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Athens
The following Athens travel guide is based on our own experience and therefore description given in the guide necessarily contains an element of subjective opinion which may not reflect your own experience on another occasion.
Athens in short - Key Attractions
- Magnificent numerous ancient monuments
- Scenic view from the Acropolis over the city
- Great holiday atmosphere in Plaka
- Greek Parliament
- Change of the Guard Evzones in front of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Beautiful National Garden
About Athens
Athens is a truly magnificent city to visit. It has plenty of very interesting sights to explore. All major tourist attractions are located within walking distance and are concentrated mainly around the Acropolis so you do not necessary need to use any form of transport.
If you are coming to Athens for a short city break or your visit is only a short stop on the way to Greek islands you should be able to - within relatively short period of time - see all major tourist attractions and enjoy fantastic holiday atmosphere on charming streets of Plaka. Below we have shortlisted for you a list of very interesting places which you may consider to visit. For the exact location of the sights please refer to the map beside.
What to see in Athens?
Acropolis - UNESCO World Heritage site – is one of the main tourist attractions in Athens. It is a key place to see for a majority of tourist visiting Athens. To enter the Acropolis you will have to pay 12 Euro admission fee (price actual in August 2009). In return you will receive the pass which will allow you to see the Acropolis and other major historical sites in Athens: Ancient Agora, Theatre of Dionyssos, Roman Agora, Kerameikos, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Library.
Theatre of Dionyssos - 325 BC - was a major open – air theatre located at the foot of the Acropolis. It was dedicated to the god of wine and fertility. It is located in a very close proximity from the Acropolis – 10 min walk.
The Acropolis Museum - archaeological museum - is located opposite to the Theatre of Dionyssos. In the Museum you will lots of very interesting findings from the archaeological site of the Acropolis.
Ancient Agora – is a very interesting archaeological excavation site with magnificent Temple of Hephaestus and Athena Ergan. You will need about two hours to fully appreciate and explore the site of Ancient Agora. Countless excavations, statues and columns – 6 BC - together with the Temple of Hephaestus are truly inspirational. It is really interesting place to visit.
Hadrian's Library – AD 132 - was built by Roman Emperor Hadrianon the north side of the Acropolis. It is located close to Monasiraki Metro Station. Ruins of the library are very impressive.
Syntagma Square – the true heart of Athens - lovely square located in front of Greek Parliament. It can be sometimes really turbulent as it is occasionally used as a focal point for protests, strikes and student marches.
Change of the Guard Evzones in front of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier has became nowadays a very popular tourist attraction. Members of the elite Evzones light infantry unit, provide a 24-hour honour guard, with an hourly guard change at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of Greek Parliament. The Guard changes every hour with soldiers standing motionless for two 20-minute intervals, during their one hour shifts – extremely difficult especially in the summer due to scorching Greek sun.
The National Garden - formerly known as the Royal Garden - is a peaceful and very relaxing, green park of 15.5 hectares located in the centre of Athens. It is situated behind Greek Parliament building and continues to the south to towards Zappeion Hall. It is a fantastic place to visit especially in the summer time where you can find a temporary shelter from the scorching summer sun.
Zappieon Hall - from the National Garden you may go for a stroll and visit Zappieon Hall. It is a charming building used mainly for meetings and ceremonies, both official and private. Yellow walls, white columns combined with green surrounding are truly impressive.
Temple of Olympian Zeus – 6 BC - or just ruins of the temple is situated about 5 minutes walk from Zappieon Hall. The temple was dedicated to Zeus, king of the Olympian gods.
Published on 14th March 2010
By Arek Zasowski
Photographs by Viola and Arek Zasowski
Practical Advice
Getting from the Airport
Take the bus (X95) - if you are not in a hurry from the airport take the bus – you will save a lot of money and avoid an argument with the taxi driver over the final price. The bus will take you to the city centre and has its last stop beside Syntagma Square and Greek Parliament on Othonos street. Ticket costs 3.2 Euro per person (August 2009).
Be careful - in the night you may be asked to pay around 40 Euros for the ride from the airport to Omonia Square. Our advice is that you watch a taximeter and insist to pay the amount displayed. It may happen that the taxi driver could try his chance and ask you to pay more for some additions i.e. the pieces of the luggage you have with you, etc. If you feel this is not legitimate or you are being ripped-off call the police. They will help to resolve any issues.
Wondering around
Plaka district has a really true ‘holiday feel’. Lots of shops selling souvenirs, artists painting the Partenon and a number of bars and restaurants where you can have a really good meal are located along countless charming streets of Plaka.
Hop in busses – if you like an open air busses and relatively easy way of exploring the city ‘Hop in’ busses may be a good way to see the city. You can hop off the bus at any stop and explore the area, then you can catch another bus to continue your sightseeing. If this sounds good to you go to Plateia Syntagmatos opposite the Syntagma Square where you may get on board on one of ‘Hop in’ buses.
Hotels
If you have limited budget you will find a lot of cheap hotels located around Omonia Square.
Going to Pireaus Port
If you are going to Pireaus and you are not rushing anywhere we would suggest that you go there by metro. Athens has frequent and cheap metro service to Pireaus. In Pireaus you will get off at the last station. The station is located very close to the port. Going by metro will have also another advantage – because majority of the way to Piraeus is underground it will give you an opportunity to see true Athens i.e. also other less glamour and popular side of the city. The only down side of travelling by metro is related to pickpockets you need to watch your belongings and be careful.
