Athens is the new touristic trend worldwide. Vivid nightlife, stunning beaches in a close distance to city centre, delicious food, archaeological sites and significant museums, cultural events and important exhibitions are only some of the things that this interesting city has to offer.
Acropolis and other ancient sites
Athens, the cradle of democracy and western civilisation, is full of world class museums and ancient sites due to its rich history of 3,000 years. Among the most important museums are the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art. The ancient sites that are worth visiting are Acropolis, the ancient cemetery in Keramikos, the Ancient Agora, where the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus is located, the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio, the Temple of Artemis in Vravrona and the Roman Agora near the Ancient Agora.
The historical centre
The historical center of Athens is located in the districts of Plaka, Monastiraki and Thiseio. It is a lovely area under the Acropolis, ideal for sightseeing and strolling around, with neoclassical colourful houses, pebbled pedestrian streets and cozy local shops.
The nightlife
Athens nightlife is famous all over Greece and Europe. Cafes, bar and clubs are literally innumerable and are located in every corner and district of the city that never sleeps. In alternative, mainstream, rock, rooftop, modern and cocktail bars, you can have a great time either in weekends or in weekdays. In Monastiraki and the streets near Syntagma Square, there are many hype bars, while in Kolonaki, you will find luxury bars and clubs. In Gazi, there are many alternative, jazz, retro and rock bars.
The cuisine
Athens has many internationally awarded restaurants and traditional taverns, street food places and ethnic cuisine. The best places for seafood are Glyfada and Vouliagmeni in Athens Riviera as well as Piraeus, while in historical centre, there are many traditional taverns with mezedes and Greek cuisine. Don’t forget to taste the famous souvlaki, which can be found everywhere in Athens.
The beaches
In a close distance to Athens Center, you can swim in crystal waters, feel that you are on an island, do water sports and sunbathe. Among the best beaches in Athens, are Sounio, Porto Rafti, Schinias, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza and Anavyssos.
The cultural scene
Athens has a rich cultural scene with interesting events and festivals. The best events in Athens are the Athens Greek Festival with performances of ancient drama, the Rockwave Festival and the Open-Air Film Festival. Theatres, alternative scenes, exhibition halls and art scenes are also everywhere in the city.
Athens Marathon
If you are a fitness fan, the authentic Athens Marathon will be an unforgettable experience for you. Every runner, who wants to run in the footsteps of ancient heroes and remember the battle of Marathon and the victory of Athens, will be impressed by the athletic event every November.
Athens Olympic Games
The Panathenaic Stadium is connected with the history of the modern Olympics because there took place the major events of the revived Olympic Games in 1896. Worth visiting is also the Olympic Sports Complex in Maroussi, which was the center of the summer Olympics in Athens in 2004.
