The Acropolis of the fifth century BC is the most accurate reflection of the splendour, power and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak, the golden age of Perikles. The most celebrated myths of ancient Athens, its greatest religious festivals, earliest cults and several decisive events in the city’s history are all connected to this sacred precinct. The monuments of the Acropolis stand in harmony with their natural setting. These unique masterpieces of ancient architecture combine different orders and styles of Classical art in a most innovative manner and have influenced art and culture for many centuries.
Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities. It’s recorded history spanning around 3.400 years and it is being inhabited since the 11th millennium B.C. E. The city of Parthenon is an open air museum. A large part of the town’s historic center has been converted into a 3 km pedestrian zone, one of the largest in Europe. It leads to the major archaeological sites (“archaeological park”), reconstructing – to a large degree – the ancient landscape. Either on foot or by bike, the ‘’Grande Promenade’’ around Acropolis is an unforgettable journey through history.
NATIONAL GARDEN
Visit Athens National Garden, an oasis in the centre of the city with more than 500 different species of plants, trees, birds and animals; home to the Botanical Museum, a zoo, a pond, a playground, a children’s library, a traditional café as well as scattered ancient monuments and statues. Walk along Pedio Areos, the biggest park in Athens, recently fully restored, an ideal place for walking, relaxing or having fun! Don’t forget to visit Thissio Park, the south-westernmost part of the Ancient Agora archaeological site, a favourite spot of the locals and one of the most frequented city places!
Breathtaking views over Athens
Thanks to its rich morphology Athens has plenty of places where you can admire stunning panoramic views of the city. Romantic or not, let yourself be captivated by the Athenian cityscape as seen from above. Must “view” locations include Lycabettus Hill, Filopappou Hill, Kaisariani Monastery, Anafiotika in Plaka, Profitis Elias in Piraeus and Damari in Petroupoli.
Just 5 km from Dafni –typically a 11 minute drive– you will find a place where urban sprawl gives way to the idyllic seafront side of the city. You don’t need to get on a ferry to escape the bustle of the Greek capital: take a short bus ride and you’ll find superb local beaches along the sheltered Saronic Gulf stretching from the southern suburbs of Athens to the southernmost point of Attica, Cape Sounio.
Take the opportunity to swim, relax at a waterfront café, walk along the picture-perfect pedestrian streets and the marinas, exercise your favourite water sport, shop in one of the area’s modern shopping centres, dine by the sea or entertain yourself in one of the coastal avenue’s buzzing clubs.
Tour to a zoo!
Bearded dragons, African penguins, bald eagles, Australian king parrots, ring tailed lemurs, giraffes, flamingos, tortoises, lovebirds, pumas, hippos and dolphins are all waiting to give you a tour around the five continents. Combining entertainment with education, the Attica Zoological Park offers its visitors a unique insight into the lives of over 2000 animals, from 400 species. During the summer months, the Zoo offers weekly educational programs dedicated to children. Family packages are also available.
Gazi
Enjoy your nights out in the hottest destination in Athens: you’ll find all kinds of restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, bars, lgbt clubs, interesting places for theatre performances, cinemas, art galleries, mezedopoleia (serving a variety of mezedes meaning titbits), souvlaki eateries, live shows and loud music performed in Technopolis. Take the metro line 3 and get off at Kerameikos station.
Thiseio
Thiseio faces the Acropolis hill and it is very popular with Greeks and tourists alike; have your coffee or drink next to this renowned monument which dominates the area. Take a romantic stroll especially along Dionysiou Areopagitou St. (pedestrians only).
Plaka
At the foot of the Acropolis hill, you will find a traditional Athenian neighbourhood where folk music playing and dancing takes place in old style tavernas and restaurants with tasty Greek dishes, and cozy cafes offer the best views.
Monastiraki and Psyrri
Monastiraki is an area with an oriental ambiance: low buildings, narrow cobbled streets, a flea market, and almost no cars. Explore its vintage bars, stylish restaurants, old-fashioned cafes, tavernas and shops. Have a memorable night out in Psyrri listening to live Greek music, while enjoying your meal.
Kolonaki
This is Athens’ downtown area with busy businesses and offices during the day and hot entertainment establishments for your nights out. You’ll find trendy restaurants, bars, clubs, art venues and galleries. Take your pick!
Exarcheia
This is the rock part of Athens, the favourite area to be for youngsters and students. Check out the local bars, wine bars, tavernas and restaurants. Enjoy your drink or meal while you mix with the hip young generation.
Syntagma Square area
In the area around Syntagma Square and in the streets that lead to Monastiraki you’ll find numerous spots to enjoy yourselves on your night out in Athens: Romvis, Kolokotroni, and Thiseos Streets, the neighbouring cobbled narrow roads and Karytsi and Agia Eirini Squares are night time hotspots.