Travel to Athens

About Athens

Greece's capital city is still clustered around the Acropolis at its ancient heart but has plenty of modern attractions as well. It's home to one of the finest archaeological museums in the world and is full of ancient Greek sights, so anyone with a historical interest will find it hard to resist. Modern Athens offers fabulous food, trendy nightlife areas like Exarcheia and the markets of Monastiraki. If you want to party, dine or shop Athens has everything you need.

Quick Guide to Athens

• Must Know: Athens is a big place, so using public transport is essential. If you're there for a week, buying a 5 day ticket is a great idea. It covers every form of transport and provides unlimited journeys.
• Must See: Be sure to visit the Acropolis and climb Lycabettus Hill for stunning photo opportunities - and there's even a cute funicular railway to the top.
• Must Do: Food is another major attraction in Athens. Don't stick to Greek salad. Try the stews like Kleftiko or Stifado. The Plaka is a great place to look for quaint, family run restaurants.
• Did You Know: Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, it has been constantly inhabited for at least 3,000 years.

Walking Around in Athens

Athens is a haven for food, art, culture, and history. Walking the city is one of the best ways to experience its sights and attractions like a local. The best place to start walking around Athens is Syntagma Square, which is located right in the center of the city. At the top of Syntagma Square is the iconic Parliament Building, which was once the King's Palace. The square also leads to Ermou Street, the city's main shopping avenue that ends at Gazi, where nightlife comes alive at dusk. Parallel to Ermou Street is Metropolis Street, which hosts the largest and most elaborate cathedral in the city, situated next to another historic church built around 1050. For refreshments and food, nothing beats Aeolou Street and the Psiri neighborhood. These two areas of the city are lined with small cafes, bars, and restaurants serving everything from just coffee to vegetarian foods. These are the places to be when the hunger pangs hit. Along Aeolou Street is Dimarchos Square, which hosts the city hall and is a favorite for those who want to feed pigeons while relaxing.