City Guide: Athens

Being the largest city of the country with a population of 3.7 million people, Athens is the capital of Greece. The city standing as the economic, cultural and governmental center of the country originates its name from the warrior Goddess of wisdom, Athena. Cited as the cradle of the western world, Athens is the symbol of democracy and freedom of the civilised world. The birth of democracy in 508 B.C. was eventuated in Athens.

Display All

• Tourist Attractions

  The ancient ruins constitute the main cultural and historical heritage of the city. Contrary to the scattered settlement structure of the capital, the must-sees of Athens do not range far and wide. In such a case, you have not to cover overall the city to experience its main tourist attractions.
  
  You should visit Athens, at least, for Akropolis of Athens, the most siginificant ancient monumental artifact of ancient Greek culture and of the West. Taking its name from the old inhabitants of the city, this archaeological grandeur at Anafiotika can be seen from all around Athens. Consisting of three hills, Akropolis Hill harbors significant monuments such as Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike and Propylaea.

  
  The ancient Agora located at Monastiraki was the fundamental commercial, political, administrative and social center of the ancient Athens. It was the focus of the malls of the ancient Athens. Stoa of Zeus Eleutherios from where Socrates called upon the people of the term, Agora museum and more are found within this market of the ancient times. If you want to accomplish to explore the ancient culture, then visit this monument.
  
  Benaki Museum (Kolonaki), Museum of Greek Folk Art (Plaka), Temple of Olympion (Syntagma), Theatre of Dionysus at the side of Acropolis, National Archaeological Museum (Exarhia), Plaka and Anafiotika historic urban places including neoclassical houses, Turkish mosques, Byzantine churches and ancient monuments are the reflections of the rich and long history of Athens waiting for your viewing.

• Culture & Entertainment

  As a cosmopolitan city, Athens is especially under the effects of Hellenic culture. The Hellenic Festival held every year is the best reflection of this kind of culture.
  
  Also, Athens is one of the symbol art cities of Europe. A great deal of El Greco masterpieces are showed off in the National Gallery of Art opposite Hilton Athens.
  
  In summer, Cine Pari Cinema in Plaka and Aigli Cinema in Zappeio Gardens are the best choices for you for outdoor cinema. Herodes Atticus Theatre houses ancient Greek dramas and comedies by Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. Mathematician Plato and tragedians Sophocles, Euripides and Aeschylus were born in Athens.
  
  Rembetika is the authentic Greek music. Taverna is a significant entertainment life of Athens, especially the night life. You should not miss the taverns at Plaka. Mégaron Mousikis Athenon is a modern concert hall of Athena housing ballet, opera, classical music, conferences and specific demonstrations.

  
  Night life in Athena serves to every need. A great range night venues offer quite different alternatives for night life.

• Food & Drink

  Greek cuisine has a rich and diversified Mediterranean menu. Athens is glutted with taverns, especially in Plaka, presenting almost all the delicious traditional foods. Japanese sushi, Indian flavours, beverages and wines from the ancient Greek cuisine is presented to your tastes.

  Monastiraki and Psirri neighborhoods are filled out with places offering drinks and Greek mezes. Syntagma and Kolonaki are proper for up-level dining. Gazi and Rouf are filled with clubs, bars and premier culinary alternatives.
  
  

• Shopping

  Athens purveys all the shopping alternatives for shopaolics from jewellery, antiques, handicrafts, ancient style motives to designer clothes, local souvenirs, fashions and famous brands. From high income people to the lowest level ones, all the visitors are evoked to shop.
  
  Plaka and Monastiraki houses fascinating jewellery, antiques and all kinds of ornaments.
  
  Kolonaki is one of the best places for you to shop designer-wear. You will find designer boutiques including Versace, Gucci, Armani and Greek famous brands.
  
  Ermou with pedestrian lanes is the most proper place where you will have the facility of experiencing a comfortable and high quality shopping including European famous clothing brands.
  
  Monstraki is the best place for the visitors looking for flea markets. Also, Kentriki Agora Omnia is the central food market in Athens.

Ticket Sales Offices: Athens

• Athens: Airport Map Information

  Eleftherios Venizelos Airport

  Address	:	Athens International Airport S.A. “Eleftherios Venizelos” Spata GR-19019 Greece
  Phone	:	+30 210 3530000

• Athens: Airport Map Information