Visitors Guide to Athens
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Guide no: 1268
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History, Geography, Tourism
Climate
Plane, Train, Boat, Car
Health, Entry Requirements, Security etc
Cities, Museums, Castles, Churches, Monuments, Natural Phenomena
About Athens
Athens is the capital of Greece and one of the oldest cities in the World. It is steeped in history and strewn with historic buildings and monuments dating back to the Ancient greek period. Its most famous building, the Parthenon, was built between 447-432 BC.
The city's air quality, which was a problem in the 70s-80s, has been greatly improved. This, combined with the refurbishment of the city that occurred in preparation for the 2004 Olympics, has turned Athens into a modern exciting city. Athens is a pleasure to explore either on foot or by using its new Metro which, with its displays of artefacts recovered during its excavation, is the most pleasant in the world.
To get the most out of your visit it is a good idea to accustomise yourself with the location and characteristics of its different neighbourhoods.
Plaka - The oldest area of the city, Plaka lies just beneath the Acropolis. It is mainly a pedestrian area and is one of the most popular with numerous cafes and resturants interspersed amongst small tourist shops selling all sorts gifts and souvenirs especially jewelry.
Psiri - Thisseio - This is the nightlife district. By day it is a variety of small shops and workshops selling practical items but at night everything changes. The bars and restaurants open, spilling their chairs and tables into the streets. Music from the Clubs and restaurants can be heard until the early hours.
Syntagma - Leading from Syntagma, the largest square in Athens and home to the Greek parliament, you will find Ermou Street with its expensive boutiques and shopping centres.
Kolonaki- A Prestigious area of upmarket boutiques and classy restaurants and also home to a number of art galeries and museums.
Monastiraki An area of small inexpensive shops and known for its flea market.
Omonoia - Commercial district Omonoia square is surounded by hotels and chain restuarants. Should be avoided at night.
For more comprehensive information about Athens visit Website or Website
It's likely, if you are looking for a place to stay in Athens, that a city centre apartment may well be ideal, but it is worth remembering that the coast and its resorts are not very far from Athens. Hiring a villa or vacation house with a pool here may well provide a peaceful and cooler getaway from the bustle of the city, especially if you are planning a family holiday.
Athens is the capital of Greece and one of the oldest cities in the World. It is steeped in history and strewn with historic buildings and monuments dating back to the Ancient greek period. Its most famous building, the Parthenon, was built between 447-432 BC.
The city's air quality, which was a problem in the 70s-80s, has been greatly improved. This, combined with the refurbishment of the city that occurred in preparation for the 2004 Olympics, has turned Athens into a modern exciting city. Athens is a pleasure to explore either on foot or by using its new Metro which, with its displays of artefacts recovered during its excavation, is the most pleasant in the world.
To get the most out of your visit it is a good idea to accustomise yourself with the location and characteristics of its different neighbourhoods.
Plaka - The oldest area of the city, Plaka lies just beneath the Acropolis. It is mainly a pedestrian area and is one of the most popular with numerous cafes and resturants interspersed amongst small tourist shops selling all sorts gifts and souvenirs especially jewelry.
Psiri - Thisseio - This is the nightlife district. By day it is a variety of small shops and workshops selling practical items but at night everything changes. The bars and restaurants open, spilling their chairs and tables into the streets. Music from the Clubs and restaurants can be heard until the early hours.
Syntagma - Leading from Syntagma, the largest square in Athens and home to the Greek parliament, you will find Ermou Street with its expensive boutiques and shopping centres.
Kolonaki- A Prestigious area of upmarket boutiques and classy restaurants and also home to a number of art galeries and museums.
Monastiraki An area of small inexpensive shops and known for its flea market.
Omonoia - Commercial district Omonoia square is surounded by hotels and chain restuarants. Should be avoided at night.
For more comprehensive information about Athens visit Website or Website
It's likely, if you are looking for a place to stay in Athens, that a city centre apartment may well be ideal, but it is worth remembering that the coast and its resorts are not very far from Athens. Hiring a villa or vacation house with a pool here may well provide a peaceful and cooler getaway from the bustle of the city, especially if you are planning a family holiday.
Climate
Athens has a Mediterranean Climate with hot dry summers and mild winters.
The temperatures listed below are average temperatures. In July and August the temperature can reach 40C making the city centre unbearably hot. Rainfall can occur throughout the year with most falling in the summer months.
Winter (Dec - Feb) 7c - 15c
Spring (Mar - May) 8c - 24c
Summer (Jun - Aug) 20C - 31c
Autumn (Sep - Nov) 28c - 12c
Athens has a Mediterranean Climate with hot dry summers and mild winters.
The temperatures listed below are average temperatures. In July and August the temperature can reach 40C making the city centre unbearably hot. Rainfall can occur throughout the year with most falling in the summer months.
Winter (Dec - Feb) 7c - 15c
Spring (Mar - May) 8c - 24c
Summer (Jun - Aug) 20C - 31c
Autumn (Sep - Nov) 28c - 12c
Museums National Archaeological Museum Website
The Acropolis Museum Website
The Benaki Museum Website
National Gallery Website
Athens Planetarium
The Acropolis Museum Website
The Benaki Museum Website
National Gallery Website
Athens Planetarium
Historic Buildings Parthenon (Acropolis) Ancient Greek Temple.
Ancient Agora (Monastiraki) Ancient Greek market/gathering place
Hadrian's Arch (Syntagma)
Roman Forum (Plaka) - Agora built by Julius Ceasar
Kerameikos (Monastiraki) - Ancient burial site
Temple of Olympian Zeus (Plaka)
Theater of Dionysos (Acropolis) Massive open air theatre
Ancient Agora (Monastiraki) Ancient Greek market/gathering place
Hadrian's Arch (Syntagma)
Roman Forum (Plaka) - Agora built by Julius Ceasar
Kerameikos (Monastiraki) - Ancient burial site
Temple of Olympian Zeus (Plaka)
Theater of Dionysos (Acropolis) Massive open air theatre
Further afield Greek Reptile Centre
Parks Escape the heat of the city and visit either
The National Gardens - With its selections of plants, duck ponds and peacocks, this is a good place to escape the heat of the city.
Lycabettus Hill (the highest in Athens) where you can enjoy a drink in a restaurant with views across the whole of the city. To reach the top you can take the funicular car or if you are feeling very energetic walk to the top.
Philopappou Hill where you can enjoy a great view of the Acropolis and the Agean sea.
The National Gardens - With its selections of plants, duck ponds and peacocks, this is a good place to escape the heat of the city.
Lycabettus Hill (the highest in Athens) where you can enjoy a drink in a restaurant with views across the whole of the city. To reach the top you can take the funicular car or if you are feeling very energetic walk to the top.
Philopappou Hill where you can enjoy a great view of the Acropolis and the Agean sea.
Zoos Attica Zoological Park