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HOTELS. HOSTELS. DESIGN. STYLE. TRENDS.
TOP 10 SIGHTS. ART. ARCHITECTURE.
RESTAURANTS. BARS. CLUBS. SPAS. SHOPS.




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

Top 10

  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.


ALSO CHECK OUT UCITYGUIDES' Mykonos & Santorini Guide

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A CITY FOR: Culture, Nightlife

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The Best Athens Hotels

DESIGN HOTELS:
Its name is its address and the number of rooms available. Twenty-One Hotel presents a contemporary décor and is one of the hippest places to stay in the Greek capital along with Fresh Hotel and Life Gallery. Get more details about these and other Design Hotels in Athens HERE>>

BOUTIQUE HOTELS:
The Baby Grand is a colorful hotel with a unique ambience, while St. George Lycabettus opened in 1974 but offers a chic contemporary decor after a makeover in 2003. Get more information about these and other Boutique Hotels in Athens HERE>>

CHARM HOTELS:
Featuring a colonial-style décor, The Margi has warm, intimate rooms, some of which offering wonderful views. Find out more about this Charm Hotel in Athens HERE>>

LUXURY HOTELS:
When it comes to opulence, no other hotel in Athens beats the Grande Bretagne, while the Astir Palace offers wonderful sea views from its tastefully decorated rooms. Know more about these and other Luxury Hotels in Athens HERE>>

CHEAP HOSTELS:
Athens Studios is a stylish choice for budget travelers, while Athens Backpackers ranks as one of the favorite hostels thanks to its excellent location and facilities. Discover these and other Cheap Hostels in Athens HERE>>

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MORE ATHENS:
Sights & Attractions
Hotels & Hostels
Bars & Clubs
Cafés & Restaurants
Shopping
Body & Soul
Gay & Lesbian
Map & Transportation
Car Rental
Tours & Daytrips
Concerts & Events

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)>>

Cafés & Restaurants
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)>>

Getting Around
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)>>