About City
Athens
"Birthplace of Democracy"
Athens is the capital, as well as the largest city of Greece. With its history of about 7000 years, it is one of the world's oldest cities, and an amalgamation of historic and the modern world can be seen throughout. It is the birthplace of democracy, arts, science and western civilization and is known for its nightlife and shopping.
The Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Athen’s most treasured and famous landmark. Within this citadel lies a cluster of still-standing regal structures, all displaying the classic ancient Greek style of architecture that tell stories of the city and its people at the peak of its glory. The numerous historical attractions like the Parthenon, Acropolis, and Ancient Agora make it a fascinating place to visit. Even today, Athens bursts with culture and colour, retaining its vibrance. Cafes are open from 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM with great food, especially some mouthwatering, exotic Mediterranean cuisine. There are diverse options for shopping ranging from colourful bazaars to suburban malls. Its importance on the global map makes it a prime destination for nightlife. Also, Athens is full of galleries and museums due to its history.
The main centre of Athens is Syntagma Square, surrounded by the main neighbourhoods like Plaka, Monastiraki, Thissio and Kolonaki. These areas are home to many beautiful neoclassical buildings, trendy cafes, shops and quiet streets. Athens is where the main international airport of the country is located. It also connects the nearby Cycladic and other islands to the mainland by regular ferries. So, every tourist visiting Greece always lands in Athens. With an efficient transport system, exploring Athens is not a hassle at all. A journey through this city is like an unforgettable journey through time.
Highlights:-
Mikrolimano
This is a small picturesque marina, with hundreds of sailing boats and amphitheatrically built beautiful houses, only a few kilometers away from the city center. In Mikrolimano you will feel like you are in an island. The sea breeze will ease your stroll and the view will sweep you away.
The happy train
Get the chance to see the most popular and significant monuments of the city, having fun while on board the Happy Train. The train’s root crosses Acropolis, Monastiraki, Plaka, Thisio, the National Library, the University of Athens, the Presidential Mansion, the Gate of Adrianos, Zappeion and many more.
Sounio
In a beautiful location about 50 kilometers from Athens, visitors will get the chance to admire the truly spectacular Temple of Poseidon, which is located in Sounio. Atop of a hill, it dominates the scenery and enjoys a unique location. Try to visit it during full moon.
Monastiraki & Plaka
At the pedestrian streets of Monastiraki and Plaka (mainly form the historical center of the city), you can explore the big market, which includes stores with ethnic clothes, accessories, handmade jewelry, furniture, used books, souvenirs, antiques, handmade rosaries, food and spices. All the narrow paved streets are crowded, especially during the summer months.
Things To Do In Athens
1. Acropolis
Acropolis, the most famous landmark of entire Greece, is the eternal symbol of democracy, education and inspiration. It is an ancient fortified town dating back to the bronze age. Acropolis consists of 21 major archaeological remains. Parthenon is in the centre of Acropolis and is the main attraction here.
2. Parthenon
The Parthenon is an iconic landmark of Acropolis, Greece. This ancient temple is dedicated to Athena, one of the most cherished and famous Greek deities. Built in 447BC, it attracts tourists from around the world because of its perfect symmetry, towering columns, sculptures of Greek art, and more than 2000 years of rich history.
3. Acropolis Museum
Acropolis museum is an archaeological museum which contains the artefacts found in Acropolis. It has over 4000 objects from the Greek Bronze Age to Byzantine Greece. It lies over the ruins of Roman and Byzantine Athens.
4. Ancient Agora
The Ancient Agora is a well-known archaeological site located northwest of the Acropolis in Greece. A Greek agora or marketplace established in the 6th century BC, it is a lush green space that was used for commercial, legal, political and social activities. It is home to several residential and public buildings that are in ruin, including temples of Olympia Gods, altars, fountains, statues, stoas, etc.
5. Library of Hadrian
Hadrian's Library is an architectural wonder with high surrounding walls and a columned facade. Although mostly in ruins, the site was once home to the largest library in Athens. It is located outside Monastiraki metro station, on the northern side of the Acropolis of Athen. Built by Roman Emperor Hadrian, the library complex used to store both important literary works and legal and administrative documents.
6. Stroll Through Plaka Neighbourhood
Plaka is the old historical neighbourhood of Athens, clustered around the Acropolis. Plaka is built on top of the residential areas of the ancient town of Athens. It is also known as the "Neighbourhood of the Gods" due to its proximity to the Acropolis and its many archaeological sites.
7. National Archaeological Museum
National Archaeological Museum consists of artefacts from Greek history. Considered the best museum in the world, it exhibits a rich collection of objects. The museum contains prehistoric collections, and sculptures- most famous being a bronze statue of Zeus, vases, Santorini findings, metallurgy collections, and Egyptian arts. etc.
8. Temple of Hephaestus
Temple of Hephaestus is among the very few structures left in Athens, standing as it was originally built. Hephaestus was the god of metal working, craftsmanship and fire. Around 700 CE, the temple was turned into a church dedicated to Saint George. When Athens became Greece's capital in 1834, the publication of the relevant royal edict was made in this temple.
9. Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is the central square in Athens. It is an important square both from a historical and social point of view. Opposite the square is the Greek parliament, surrounded by beautiful national gardens which are open to the public. The changing of the guard ceremony is conducted in front of the tomb of an unknown soldier in the area between Syntagma Square and the parliament building.
10. Lycabettus Hill
Athens' Mount Lycabettus is a well-known limestone hill that provides a 360-degree panorama of the city. It is encircled by pine trees and has a theatre, a restaurant, and a Chapel of St. George at its foot, among other well-known attractions. A cable car to the top of the hill is another popular highlight.
11. Erechtheion
The Erechtheion or Erechtheum is an ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis which was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. Its distinctive building has large columns are statues depicting women. Four of the original six statues are now on display in the Acropolis Museum.
12. Temple of Olympian Zeus
The temple or columns of Olympian Zeus is a ruined temple in the centre of Athens which was dedicated to Zeus, King of Olympian gods. The temple is situated close to Syngtama square. Fifteen columns remain standing today, and the sixteenth column lies on the ground.
13. Nightlife in Athens
Athens is also famous for its lively nightlife and is home to countless bars, restaurants and clubs. Neighbourhoods like Gazi, Koukaki, Exarchia and Monastiraki are the most popular choices for a fun night out.
14. Museum of Cycladic Art
Nestled at the Neophytou Douka Street in the heart of Athens, the Museum of Cycladic Art (MCA) is a lively cultural institute. The museum is dedicated specifically to the Cycladic art of the 30th century BC. It also has one of the best private collections of artefacts & sculptures of Cycladic Art. Moreover, the classic Cypriot antiquities in this museum represent one of the largest collections outside Cyprus across the globe.
15. Psiri
One of the finest areas in Athens for a night out is Psiri, located in the vicinity of the homonymous metro station. Psiri is nestled on the northeastern side of Monastiraki. With eateries, nightclubs, diners and live music, this neighbourhood beams with life at night. During the day, visitors can engage in street shopping, as the market is full of stores selling souvenirs, handicrafts and other local delights.
16. Temple of Athena Nike
The Temple of Athena Nike is an ancient Ionic Greek temple dedicated to the Greek Gods, Athena and Nike. It is a small yet impressive structure standing 7m high on the southwest corner of the Acropolis. The nuanced architecture of the temple with white marble and scenic views from all points often gives it the name ‘pearl of the Acropolis’.
17. Picnic at National Gardens
National Garden Athens is a public park located just a few kilometres from Syntagma metro station. The garden contains ancient ruins, picturesque picnic spots, duck ponds, eateries and a zoo and spans more than 15 hectares. A sundial marks the main entrance. One of the most popular attractions here is the Duck Pond.
18. Changing of Guard Ceremony at Tomb of Unknown Soldier
At Syntagma Square in Athens, in the vicinity of the Old Royal Palace, stands a war memorial known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It serves as a memorial to Greek warriors who were killed in battle. A changing of the guard ceremony takes place every Sunday at the tomb and has become an intrinsic part of the traditions of Athens.
19. Benaki Museum of Islamic Art
The Benaki Museum of Islamic Art is the oldest and largest museum in Greece that features Greek artworks from the prehistoric period to the contemporary era. The museum is lodged in a complex of elegant buildings in the historical heart of Athens. It is located at the corner of Agion Asomaton and Dipylou streets in the Kerameikos district.
20. Panathenaic Stadium
Panathenaic Stadium is the place which had the honour of hosting the first modern Olympics in 1896. It is the only stadium in the world built from marble. In ancient times, the Panathenaic stadium was used to host the athletic events of the Panathenaic Games. It is now where the Olympic flame handover ceremony takes place before every Olympic Games.
21. Areopagus
Aeropagus Hill is a historic site located northwest of Acropolis. Around 1300 -1500 BC, it functioned as a court. It is visited for its serenity and amazing view of the city. The shiny, slippery steps for climbing Areopagus need trekking expertise. Look for marble patches and remnants of ancient houses on one of the hillsides.
22. Athens Central Market
The Varvakios Agora or Athens Central Market is a fruit, meat, fish and vegetable market located on Athinas Street. One of the liveliest places is Athens, full of traditional flavours and aromas, it is a paradise for food lovers. Named after a national Greek hero, pirate Ioannis Varvakis, the market also has several popular tavernas and ouzeries where you can enjoy a hot cup of Greek coffee.
23. Plaka Stairs
Mnisikleous Street Stairs or the Plaka Stairs is a perfect spot for those who want to enjoy delicious and traditional Greek food with a beautiful view of Athens. Located around the northeast side of Acropolis hill, the stairs are painted in a beautiful white colour and climb uphill to the picturesque neighbourhood of Anafiotika.
24. Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone theatre structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis. It was built in 161 AD by the Athenian merchant Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla.
