Overview to Athens: Travel Guide and Tourist Information
- Athens Information
- Eating & drinking in Athens
- Night life in Athens
- Getting around in Athens
- Things to do in Athens
- Where to stay in Athens
- Athens street map
Think of Athens and many travelers don’t get much further beyond the image of imposing ancient ruins. But the appeal of the city isn’t limited to its matchless collection of historical monuments; it’s also one of Europe’s more vibrant, modern cities.
Sprawling across the central plain of Attica, the city is bound by Mount Aegaleo in the west, Mount Parnitha in the north, Mount Penteli in the northeast, Mount Hymettus in the east and the Saronic Gulf in the southwest.
Rising up from the busy city center is the site of the former city, famously located on the hill of the Acropolis. Known as the 'Sacred Rock', the hill houses some of the most important remains of ancient Greek civilization.
There are few more impressive sights in the world than the Parthenon. Built in the 5th century BC, it stands, along with the Erechtheion and the Temple of Nike, as a stunning reminder of a society whose achievements underpin so much of modern life.
At the foot of the Acropolis, the historic quarter of Plaka is the first point of call for most visitors. While it’s home to the staggering Temple of Zeus and the touristy Adrianou and Kydatheneon streets, it’s also undeniably one of the most idyllic quarters of the city.
Elsewhere in Athens, however, there are plenty more fascinating districts to explore. Monastiraki (a little to the northeast of Plaka) has an excellent flea market where you can pick up anything from fresh melons to handbags and rugs.
A little further north, Psiri (an old working-class leather-makers’ district), is an intriguing place to while away an afternoon. And for something a little smarter, streets such as Patriarchou Ioakeim in Kolonaki are full of classy boutiques and chic cafés.
Athens mixes understated neighborhoods like Omonia, Exarhia and Pangrati, with its many examples of the grand, the ancient and the beautiful to great effect. Across the city, some new delight lies around practically every corner, waiting to be uncovered.