As native Athenians if we were to describe Athens in one sentence we definitely mention
“Athens as a powerful historical city with great nightlife, amazing beaches and friendly people”!
Athens is the capital and the largest city of Greece, its the oldest city of Europe and one of the oldest cities of the world. It was the center of art, learning, philosophy, home of Plato’s philosophy and Aristotels lyceum. The heritage of the classical era is still evident in the city with ancients monuments and the famous Parthenon.
The city starts to spread its history from 3,400 years and its earliest human presence starting between the 11th and 7th millennium BC. Athens gave birth to “democracy” which was established in 500 B.C and was the host city of the first Olympic Games in 1896 which were held in Olympia in Peloponnese.
There are many interesting places one should visit in a city break in Athens.
Historically
Acropolis of Athens & Acropolis Museum
National Archeological museum
Museum of Cycladic Art
Benaki museum
Kalimarmaro Olympic Stadium
Syntagma square
The temple of Olympian Zeus
Zappeion and the gardens
Ancient Agora
The historical areas of Plaka & Anafiotika, Monastiraki, Thisio, Lycabetus Hill, the Athenian Trilogy (National Library, University of Athens and Academy of Athens.
Culturally
Stavros Niarchos Foundation cultural center
Art Exhibitions, Music Festivals
Greek Culinary & Nightlife in Athens
“It’s not only about sightseeing” as the Greeks say, its about living the moment! So the best moment for a Greek is to be with friends in a local taverna and enjoy the Greek delicious cuisine along with a Greek glass of wine or a glass of Ouzo or Raki. There are various Greek restaurants in Athens and suburbs for all tastes. The dinner time and nightlife in Athens start a bit late. Usually Greeks meet to dine after 21.00, so the nightlife start after 23.00. The center of Athens has “unlimited” options for every style and personality. During summer time dont miss visiting beach side restaurants,bars and beach bars from the Athens Riviera side until the south west side of Sounio.
Beach walk
Flisvos Marina
Athens Riviera is the coast line starting from Paleo Faliro until a point where you meet Sounio area.
The beautiful beaches of Alimos, Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni and all the cost line until Sounio where you can reach the famous Poseidon’s temple.
Interesting places one can visit around Athens
Loutraki (thermal spa & Casino)
Corinth (ancient Corinth archaeological site)
Epidavros (ancient theater)
Nafplio (used to be the Capital of Greece for a short period 1821-1834)
Nafpaktos (the famous Castle of Nafpaktos)
Sounio & Lavrio
Tips to Cherish in Athens
Sailing around Athens
Sailing tours at the Greek Islands
Cycle to Athens Riviera
Athens sightseeing with a guide
The Wines of Attica
Greek Gastronomy & Cooking Lessons
Daily Tours to historical places in or out of Attica
And for those who wish to know more about Greece…
Greece invented Democracy and performed trial by jury
The theater was born in Greece and Athens has the most theatrical stages in the world
Cartography was invented by the Greek pioneer cartographer
The Basis of Geometry
The first alarm clock originated by Pluto
The origin of philosophy
Foundation of Medical practices and the Hippoctaric Oath
Inventor of the anchor, of the cranes, the Odometer, the shower, the marathon, the vending mashines, the clock tower
Greeks were the first who wrote history (documented historical moments)