The Athens 1-Day Square Tour

Description:

The Amalia is situated just a stone's throw from Syntagma Square. This 4-star hotel is a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city, despite its central location. It faces the National Garden, and the old town of Plaka is only a short stroll away. The recently renovated rooms measure 20 square meters and feature air conditioning and TV sets. The rooms in front overlook the National Garden, the Greek Parliament and Lycabettus Hill.

Description:

The tourist information office is operated by the Greek National Tourism Organisation. The helpful staff will provide you with brochures and maps of Athens and all other regions of Greece. They will also answer your questions regarding tourist attractions, local transportation, ferry connections to the Greek Islands, cruises, railway and inter-city bus services, domestic flight schedules and anything else you might need to know while on vacation in Greece.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great place to watch the sunset.

Description:

What would be better than sitting and having a drink and looking out towards the historical Acropolis? The Galaxy bar at the Hilton provides guests with this exquisite view. The bar has a host of activities to keep any ardent bar goer happy - from live music by DJ's to a five-star list of beer, cocktails and wine as well as a snack menu. From May to October, you can drink alfresco on the private terrace.

Our Local Expert Says:

A hotel that gets you up and away without taking you far away. Fantastic views.

Description:

Built high on the slopes of Lykavittos Hill, this hotel offers spectacular views of the city. It is located in the trendy Kolonaki district, surrounded by elegant boutiques and restaurants. Syntagma Square is just a 15-minute walk away. All rooms (some with a view of the Acropolis) are equipped with a hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, voice mail and data port. Other amenities include a rooftop outdoor swimming pool, a library, two restaurants and a bar. Original works of art are on display in the hotel's public spaces. The hotel's restaurant and bar Frame is a hot spot during summer months as it offers alfreco dinning.

Our Local Expert Says:

New cool and casual bar in Gazi. In the summer the pedestrian walk in front of this bar gets crowded with a fun young crowd enjoying pop-rock music. (Keramikos metro)

Description:

Hoxton flaunts its industrial design setting. Couches line the walls of this dimly lit bar while modern art and rock music create a cool ambience. Hoxton is one of many bars that has opened in Gazi. It is fun to explore this up-and-coming neighborhood.

Description:

This 19th Century luxury hotel upholds its high tier reputation, presentation, and hospitality. Well-furnished rooms and earth tone blends add class and prestige to every room ranging from the classic and deluxe rooms, to the presidential and royal suites. The hotel has a diverse selection of restaurants to suit all appetites: The Grande Bretagne Corner restaurant is cozily situated inside the hotel, the Grande Bretagne Roof Garden offers a fantastic view of the city, and in particular, the Acropolis. The Winter Garden has a peaceful oasis decor, as well as live piano music, and finally there is a private dining room called The Cellar, which is available by reservation only. A pool side bar is available, as well as a more formal one on the interior. There is also an outstanding spa! The Grande Bretagne is part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Description:

This boutique hotel is set in the centre of historic Athens, 200 metres from the Acropolis and 400 metres from the Temple of Zeus.

• 
  
  The 38 guestrooms feature warm decor and modern furnishings; all offer air conditioning, balconies and satellite television.
• 
  
  Guests can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in the restaurant, relax with drinks in the bar, and order from the room service menu.
• 
  
  Closest metro stop: Acropolis.

Description:

This hotel is situated in the historic district just opposite from the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. The hotel was completely refurbished in 2007. The rooms at the front of the hotel face the Temple of Olympian Zeus and back rooms on the 6th and 7th floor look onto the Acropolis. All are equipped with a mini bar, safe, 27"LCD TV, WiFi internet access and some with bathtubs as oppose to showers. There are also smoking and non-smoking floors. Other services include a TV lounge, baby-sitting, laundry service, meeting rooms and a roof garden bar and restaurant. The Acropolis, Syntagma Square and tourist attractions are within walking distance. The nearest metro stop is Acropolis - just across from the New Acropolis Museum.

