Athens, the country’s most populous city, with its incredible architecture, galleries, historical museums and countless cafes and restaurants, combining the feeling of its ancient history with the heady atmosphere of its contemporary life, offers each visitor a unique experience.
It is a city that focuses on the future, but at the same time, highlights pieces of its historical past. Thus, If you are ready to see a mixture of historic past and progressive future, then Athens is the destination for you!
The Acropolis (Parthenon)
The first thought that comes to mind when one hears the city name of “Athens” is definitely the Acropolis! It has been standing on a rocky hill 157m high, for 2,500 years, and it is one of the most amazing ancient sites in the world. It is worth visiting the Acropolis as it is considered the greatest architectural achievement of Greek antiquity. The temple of Parthenon, dedicated to the city’s patron goddess Athena (from whom the city took its name), has perfect proportions and it is considered the greatest Doric masterpiece in history. The Acropolis is visible from almost everywhere in the city. You can’t help but stand in awe of this magnificent monument.
Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio
At the southernmost point of Attica, at the edge of Sounio Peninsula, lies the Temple of Poseidon. Made entirely of white marble, it was erected in the middle of the 5thcentury BC, during the Golden Age of Pericles, to honour Poseidon, the Olympian god of the sea, as it dominates the Aegean Sea; it also served as a watchtower.
This temple should definitely be on your list! Today visitors can see its columns as remnants of the temple, reminding them of its glorious past. As a matter of fact, Lord Byron, the famous British poet, was so fascinated with the Temple that he had his name carved on its stone.
Monastiraki
Monastiraki is the oldest neighborhood and one of busiest areas, located at the heart of the city. It is full of rooftop bars overlooking the Acropolis and the ancient sites. It is one of the principal shopping districts in the region, home to various shops, such as clothing boutiques, souvenir and antiques shops, handmade jewelry stores, which teems day and night; it constitutes a major tourist attraction in Athens and Attica for bargain shopping in its flea markets. In addition, don’t miss to walk in Ermou street, a lively hub of administrative, commercial and social activity. Monastiraki is easily accessible via the metro station with the same name.
The National Garden
Hidden in the heart of Athens, the National Garden offers its visitors a beautiful oasis and respite from the hustle and bustle of the capital. The creation of this magnificent park (the Royal Garden as it used to be called) was commissioned in 1838 by Queen Amalia, the first queen of Greece, and was completed two years later.
The garden has about 16 gravel paths to facilitate walking and next to these paths there are some small ponds; there is also a playground for parents to stop and play with their children. It also encloses some ancient ruins, Corinthian columns, mosaics, and other features.
Lycabettus hill
Standing 277 meters above sea level, Lycabettus hill is the highest point in the city of Athens, from which one can have a panoramic view of it! To reach the top, visitors can go either on foot through a wooded slope, by Lycabettus cable car or up to a point by car.
At the top you will find the picturesque chapel of Agios Georgios (St. George), a cafe and a Greek gourmet restaurant with the most spectacular view of the capital. Concerts are also held in the summer at the open-air theater of Lycabettus nearby.
Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art houses more than 3,000 objects of Cycladic, Ancient Greek and Cypriot art. There is a rich exhibition of beautifully shaped, fine marble figurines, statues and artefacts which date back to the Bronze Age.
From the Ancient Greek Art collections of the Museum, 150 objects (vases, figurines and weapons) are presented, grouped by theme: Gods and Heroes, Eros, the World of Women, the World of Men, and the Underworld. As time went on, the collection increased in size and travelled to important museums all over the world.
Varvakeios Central Market
Varvakeios Agora is an outdoor food market, located in the middle of Athinas Street, which connects Monastiraki to Omonia. Greek vendors set up their stalls from very early in the morning and try to sell fresh meat, fish, fruit-vegetables, spices and various other products at competitive prices. It is one of the best ways for visitors to experience the traditional, Athenian way of life. It is a busy, noisy, lively place, full of people shouting!
The atmosphere there is distinctive as there are narrow corridors, filled with stalls of hanging meats, fresh seafood on display and of course Greek delicacies. There are also a couple of cook houses inside the market that offer traditional greek dishes, such as “patsas” (a soup made from pork leg and tripe).
Plaka neighborhood
Plaka is one of the oldest and most historical areas of Athens, developed mostly around the ruins of Ancient Agora of Athens, in an area which has been continuously inhabited since antiquity. Sprawling under the shadow of the Acropolis, Plaka extends from Filomousson Square down to Monastiraki.
The best way for visitors to explore it is by wandering in its picturesque alleys, catching a glimpse of the Acropolis, between its neoclassical buildings, Byzantine churches, cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
There are lots of beautifully restored buildings that have been converted into stately homes. Plaka is rich in ancient sites, with numerous museums, historic churches and quaint little squares that teem with tourists in its lovely cafes and restaurants.
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is considered an oasis of Mediterranean greenery as there are plantings of lavender, olive trees and other Mediterranean flora. Its visitors can participate in a multitude of cultural, educational, athletic, environmental and recreational activities and events. Stavros Niarchos Park is one of the largest green areas in Athens, covering 21 hectares.
The Center has also playgrounds for children, cafes, gardens, an artificial river and an impressive, environmentally friendly, glass complex, which houses the National Opera; additionally, it hosts the National Library of Greece, which is an ideal place for visitors to relax and read their favorite books undisturbedly. Extra info: the view of the Acropolis from the library is unique!
