Discover Athens!
Athens is one of the bast places in the world when it comes to site seeing.
Εxplore local life and discover the authentic side of Athens and Attica with our services. Bellow you can see some of the places that we suggest:
Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis of Athens and the nearby Acropolis Museum are the places every visitor to the city should go to. Sitting on top of the Acropolis hill and dedicated to goddess Athens is the temple of Parthenon. Not only a symbol for the city, but for the whole Greek civilization as well.
Other ruins of the Acropolis include the Temple of Athena Nike at the entrance, and Erechtheion, a complex of ancient sanctuaries built between 421 BC and 395 BC. The most famous feature of the Erechtheion complex is the Porch of the Caryatids, with six statues of maidens in place of Doric columns.
For beautiful views of the Acropolis from below, head to the north side of the hill. Streetside restaurants line the pedestrian street of Apostolou Pavlou and look up to the Acropolis. Some of these restaurants also have rooftop dining, with incredible views across to the Acropolis, showing the grand entrance, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Parthenon, all of which are lit up in the evenings.
The Acropolis Museum opened its doors in 2009 after years of anticipation, with its modern architecture in total harmony with the classical world it houses. Findings from the Acropolis, including sculptures from the Parthenon are exhibited in a modern space designed by architect Bernard Tschumi.
On hot days, it’s best to visit the Acropolis in the morning and then head to the air-conditioned Acropolis Museum in the afternoon. Alternatively, head up to the Acropolis for sunset.
National Archaeology Museum
It is a 45 minute walk from Syntagma but this is one of the greatest museums of the world. You will find one of the best collections of ancient Greek sculptures, jewellery, pottery, and the Antikythira Device, a 2000 year old computer found in the shipwreck off the island of Antikithira will have you wondering just how advanced those ancient Greeks actually were.
The museum is housed in an impressive Neoclassical building with 8,000 square meters of exhibition space. On display are five permanent collections with more than 11,000 exhibits, offering a comprehensive overview of Greek civilization from prehistory through the classical period to late antiquity.
The Prehistoric Collection covers the sixth millennium BC to 1050 BC (the Neolithic, Cycladic, and Mycenaean periods) and presents findings from the prehistoric settlement at Thera. The Sculpture Collection exhibits ancient Greek sculptures from the sixth century BC to the fifth century BC, including rare masterpieces. The Vase and Decorative Objects Collection showcases ancient Greek pottery from the 11th century BC all the way until the classical Roman period. The Stathatos Collection features minor objects from a wide range of historical periods. Exquisite little statues and figurines sculpted from metals are on display in the Metallurgy Collection.
Plaka and Anafiotika Neighborhoods
Just under the Acropolis, the neighborhood of Plaka gives visitors a taste of ‘old Athens’. It is the ideal place to take a walk or enjoy the local cafes and restaurants. The Anafiotika area, built according to typical Cycladic architecture, makes you feel like you’re on an island in the middle of the Aegean instead of an island in the middle of a modern city.
It is a must walk through Athens and one of the most pleasurable activities especially in the early evening. There are hundreds of shops from kitschy tourist to the workshops of some really great artisans. There are several good restaurants where you can sit outside almost year round. There are also some nice little ouzeries that are cozy when it is too cold to sit outside. The famous Brettos distillery on Kydatheneon could be in this top 10 list on its own. The out-door Cine Paris where you can watch a move on the roof of a building below the lit walls of the Acropolis could too.
There are ancient Greek and Roman ruins scattered around as well as some beautiful 19th century and older buildings and several Byzantine churches.
Monastiraki and the Flea Market
Narrow streets lined with shops selling everything from jewelry and trinkets to clothing and everyday goods is what you’ll find in the Athens Flea Market in Monastiraki. This is one of the neighborhood’s main draws, but this area has a very unique vibe and is a nice place to just relax at an outdoor patio or wander about.
Monastiraki has numerous shortage of restaurants, and this is a good place to come for lunch if you want to taste any type of Greek traditional dish especially gyros. Unlike the more upscale Plaka district, this area is a bit more casual.
Monastiraki Square is an open area, surrounded by a mix of old and new buildings. This is a good place to orient yourself. A sign on one side of the square marks the street to the Flea Market. From the square, you can see the Acropolis up high in the distance, and a short walk from the square takes you to Hadrian’s Library.
Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square
In Athens, all roads lead to Syntagma square. Start by visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament building (former palace), guarded by the elite Evzones soldiers. The changing of the guards takes place every hour while every Sunday at 11 am there’s a more elaborate ceremony. Ermou street which begins from Syntagma is Athens’ main pedestrian shopping street. It’s also worth checking out the first level of Syntagma Metro station. Archaeological findings from the station’s excavation are exhibited around the floor.
For many tourists, watching the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square is an exciting and memorable experience. The Soldiers of the Presidential Guard stand in front of the Hellenic Parliament on Syntagma Square 24 hours a day, year-round. The guards wear traditional costumes complete with pleated skirts, leg tassels, and pompom shoes.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument honors the anonymous soldiers who died fighting for the country. The monument features a marble relief that imitates a warrior grave style of ancient times.
