Athens
Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, and has been one of the centers of Hellenic civilization over 3000 years. It is located on the central plain of Attica, bounded on three sides by Mt. Ymettos, Mt. Parnitha and Mt. Pendeli. Athens has about 3 million residents.
City has been continuously inhabited for at least 7000 years. By 1400 BC the settlement had become an important centre of the Mycenaean civilization. By the mid-4th century BC, the northern Greek kingdom of Macedon was becoming dominant in Athenian affairs. It became one of the most important cities of the Byzantine Empire, until it was conquered by the Ottomans in 1458. Athens became the capital of independent, unified Greece in 1834.
Recreation
Parnitha National Park
Most of the Mountain Parnitha north of the city is designated a national park. Here one can hike or try mountain-biking on the hillsides. Here is also a casino near the top of the mountain, which is served by a suspended cable car.
Shopping
Plaka district has many souvenir shops, quality and prices may vary.
Kolonaki is the place for a buyer with an upscale mind.
There is a splendid ”flea market” in Monastiraki.
Something to explore
Acropolis
As one of the well-known examples of archaelogigal sites of Greece and important cultural monument, Acropolis of Athens speak best of itself. It has been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Its current architecture evolved mainly between 460–430 BC and it consists 21 archaelogical attractions, including famous Doric Parthenon temple, Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaea gate serving as an only entrance to Akropolis. 90 meter high hill gives a great panorama view over the Athens valley. Must-see for a history enthusiast.
The National Art Gallery – Alexander Soutzos Museum
This art museum (Michalakopoulou 1) houses the collection of art made between the 14th century and the 20th century, mainly focusing on Greek art made after the Byxzantine regime but having also Renaissance works from various European artists.
Psiri
Located on the old city center and north from Ermoú Street, this friendly neighbourhood is one of the nightlife centers with numerous amount of bistros, restaurants and live music venues. Here one can feel vivid and mildly wild Athens.
Famous poet Lord Byron lived in Psiri during his stay in Athens and here is where he wrote the poem “Maid of Athens”.
Exárcheia
Exarcheia, locating downtown west of Kolonaki, is known for its counterculture and anarchist scene. Many artists live here, and live concerts and performances is being held here often around the central square. Many walls are covered with graffiti and people are politically aware but open-minded people with a friendly attitude towards tourists. Here is many student bars and cafés, and bookworms can buy here locally printed editions of anarchist classics.
The main attraction of this neighbourhood is the National Archeological Museum on Patission street, which is the largest museum in Greece.
How to get around in Athens
Athens’s public transportation reaches widely and is comfy. There are three subway lines: Piraeus – Kifissia, Anthoupoli – Agios Dimitrios and Egaleo – Doukissis Plakentias – International Airport. Ticket prices and metro timetables are visible here.
Tram system has also three lines: Syntagma – Palaio Faliro – Neo Faliro connects the city centre with the Peace and Friendship Stadium, Syntagma – Palaio Faliro – Glyfada connects the city centre with the coastal zone and Neo Faliro – Palaio Faliro – Glyfada runs along the coastal zone.
There is also a suburban railway connecting Piraeus to Airport via the main line train station of Larissis in Athens, and forks at Neratziotissa west to Kiato and Corinth. Ticket purchase and timetables are here.
OASA operates traffic with buses and trolleybuses.
A rent bike is a good way explore the city.
How to get in Athens
Athens has an international Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport 27 km (17 miles) east of the city center, near the suburb of Spáta. List of its airlines and destinations is here.
From the airport one can reach the city by metro, suburban train, bus or taxi.
Top 5 in Athens
- Acropolis
- Hiking and biking in three mountains surrounding the city
- Shopping in Plaka
- Having a good time in Psiri
- Day trip to Cape Sounion
Text: Timo Hellman
Photos: Wikimedia Commons with the CC licence / Todor Bozhinov, Matti, Dimorsitanos, Zigomitros Athanasios, Dimorsitanos Aaron Logan, Wpopp
