Athens Attractions, Travel & Hotel Guide

Athens is not only the capital of Greece, but also the cultural and historical centre of antiquity. This city fascinates its visitors both with its historical buildings bearing the traces of the past and its energy that harbours the dynamism of modern life. Athens has witnessed many important events that shaped world history. The Acropolis, the most iconic structure of the city, is one of the most beautiful examples of ancient Greek architecture. Structures such as the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion provide an in-depth look at Greek history with both historical significance and architectural elegance. While walking in Plaka, you can get lost in the ancient cobbled streets and find unique souvenirs at the flea market in Monastiraki.Athens is a unique city that combines the glorious traces of the past with the energy of modern life. With its historical buildings, vibrant streets, rich cuisine and energetic nightlife, Athens is a destination that appeals to all kinds of visitors. Whether you are a history buff or want to experience modern city life, you will always find something new to discover in Athens. Here we take a journey into the unique world of Athens.

Unknown Things About Athens?

The Oldest Capital of the World, Athens is one of the oldest capitals of the world with a recorded history of approximately 3,400 years. The city experienced its golden age in the 5th century BC and became a centre of philosophy, art and science.

First Modern Olympic Games, The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896. The Panathenaic Stadium was the venue for these games and can still be visited today. This stadium is made entirely of white marble and is the only one of its kind in the world.

The Name of Athens and Athena, Athens was named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, war and crafts. According to legend, the name of the city was determined as a result of a contest between Athena and Poseidon. Athena won the contest with the gift of an olive tree and the city was named after her.

The Underground City, the modern metro system of Athens, attracts attention with many archaeological finds unearthed during excavations. These finds, which are exhibited at the metro stations, also contain interesting clues about the history of the city. During the construction of the metro, roads, tombs and water channels from the Ancient Greek period were discovered.

Night illumination of the Acropolis, The Acropolis is illuminated at night with a special lighting system. This system was installed for the Athens Olympics in 2004, and the Parthenon and other buildings are spectacularly illuminated at night.

The Lost Rivers of Athens, Athens was surrounded by many rivers in ancient times, but most of them are hidden underground today. The Illisos and Eridanos rivers continue to flow beneath modern Athens and surface at some points.

The Secret Gardens of Athens, Athens has many hidden little gardens and parks. The hidden courtyards and green spaces, especially in the city centre, are also peaceful refuges for those who want to escape the busy city life.

Neoclassical Architecture, In addition to its ancient ruins, Athens is home to important examples of 19th century neoclassical architecture. The University of Athens, the Academy of Athens and the National Library on Panepistimiou Street are good examples of this style.

Athens' First Cafés, Athens' first cafés opened in the late 19th century and became a meeting point for intellectuals and artists. Even today, cafes in the city are an important part of social life and play a big role in the daily life of the locals.

Street Art of Athens, Athens has become one of the most important street art centres in Europe. Exarcheia, Psiri and Gazi districts are full of colourful graffiti and street art. It is possible to discover the modern art of the city by taking a walk in these areas.

Athens Events and Dates Festivals

Athens Epidaurus Festival, This festival is famous for the plays, concerts and dance performances held in the ancient theatre. The events, which take place in historical places such as the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, give visitors a fascinating atmosphere. It is organised between June and September.

Athens Marathon, The Athens Marathon is organised to commemorate Pheidippides' run from the Battle of Marathon to Athens. The marathon route follows a historical itinerary and the runners pass through the highlights of Athens. It is organised in November.

Athens Jazz Festival, The annual Athens Jazz Festival brings together local and international jazz artists. The festival takes place at the Technopolis cultural centre and is an unmissable opportunity for jazz lovers. It is organised in May.

Athens International Film Festival, Athens International Film Festival is an event where films from around the world are shown. During the festival, film screenings, workshops and talks are organised in various cinema halls. It is organised in September.

Greek Independence Day is celebrated on the day Greece declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire. It is organised in Athens with military parades, public demonstrations and various celebrations. It is held on 25 March.