25. Wine Tour at Attica Vineyards
Attica, a region circling the city of Athens and flanked by the Boeotia and Megaris on the north and west fronts respectively, is home to the oldest vineyards in Greek history. Native and select foreign varieties are grown in Attica's vineyards. Savvatiano and Roditis Greek varieties are mostly cultivated here. Some of the top must-visit wineries include Nikolou Winery, Anagnostou Winery and Domaine Vassiliou.
26. Cape Sounion
The Archaeological Site of Sounion or Cape Sounion is a raised piece of land on the southern tip of the Attic peninsula in Lavreotiki. One of the most famous and important attractions at Sounion is the Temple of Poseidon. The land also offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and ancient Greek architecture.
27. Propylaea
Propylaea in Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athens, is the gateway and the monumental entrance to the Acropolis of Athens. The gates take inspiration from the architecture of a temple or religious complex and house the “Agrippa” monument on a pedestal and the Temple of Nike. Even though most of it is in ruins, the white Pentelic marble building is still a beautiful sight.
28. Byzantine and Christian Museum
The Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens, located on the Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, represents the best of Byzantine Art in Greece. Containing more than 30,000 artworks, including frescoes, sculpture, pottery, ceramics, textile, and jewellery, it was built in 1948 in Tuscan Renaissance style.
29. Parnitha National Park
Mount Parnitha National Park is a protected area located on top of the highest peaks in Attica, close to Athens. Overlooking the entire peninsula, the park's distinctive features include caves, lakes, dense forests, and historical monuments such as Byzantine monasteries, ancient fortresses, and gaudily abandoned palaces.
30. Pozar Thermal Baths
Pozar Thermal Baths is a thermal spring located near Edessa at the base of the Voras Mountains at Loutra Loutrakiou. Situated at 390 metres above sea level, the hot baths offer magnificent views of the surroundings. There are 2 indoor pools, 2 steam rooms, an outdoor bath and artificial waterfalls. The water temperature at the hydrotherapy centre is maintained at 37.2°C and is believed to possess healing properties.
31. National Observatory of Athens
The National Observatory of Athens is for all astronomy and space lovers. It is located in the historical area of Thissio on the hill of Nymphs. With excellent guided tours in English and Greek, visitors can see the large telescope, view the planets and the moon, watch the astrological clock, explore the space theatre, and more. The highlight here is the night tour.
32. Allou Fun Park
One of the largest and most fun amusement parks in Athens, Allou! Fun Park is for both kids and adults. It is divided into two zones, Kidom (for kids) and Allou! (for teenagers and adults). Try the Star Flyer and Panorama, Greece’s largest Ferris wheel ride! Enjoy the water activities at La Isla or the thrill of cars at Power Karts.
33. Museum of Illusions Athens
Museum of Illusions Athens is an interactive optical illusion museum located in the Monastiraki neighbourhood in Athens. It is one of the most interactive places in the city that houses exhibits like inverted room, chair illusion, rotating vortex, infinity room and much more. It is a fun place to visit for people of all ages.
34. Church of the Holy Apostles Athens
Church of the Holy Apostles or Holy Apostles of Solakis is the first middle Byzantine church located in Ancient Agora. The only other standing monument in Agora, apart from the Temple of Hephaestus, the church is famous for its architecture. The highlights are a few wall paintings dating back to the 17th century and the watercolour of Saint Anthony and Saint Spyridon by Piet de Jong.
35. Hellenic Motor Museum
The Hellenic Motor Museum is a car museum located on the top three floors of the Athenian Capitol shopping mall. It is only a few minutes away by foot from Victoria metro station. It spans over 4000 sqm and contains over 300 cars ranging from the 1920s to the 1970s. About 110 cars are displayed at a time. It also contains an F1 simulator which is great fun for all ages. Guided Tour in English is available upon request.
Shopping in Athens
Kolonaki
If you are into haute couture and international brands visit Kolonaki, the most stylish area in Athens. Greek and international fashion brands, prestigious boutiques, high aesthetics stores, impressive jewelry shops, of both local and foreign designers.
Ermou street
Ermou Street, one of the main shopping roads of the center, together with the nearby streets, forms the well-known commercial hub of the city.
Shopping malls in Athens
In Attica Department Stores at the city center and Golden Hall in Marousi you may find many internationally famous brands while at Athens Metro Mall in Aghios Dimitrios and The Mall Athens in Marousi, you may find lots of products of lower budget.
Must Know Before You Visit Athens
Athens City Pass:
It offers admission to main sights, museums, tours and public transport. It covers a free and fast-track entry to Acropolis along with the hop-on-hop-off bus tour of the city. Available in Mini, Classic and Complete with a different number of sights included in each.
Disabled Access:
Most attractions in Athens have a free or discounted entry for disabled people from the European Union (badge or card required). Ask the staff for information.
Opening Hours:
Most stores in Athens are open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Some small stores close at lunchtime from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Most shops are closed on Sunday.
Best Time To Visit Athens
Summers can be extremely hot with dry heatwaves, but that happens rarely. Winters are mild with occasional rains and snow. August is the peak season and the city is very crowded. Hotel and air prices drop in winters. The Athens and Epidaurus Festival, which runs from May to October, includes varieties of events and is a must-visit in Athens.
