Athens

What You Should Know More About Athens

• Travel Advice

  •      Respect the Greek language, heritage, and local traditions.
  •      Do not make fun of Greek superstitions.
  •      Learn local traditions and a few phrases in the local language.
  •      Do not use harsh speech. Locals are traditional and friendly people.
  •      Do not be too detached.
  •      Always give gifts when you visit anyone.
  •      Mind your manners at the dining table.
  •      Dress moderately even on beaches.
  •      Try their local cuisine and ingredients.

• Drinking Law

  The legal drinking age in Athens is 18 years and above.

• Our Recommendations: What you can’t afford to miss?

  Landmarks and parks

  
  

  The Acropolis is a heritage site and an ancient town that dates back to the Bronze Age. There are many classical buildings, Parthenons, temples, and historical sites that symbolize the culture and tradition of Greece. The Ancient Agora is an ancient site that gives a beautiful view of Acropolis. Here you can visit the Temple of Hephaestus, which is a well preserved Greek temple. Syntagma Square is the Parliament building and make sure you stand only on the right side here. The Kerameikos is a cemetery and has a museum that showcases many archaeological items.

  The Temple of Olympian Zeus is now in ruins. Panathinaiko Stadium is in a horseshoe shape.  Lycabettus Hill is good for taking walking tours and gives a good view of the sea. Parnitha National Park has gorges, springs, caves, and paths. This is a good site for hiking, mountain biking, and many other outdoor activities. The National Garden of Athens is a beautiful park and has rich vegetation, flowers, and duck ponds. It has a small zoo and children’s play area.

  
  

  Museums and galleries

  
  

   The National Art Gallery has paintings and art works from the best of Greek and European artists. The City of Athens Technopolis is an industrial museum that depicts the cultural history of the city. 

• What you will like there?

  Places to visit for sightseeing

  
  

  Parthenon is entirely made in marble and used to be the main temple in Athena in ancient times. This was a popular religious centre. Acropolis is great for hiking along the ruins and theatre of this town. Kifissias Park is a good place to relax and taste the local wine and snacks. The Agora is an ancient ruin that you can explore. The National Archaeological Museum has collections of pottery, jewellery, shipwreck, and a computer that is 2000 year old.

  The Agora-Athens Central Market is good for buying local produce and fish. Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon are one of the ancient sites in Athens that are well preserved. Kanellopoulos Museum has collections of jewellery, weapons, vases made in clay and stone, figurines, and many items that belonged to the Kanellopoulos family. Tower of the Winds was built in 1st BC.  It was a sundial in ancient times and a compass. Easter Vigil is a procession not to be missed if you visit Athens during Easter. Parnitha National Park has a landscape view, caves, forges, springs, and paths that are clear and well marked. Anafiotika is great for taking walking trails amidst the flowers and walls. Lycabettus is a great hike and the peak is more than 200 meter high.

  There are more than 20 beaches in Attica where you can visit for its view and relax there. 

• Recommended reads for destination (govt. websites, travel forum articles)?

  Website: Official Website

  Forum: Official Forum

• Books

  Lonely Planet Pocket Athens (Travel Guide) by Lonely Planet and Alexis Averbuck