Athens Carnival (Apokries), the carnival season in Athens, celebrated with colourful costumes, masks and parades. Fun events and parties are organised in areas such as Monastiraki and Plaka. It is held in February - March (3 weeks before Easter).

Ohi Day is a public holiday commemorating the day Greece rejected Italy's ultimatum during the Second World War. Military parades and public celebrations are held in Athens.

Athens Wine Week, This event is organised to promote Greek wines and bring wine lovers together. Wine tastings and gastronomy events are held in various venues. It is organised in May.

Athens Book Fair, This fair, where publishers, authors and book lovers come together, is an event full of book launches, book signings and panel discussions. It is organised in venues such as Zappeion Congress and Exhibition Centre. It is organised in September.

Athens Dance Festival, This festival, where contemporary dance companies perform, takes place in various theatres and open-air venues in Athens. An inspiring event for dance lovers. It is organised between June and July.

Don't forget to check the event and festival dates before you go.

Athens Public Holidays

New Year, Epiphany, Kathara Deftera, Independence Day and Annunciation, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Holy Spirit Day, Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Ohi Day, Christmas and After

When is the best time to enjoy Athens?

In spring, temperatures range between 15-25°C, which makes walking around the city and visiting historical sites very pleasant. There are fewer tourists than in summer, so popular tourist attractions are less busy.

During the summer, many festivals, open-air concerts and events are organised. Especially the performances at the Herodes Atticus Theatre on the Acropolis are unforgettable, you should definitely watch them if you come across them. There are also many beautiful beaches close to Athens and these beaches are very beautiful in summer. And the days are long during these months, so you have the chance to travel more and explore the city. One thing you should be aware of is that the temperatures can reach 30-35°C, so the hot weather may make you uncomfortable. These months are the peak periods for tourists, so don't forget to book early as hotels and tourist attractions can be crowded.

Autumn, Temperatures are milder than summer temperatures, usually varying between 20-30°C. As of the end of summer, the number of tourists is less, which allows you to travel more comfortably. Many cultural events and festivals are also held during these months, don't miss them.

Athens Don't Return Without Doing These!

Visit the Acropolis and Parthenon! One of the most iconic buildings of Athens and home to the Parthenon, the masterpiece of ancient Greek architecture. Take in spectacular views of the city from the top and discover ancient Greek history.

Visit the Acropolis Museum! In addition to the Acropolis, visit the modern Acropolis Museum. Here you can see artefacts and sculptures unearthed from the Acropolis.

Stroll through the Plaka Neighbourhood! One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Athens and famous for its narrow streets, traditional taverns and boutique shops. Wander around this picturesque neighbourhood and try authentic Greek cuisine.

Shop at Monastiraki Market! One of the most famous markets in Athens. You can find antiques, handmade products, souvenirs and much more. You can also try street flavours here.

Watch the Changing of the Guard in Syntagma Square! In Syntagma Square, in the heart of Athens, watch the changing of the guard of the Evzon soldiers, which takes place at the top of every hour in front of the Parliament Building. This ceremony is done in traditional dress and is quite impressive.

Discover the Ancient Agora!The Agora, where public meetings were held in ancient Greece, is home to many historical buildings that are still standing today. Stroll among the stoas and temples and learn about ancient Greek life.

Watch the View from Lycabettus Hill! Lycabettus Hill is the highest point of Athens. You can go to the top by cable car and watch the magnificent view of the city. Especially at sunset, this place has a mesmerising view.

Visit the National Archaeological Museum! The National Archaeological Museum, the largest archaeological museum in Greece, has a large collection of ancient Greek history. Here you can see archaeological finds from all over Greece.

See Panathinaiko Stadium! This historic stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic Games, is made entirely of marble. Take a tour and discover the history and importance of the stadium.

Experience the Nightlife of Athens! Athens is also famous for its vibrant nightlife. You can find many bars, clubs and live music venues in neighbourhoods such as Gazi and Psiri. Spend a fun night accompanied by Greek music.

