Athens

Welcome to Athens

Cobbled backstreets, world-class restaurants, and an ancient hilltop citadel. Old meets new in Greek’s lively capital.

Overview

Athens exudes a unique charm, its lively character attracting thousands of visitors every year. Street markets, vine-covered tavernas, souvenir stalls and ancient monuments all form a conglomerate with buildings old and new in this city.

The greatest advantage for tourists is that most attractions are accessible on foot in the central area around the magnificent Acropolis, crowned by the iconic Parthenon temple. Since the 2004 Olympics, Athens has become a more sophisticated cosmopolitan city with new art and leisure precincts around town, stylish new restaurants, shops and revamped hotels.

Athens was named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, and can chart its history back thousands of years. It is the place where democracy was invented and philosophy, art and architecture were refined. However its hectic traffic and fast pace can be very daunting for young children and therefore is more suited as a destination for those who enjoy marvelling at classical history, colourful street markets and ancient exploration.

Weather

Summer in Athens is very hot and the pollution levels are high. The winders tend to be mild with cold nights. Therefore the best time to travel tends to be during the mild, sunny months of spring, May and June, or autumn, September and October.

The monthly average temperatures are:

°C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Day	13	13	16	20	25	30	32	32	29	23	18	14
Night	6	6	7	10	14	19	21	21	18	14	10	8

Shopping

When you have had enough history and culture, Athens can provide some fantastic shopping.

Its busiest shopping street is the pedestrianised Ermou (off Syntagma Square), where you can pick up souvenirs, clothing and accessories. If you want something a bit more upmarket then go to nearby Kolonáki for designer boutiques (such Versace and the celebrated Greek talent Eleftheriades). This area includes Tsakal of which is one of the most expensive streets in the world.

There are no massive retail outlets in the City centre, but in the northern suburb of Maroussi there is a large shopping mall, called The Mall.

There is a long tradition of silver and gold craftsmanship in Athens. Jewellers are concentrated in Kolonáki, with the expensive international outlets, such as Bulgari as well as up-and-coming Greek designers, such as Elena Votsi.

Typical Greek gifts include hand-woven rugs, known as flokati, copper coffee pots, virgin olive oil and honey, which can be found in the souvenir shops in Pláka. In the Monastiráki area (on the edge of Pláka), shops sell everything from combat army boots and second-hand books to fake designer sunglasses and ancient coins. Shops open out directly onto the street, bazaar style, while Sundays bring the Monastiráki Flea Market

The Kentrikí Agorá (Central Market) is housed in a huge 19th-century metal structure near Omonia Square and is a haven for buying fish, meat and fresh produce. Haggling is standard practice in the tourist areas of Athens and is essential in order to avoid paying extortionate prices.

entertainment

Athens’ hectic nightlife offers everything from sex shows and gay bars to traditional Greek music and dancing to classical concerts. One of the most unique and breathtaking venues for a live concert is in the theatre on Mount Lycavettos.

If you want an authentic Athenian evening, find a bar or club offering bouzouki or rembétika music. But if you are looking for something an international flavour there are many nightclubs and bars in the Syntagma, Thissio, Psirri, Gazi and Kolonáki areas of central Athens, as well as in the suburbs, such as Kifissia, Glyfada, Vouliagméni, Voula and Varkiza.

If you are looking for the trendiest place in town head for Gazi -venues worth looking in include Hoxton, Voutadon 42, and Tapas, Triptolemou 44. Closer to the centre, Psirri caters for those holidaymakers with more mainstream tastes.

If clubbing is more your thing, Athens' top clubs include Boudoir at Deligianni 50 and Georganta in Kifissia, Envy at Ag Eleoussis and Kakourgodikiou, and Mao at Ag Anargiron and Agatharhou 3, both in Psirri close to Monastiráki metro station

excursions

Despite the wealth of history, museums and shopping in Athens you may be tempted to travel further a field to see what else the area has to offer. Here are just a few of the wonders that can be found:

Cape Sounion – seaside resort over looked by the Temple of Poseidon
Delphi (Temple of Apollo and the Sacred Way)
Argo-Saronic Islands
Peloponnese (Corinth, Epidaurus and Mycenae)
Mount Párintha
Monastery of Daphni
Marathon
Koutouki Cave

If you would prefer a little rest, relaxation and sun you can always head for the beach. South of Athens are the three beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagménia and Varkiza.

Health & Safety

There are no specific health risks in Greece, and medical facilities vary but in major cities they are excellent.

Food and water are safe, but those visiting for short periods should consider sticking to bottled water.

Greece is considered a safe destination, but the height of the tourist season does usually see an increase in petty theft cases, particularly in crowded areas. Therefore you would be advised not to carry valuables with you.