Athenian Attractions

Greece’s current economic climate may be in a state of turmoil, but for tourists looking to get a deal on their travel expenses, the timing couldn’t be better. Hotel and transportation prices are down, making it easier to visit that extra island or stay at that fancy hotel over looking the Aegean. When you fly into Athens, you will want to take in everything Greece’s capitol has to offer. Yet, amidst the bustling city of modern day Athens, it may be a bit daunting deciding where to start your travels. Exploring an ancient city within a modern day metropolis has its advantages. Here is a guide to getting the best of both worlds.

Plaka: The old town section of Athens, this city within a city is the oldest neighborhood in Athens. Once known for its bohemian charm, the Plaka is now one of the most visited places in Greece. Nestled underneath the Acropolis, the Plaka is home to beautiful tavernas, some of the best jewelry shops in Greece and street musicians. The Plaka has two main streets which divides the neighborhood in two sections: Adrianou Street and Kydatheneon Street. If you are looking to pick up a souvenir or two, then Adrianou Street is the place to go. Lined with jewelry and souvenir shops, Adrianou Street offers everything from postcards, traditional worry beads (komboloi), ashtrays, matis (evil eye pendants) and t-shirts. After securing your souvenirs, you will want to head over to Kydatheneon Street. Cafes and tavernas line this street, where you can fill your stomach with traditional Greek food and drink. Be sure to ask for a glass of ouzo on ice, Greece’s liquor of choice. Brace yourself for the strong black liquorice after taste! Whether you’re sipping ouzo and enjoying the street musicians beautiful music or picking out a piece of Grecian jewelry, the Plaka is a must-see Grecian attraction.

Acropolis: The number one tourist spot in Greece may be an obvious attraction for first-time, or even fifty-time visitors, but the Acropolis still deserves a spot on this list. Be sure to bring your tennis shoes, the Acropolis is an uphill walk, and the crumbled marble from the Parthenon now covers the ground, making it an uneven and less than easy walk. It costs roughly 12 euro or about $16 to walk to the top of the Acropolis. The views are simply breathtaking; textbooks don’t do it justice. The Acropolis is definitely not an attraction to write-off, its majesty is something everyone should experience.

Acropolis Hill, Plaka
00 30 210 321 4172
Daily 8am-7pm (summer); 8.30am-3pm (winter).

Syntagma Square: Home to the Greek Parliament Building, political protests and upscale hotels, Syntagma Square is the sometimes-turbulent, always-bustling heart of Athens. As Greece is in the middle of an economic meltdown, Syntagma Square may be more on the turbulent side with potential student and civilian protests. If you decide to make Syntagma Square one of your tourist destinations, remember to play it safe and keep your distance from the protesters. You don’t want your trip to end up a Greek tragedy.

National Garden of Athens: Think of it as the Greek equivalent of Central Park, the National Garden of Athens is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Athens. The 15.5 hectares of greenery is located directly behind the Greek Parliament Building. Commissioned in 1838 by Queen Amalia, the Garden was completed in 1840 as a refuge for the King and Queen. In 1878, the Danish architect Theophil Freiherr von Hansen designed the neo-classical Zappeion Hall, located within the Garden. Zappeion Halls was later used as the site for the first modern Summer Olympics in 1896. Today, tourists are free to roam the gardens and tour public exhibitions.

Amalias 1, Athens
00 30 210 721 5019
Southern Extension Open 24/7

National Archaeological Museum, Athens: Greece’s largest and most popular museum, the National Archaeological Museum, Athens contains relics from Mycenae, sculptures dating back to 2,000 B.C.E. and the largest collection of Egyptian art in the world. N.A.M.A. is considered to be one of the greatest museums in the world and has the largest collection of artifacts from Grecian antiquity. Be sure to make time for your trip to N.A.M.A, there’s a lifetime of Greek history to absorb.

Patission 44, Omonia
00 30 210 821 7717
Tue-Sun 8am-7pm, Mon 1pm-7pm (summer); Tues-Sun 8.30am-3pm, Mon 1pm-7pm (winter).