Fascinating and mysterious city of Greece, Athens was the center of literature, art and philosophy. Birthplace of Socrates and Plato, the history of Athens begins a myth that attributes the construction of the city to the goddess Athena. But Athens is not only the history, myths and legends, it’s also modernity, street vendors with their colorful clothes, taverns, night clubs and open-air theaters. Made even more beautiful by the 2004 Olympics, Athens is ready to welcome you and to bring you into its magic historical streets and its monuments full of adventures and conquest.

On this page we suggest you 10 things to do and see during your visit in Athens. We just have to wish you bon voyage!

If you are looking for a hotel in Athens, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 220 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

1

The first place that deserves your attention in Athens is certainly the Acropolis overlooking the surrounding valley from a hill.

The Acropolis with its beautiful monuments is the universal symbol of the classical spirit and civilization and immediately will let you dive  into an atmosphere full of charm and mystery.

The Acropolis is the greatest architectural and artistic complex left from Greek civilization to the whole world: a rocky hill where were born important philosophical thoughts and ambitious political strategies. You’ll enter  into a world old and new at the same time.

2

To try to understand what it once represented the agora for the Athenians, you can close your eyes and let yourself be carried by the imagination: it won’t be difficult to hear the confused voices of the market and the disquisitions of philosophers. Among these wonderful ruins there were the commercial, political and administrative heart of Athens, and all the men came together here to make important political decisions and to do some  business. Just in the agora, in 399. C., the great philosopher Socrates was sentenced to death on charges of corruption against youth. It was a historical injustice to which only the behavior of Socrates made sense: despite it was offered to him a way to save himself, the philosopher wanted to serve his sentence demonstrating to everyone the respect of the law.

3

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is one of the 10 most important museums in the world for the richness of its collections. Greece is proud of this museum that traces the origins of this fascinating country and traces the path of all the cultures that have passed through here. All the assets present in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens is divided into three sectors: the ground floor, the section of the sculptures and the prehistoric, where you trace the beginnings of the history of Greece, while in the second floor there’s the splendid ceramics collection. It won’t be enough one day to admire all the beauty of this museum, so it’s best to plan two days to visit it.

4

Do you want to buy some souvenirs or simply breathe a little typical Athenian air? Go ahead in the Monastiraki neighborhood that, unlike the name, has nothing of the quiet and peaceful monastic atmosphere, but thanks to the famous market held here is always overcrowded

The Monastiraki  market is an explosion of colors and liveliness with all its adorable trinkets, musical instruments, shoes, used clothes, cell phones, household appliances, CDs, videos and even caviar. All sort of stuffs  among the alleys and narrow streets of Monastiraki which is also a treasure chest of beautiful churches and monuments to explore. Follow the flow of life of this district with its street performers, bars and outdoor cafes and the sellers are ready to bargain with you. Just watch out for big business, because they might be some big bluff.

5

Syntagma Square is the heart of the city that still vibrates for major historical events that have passed through here: now just walking around this square you could run into some protest.

The name “Syntagma” can be translated as the square of the Statute or Constitution Square and refers to the majestic façade of parliament.  At its base is located the monument of the Unknown Soldier guarded by the “Evzones”, guards with the characteristic greek costume. Syntagma square is one of Athens’s top tourist destinations because of its troubled history and for its proximity to the most interesting and charming areas of the city.

6

The Plaka is the old lady of Athens: an area inhabited for 7000 years that has not been changed by the excavations.

For  its appearance unchanged, the Plaka is one of the most tourist areas of the city with its charming boutiques, palaces and Byzantine churches, monuments just hidden by little streets and numerous gift shops and special items.

A pleasant walk in this neighborhood will make you feel fully involved in Athenian life: a nice dish in one of the outdoor restaurants, music of street artists, a fun puppet show, and you can say that you experienced all that this unique place can offer.

7

Probably shopping in Athens is one of the main attractions for tourists, but the city is full of shops, boutiques and markets scattered everywhere and not just concentrated in the center. If you are a lover of elegant and refined clothes you need to go in Glyfada quarters, Kifissià and Kolonai, where you’ll find many luxury boutiques, but if you prefer an easy shopping you can go to malls in Platia, in the streets and neighborhoods of Piraeus Maroussi, Kallithea and Nea Ionia, looking for some occasion. Who wants colorful multiethnic and cheap clothes has to go  to Omonoia square and in Odos Eolou.

8

The fact that Athens is a city rich in history and culture doesn’t mean it’s not the destination for fun and entertainment. In Athens you can dance until dawn in nightclubs or drinking very fashionable drink in bars. Here the night is always young: restaurants and taverns don’t close before one o’clock and the locals put all kinds of music, from traditional Greek to hip hop, at least until 5am. You will know how to have fun in this city because there are all the conditions to spend unforgettable evenings.

9

Greek cuisine will tempt your palate with spices, herbs and an oil which is just gold due to its intense flavor and its genuineness.

Don’t be frightened by strange names like zadziki, which is actually a simple and delicious sauce made with cucumbers, garlic and yogurt, or definitions as feta that is a very good low-fat goat or sheep cheese: despite these extravagant definitions Greek food is very inviting and succulent.

You’ll taste also the hospitality that characterizes the Greek people, imagine rich outdoor tables and colorful dishes while chatting happily and drinking ouzo in quantity, tasty aniseed liqueur. The timing of meals is very flexible: lunch from 2:00 to 4:00 pm  and dinner not before 10:00 pm.

10

Athens is a city in which it’s not difficult to find comfortable and cheap accommodation: residences, mid-range hotels and youth hostels are scattered everywhere ready to welcome you for the night.

Accommodation for the night in Athens are simple and generally clean. If you want to have even the minimum of comfort and the bathroom in the room, the TV, you have to look for a hotel at least three stars which usually has fairly reasonable prices. Areas of the city where we recommend you to spend your holidays are the busiest districts of Monastiraki and Plaka and delicious squares Syntagma and Omonia.

If you are looking for a hotel in Athens, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 220 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com