Athens, Greece
The cradle of Western democracy, crowned by the Acropolis and alive with tavernas.
ποΈ Sights & Attractions in Athens
- Parthenon β The Parthenon is a former temple on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, that was dedicated to the goddess Athena. Its decorative sculptures are considered some of the high points of classical Greek art, and the Parthenon is considered an enduring symbol of ancient Greece, Western civ
- Acropolis Museum β The Acropolis Museum is an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. The Acropolis Museum also lies over the ruins of part of Roman and early Byzantine Athens.
- Plaka β PlΓ‘ka is the old historical neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, and incorporating labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture. Plaka is built on top of the residential areas of the ancient town of Athens. It is known a
- Ancient Agora β is an ancient or historic site with archaeological remains and cultural heritage.
- Temple of Olympian Zeus β The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion or Columns of the Olympian Zeus, is a colossal temple in the centre of Athens, now in ruins. It was dedicated to "Olympian" Zeus, a name originating from his position as head of the Olympian gods. Construction began in the 6th century BC during the rule of the Athenian tyrants, who envisioned building the greatest temple in the ancient world, but it was not completed until the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, some 638 years after the project had begun. During the Roman period, the temple, which included 104 colossal columns, was renowned as the largest temple in Greece and housed one of the largest cult statues in the ancient world.
- Panathenaic Stadium β The Panathenaic Stadium or Kallimarmaro is a multi-purpose stadium in Athens, Greece. One of the main historic attractions of Athens, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble.
- National Archaeological Museum β The National Archaeological Museum in Athens houses some of the most important artifacts from a variety of archaeological locations around Greece from prehistory to late antiquity. It is considered one of the greatest museums in the world and contains the richest collection of Greek Antiquity artifacts worldwide. It is situated in the Exarcheia area in central Athens between Epirus Street, Bouboulinas Street and Tositsas Street while its entrance is on the Patission Street, adjacent to the historical building of the National Technical University of Athens.
- Syntagma Square β Syntagma Square is the central square of Athens, Greece. The square is named after the Constitution that Otto, the first King of Greece, was obliged to grant after a popular and military uprising on 3 September 1843. It is located in front of the 19th-century Old Royal Palace, housing the Greek Parliament since 1934. Syntagma Square is the most important square of modern Athens from both a historical and social point of view, at the heart of commercial activity and Greek politics. The name Syntagma alone also refers to the neighbourhood surrounding the square. The metro station underneath the square, where lines 2 and 3 connect, along with the tram terminal and the numerous bus stops, constitutes one of the busiest transport hubs in the country.
- Monastiraki Flea Market β Monastiraki is a flea market neighborhood in the old town of Athens, Greece, and is one of the main shopping districts in Athens. The area is home to clothing boutiques, souvenir shops and specialty stores, and is a major tourist attraction in Athens and Attica for bargain shopping. The area is named after Monastiraki Square, which in turn is named for the Church of the Pantanassa that is located within the square. The main streets of this area are Pandrossou Street and Adrianou Street.
- Erechtheion β The Erechtheion or Temple of Athena Polias is an ancient Greek Ionic temple, on the north side of the Acropolis, Athens, that was primarily dedicated to the goddess Athena.
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π₯Ύ Trails & Hikes in Athens
- Plaka to Acropolis walk β A walk through Plakaβs narrow lanes and neoclassical houses up to the Acropolis entrance, passing Roman ruins and Byzantine churches.
- Mount Lycabettus climb β A 20-30 minute walk up a winding path through pine trees to the summit of Athensβ highest hill, with a tiny whitewashed chapel at the top.
- Ancient Agora to Kerameikos walk β A walk through the archaeological sites of ancient Athens from the Agora to the Kerameikos cemetery, the burial ground of the cityβs elite.
- Riviera coastal walk β A seaside promenade along the Athens Riviera from Flisvos Marina to Edem, passing beaches, cafes, and yacht harbours with views of the Saronic Gulf.