National Gardens and the Zappeion
Located next to the Greek parliament, the National Garden is a large green space behind the Temple of Olympian Zeus, next to Kalimarmaro Olympic Stadium and home to the Zappeion. If you have had enough sun during your day of sightseeing, this is a quiet, shady place to relax and cool off. Inviting trails lead through tall trees and offer a reprieve from the busy streets. It’s also a free attraction in Athens.
On the edge of the garden is the Zappeion Hall, which you can enter for a peek inside if it is not in use. It was built in the 1870s and is used for events. Inside the main entrance is an impressive round, open-air hall, lined by columns
The National Gardens was laid out from 1838-1860, created by Queen Amalia, the wife of King Othon, and her German gardener Schmidt. It has a total area of 160,000 m2. Some 500 different kinds of plants, bushes and trees from all over the world are grown here (in total, it has approximately 7,000 trees and 40,000 bushes). At the same time, the National Gardens comprise an important natural life reserve in Athens as many different species of birds, hedgehogs, turtles, ducks and even bats are gathered here. The National Gardens also enclose a number of ancient ruins, tambours and Corinthian capitals of columns, mosaics. etc.
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
The brand new cultural gem of Athens. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Centre (SNFCC) is an architectural masterpiece designed by Renzo Piano. It houses the National Library of Greece (NLG) and the Greek National Opera (GNO) and offers creative playgrounds and unique spots, ideal for families with children. Its unique green park is ideal for a day of fun and relaxation. It’s definitely worth the visit, as you will not find anything similar in Athens.
The SNFCC is the first public-private partnership of its kind in Greece, and the largest cultural/educational project ever undertaken in the country. As one of the biggest projects in recent Greek history, the Center is an engine of short- and mid-term economic stimulus. It is a testament and commitment to the country’s future.
The SNFCC is one of the world’s most sustainable building complexes of its size. In November 2016, the SNFCC achieved the highest and most stringent international standard for sustainable design and construction – the Platinum LEED – for its innovative architecture and green technology. The platinum LEED certification is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Mount Lycabettus
If you are looking for a romantic spot at the heart of the city, where you can also admire breathtaking views, Lycabettus Hill is the place to go. It stands in the highest point of central Athens, offering views to the whole city reaching as far as Piraeus and the the Aegean Sea. You can test your hiking skills as you make your way to the top via a number of paths around the hill, where you will also have the chance to visit the tiny white-stuccoed chapel of St. George. There is another option get up there faster via the funicular (cable car) railway that travels up and down at least every 30′ or less when there is demand (Athens transport tickets not accepted). We strongly suggest to visit in the afternoon, in order to enjoy the magnificent sunset.
Apart from an amazing view, Lycabettus Hill also have a great cafe, not to mention an amphitheatre where you can see such renown acts as Leonard Cohen, Peter Gabriel, James Brown and many other acts who visit Greece in the summer. In fact I would say that between Lycabettus and the Theatre of Herod Atticus below the Acropolis, there is no more impressive place to see your favorite band or musician. And you don’t have to climb. There is a strange looking train that will take you almost to the top. Walking down is a lot of fun and you never know which neighborhood you are going to end up in.
Psiri
Psiri is one of Athens’ nightlife districts, packed with creative stores, theaters and galleries, quaint restaurants, picturesque cafes and ouzeries, and bars where drinking and people-watching are the main activities, all within a minute’s walk from Athinas and Ermou streets or Monastiraki Square. In short, Psiri is the place where creativity, old-time charm and a good party are celebrated without shame. Of course, there are so many small cafés and bars you could visit but there is so much more to discover.
With the up and coming areas like Gazi getting more popular we should not overlook Psiri with its endless small restaurants and bars. Join the crowds on a weekend night, especially during Apokreas, Greece’s Carnival. Psiri came of age as the center of Athens nightlife during the 2004 Olympics and regardess of what people say about its commercialism, you won’t find a cooler place to be in any city in Europe or America. You can feel the buzz as you walk past cafes where a hundred people are talking, drinking and smoking simultaneously, or you can find a tiny little cafe on a back street with two or three tables and a guy grilling soupia (cuttlefish) or octopus. Or find a nice ouzerie in the neighborhood where some rembetis are playing un-plugged.
Areopagus Hill
The Areopagus a prominent rock outcropping located northwest of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Its English name is the Late Latin composite form of the Greek name Areios Pagos. In classical times, it functioned as the court for trying deliberate wounding and religious matters, as well as cases involving arson or olive trees. Ares was supposed to have been tried there by the gods for the murder of Poseidon’s son Halirrhothius.
In ancient Athens, Areopagus Hill opposite to the Acropolis used to be the homicide court of Athens. According to tradition, it is also where Apostle John gave a speech to the Athenians. Today, it is popular with travelers as it offers a magnificent view of the Acropolis, the ancient Agora, and the sunset. Don’t forget to wear appropriate shoes as the hill is slippery.