Capital of Greece, a modern, sprawling city at the junction between Europe and Asia, Athens is a diverse metropolis where classical monuments and traditional identities coexist with the glittering world of modern consumption. Athens is a city of contrasts where the ancient Greek marvels of art and architecture blend with the narrow alleys of the old districts and the exclusive boutiques of the modern quarters.
What to See
The Ancient Centre. Athens is home to some of the most important archaeological sites of the ancient world. From the Roman Hadrian’s Gate and the Temple of Olympian Zeus the pedestrianised road climbs steadily towards the entrance of the Acropolis, the ancient fortress that stands high over Athens, hosting among other iconic structures, the Parthenon, the temple of goddess Athena.
A tour of the archaeological sites must also include the newly-built Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, the Pnyx, the Temple of Hephaistos and the Tower of the Winds.
Old Quarter. At the foot of the Acropolis, Plaka has been the heart of Athens in the 19th century. A maze of narrow alleys with restored neoclassical houses and whitewashed dwellings, Byzantine churches and restaurants offering traditional fare, Plaka has the unique atmosphere of a 19th-century Athenian village, which even the many souvenir shops cannot spoil. Close by, the Monastiraki flea market is a haven of tiny shops selling antiques, junk, second-hand books and clothing.
Under the Acropolis site, lies Plaka, one of the most attractive and elegant districts of Athens. Plaka offers the children's museum in Kydathineon, and the Kanellopoulos museum under the north slope of Acropolis. Archaeological sites such as the Greek and the Roman agora, various Roman monuments and the Atallos stoa that hosts many extra ordinary artifacts make Plaka a suitable supplement to the visit of acropolis. Finally, Plaka offers a wealthy variety of local taverns with traditional food and wine and live Greek music.
Central Athens. Syntagma Square is the centre of modern Athens dominated by the House of Parliament in front of which the hourly change of the guards attracts a host of tourists. The nearby National Garden is a delightful and rare green space, while a bit further afield Kolonaki is a posh neighbourhood with designer shops and boutiques as well as cafés and bars that attract the wealthy and young in-crowd.
The University, the Academy and the National Library in central Athens are a famous trio of neoclassical design. Must-visit museums in central Athens include the National Archaeological Museum, the Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art.
What to Eat
There is a vast variety of eateries (ranging from traditional wine-and-cook houses, tavernas and souvlaki and gyros joints to more up-market restaurants serving creative dishes based on fresh Mediterranean ingredients) that fit many a visitor budget. Wine and beer are the drinks of choice, while the ubiquitous ice-cold coffee (frappé or fredo) is a must during the summer months and not only.