Description:

This trendy nightclub commands a fantastic view of the Acropolis and the Lykavittos Hill from its roof terrace. The spectacular setting and the beautiful décor make Exo one of the best places in town for partying until the early morning hours. Hordes of beautiful people come each night to socialize and dance to the latest hits. The nightclub also features a restaurant with an equally impressive view, serving international specialties and sushi. Exo is a fifteen-minute walk from Syntagma Square.

Description:

One of the most authentic places for an alfresco dinner in Plaka is Xynos. Once you have managed to find the rather hidden entrance of this traditional taverna, you will discover the serene garden in the backyard where the tables have been set up. The unpretentious cuisine serves traditional Greek fare such as lamb, piglet and several vegetarian dishes. Musicians will accompany your dinner with a serenade of old songs.

Our Local Expert Says:

Location, location, location. A picture perfect view of the Parthenon from the terrace of this café.

Description:

Dionysos Zonar's Restaurant occupies one of the world's most privileged locations. Customers can enjoy the view of the magnificent Acropolis while enjoying their coffee at Dionysos. The view is even better from the restaurant located on the top floor serving Greek and international cuisine. The complex named after the Greek God of wine is the ideal resting place after a visit to the Acropolis. Customers can sit either in the courtyard or on the terraces shaded by tall trees. The café opens for breakfast and stays open until after midnight.

Description:

Restaurant Taverna Plaka is located in the heart of old downtown Athens, and offers authentic Greek dishes, Greek wine, and a typically warm and friendly atmosphere. Great for either lunch or dinner it has a terrific view of the Acropolis and of central Plaka.

Description:

Located on the 7th floor of Hotel King George II, Tudor Hall is a magnificent restaurant which has an enviable panoramic view of Athens. It serves international and traditional Greek cuisine, and offers an unforgettable high calibre of service. Centrally located in Syntagma square it is easily accessible by either metro or car.

Description:

The Dora Stratou Dance Theatre sponsors a festival each summer which offers an excellent opportunity for guests to sample this wealth of customs and traditions through a spectacular presentation of Greek folk dances. The dances and songs (from all parts of Greece) are performed by a group of 75 dancers, musicians and singers all decked in traditional costumes. This garden theatre which has a capacity for 900 persons is located at the back of Philopappou Hill, near the Acropolis.

Description:

The southern slope of the Acropolis is the site of two ancient theaters. The one dedicated to Dionysos is the world's oldest theatre built in the 6th century BC. A few meters to the west is the Odeon of Herod Atticus, built under Roman rule. The Odeon, standing out for its impressive façade, was constructed by Herod Atticus in memory of his late wife. This majestic semicircular theater holding 5,000 people was inaugurated in 161 AD, but was destroyed a century later. Nowadays, the restored open-air Odeon serves as the city's major theater. The architectural beauty and the location just beneath the Acropolis makes it one of the world's most impressive venues for concerts and performances which are part of the Athens Festival. Check the Athens Festival calendar during the months of June through September. A short walk from the Acropolis metro station.

Description:

Hadrian's Arch stands on the corner of Amalias and Vassilissis Olgas avenues, right next to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. This tall marble structure was once the city gate connecting the original town of Athens (what is now Plaka) with the Roman quarters. Each side of the arch features an inscription to be read by people passing through. The inscription on the west side facing the Acropolis reads This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus, while the other one reads This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus.

Description:

At 360 feet long and 143 feet wide, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is said to be one of the largest temples in the ancient world. The size of the remaining colossal columns gives an idea of its scale. Adjacent to this site is Hadrian's Arch built by Emperor Hadrian to mark the boundary of his city and the classical city. On one side of the frieze the inscription reads "This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus" and on the other side "This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus". From here walk into the Plaka or to the National Gardens,the Zappeion and further on the Panathenaic Stadium. Closest metro station, Acropolis or a 10 minute walk from Syntagma Square.

Our Local Expert Says:

A lively place at any time of the day to mix and relax alongside the locals.

