Things to do in Athens
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Get Your Bearings in Athens
Things to See
Archeological sites are a must when visiting Athens, with the Acropolis in first place. Visitors appreciate the ancient history of the city and enjoy visiting the many museums which cover various historical periods. From the famous Acropolis Museum to the Benaki with more recent exhibits, the Cycladic museum and the Lalaounis jewellery museum, all are within walking distance from the center.
Hot Tips: Many museums also hold periodical exhibitions on interesting themes.
Where to Stay
Many of the best lodging choices in Athens are located in and around the historical center, central Syntagma square and the Plaka neighborhood, where visitors can easily access the main attractions on foot, visit the shopping districts and enjoy a large choice of restaurants and nightlife. Beach resorts are situated on the Glyfada coast and also close to Rafina port.
Caution: Make sure to book early.
What to Eat
Plaka, Kolonaki, Monastiraki, but also seaside Glyfada and high-end Kifisia neighborhoods offer a wide choice of restaurants for all tastes. From traditional Greek cuisine to modern or ultra chic fare by awarde-winning chefs, you're sure to find something delectable. Italian restaurants are also a great favorite in Athens. Local specialties are classically served at the well-known tavernas around the Acropolis.
Caution: Dining hours are relatively late in Athens with lunch starting around 2:30 pm and dinner around 9:30 pm.
Be Sure to Sample: Feta cheese, stuffed tomatoes and the renowned souvlaki.
Explore Further
Places to Party
With Gazi district as a favorite in the winter months and the coast of Glyfada a favorite in the summer, bars, discos and clubs are popular hangouts. The nightlife culture is definitely European with jazz groups, DJs and music for all tastes. Style depends a lot on the district and can range from old-world charm to the most recent trends.
Avoid: the district around Omonia square is not the safest place to be at night.
Where to Shop
Bustling Ermou street is the main shopping district with many international chain stores. Just a few minutes' walk takes you to Plaka and Monastiraki with souvenir and antique shops. For the most elegant choices, Kolonaki is a must with fashionable and trendy shops. Try Psyrri for interesting secondhand books and memorabilia, and the Sunday flea market in Monastiraki for original treasures.
Take It or Leave It: Haggling about prices is a Greek tradition. Enjoy it.
Best Local Souvenir: A string of worry beads (komboloi) or a box of loukoumi.
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Athens is known for...
Five of Athens's most unique features and characteristics.
1. Sunshine:
Athens is known for its fantastic climate almost all year round. Rain, cold and rarely snow might make a brief appearance during the winter months, but never last long. From March to November the weather is sunny, with mild temperatures, and some very hot days in summer. As a result, eating and/or drinking outside is an all year round pastime. Sunshine suits the city, enhancing the bright colors which are preponderant and the white of the ancient marbles. Athenians love the sun and spend as much time as possible enjoying the warmth and light.
2. Hospitality:
Greek hospitality has its roots in mythology. Zeus, the father of all the gods, has a special manifestation with the name ‘Xenios Zeus’ which means ‘Zeus of guests’, and this tradition continues until today. Athenians and Greeks in general are one of the most hospitable people in the world and will go out of their way, literally, to offer every assistance and useful information to visitors. Friendly, talkative and outgoing, always happy to suggest the best taverna, the most interesting view, or the most practical solution, they embrace visitors with warmth and pride in showing off their beautiful city.
3. History:
Greek history needs no introduction and visitors to Athens experience this unparalleled civilization everywhere. Not only seeing the unique ancient monuments, temples, theatres, museums and works of art, but also in many parts of the city, where least expected. All the area in the historical centre of Athens and even further reveals parts of ancient Athens, which have been excavated and are now protected with glass encasing. From the Syntagma Metro station to central Aiolou street, passersby catch a glimpse of the past of this great and enchanting city. In Athens you breathe history and mythology in the air. Some say they can feel the ancient gods’ presence!
4. Nightlife:
Athens never sleeps, especially in the summer months, when a dinner date would be around 10 p.m. followed by drinks at a bar or dancing until the small hours. Watching the sun rise at Sounion is a favorite romantic way of concluding a night of festivity. The choice is immense: from restaurants of every kind, to trendy bars, to discos and clubs for the young crowd. Groups of friends spend the evenings enjoying a drink or an ice cream at one the many cafeterias in cool, shady squares all over the city. For the liveliest spots in town, Gazi is a must and in summer all the south coast, from Faliro to Vouliagmeni is the area for fashionable beach bars.
5. Culture:
Named for her patron goddess Athena, goddess of wisdom amongst other things, Athens has a long tradition in culture, since ancient times, and today offers many interesting opportunities to learn more about art and culture. In the summer months tickets for the Athens festival at Herodus Atticus theatre are sold out fast to fans of theatre, dance and music. During the winter, the Megaron Mousikis is the place to listen to concerts and classical music. The National Archeological Museum and the Acropolis Museum offer a full immersion into ancient art and culture with their inestimable treasures, whilst many other museums specialize in contemporary art and design.