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Athens

The Birthplace of Western Culture

Athens

Athens used to be a one-night stand to experience the Acropolis before heading out to one of the Greek islands, but those who still do that today are missing a capital that is increasingly more of a global city, more stylish, and more cosmopolitan. While "pretty" would be the last word used to describe most of the city and its concrete apartment blocks, stepping into the pedestrian streets in the Plaka district below the Acropolis reveals an attractive, charming, more relaxed city, and a thriving outdoor culture.

Outdoor cafes and restaurants are packed, and seaside clubs are filled with enthusiastic young crowds, all enjoying the year-round sun and mild nights. Traditional tavernas remain excellent dining choices, but modern restaurants serving contemporary interpretations of Mediterranean cuisine now compete as top gastronomic experiences.

While you'll come for the history, the myths, and the legends, it is Athens' post-2004 Olympics spruced-up modern face and vibrant life that will make you stay just a little longer before hopping on a ferry to Greek island bliss.


Athens
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TOP 10 ATHENS

  1. Seeing the Parthenon and the Acropolis.
  2. The fascinating art of ancient Greece in the National Archaeological Museum.
  3. The archaeological treasures of the Acropolis Museum.
  4. A walk through the ancient PLAKA district.
  5. The majestic Temple of Olympian Zeus.
  6. The fine private art collection of the Benaki Museum.
  7. Streetlife, bars, and shopping in PSYRRI and ERMOU STREET.
  8. Classic and contemporary Greek art together with European masters in the National Gallery.
  9. The outstanding collection of Christian art in the Byzantine Museum.
  10. A walk from SYNTAGMA to KOTZIA SQUARE.



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HOTELS & HOSTELS


The city's best design, boutique, charm, and luxury hotels, as well as cheap hostels with easy online booking at special rates. All of the best, special, and hip places to stay are HERE (Athens Hotels & Hostels Guide)>>

SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES


The Acropolis and the city's must-see landmarks, classic and modern art, striking architecture and ancient sites, street life, daytrips, and tours - it's all HERE (Athens Sightseeing Guide)>>

RESTAURANTS & CAFÉS


Start with the locals at a café, be sure to experience a traditional or modern taverna, and try out one of the more sophisticated menus at the new restaurants that are diversifying Athens' restaurant scene. Where to find them all is HERE (Athens Restaurants Guide)>>

BARS & CLUBS


Pryrri and Gazi are the neighborhoods to start your night of bar-hopping and clubbing in Athens. Join the Athenians on the streets or choose a cocktail bar before hitting the dancefloor at a club. The places to check out are HERE (Athens Nightlife Guide)>>

BODY & SOUL


For a body and soul treatment in Greece you'll probably escape to one of the islands. But if you're not leaving the big capital city, you can find your own escape at one of these spas:
Divani Athens Spa - If you're truly looking for the best treatments in Athens, this luxurious center is the place. There are several saunas, Turkish baths, a large pool, and a gym. Special treatments include algotherapy (with seaweeds) and sea-water hydromassage.
Grand Bretagne Spa - As one of Athen's most luxurious hotels, the Grand Bretagne naturally offers a spa and fitness center, offering massages, Jacuzzi, and both outdoor and indoor swimming pools.

SHOPPING


The pedestrian-only Ermou Street is where most locals and visitors go to shop, although the more exclusive addresses are the streets of the Kolonaki district. All the places to find an original Athenian creation are found HERE (Athens Shopping Guide)>>

GAY & LESBIAN


Proving that modern Greeks can be just as gay as their ancient ancestors, Greece is a major gay mecca, especially the island of Mykonos. But to get there most pass through Athens, whose gay attractions are all found HERE (Athens Gay Guide)>>

AIRPORT & TRANSPORTATION


How to go from Athens airport to the center of the city and back, how to get around using public transportation, and city map HERE (Athens Airport & Transportation Guide)>>