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Athens Travel, Hotel, and Visitors Guide

Known the world over as the birthplace of modern civilization, Athens is a city that, upon arriving, any visitor can sense the vast history and culture. Truly, with its ancient monuments and temples, and a tradition as old as modernity itself, Athens is like no place else on Earth. Modern architecture and technology is placed side by side with hilltop ruins from over 4,000 years ago, and though the country is by and large monotheistic today, it is surprisingly easy to catch glimpses into the civilization that ruled over most of mankind for millennia. In addition, the Greek people, like their Mediterranean brothers, are highly accommodating and always willing (and often thrilled) to make you “one of the family.”

Top rated hotels

Piraeus Theoxenia Hotel
23 Karaoli Dimitriou

Amazon Hotel
19, Mitropoleos & 7 Pentelis

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Athens Delta Hotel
27 Kerameon & Elefsinion

King George II Palace
3, Vasileos Georgiou

Magna Grecia Boutique Hotel
54 Mitropoleos street, Plaka area

O&B Athens Boutique Hotel
7 Leokoriou Street (Psiri)

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Top rated attractions

In Athens
1.	National Archaeology Museum One of the best archaeological museums in the world, the National Archaeology Museum of Athens houses some of the finest ancient artifacts known to mankind. Specializing works of the Minoan tribe, an ancient group of Greeks who dominated the Aegean Sea, this building is a virtual time capsule. It is impossible not to be astounded by the array of pieces here and the craftsmanship needed to create such amazing work. Definitely worth a visit on any visit to Athens. « hide
2.	Monastiraki Flea Market The largest and most popular flea market in the city, the Monastiraki Flea Market comes to life on Sundays. Arrive before 10am to beat the crowds, although whenever you come, you will be battling scores of people. It is worth it, however, to be a part of this excellent experience, and with some persistence, you will undoubtedly find something to buy. Also in the market are several cafes and restaurants, as well as many normal souvenir/tourist shops (which are open when the market itself is not). « hide
3.	Acropolis The Acropolis is by far the most famous attraction in Athens. Built atop a huge hill, this cluster of historical and religious monuments served as was citadel and sanctuary in Ancient Athens. After its inception, the Acropolis became a place of worship for the goddess Athena, and several more monuments were built between the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. Still relatively intact (and being restored constantly), these magnificent works of human accomplishment are a true marvel of civilization. When you visit this site, make sure to check off the following buildings: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaia, and the temple of Athena Nike. « hide
4.	The Roman Agora/The Tower of the Winds Originally the main market area of the city, The Roman Agora consists of a huge, open-air courtyard surrounded by colonnades on all four sides. The ancient spot was home to fountains, stores, and the Tower of the Winds, a tall, octagonal building east of the Roman Agora. Designed as a complex water-utilizing clock, the Tower of the Winds is named thusly due to the eight carvings on it, which were meant to represent the winds themselves. « hide
5.	Plaka Like the Theatre of Dionysus, Plaka is located on the hills of the Acropolis. This little neighborhood is charming and full of shops and restaurants, as well as residential areas. Head to Anafiotika, a 19th century-originating neighborhood which has retained its Old World charm. And of course, the whole time while you are sipping coffee at a fine cafe or browsing one of the many stores, you will find yourself in the shadow of the mighty monuments atop the Acropolis itself. « hide
6.	Temple of Olympian Zeus This largely destroyed building was created for the purpose of worshipping the mightiest of Greek gods: Zeus. Thus, it is the largest temple in the entire city (or was), having been built in the 700 years from 530 B.C. to the 2nd century B.C. Built in the Corinthian style, the architecture of the temple is astounding, and while it may not be quite as intimidating as the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is a significant piece of ancient Athens’ culture. « hide
7.	Theatre of Dionysus Located on the southern slope of the Acropolis, this lesser-known attraction draws smaller crowds and is a calm place to witness one of the stages that birthed modern theater. Built specifically for the annual Festival of Dionysus, this outdoor theater housed over 17,000 people! With 64 original levels of seating, it makes one wonder how the actors were able to project all the way to the back row! The theater itself was constructed in 326 A.D., and while much of it is in ruin, it is nonetheless an impressive sight to behold. « hide
8.	Changing of the Guards One of the most popular public ceremonies in Athens, the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is performed by Greek soldiers called 'Evzons' or 'Tsoliades' in their traditional uniform and shoes with toes tipped by a red or black ball. The main ceremony is at Sundays at 11am, but there is a smaller everyday ceremony as well. « hide
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Top rated restaurants

