Greek heritage and honoring the country’s military traditions

Presidential Mansion – Changing Of The Guard Travel Guide: Logistics & In-Depth Tips

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a must-see attraction, reflecting Greek heritage and honoring the country’s military traditions. The Evzones wear traditional foustanella skirts and pom-pom shoes, displaying their pride and discipline. Sundays at 11 a.m. offer a larger, more ceremonial event with an entire marching band and larger guard contingent.

 

Reasons to Visit:

  • Unique opportunity to observe Greek traditions and military customs
  • Centrally located near other major Athens attractions
  • Free and open to the public

 

Things to Avoid:

  • Avoid visiting during extreme weather, as the ceremony may be abbreviated or canceled.
  • Avoid obstructing guards or interacting closely during the ceremony.

 

Accessibility Level: Medium

The site is partially accessible, though viewing areas for the ceremony are generally wheelchair-friendly. Some uneven cobblestone areas may pose challenges.

 

Address:

Presidential Mansion, Vasileos Georgiou B, Athens, Greece

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Basic Info

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COUNTRY & Region

Greece,
Europe

ACCESSIBILITY LEVEL​

Medium
Currency icon

LOCAL CURRENCY​

Euro (EUR)
Price level icon
Medium
Safety Level icon

SAFETY LEVEL

Duration icon

Recommended Duration

• Less than an hour

Electricity

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Electricity

220-240V, 
50Hz
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Plug Type

• Type C (Round pin)
• Type F (Two round pins with earth clips)
Plug types
Click To View Plug Types

Activities To Do In Presidential Mansion – Changing Of The Guard

Best Time To Visit Presidential Mansion – Changing Of The Guard

March to November
Enjoy the Changing of the Guard with pleasant weather and less crowding during weekdays, especially early morning or late afternoon.

Average Temperatures Per Month

Remember to check the weather forecast a few days before the trip and before heading to the airport.

Safety Level icon

Safety Level

Attending the Changing of the Guard at the Presidential Mansion in Athens is very safe for tourists. As with any popular, crowded outdoor gathering in the city center, watch out for pickpockets and keep your personal belongings close. Standard precautions are recommended, but visitors face minimal risk in this well-patrolled area.

The rating is based on multi-year peace, crime, and security indices. Before you go, always verify current conditions through official government travel advisories.

Emergency Numbers

Police: 112 (Universal) / 100
Ambulance: 112 (Universal) / 166

No internet needed • Includes local translations • Free for TravelingWiz readers

Spoken Languages

English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, making it easy for travelers to follow along with the ceremony and interact with guides or locals.

Learn The Language

  • Hello – Χαίρετε (Herete)
  • Thank you – Ευχαριστώ (Efcharisto)
  • Goodbye – Αντίο (Antio)
  • Yes – Ναι (Ne)
  • No – Όχι (Ochi)
  • Excuse me – Συγγνώμη (Sygnomi)
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Trip Cost & Budgeting for Presidential Mansion - Changing Of The Guard, 2026

Everything you need to know about money while traveling
Is Presidential Mansion - Changing Of The Guard expensive for tourists in 2026? No, visiting this iconic Athens attraction is highly affordable, and the surrounding city offers great value. Based on our Human Verified prices, you can expect to pay around 3.50 EUR for a cappuccino, 4.50 EUR for a domestic beer, and 20.00 EUR for a standard main meal. Use the data table below to calculate your specific daily budget based on your travel style. With TravelingWiz's Human Verified data, a typical traveler should expect to spend around $166 USD per day for a mid-range trip in Presidential Mansion – Changing Of The Guard. Click the Trip Cost Calculator button below the table to work out your personal budget for this trip.
Currency icon

LOCAL CURRENCY​:

Euro (EUR)
Price level icon
Medium
Credit cards are widely accepted in Athens, but keeping some cash is useful for small kiosks and street vendors.

Per person, per day – pocket cash for small purchases.

Local: 30
Euro (EUR)
≈ 35 USD

Full daily spend estimation (accommodation, food, transportation, attractions).

Travel Style
Euro (EUR)
≈ USD ($)
Budget
80
92
Mid-range
145
167
Comfort
320
368

The Prices, Daily costs, and calculator results are estimates for planning purposes only. Actual costs may vary based on season, booking timing, personal spending habits, and currency fluctuations. TravelingWiz cannot be held responsible for discrepancies between these estimates and your final trip expenses.

  • The Changing of the Guard ceremony is completely free to watch, with the grandest parade occurring on Sundays at 11:00 AM.
  • Avoid the overpriced tourist-trap restaurants in Plaka; walk a few blocks to Koukaki or Pagrati for authentic, cheaper tavernas.
  • Buy a multi-site archaeological ticket if you plan to visit the Acropolis and other ancient ruins to save on entry fees.
  • Use the highly efficient and cheap Athens Metro system instead of taxis to navigate between central sights.

Pre-Order Tickets

Avoid disappointment when tickets sell out — and skip the long lines by booking online in advance. You’ll often save up to 20% too.
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What To Pack

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be standing for the ceremony. A camera is also essential for capturing the visual beauty and ceremonial precision. Dress for the weather, bringing water in the warmer months and a jacket in cooler seasons.

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Maya’s Final Checklist for Presidential Mansion – Changing Of The Guard

Logistics shouldn’t be the focus of your trip—the experience should. I’ve hand-vetted these essential partners to ensure your arrival, stay, and exploration are as smooth as an Athenian breeze.

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FAQs

The ceremony occurs every hour, with a special, larger event on Sundays at 11 a.m.
No, the ceremony is free to attend.
The hourly ceremony lasts approximately 10-15 minutes. The larger Sunday ceremony, including the procession, is a longer event.
For the hourly change, the best viewing spot is at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square. For the larger Sunday 11 a.m. ceremony, arrive early at Syntagma Square to secure a good spot, or along Vasilissis Sofias Avenue to see the procession from the Presidential Mansion.
Yes, photography is permitted, but avoid using flash or getting too close to the guards.
The Evzones’ distinctive uniform is rich in historical and cultural symbolism. The foustanella (skirt) has 400 pleats, said to represent the 400 years of Ottoman rule. Their tsarouhia (pom-pom shoes) contain 60 nails in each sole, creating a resonant sound with every step, symbolizing that the Greeks are alive and well for their ancestors to hear.
The daily hourly ceremony is a smaller, yet precise ritual performed by two Evzones at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square. The Sunday 11 a.m. ceremony is a larger, more elaborate event involving the entire Evzone contingent and a military band, which marches from the Presidential Mansion to Syntagma Square.

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