Athens travel guide

One of the oldest cities in the world is Athens, capital of Greece and of the ancient world. With a history going back more than 3000 years, nowadays Athens is a modern city where you can still find traces of history almost around every corner.

A cosmopolitan metropolis, Athens is a must see place for every traveller and despite being ranked as the 32^nd richest city, you can still find good quality Cheap accommodation in Athens which teamed up with a mild weather, rich history and delicious food makes of this city a perfect holiday destination.

Athens is a place where history, archaeology and philosophy lovers will be delighted. The heritage from Athens classical era is represented by a number of ancient monuments from which the most famous are:

• The Acropolis (450 - 330 B.C.) Built on top of the “Sacred Rock” of Athens, the Acropolis was to radiate power and protection to its citizens. The temples of the Acropolis are some of most famous architectural landmarks of ancient and modern history. The Parthenon in particular is an international symbol of Greek civilization, culture and education.

• The Athens Trilogy consisting of the National Library of Greece, the AthensUniversity and the Academy of Athens.

• The Zeus Temple

• Syntagma Square, also known as Constitution Square, the centre of Athens where you can see the Hellenic Parliament, formerly the King's Palace, built between 1836 and 1840 by King Otto. Around this area you will also find most official buildings.

• Numerous Roman, Byzantine (the Sotira of Lycodimos or the KottakisChurch) and Ottoman monuments spread all over the city.

• The Plaka area where you will see the old town. Take the time to enjoy a meal in one of its numerous restaurants.

• The Panathenaic Stadion , built in a natural ravine. The construction of the original stadium is placed around 330 B.C. Destroyed by invasions and time, it was restored for the 1896 Olympic games.

If you are looking for fashion, perfumes, shoes and jewels, the best shops are around the Syntagma and Kolonáki squares. Before buying any jewellery visit first the Benaki museum, they not only have the best collection of Byzantine and Greek art and jewellery, but they also have a shop with very good quality reproductions. 

 If you are interested in local crafts, the best place to go is around Monastiráki square or the Sunday market.

The price of a set meal in a restaurant starts at 6€ and you can buy yourself a beer for less than 1€. If you want to go a la carte, appetizers start at around 4€ and main dishes at around 6€. Bear in mind that in most places when you order fish the price is given by the kilo (or 100gr to make it look less expensive) and not per dish, So make sure you know what you are ordering.

Dinner for 2 in a taverna will cost about 30€ including the wine. There is no V.A.T. or surcharge on food, but there is an 18% tax on all drinks.

A cocktail in a nightclub will set you back 10€, while a glass of Ouzo will cost you around 5€.

Things to bring with you to Athens:

• Sun tan lotion, or else be prepared to pay at least 8 Euros for the cheapest one.

• Contraceptives (almost 4 euros for a pack of 6 in Greece).

The Olympic Games:

Athens was the host city of the first modern-day Olympic Games in 1896, and 108 years later it welcomed home the 2004 Summer Olympics with great success.