The capital and largest city of Greece is one of the oldest cities in the world, with recorded history of more than 3,400 years, home of Plato and Aristo, and referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. In modern times, Athens is a large cosmopolitan metropolis, the center of economic, politic, and cultural life in Greece. The heritage of the classical era is evident in the city through ancient monuments and works of art, with the most famous of all being the Acropolis and the Parthenon, along with Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman monuments scattered around.
While visiting Athens TheTjoy.com recommends visiting the beautiful attractions the city has to offer including;
- Visit the overwhelming Acropolis Hill, the Parthenon, the temple of Athena, the Amphitheatre, and the many other monuments, on the hill and its slopes including the impressive Acropolis Museum.
- As a large part of the Athens historic center is defined as a pedestrian zone, it enables to explore the major archaeological sites by foot. Walk the charming and lively Dionysiou Areopagitou Street Promenade, with its ancient monuments, art deco and neoclassical architecture.
- Continue from the Temple of Olympian Zeus, under the southern slopes of the Acropolis, to the old Plaka District and the small peaceful and serene Anaflotika neighborhood, to the Monastiraki District and the Ancient and Roman Agoras.
- Visit the Syntagma Square the central square of Athene, home to the Greek Parliament building, and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, and watch the Changing of the Guard ritual.
- Enjoy the impressive, world leading National Archeological Museum, the Benaki Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum.
- For families with children, and to compensate for the numerous archeological and cultural attractions, visit the many entertaining and educational Attractions for children, such as the The Attica Zoological Park, the Eugenides Planetarium, the Hellenic Cosmos cultural center, and more.
- Stroll the small streets of Monastiraki Flea Market, the Central Varvakeios Market, and for high end shopping stroll Ermou street the main shopping street in Athens, and the Kolonaki neighborhood.
Souvlaki
Syntagma Square
Monastiraki District
- At sunset take the cable car up to Lycabettus Hill for the best views of Athens and the Acropolis Hill, then enjoy Athens’ rich nightlife in Gazi district, have a great local dinner, sit in a bar and dance in a nightclub.
Enjoying Athens and its great historic attractions will take a minimum of 1-2 days, and if time allows TheTjoy.com recommends spending few more days traveling the city’s surroundings and other parts of Greece.
- Drive the beautiful Apollo coast road south and southeast of Athens, with its beautiful beaches and resorts, to the southeastern tip of the Attica coast, to Cape Sounion, and enjoy one of the beautiful beaches, part of the Athens Riviera, south or east of the city.
- Visit ancient and beautiful Delphi 160 km northwest of Athens, for one day
- Take a 1-2 days trip, 360 km north of Athens, to the amazing Meteora Monasteries.
- Heading east you can take a boat tour to the Saronic islands in the Saronic Gulf, or a 1-2 days trip to the beautiful and interesting Peloponnese.