1.	Vardis Vardis (Kifissia) is located in the Pentelikon Hotel. Adorned with fancy dÈcor and elegant settings, this contemporary French restaurant offers great food and an enormous wine selection. « hide	6.	Thalatta Thalatta (Gazi) is found in an area filled with factories, making this unknown place one of the city’s best-kept secrets! A colorful dining room and courtyard highlight the excellent food and service in this venue, with fish fresh from the Aegean every day. « hide
2.	Beau Brummel Beau Brummel (location) offers an impressive array of French foods made by the world-renowned Parisian chef, Guy Martin. This is probably some of the best French food you’ll find anywhere in the world, let alone Athens, and comes highly recommended. « hide	7.	O Platanos O Platanos (Pl·ka) is set in an old tavern by the Tower of the Winds, thus making it an easily accessible location in Central Athens. Founded in 1932, O Platanos serves great wines and stews, and has a summertime terrace, great for outdoor dining. « hide
3.	Prunier Prunier (Kifissia) is a traditional French venue with specials that will send you reeling (in the very, very good way)! At an extremely reasonable price, you will get well more than you paid for at this establishment. « hide	8.	Thanasis Thanasis (Monastir·ki) provides a great atmosphere of locals having a good old Greek time. For a classic taste of Greek food and fun, hit up Thanasis. It can get crazy on weekends, but for good reason: the souvlaki is outstanding. « hide
4.	48 48 (location), with food prepared by the French-trained chef Christoforos Peskias, serves up some of the best seafood in the city. In addition, the courses look as good as they taste, and are reinventions of some common Greek fish dishes, with unique twists! « hide	9.	Achinos Achinos (Piraeus) has two floors and great food, but the defining feature is the restaurant itself: built directly inside a cliff, this venue offers an unparalleled view of the sea. Warm and relaxed, this quality restaurant boasts excellent Greek food and a smiling staff. « hide
5.	Plous Podilatou Plous Podilatou (Mikrolimano) presents a stunning view of the sea from its outer deck, and truly characterizes a classic Mediterranean restaurant. Peaceful and relaxing, this venue also serves excellent shellfish with sense-filling flavors. « hide

Athens Insider tips

Pollution/Smoking

Greeks are traditionally heavy smokers, and unlike the laws in many Western countries, there are no rules banning smoking in restaurants or bars. If you tend to become annoyed by lots of smoke, go to some of the classier establishments, as they are more likely to have well-separated “Smoking” and “Non-smoking” sections. However, smoking is prohibited in taxis, so if your driver is puffing away, feel free to tell him to stop. In addition, the air conditions are not quite what they are in many other European countries, so take care, especially if you have breathing trouble. The air is dense, especially when it is hot (which is often), and takes some getting used to. Fortunately, it can only get better as most cars now use unleaded fuel. « hide

Beat the Heat!

Athens summers are absolutely blistering, and if you want some sound advice, go in the fall or spring! Due to pollution and the rise in temperature that comes with any crowded city, the heat has become more and more unbearable. Mornings are the best time for sightseeing, and in the later part of the morning and all afternoon, we recommend you stick to the indoors. Unless, of course, you are intent on bettering that tan, and don’t mind frying for a few hours in the sun! Bring heavy sunscreen and sunglasses before venturing outside! « hide

Athens nightlife

In Athens
1.	Balthazar Great for a late night bar-hopping experience, Balthazar is not heart-thumpingly loud, but rather classy and trendy. Also available is a full dining room with exquisite food, as well as a gorgeous outdoor courtyard. The bar is out of the way from a lot of the crazy watering holes in town. « hide
2.	Alekos Island Quiet and relaxed, Alekos Island is a great gay bar with classic or alternative rock music permeating its well-furnished walls. Sit on a sofa, sit on a chair, it doesn’t matter at this casual establishment where there is no pressure to order drink after drink. The people are friendly and the beers are tasty. « hide
3.	Stavlos A chill, laidback sort of join, Stavlos offers more than just a bar: this venue also serves as a cafÈ and often, showcases art exhibits, open mic nights, indie movies, and other events. The cool crowd is definitely the artsy sort, but the kind of refined artsy you would expect in such a chic pad. « hide
4.	Wild Rose An excellent late-night spot is the Wild Rose, located underground. Each night of the week features different musical styles (such as 80’s or Latin), and the venue is populated largely by locals, all of whom are, you guessed it, gorgeous. Dress sharp when you visit this club, and be prepared to dance off that souvlaki gut! « hide
5.	Plus Soda The self-appointed “most famous dance club in Athens,” Plus Soda is chich and trendy; not for the faint of heart. The beats are loud and rocking, and the drinks are varied and excellent. The beautiful crowd should be enough to sell any visitor on this club, and the parties last all night. « hide
6.	Folie Eclectic is the name of the game at this fun, amiable nightclub. Folie plays every type of music imaginable and thus attracts every type of person imaginable, but without the skeazy, creepy club-dwellers. Everyone is simply out to have fun at this spot, so no one will care if you can’t dance! « hide
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