Destinations in Athens
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Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and the capital of Greece, a vibrant metropolis where ancient monuments stand side by side with neighbourhoods full of cafés, street art and rooftop bars. The Acropolis, crowned by the Parthenon, dominates the centre, and a walk along the pedestrian Dionysiou Areopagitou street links it with the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the marble Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Below the Acropolis, Plaka and Anafiotika keep the atmosphere of an island village, while Monastiraki and Psyrri are lively day and night. Syntagma Square, with the Parliament and the changing of the guard, leads to Ermou shopping street and to the chic district of Kolonaki, from where a funicular climbs Lycabettus Hill for the best panoramic view. The city's museums are outstanding, from the National Archaeological Museum to the Benaki and the Museum of Cycladic Art. The metro connects the centre with the airport and the port of Piraeus, and the coastal suburbs such as Glyfada and Vouliagmeni offer beaches within half an hour.
Quick facts
LOCATION
Attica
KNOWN FOR
Acropolis & lively neighbourhoods
BEST FOR
History, Museums, Nightlife, Shopping, No car needed
Transportation
Athens International "Eleftherios Venizelos" Airport
Athens (Larissis) Railway Station
Syntagma Metro Station
Monastiraki Metro Station
Acropoli Metro Station
Entertainment
Allou! Fun Park
Athens Concert Hall (Megaron)
National Theatre of Greece
Beaches
Glyfada (Athens Riviera) Beach
Varkiza Beach
Religious Sites
Monastery of Kaisariani
Church of Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
Monastery of Daphni
Education
Athens Trilogy (University, Academy, Library)
National Library of Greece (Vallianeio)
Museums & History
Acropolis of Athens
Parthenon
Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA)
Archaeological Site of Ancient Agora of Athens
Temple of Hephaestus
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Hadrian's Arch
Panathenaic Stadium
Roman Agora & Tower of the Winds
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Archaeological Site of Kerameikos
Hellenic Parliament & Changing of the Guard
Syntagma Square
Zappeion
Plaka District
Anafiotika
Areopagus Hill
Temple of Poseidon (Sounion)
Acropolis Museum
Museum of Cycladic Art
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Technopolis (Gazi)
National Gallery (EEP)
Benaki Museum
Byzantine Museum of Athens (Byzantine & Christian)
National Archaeological Museum
Nature
National Garden
Attica Zoological Park
Philopappos Hill Viewpoint
Lycabettus Hill Viewpoint
Shopping
Ermou Street
Kolonaki
Varvakios Central Market
Monastiraki Flea Market
Glyfada Shopping District
The Mall Athens
By air
Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) is Greece’s main gateway, with flights from across Europe and beyond all year. Metro line 3, express buses and taxis link it with the city centre in about 40 minutes to an hour, and the suburban railway also serves the airport.
By ferry
Piraeus, about 30 minutes from the centre by metro line 1 or tram, is Greece’s busiest port, with ferries to the Cyclades, Crete, the Dodecanese, the North Aegean and the Saronic islands. Rafina and Lavrio, near the airport, serve the northern Cyclades, Evia and Kea.
Getting around
Not needed in Athens. The metro, tram and buses cover the centre and suburbs, central sights are close together on foot, and traffic and parking are difficult. A car is useful only for day trips to Cape Sounion, Delphi or the Peloponnese.