Enjoy Greek Cuisine! Athens is the perfect place to taste delicious Greek food. There are many restaurants where you can try traditional Greek dishes such as souvlaki, moussaka, tzatziki and baklava. Especially try the taverns in the Plaka and Monastiraki areas.

Walk on Filopappos Hill! Located right next to the Acropolis, this hill is a great place for hiking and picnics. You can spend a peaceful time with a view of the Acropolis and the city from the hill.

Places to Visit in Athens

Acropolis is the most important temple of Ancient Greece and is located at the top of the Acropolis. Erechtheion, located next to the Parthenon, the Erechtheion temple is famous for its Caryatid sculptures. Propylon, the entrance gate to the Acropolis and architecturally very impressive.

Acropolis Museum, Acropolis Museum is a modern museum where artefacts excavated from the Acropolis are exhibited. You can see sculptures, vases, friezes and other archaeological finds here.

Stoa of Attalos, This restored building is one of the largest structures of the Ancient Agora and serves as a museum. The Temple of Hephaestus is the best preserved structure of the Agora and offers a view of Athens.

Plaka Quarter, Anafiotika This small neighbourhood above Plaka is famous for its narrow streets and whitewashed houses.

Monastiraki

Monastiraki Square, Monastiraki Square is an open-air market open every day of the week where you can find antiques, old books, vintage clothes, jewellery and other second-hand goods. Bargaining culture is also common here.

Monastiraki Market is a popular shopping spot for antiques, clothes and souvenirs.

Tzistarakis Mosque, this Ottoman-era mosque in Monastiraki Square is now a ceramics museum.

Syntagma Square

The Greek Parliament, this impressive building on Syntagma Square is home to the Parliament of Greece. Every hour on the hour, you can watch the changing of the guard ceremony of the Evzonos (Zeybeks) in front of the building.

The National Garden, a large park located just behind Syntagma Square, is an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature.

Lycabettus Hill

The View from the Hill is the highest point in Athens and offers a magnificent view of the city. It is especially impressive at sunset.

Lycabettus Theatre, the open-air theatre hosts various concerts and events during the summer months.

Panathinaiko Stadium

First Modern Olympic Games, This historic stadium hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and is made entirely of marble. It is one of the oldest stadiums in the world.

National Archaeological Museum

It has a large collection from Ancient Greece to the Roman Empire. You can see the most important works of Greek art here.

Hadrian's Gate and Temple of Zeus

Hadrian's Gate, built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, this gate marks the boundaries of the ancient city.

The Temple of Zeus is one of the largest ancient temples in Athens and attracts attention with its large columns.

Benaki Museum

Extensive Collection: exhibits artefacts from different periods of Greek history and art, from antiquity to the modern period.

Filopappos Hill

View from the Hill, this hill right next to the Acropolis is an ideal place for hiking and picnics. The view of the Acropolis and the city from the hill is magnificent.

Filopappos Monument, Located on the hill, this monument belongs to the Roman period and is a very impressive building.

National Library and Academy of Athens

Neo-Classical Architecture, These buildings are among the most important neo-classical buildings in Athens and have an impressive architecture. As the meeting point of the ancient and modern worlds, Athens has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant city life. The places on this list are great starting points to fully explore Athens and feel the spirit of the city.

Athens Most Beautiful Beaches

Astir Beach, located in the Vouliagmeni area, is famous for its luxury services and crystal clear sea. The beach has an entrance fee and sunbed and umbrella rental facilities are also available.

Asteras Glyfada Beach, located in the Glyfada area, is an organised beach offering a variety of water sports activities. There are many cafes and restaurants along the beach.

Yabanaki Beach, located in the Varkiza area, you also have the possibility to do various activities such as water sports, beach volleyball and playgrounds for children. It is also surrounded by cafes and restaurants.

Athens Food and Drink Recommendations

O Kostas, located in Monastiraki district, is one of the most famous souvlaki and gyro restaurants in Athens. The souvlaki, prepared with fresh and delicious ingredients, attracts great attention from locals and tourists.

