Once known for smog, traffic and tacky architecture, Athens is a city reformed thanks to fortunes brought by the 2004 Summer Olympics. Spotless parks and streets, an ultra-modern subway, new freeways, an accessible airport and all signs in perfect English make the city easily negotiable. Meriting more than a stopover en route to the islands, sophisticated Athens sites include many pillars of Western history, from the Acropolis to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, as well as treasures in the National Archaeological Museum.
Restaurants in Athens
4.5 based on 4,225 reviews
These ruins, located in the heart of modern Athens, were once the site of the marketplace in ancient times, a political, cultural and economic center of the ancient world.
The area is breathtaking to imagine the history but is mostly a field of rubble, though there are many informative signs. The museum has many important and interesting artifacts, like the baby toilet from the 2nd century BC! The most intact structure is the Temple of Hephaistos, but entrance was blocked. The visit was made much more meaningful due to a free audio tour I downloaded from online, by tour guide Rick Steves, so I highly recommend it.
4.5 based on 421 reviews
These ancient ruins were restored in the early 20th century and now house a collection of ancient Greek sculpture.
While ancient ruins and artefacts are an Athens keynote, it was marvellous to see such a beautiful and faithful restoration splendidly reflecting the grandeur of the past. A gift to the city by Attalos II ruler of Pergamon for his excellent education courtesy of an Athenian it dates from around the middle of the 2nd century BCE. A fabulous colonnade is a highlight, with relatively unadorned Doric columns on the exterior, whilst the inner array has the Ionic style. With the purpose of reconstruction being as home to a museum of the Agora, from its dedication in 1956 it superbly fulfils the role.
4.5 based on 4,517 reviews
This ancient Greek temple, located on the Acropolis and dedicated to Hephaistos, god of the forge, is one of the few temples to be almost entirely preserved.
Located within the Ancient Agora area and opposite the Stoa of Attalos, the Temple of Hephaestus and Athena is beautifully located on a hill with great views of the Acropolis and the Stoa. The frieze around the edge of the temple is rather difficult to make out but it depicts the deeds of Theseus and Herakles
4.5 based on 17 reviews
A small church on Adrianou Street among several restaurant, well worth a visit. The church is much restored but with still great wall paintings (some are damaged) and icons . The caretaker did not speak English, but allowed taking pictures. The small garden in front of the church is quiet and nice.
4.0 based on 441 reviews
A pedestrian-only tourist haunt lined with lots of cafes and shops.
Lined with shops in the heart of Plaka, another must-walk street in Athens Continuing west along Adrianou, you will reach Aiolou street which then links up to the Pandrossou Street market which is also another very interesting walk with shops lining both sides. At the end of Pandrossou, you will reach Monastiraki Square and the flea market It is a nice, safe walk but as always, take precautions against pickpockets
4.0 based on 5,624 reviews
Lively flea market neighborhood with lots of small tavernas serving good-value local snacks.
My hotel was at a walkable distance from this vibrant and active Monastiraki square. There is a metro station, flea market, scores is shops selling souvenirs, cafes, fast-food joints, floating crowds from various parts of the world, and a panoramic view of Acropolis, all this add to the beauty of this Square. As advised by the receptionist at the hotel, one has to be a bit careful from pickpocketing. Evenings are very entertaining.
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