Athens City Guide

Athens is a massive city within Greece and contains many different districts which offer a variety of activities and attractions. You can enjoy sightseeing around the cultural and historical spots during the day and then dancing in one of the many clubs during the night hours. There are also traditional architecture and cuisine to sample whilst on your break away.

Places to Visit

The Acropolis is the ancient ‘high city’ of Athens and one of the most notorious sites which tourists flock to each year. Here you can find marble temples which are sacred to Athena; this is a spiritual retreat to visit which allows you to escape the bustle of the city below. Plaka, Monastiraki and Thissio are districts below Acropolis and are teeming with history. You can stroll around and appreciate the 19^th century neoclassical architecture and ruins from the Roman era.

Psiri is a trendy area full of bohemian cafes and restaurants which you can relax in and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. This is also a great place for a cheaper holiday as there are many smaller hotels as well as the luxury boutiques. Another quirky area is Zografou where many of the university buildings are located. Here there are many small tavernas which are low in price due to their student clientele.

Landmarks

The Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great spot for tourists to visit. This ancient town dates back to the Bronze ages so provides its visitors with a rich historical understanding of Athens. As this can get rather busy, make sure you arrive early in order to make the most of your experience.

The Ancient Agora provides you with excellent views over the city and the Acropolis. You can catch glimpses of the Temple of Hephaestus which is preserved excellently. You can also view the architectural wonder that is the Attaloas Stoa which is the museum of the agora and provides you with information on the area.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is a ruin that exudes the history of the Greek sporting culture. One of the columns fell a century ago yet still remains today. The Olympic Stadium and Hardian’s Ark are located right next to this ruin which enables you obtain a fully rounded sporting experience.

Cultural Experiences

Athens has plenty of museums and galleries to visit such as the National Archeological Museum, the new Acropolis Museum and the Banaki. Alongside these places of historicity there is also the Kanellopoulos and Folk Art Museums where you can stroll around the galleries and view the national artwork.

The Parnitha National Park is an exotic garden which is popular with people who wish to partake in outdoor activities. Here you can go hiking or bike riding whilst enjoying the gorges, caves and springs within the park. You may also wish to visit the National Garden of Athens which has a multitude of exotic wildlife and vegetation as well as a small zoo which makes it perfect for a family day out.

Athens is one of the most notorious destinations within Greece and many tourists flock to it year after year. The many different districts which contain a variety of activities and sites mean that there is plenty on offer for all holiday makers. You can enjoy the cultural and historical sites during the daytime and then sample the restaurants, bars and tavernas during the night and the early hours of the morning!

 

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