Athens
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3:52 AM
Athens
One of Europe's Ancient capitals, Athens has undergone significant change in recent years. A modern metropolis with an old town feel, this is where antiquity meets futurism, and ancient monuments fuse with a trendy, cosmopolitan scene. Plaka neighbourhood is the heart of its historical centre, with labyrinthine streets leading to all manner of ancient wonders.Find your trip
The Parthenon, the temple of Athena, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the major attraction of Athens. The Erechtheion displays the statues of the female Caryatids, though the original statues have been replaced by copies because of air pollution (the originals are in the new Museum). On the southern slopes of the Acropolis lies the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman theatre with room for as many as 5,000 spectators. It is used during the annual Athens Festival for world-class ballet and music performances. The Theatre of Dionysus lies beside Herodes Atticus, and almost all the tragedies and comedies of Ancient Greece were written for this theatre.
In antiquity, the Agora played a major role as both a marketplace and a political centre. The Agora is dominated by the Stoa of Attalos and the Theseion, or Hephaisteion, dedicated to the God of metalworking and also to Theseus, one of the heroes of Greek mythology.
Well worth visiting and right at the foot of the Acropolis lies the new Acropolis Museum which provides valuable insights into the Greek mythology and Greek history. The museum restaurant offers panoramic views of the Acropolis and a 700 square meter public terrace commanding a breathtaking view of the historic hills of Athens.
Plaka feels like a small village at the very heart of the vibrant Greek capital. You will most likely walk through the neighbourhood on your way to or from the Acropolis, but its worth more than a passing glance. Plaka has a soul of its own and its small streets, flowery corners and pretty stairs brim with countless coffee shops.
The Panathenaic Stadium or Kallimarmaro was built in 330 BC and renovated for the 1896 Olympic Games. It is the world's oldest stadium which is still in use, and the only one in the world entirely built in white marble. It is from here that the Olympic Flame is delivered to all the Olympic games. It is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble.
The National Archaeological Museum, in Exarchia, is home to Ancient Greece’s most spectacular pieces. One room contains Schliemann’s finds from Mycenae, another has the famous frescoes from Santorini on display. There is also a fine collection of idols from the Cyclades and ceramics from all parts of the Mediterranean. The star of the museum is the Antikythera Mechanism—an ancient hand-powered orrery, described as the oldest example of an analogue computer used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses decades in advance. This scientific marvel is dated somewhere between 205 and 60 BCE.
Benaki is a history museum with Greek art and objects from the Stone Age right up to the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. It presents its pieces over three floors and apart from seasonal exhibitions, the museum offers events, courses and publications to educate audiences of all ages. The annexed cafe-restaurant welcomes you in a relaxed ambience where to enjoy dinners, lunches or breaks before exploring the museum.
Breath in the maritime air around Glyfada, a pretty beach town with many restaurants, shops, bars and cafes, accessible from Athens by bus and tram. In Glyfada and further on the Athens Riviera you will find many beaches, ideal for swimming or sunbathing.
The Parthenon, the temple of Athena, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the major attraction of Athens. The Erechtheion displays the statues of the female Caryatids, though the original statues have been replaced by copies because of air pollution (the originals are in the new Museum). On the southern slopes of the Acropolis lies the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman theatre with room for as many as 5,000 spectators. It is used during the annual Athens Festival for world-class ballet and music performances. The Theatre of Dionysus lies beside Herodes Atticus, and almost all the tragedies and comedies of Ancient Greece were written for this theatre.
In antiquity, the Agora played a major role as both a marketplace and a political centre. The Agora is dominated by the Stoa of Attalos and the Theseion, or Hephaisteion, dedicated to the God of metalworking and also to Theseus, one of the heroes of Greek mythology.
The Old Tavern of Psaras (meaning, the old fisherman's Taverna) is Plaka's oldest restaurant. Indeed, the tavern fisrt openedits doors in 1898. They serves delicious Greek food at a price befitting the area, but with the benefit of being seriously beautiful. You can choose to seat in either of the old houses that are now the restaurant, or even in the pleasant courtyard in the shade of the trees.
To Kati Allo is a simple family owned tavern in the area next to the new Acropolis museum. A real tavern, with a friendly staff and which is open so late Plaka's waiters may come and keep you company. It is very popular amongst local: always a good indication in touristic cities like Athens.
Visitors describe the upscale Spondi is the best restaurant in Athens — and in Greece. The French chef has put together the menu, and he has successfully cultivated a renowned wine cellar. Simplicity is the motto at this award winning restaurant.
Finding a vegetarian restaurant in this meat loving country might not be the easiest, but Avocado is a great option for vegetarian food. The products are with no added preservatives and they try to use as much organic food as possible. The food here is healthy, fresh and tasty and Avocado is well worth a visit even if you prefer meat dishes.
Gostijo is Athens first kosher restaurant. Their specialities are Sephardic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Kosher cuisine served in a lovely atmosphere. You can also hear some live music on some evenings and on location, you will find a Kosher mini-market in case you need.
Oroscopo is centrally located just opposite of the Divani Caravel Hotel on the square. Enjoy their uncomplicated and modern Greek, Italian and Mediterranean menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The food tastes great and all at a great price. Take a seat at their terrace to make the best of the place.
Veneze is a contemporary restaurant offering wood-fired Greek regional dishes and seafood. Try such excuisitely prepared delecacies as Wagyu carpaccio for starter, lamb chops, ibérico pluma and wagyu sirloin for mains. Great exclusive experience for a special occasion.
Even in Athens you can feel the call of Italy. At Piazza Duomo you can enjoy Italian classics while savouring great drinks and cocktails. A great place to drop those shopping bags and take a break.