ποΈ Beaches in Athens
- Floisbos beach β Flisvos Beach is a popular urban beach in Palaio Faliro on the Athens Riviera, with a marina, waterfront cafes, and easy access from central Athens by tram.
- Blue Lagoon β Blue Lagoon is a beach club in Piraeus with a pool and sea access, popular for its relaxed atmosphere and proximity to the port.
- Mpatis beach β Mpatis Beach is a small sandy beach in Palaio Faliro near the Flisvos Marina, popular with locals for swimming and sunbathing.
- Agios Cosmas β Agios Cosmas is a beach in Elliniko on the former airport site, now part of the Hellenikon Park development, with clear waters and a sailing club.
- 1st Glyfada Beach β 1st Glyfada Beach is the first of a series of organized beaches in the upscale Glyfada suburb, with sunbeds, beach bars, and water sports facilities.
- 3rd Glyfada Beach β 3rd Glyfada Beach is one of the organized beaches in Glyfada with sunbeds, a beach bar, and water sports, popular with young Athenians.
- 2nd Glyfada Beach β 2nd Glyfada Beach is a well-equipped beach in the Glyfada Riviera with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a beach bar, popular with families and couples.
- Palmyra β Palmyra is a beach in Palaio Faliro on the Athens Riviera, with a beach bar and easy access from the city by tram.
- Edem beach β Edem Beach is a popular sandy beach in Palaio Faliro with a beach bar and restaurant, easily accessible by tram from central Athens.
- Astir Beach β Astir Beach is one of Athens' most famous Blue Flag beaches on the Vouliagmeni peninsula, with golden sand, crystal-clear waters, a beach bar, water sports, and luxury sunbeds. Accessible by a paid entrance.
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π½οΈ Restaurants in Athens
- Hytra β A Michelin-starred restaurant on the 6th floor of the Onassis Cultural Centre, serving modern Greek cuisine with Acropolis views.
- Klimtaria β A traditional taverna in Plaka with outdoor seating under vine leaves, serving grilled meats, moussaka, and house wine in a romantic setting.
- Ta Karamanlidika β A deli-restaurant in a historic arcade near Monastiraki, serving cured meats, cheeses, and meze from Pontic Greek traditions.
- Varoulko Seaside β A Michelin-starred seafood restaurant on the Athens Riviera, where chef Lefteris Lazaros elevates Greek fish dishes with modern technique.
- O Thanasis β A Monastiraki institution famous for its souvlaki, serving perfectly grilled pork skewers in pita with tzatziki to a constant queue.
- Feyrouz β A tiny Plaka restaurant serving authentic Pontic Greek and Asia Minor cuisine, including handmade lagana bread and aromatic lamb stews.
- Mani Mani β A refined taverna near the Acropolis Museum serving creative dishes from the Mani region of the Peloponnese, with an excellent wine list.
- Lycabettus Restaurant β A fine-dining restaurant atop Mount Lycabettus offering modern Greek tasting menus with the most dramatic panoramic views in Athens.
πΈ Bars & Nightlife in Athens
- A for Athens β A rooftop cocktail bar on Monastiraki Square with a direct view of the illuminated Acropolis, popular for sunset drinks.
- Baba Au Rum β A craft cocktail bar near Monastiraki ranked among the Worldβs 50 Best Bars, known for its rum selection and creative concoctions.
- Couleur Locale β A multi-level cocktail bar and restaurant in Monastiraki with Acropolis views from its rooftop terrace and a stylish industrial interior.
- The Clumsies β A all-day cocktail bar in a neoclassical building near Omonoia, regularly ranked in the Worldβs 50 Best Bars for its innovative drinks.
- Six Dogs β A garden bar and cultural space in a neoclassical building in the centre, with a courtyard, cocktail bar, and art gallery.