Located in Monastiraki Square, Bairaktaris is a family-run business that has been serving quality souvlaki and gyro for many years.

Strofi, where you can taste traditional Greek dishes with a view of the Acropolis, is especially famous for its moussaka.

To Kati Allo, a small and friendly restaurant in Plaka, is known for its homemade moussaka and other traditional Greek dishes.

Varoulko Seaside, located in Piraeus Harbour, is famous for its fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Lefteris Lazarou's award-winning menu is a must-try.

Kollias, considered one of the best seafood restaurants in Athens, serves fresh fish and seafood, you should definitely try it.

Karakoy Gulluoglu, famous for its Turkish baklava in the centre of Athens, is an ideal stop for dessert lovers.

Serbetia in Psirri is a place where a variety of baklava and other traditional Greek sweets are made.

Daphne's in Plaka is known for its Greek salad prepared with fresh and organic ingredients.

Lukumades, a modern sweet shop in Monastiraki, is famous for its loukoumades with various fillings and sauces.

Bougatza Thessalonikis serves Thessaloniki style pastries, tiropita and other traditional pastries.

Mokka Speciality Coffee, located in the centre of Athens, makes speciality coffees prepared from carefully selected coffee beans, a must-try.

Where are the Athens entertainment venues, what are the recommendations?

Brettos, this historic bar in Plaka is known for its wide selection of tsipouro and ouzo. Open since 1909, Brettos is famous for its colourful bottles.

Heteroclito, located near Syntagma Square, this wine bar is known for its local wines and tsipouro.

Technopolis, a cultural centre in Gazi district, hosts art events and is famous for its live music and DJ performances. This venue, which is a former gas factory, attracts attention with its industrial atmosphere.

Six D.O.G.S., This versatile venue serves as a bar, club and art gallery. It attracts attention with its large garden, cosy seating areas and creative cocktails. In addition, various DJ performances and live music events are organised.

Athens Shopping Tips

In the Plaka area, various stalls are set up along Adrianou Street and sell handicrafts, traditional souvenirs, jewellery and local delicacies. Don't forget to bargain while shopping here. In Monastiraki Square you can find antiques, old books, vintage clothes, jewellery and other second-hand goods at this open-air market, open every day of the week. Wind Chimes, In the shops in Monastiraki area, you can find wind chimes, which are unique to Greece and can be bought as a souvenir for your home or loved ones.

Where is Athens and How to get there from Turkey?

Greece, Turkey's western neighbour, is located in Southeastern Europe. Athens, the capital and most populous city of Greece, is also the fourth largest capital city in Europe. Located in the Atitica Region in the south of Greece, the city is considered as the historical capital of Europe. There are different transport options for getting to Athens from Turkey. Here are some common transport methods that can be used to go to Athens from Turkey:

1. By plane

The fastest way to get to Athens from Turkey is by plane. There are direct flights from Istanbul to Athens. You can also reach Athens by connecting flights from other major cities. Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is the main airport serving the city.

2. By Bus or Private Car

You can travel from Turkey to Athens by road. In this case, you will need to use border crossings to enter Greece from Turkey. This journey is usually long and may involve many border controls.

3. By ferry

Ferry services to Greece are organised from various ports in Turkey. These ferries usually cross the Aegean Sea and reach Athens. There are ferries from Turkish ports such as Izmir, Çeşme, Bodrum to Greek islands and Athens.

4. By train

Travelling by train is also an option, but there is no direct train line. Therefore, you may need to transfer several times.

5. Car hire

Another option for travelling from Turkey to Athens is to rent a car. However, you should consider the border crossing rules and the policies of car rental companies when travelling between countries.

Each transport option has its advantages and disadvantages. Although the plane is usually the fastest and most comfortable option, other transport options can be considered depending on budget and preferences. It is important to get information about the itinerary, visa requirements and other logistical details before travelling.

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