The Old Tavern of Psaras (meaning, the old fisherman's Taverna) is Plaka's oldest restaurant. Indeed, the tavern fisrt openedits doors in 1898. They serves delicious Greek food at a price befitting the area, but with the benefit of being seriously beautiful. You can choose to seat in either of the old houses that are now the restaurant, or even in the pleasant courtyard in the shade of the trees.
To Kati Allo is a simple family owned tavern in the area next to the new Acropolis museum. A real tavern, with a friendly staff and which is open so late Plaka's waiters may come and keep you company. It is very popular amongst local: always a good indication in touristic cities like Athens.
If you want to bring your loved ones, or yourself, a typically Greek souvenir here are a few suggestions: – alcohol: look for Ouzo, Tsipouro and Raki, local alcohols that come in small bottles so you can even bring them in your carry-on. – food: Greek pastries and loukoums are always a must. And of course, the olive oil here tastes nothing like what you can find back home. For something less known, grab a box of mastiha — natural resin obtained from the mastic trees of Chios island and used as the world’s first chewing gum. – knick-knacks: typical Greek objects include the "Evil eye" meant to drive away the "bad eye" and its negative effect, worry beads (or Kompoloi), an ornate set of backgammon.
The ultimate shopping street in Athens is Ermou Street, departing from Syntagma square. There, you can find all the classic brands such as H&M and similar department stores. If you are not familiar with shopping in Greece, check out the Hondos Center —a local cosmetic chain with good prices compared to other European countries. Voukourestiou, Patriarchou Ioakim, Skoufa, Tsakalof, Kanari and the side streets around Kolonaki are other options for shopping. There are many designer clothes, more expensive boutiques and jewellers.
Athens Heart Mall Emporiko Centro is an exclusive galleria of several floors with designer brands, fashion, beauty, technology, home equipment, jewellery. It is the biggest mall in central Athens, hosting in winter an ice rink. Don't forget to take a look at the ceiling during your visit.
In the middle of Athinas street, which runs between Monastiraki and Omonia square, there is the covered market hall. The market occupies a whole block, with a fish market in the middle. All around are butchers and spice shops, and around the market are several simple but good places to eat.
If you want to bring your loved ones, or yourself, a typically Greek souvenir here are a few suggestions: – alcohol: look for Ouzo, Tsipouro and Raki, local alcohols that come in small bottles so you can even bring them in your carry-on. – food: Greek pastries and loukoums are always a must. And of course, the olive oil here tastes nothing like what you can find back home. For something less known, grab a box of mastiha — natural resin obtained from the mastic trees of Chios island and used as the world’s first chewing gum. – knick-knacks: typical Greek objects include the "Evil eye" meant to drive away the "bad eye" and its negative effect, worry beads (or Kompoloi), an ornate set of backgammon.
The ultimate shopping street in Athens is Ermou Street, departing from Syntagma square. There, you can find all the classic brands such as H&M and similar department stores. If you are not familiar with shopping in Greece, check out the Hondos Center —a local cosmetic chain with good prices compared to other European countries. Voukourestiou, Patriarchou Ioakim, Skoufa, Tsakalof, Kanari and the side streets around Kolonaki are other options for shopping. There are many designer clothes, more expensive boutiques and jewellers.
Greece can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Greece is a tourist destination beloved worldwide, and summer is the most crowded season of all, especially in July and August. Spring is, perhaps, the best season to travel to Greece, as the main cities such as Athens are not so crowded and the prices are quite a bit lower. June and September are the best months to visit Athens when the beaches around the capital are full of entertainment. If you love hiking, don't miss Athens in autumn.
Athens International Airport (ATH) is located at Spata, 33 kilometres (20 miles) southeast of Athens. A taxi ride to the city-centre will cost a flat rate of €38 between 5am and 12am and €54 between 12am and 5am. The fixed fares include the basic fare, VAT, extra luggage charges and road tolls. The Metro's Line 3 (Blue Line) Nikaia–Airport is another option to go to the centre. The journey to Syntagma takes around half an hour. Airport buses are made available to Syntagma (X95), Pireaus port (X96), Kifissou Avenue (X93) and Elliniko (X97). The travel time to Syntagma and the other areas in town takes around 1 hour and around 1,5 hours to Pireaus port. Check the hours on: www.athensairportbus.com/en
The Metro stations are well worth seeing as they are kept spotlessly clean. At the Syntagma and Acropolis stations you will find a large collection of antiquities on display. There is a tram from the centre (Syntagma) running along the coast to Glyfada (50 minutes) and Voula (60 minutes). Buses, trolley buses and the Metro run until around midnight. The tram runs between 5:30am and 1am (until 2:30am on Friday and Saturday). Airport buses all run 24/7. The airport bus tickets are not valid on other public transport services but only for a single journey. Ferries out to the island leave from the harbour in Piraeus or from Rafina.
There are lots of taxis, but it is normal to share one with other tourists in order not to be surprised if the driver picks up additional passengers along the road who are going in the same direction. The drivers have taximeters and fixed prices. Uber has been banned in Athens and you only have access to Uber Taxi.
Stamps can be bought in most tobacconists and kiosks selling postcards. Syntagma Square has a full service post office right across from the Parliament building.
In case of a medical emergency you should phone 166 for an ambulance. Greek pharmacies aren’t usually open in the afternoon or at weekends. Bacacos (or Mpakakos) pharmacy is centrally located close to Omonia Square.
Greece can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Greece is a tourist destination beloved worldwide, and summer is the most crowded season of all, especially in July and August. Spring is, perhaps, the best season to travel to Greece, as the main cities such as Athens are not so crowded and the prices are quite a bit lower. June and September are the best months to visit Athens when the beaches around the capital are full of entertainment. If you love hiking, don't miss Athens in autumn.