π― Activities & Tours in Athens
- Greek Food Walking Tour in Athens β Step off the beaten track and awaken your senses on a 4-hour food walking tour in Athens, taken at a time that suits your schedule. Walk through Monastiraki Square and the central city market, Varvakios Agora, to spend a half-day. Your tour leader will explain the stories and the
- Philosophical Tour in Athens β This tour aims to create an experience in the exact places where philosophy was born, providing tourists and travelers with a unique opportunity to explore the main philosophical approaches to the pursuit of happiness (eudaimonia). You can gain insight into the way of achieving t
- Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour β This walking tour offers you the opportunity to explore the Acropolis Monuments with a licensed tour guide. Whether you arrive in Athens in the afternoon or morning and you want to visit the Acropolis when the weather is more cooler, and the crowds are starting to wane, this tour
- Best of Athens in a Fast Tour β During this amazing fast tour you will see all the most popular sights and experiences, the best parts of the city. But I will also show you the special things that make Athens great. On our way to the city, I will give you a lot of information about Athens history, mythology and
- Self Guided Walking Tour in Athens Hidden Gems β Explore Athens at your own pace with our self-guided tour app, immersing yourself in the city's ancient wonders and vibrant culture. Begin at the iconic Acropolis, home to the majestic Parthenon, then descend to the ancient Agora, once the heart of Athenian public life. Admire th
- Bohemian Athens Beyond the Tourist Trails Tour inc. tastings β Our walking tour of Athens will introduce you to the alternative & artsy sights of Athens, the kind of places that travelers often miss because they donβt know about them. Walk with us and see why it's called the new Berlin. Let us show you a different side of Europe's oldest cit
- Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon and Acropolis Museum Guided Tour β Travel back in time on a 4 hours Skip-the-line informative and fun tour to the most significant monument in Athens. This tour is guided by an English speaking field expert andΒ licensed tour guide. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Acropolis of Athens through a journey int
- Best of Athens Half Day Private Tour β During this amazing half day tour you will see all the most popular sights and experience the best parts of the city. But I will also show you the special things that make Athens great. On our way to the city, I will give you a lot of information about Athens history, mythology
- Athens Evening Food Tour β During our Evening Food Tour, you'll feel the real pulse of the city and see how Athens transforms at night! You'll stroll around the center of the city exploring authentic eateries and hidden gems under the guidance of a local food expert. Together, we'll explore the Greek cul
- Acropolis & Parthenon Walking Tour with Optional Acropolis Museum β Step back in time on this guided walking tour of the Acropolis, Athens' most iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Led by an expert guide, this tour takes you through the sacred rock's ancient ruins, including the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and Pro
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π¨ Hotels & Stays in Athens
- Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens β Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens is a 5-star luxury hotel in Syntagma Square, Athens. Located at Vasileos Georgiou 1, 10564 Athens, Greece. Book directly via Expedia for confirmed rates and availability.
- King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens β King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens is a 5-star luxury hotel in Syntagma Square, Athens. Located at Vasileos Georgiou 11, 10564 Athens, Greece. Book directly via Expedia for confirmed rates and availability.
- St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel β St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel is a 4-star upscale hotel in Kolonaki & Lycabettus, Athens. Located at 2 Kleomenous Street, 10675 Athens, Greece. Book directly via Expedia for confirmed rates and availability.
- Electra Metropolis Athens β Electra Metropolis Athens is a 4-star upscale hotel in Plaka & Monastiraki, Athens. Located at 15 Mitropoleos Street, 10557 Athens, Greece. Book directly via Expedia for confirmed rates and availability.
- Athenaeum InterContinental by IHG β Luxury hotel near Acropolis Museum with Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant, spa, and seasonal outdoor pool.
- The Athenaeum Luxury Hotel β Boutique luxury hotel near Acropolis with rooftop restaurant, thermal plunge pool, and Acropolis views.
- Divani Caravel β Luxury hotel near Syntagma Square with rooftop terrace, spa, sauna, and three restaurants.
- Anthology of Athens, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World β Luxury hotel near Acropolis with Turkish bath, spa, free breakfast buffet, and two restaurants.
- Electra Hotel Athens β Upscale hotel on Ermou Street with rooftop restaurant offering Acropolis views and fitness center.
- New Hotel β Design hotel near Syntagma Square with rooftop terrace, fitness center, and contemporary Greek restaurant.
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