Athens Greece

Comprehensive Guide to Exploring Athens, Greece

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Places to Visit
    • 2.1 The Acropolis and the Parthenon
    • 2.2 Ancient Agora
    • 2.3 Temple of Olympian Zeus
    • 2.4 Panathenaic Stadium
    • 2.5 Plaka District
    • 2.6 Monastiraki Flea Market
    • 2.7 National Archaeological Museum
    • 2.8 Benaki Museum
  3. Activities
    • 3.1 Athens Riviera and Cape Sounion Tour
    • 3.2 Day Trip to Delphi or Olympia
    • 3.3 Acropolis Night Tour
    • 3.4 Athens Street Art Tour
    • 3.5 Food Tours
  4. Where to Eat
    • 4.1 Traditional Greek Tavernas
    • 4.2 Modern Greek Restaurants
    • 4.3 Vegan and Vegetarian Options
    • 4.4 Coffee Shops and Bakeries
  5. Where to Stay
    • 5.1 Hotels in Athens
    • 5.2 Hostels and Budget Accommodation
    • 5.3 Vacation Rentals (Airbnb)
  6. Things to Know
    • 6.1 Greek Language Essentials
    • 6.2 Local Customs and Etiquette
    • 6.3 Safety Tips
  7. Transportation
    • 7.1 Athens Metro
    • 7.2 Buses and Trolleybuses
    • 7.3 Trams
    • 7.4 Taxi Services
    • 7.5 Athens Bicycle Rental
  8. Tips and Other Things of Interest
    • 8.1 Best Time to Visit Athens
    • 8.2 Festivals and Events in Athens
    • 8.3 Shopping in Athens
    • 8.4 Day Trips from Athens

Introduction

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a vibrant city that blends ancient history with modern charm. This guide will help you navigate through the city’s rich culture, delicious cuisine, and must-visit attractions.

Places to Visit

The Acropolis and the Parthenon

The most iconic site in Athens, the Acropolis offers a stunning view of the city and houses several ancient structures including the Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

Ancient Agora

Once the heart of ancient Athens, this site is home to the Temple of Hephaestus, Stoa of Attalos, and the Museum of the Ancient Agora.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

One of the largest ancient temples in Greece, dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods.

Panathenaic Stadium

Built for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, this historic stadium is a must-visit site.

Plaka District

A picturesque neighborhood filled with narrow streets, traditional tavernas, and souvenir shops.

Monastiraki Flea Market

An open-air market selling everything from antiques to trinkets, located near the ancient Agora.

National Archaeological Museum

Home to many artifacts from various archaeological sites around Greece.

Benaki Museum

Housing a vast collection of Greek art and culture, this museum is divided into several annexes focusing on different periods and themes.

Activities

  • Athens Riviera and Cape Sounion Tour: Enjoy the beautiful coastline and visit the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.
  • Day Trip to Delphi or Olympia: Explore the ancient sites of Delphi, known as the navel of the Earth, or Olympia, where the Olympic Games originated.
  • Acropolis Night Tour: Experience the Parthenon and other monuments illuminated at night.
  • Athens Street Art Tour: Discover the vibrant street art scene in Athens on a guided tour.
  • Food Tours: Immerse yourself in Greek cuisine by joining a food tour around Athens.

Where to Eat

Traditional Greek Tavernas

  • Taverna tou Psychiko
  • O Thanasis
  • To Kouzino

Modern Greek Restaurants

  • Kuzina
  • Funky Gourmet
  • The Clumsies

Vegan and Vegetarian Options

  • Yiasemi’s Kitchen
  • Vegan Garden
  • Fresh Garden

Coffee Shops and Bakeries

  • Stoa Gi
  • Brewed in Athens
  • Five Dimes

Where to Stay

Hotels in Athens

  • The Westin Athens
  • Hotel Grande Bretagne
  • Hotel New York

Hostels and Budget Accommodation

  • AthenStyle Hostel
  • City Circus Hostel Athens
  • Athens Backpackers Hostel

Vacation Rentals (Airbnb)

Rent an apartment or villa in various neighborhoods around Athens.

Things to Know

Greek Language Essentials

Learn basic phrases such as “Yia sou” (Hello), “Parakalo” (Please), and “Efharisto” (Thank you).

Local Customs and Etiquette

Greeks are known for their hospitality. It’s common to be offered a drink or food when visiting someone’s home.

Safety Tips

Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places.

Transportation

Athens Metro

The metro is the fastest way to get around Athens, with three lines connecting various parts of the city.

Buses and Trolleybuses

Buses and trolleybuses cover a wider area than the metro, but they can be more crowded during peak hours.

Trams

The tram connects the center of Athens with the coastline and Piraeus port.

Taxi Services

Taxis are readily available throughout the city. Use authorized taxis displayed at taxi stands or hail them on the street.

Athens Bicycle Rental

Explore the city on two wheels by renting a bicycle from one of the many bike rental shops in Athens.

Tips and Other Things of Interest

  • Best Time to Visit Athens: Late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather for sightseeing.
  • Festivals and Events in Athens: Participate in the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, which features music, dance, theater, and art events.
  • Shopping in Athens: Visit Ermou Street for shopping or head to Gazi for independent boutiques and vintage stores.
  • Day Trips from Athens: Explore nearby destinations like the islands of Hydra, Aegina, and Poros, or visit the ancient city of Corinth.