Athens, Greece
Athens is the birthplace of Western civilization and is one of the oldest cities in the world. Art is abundant - in the museums and in the ruins. History spills out of every stone and pillar of this capital city. From the imposing Acropolis to the pristine splendor of the Parthenon, Athens is a buzzing city with something for everyone. Come and find out for yourself!
DON'T MISS
The imposing Acropolis is something you cannot miss and it is visible from almost everywhere in Athens. Built as attribute to goddess Athena, the Parthenon adorns the Acropolis and is the true symbol of ancient Greek culture.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE
- Visit the National Archaeological Museum which is a treasure house of a fabulous collection of antiques.
- Spend some time at the Plaka in the Old City - a beautiful quarter with colorful walkways in the heart of the city. Filled with small stores and cafes, the Plaka is a peaceful oasis in the
otherwise busy city of Athens.
- The lively Agora central market demands a visit - in old times it was the political seat and hub. Today it is houses a very lively meat market!
- Venture up to Mount Lycabettus from where you get commanding views of the Aegean sea and the city below. Twilight is the best time for spectacular views.
GET ACTIVE
A guided walking tour around the town will go a long way into delving into the little alleys and interesting streets, and since most of the sights are within walking distance, you will get to see the sights as well.
SHOP
Make your way to Monastiraki Flea Market on Sunday morning to rummage through a bunch of curios, paintings, art, crafts and trinkets, and you are sure to come away with interesting finds. Traditional Greek handicrafts include rugs, wall hangings and ceramics. The Plaka also has some interesting shops in the alleyways, so do visit while you are there.
GRAB A BITE
The streets in Athens are filled with ouzeries, tavernas, plush restaurants and bars, and they serve everything from authentic Greek food to pizzas, burgers, pastas and whatever else you might care to sample. Traditional dishes like souvlaki, dolmades, tzatziki and moussaka are found on the local menus, and are usually good. Lots of restaurants in the Plaka area for a bite!
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
The weather in Athens is a balmy 76F/24C in early summer which is May. As summer heats up, so does the temperature reaching a very warm 90F/32C at the height in July and August.
Local Currency
The Euro is the currency used all over Greece. Major credit cards are accepted most everywhere, and there are ATM machines for times you need cash. Remember there is a value added tax charged on most purchases.