Today's Sparta is a young town on a famous name. It was laid out in 1834, on the orders of King Otto, right on top of the ancient city, with a simple grid of long straight streets and generous squares. The plan was drawn by the Bavarian architect Stauffert, and two main avenues – Konstantinou Palaiologou and Lykourgou – still cross at its heart.
Walk to the central square and you will find the old town hall of 1909, a statue of a Spartan warrior and copies of ancient mosaics, with cafes and restaurants all around and shops under the arcades. It is an easy, friendly base: most town sights, from the Leonidaion to the museums, are within walking distance.