Description:

Lallabai cafe is the more casual half of the Aeigli complex, also well known for its excellent restaurant, Cibus. The location is ideal, being just at the perimeter of the National Gardens and across the street from the old Olympic Stadium and Temple of Zeus. A neighboring outdoor cinema plays current releases throughout the summer. During the winter, heating mushrooms are put on the terrace and non-smokers choose to sit in the cafe's elegant interior.

Light snacks, sandwiches, coffees and sweets are served all day. While prices are high for the fare, the quality is better than average. Service is not their strong suit so don't lose energy or impatience expecting your server to check on you; do as the locals and wave, even call out. It's not rude.

Description:

In 1856 visionary Evangelos Zappas had the idea to build a center suitable for hosting exhibitions and cultural events and some years later the Zappeion was constructed in neoclassical style with a Corinthian portico with surrounding gardens following strict geometric French models. In 1896 the building was used as a venue to host fencing events at the First Olympic Games and subsequently many important events took place on the grounds. Following extensive renovations competed only recently, the building is being used to host notable international events. Its architectural features are detailed and beautiful especially the peristyle atrium.

Description:

The National Gardens are located off Syntaga Square next to the Parliament building. This oasis in the city was originally the private gardens for the royal palace (now the Parliament). In the 1840s, Queen Amalia had horticulturalists bring in over 10,000 domestic and exotic plants, many of which still remain. The garden was opened to the public in 1923, however over time it fell into neglect. Efforts were made to restore the vegetation, paths, pond, etc. and prior to the 2004 Olympics the gardens were fully transformed. Winding paths lead past statues, fountains and a small bird sanctuary. There is also a botanical museum, duck pond and playground and a small zoo housing domestic animals. Nowadays joggers take to the paths and families bring their children to play. Tucked to one side is a small cafe (along Irodou Attikou street) and the southern entrance leads into the Zappeion Gardens.

Description:

Also known as Kallimarmaro, the Panathenaic Stadium is where the First Olympic Games were revived in 1896. This u-shaped marble stadium has a capacity to seat 70,000 spectators and is used to host large-scale events. Its gates are only open when events are held, but it is still possible to view this impressive and historic structure. The Olympic marathon event which starts 42 kilometers away at Marathon finishes here. Greek runner Spiros Louis won the marathon during the 1896 summer Olympics. Opposite the stadium are the National Gardens and Zappeion Conference & Exhibition Center. During the summer, watch a film at the outdoor cinema called Aegli adjacent to the Zappeion. Other points of interest include the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch and the National Gardens.

Description:

In front of the Parliament building in Syntagma Square, the "Evzones," an elite section of of the Greek regular army, stand guard in front of a symbolic tomb representing those who died for Greece in battle.
Dressed in their red caps and fustanellas (traditional mountain costume worn by the irregular fighters in the Greek Revolution) they make an impressive sight against the marble tomb. The ceremony to change posts takes place each hour. They work with the same partner for their entire length of service to perfect their slow, choreographed movements together.

On the half hour, you can catch them in a similar "dance" while they're permitted to stretch. Beyond that, you shouldn't see them so much as swat a fly.

Description:

The focal point of Syntagma Square is the parliament building which stands at the highest point of the square. Built in 1840 under King Otto, this monumental building served as the royal palace until 1910, when it was destroyed by fire. It reopened in 1935 as the seat of the National Assembly. The changing of the guard takes place in front of the building every hour on the hour. This ceremony—which presents a great photo opportunity—is performed by a larger group of soldiers every Sunday.

Description:

The construction work undertaken on the city's metro system during the 1990s brought an unprecedented number of archaeological finds to light. Some of these finds can be seen at the metro station on Syntagma Square. The exhibits include ancient grave stones, an aqueduct from the 5th century BC, pottery, a 2,000-year old beehive and a mosaic from the 5th century AD. Most interesting is the geological cross-section on display, with each layer of earth representing a different historical period. An example of this would be the grave containing a skeleton from the 4th century BC lying a few meters below a 16th-century cistern.