Athens
Athens is the capital and the financial, industrial, political and cultural centre of Greece.
Nowadays,there are almost 4 millions citizen which makes it one of the most populous city in the EU. Athens is supposed to be one of the oldest cities in the world with a great variety of ancient monuments and works of art,as well as a lot of sport facilities that were develped mainly for the Olympic games in 2004.
The municipality of Athens is divided into several districts such as Sydagma, Omonia, Metaxourgio, Peiraeus, Plaka, Monastiraki etc..
Athens offers the visitors a unique chance for business,leisure and sightseeing. Travellers will also have the opportunity to go to the beach which is located about 40 km far from Athens city centre.
5 most popular attractions of Athens
A trip in Athens should definitely be combined with visiting the Acropolis. One of the most popular and most visited monuments in the world. It's basically a 156 metres high limestone rock. Acropolis is the area where Athenians built magnificent temples, most of them dedicated to the goddess Athena, patroness of the city.
One of the most known temples is Parthenon , dedicated to goddess Athena. The Parthenon was decorated with numerous sculptures and the columns are slightly slanted inwards and have a curved shape in order to achieve visual perfection.
Visitors will have the opportunity to see all the findings of the Acropolis in the new Acropolis Museum. Located within few minutes walk from the Acropolis,the Acropolis Museum is currently hosting almost 4.000 exhibits.
During your stay in Athens you should definitely pass by the Parliament Building,located in the Sydagm square. This building used to be the palace for king Otto, however nowadays the parliament has resided there. In front of the building the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is permanently guarded by Evzones, members of the presidential guard in traditional attire, foustanella.
You should also organise a visit at the Panathenaic stadium, the main stadium for the first modern Olympic games. The Panathenaic stadium,also known as Kallimarmaro Stadium, used to host the Panathenaic Games in ancient Greece and was renovated for the Olympic Games of 2004.
7 things to do in Athens
-Athens is the ideal place for going out. Fancy restaurants and nightclubs give you the opportunity to have a great time. Not to mention that you have the chance to smoke inside the club. Well, legally not, but you can.
-The beach is only 45 minutes from Athens city centre so you can always go for a swim.
-And what about having a drink or a proper meal in Athens most quaint district, Plaka, with view at the Acropolis.
-Feel like shopping? There are plenty of shops in Ermou district and in Monastiraki district.
-Definitely do not forget to go and see the changing of the guard. It is one of the most impressive attractions taking place every hour in front of the parliament house.
-A lot of interesting exhibitions take place every month in Benakis museum in Keramikos district.
-Finallu,it would be a pity if you do not manage to go and see a performance in Herodion, the ancient Greek theatre.
Athens districts:
Sydagma:
Sydagma district is the main square of Athens. The square is a central point to access all the major attractions of Athens. The Greek Parliament is located in Sydagma square .A central point for all connections in means of transport. Ermou street and Monastiraki district are within a few minutes walk from Sydagma square. A lot of Athens hotels are also located in this central district.
Omonia:
One of the Athens central district,offers the visitors who choose a hotel there the opportunity to be close to all of Athens attractions. Omonia is mostly a commercial area,with lots of hotels located in that square as well.
Plaka:
Right underneath the Acropolis, Plaka district is famous for the neoclassical architecture of the houses been built there. One of the most common tourist destination in Athens, with a lot of picturesque tavernas and stylish cafés.