Athens guide by travel12

ATHENS GUIDE TRAVEL12.GR

AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO THE FASCINATING CITY OF ATHENS

PLAKA NEIGHBORHOOD known as the neighborhood of Gods, Plaka is the oldest neighborhood in Athens. Strolling around will make you feel like you are time travelling surrounded by the amazing neoclassical two-storied houses

THE ACROPOLIS & THE ACROPOLIS MUSEUM CITY OF ATHENS

TRAVEL12 TIPS: BUY THE MULTI-SITE COMBINED TICKET FOR €30 WHICH LASTS FOR 5 DAYS AND IS VALID FOR THE ACROPOLIS AND MAJOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES OF ATHENS! WINTER DISCOUNT: TICKETS ARE 50% OFF FROM 1ST NOVEMBER TO 31ST MARCH!

Nothing tops the beauty, the architectural symmetry, the historical and cultural value and the grandeur of the Acropolis. No visit to Athens is complete without paying homage to this wonder. Nearby, ultra-sleek Acropolis museum is filled with artifacts and fascinating knowledge. It is also recommended as a lunch spot! Visit nearby Anafiotika neighborhood and you will feel like you are in photogenic Cycladic island!

MUSEUMS CITY OF ATHENS

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Check out the Archaeological Collection of the metro stations: Syntagma Panepistimio Acropoli Evangelismos and Monastiraki

Athens boasts a great variety of museums. All of them have great value but travel12 has singled out a few that are really worth paying a visit to.

The National Archaeological Museum The Acropolis Museum The Museum of Cycladic Art The Numismatic Museum The Benaki Museum The Byzantine and Christian Museum The War Museum The National Museum of Contemporary Art

ANCIENT MONUMENTS

THE ODEON OF HERODES ATTICUS THE TEMPLE OF OLYMPIAN ZEUS THE ANCIENT AGORA THE ROMAN AGORA THE ANCIENT THEATER OF DIONYSUS THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AND MUSEUM OF KERAMEIKOS HADRIAN'S LIBRARY THE PANATHENAIC STADIUM THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF ELEUSIS

DID YOU KNOW? ELEUSIS WAS CHOSEN TO BE THE EUROPEAN CULTURAL CAPITAL FOR 2021

CHURCHES

Kapnikarea church The old Metropolis of Athens (Cathedral) St. Dionysios Church of Saint Demetrios Loumpardiaris

HADRIAN'S ARCH Built after the construction of the temple of Zeus to honor the Emperor Hadrian in 131 AD, Hadrian's Arch is the gate to the city of Athens. Made entirely by Pentelic Marble, the arch bears two inscriptions, one facing the Acropolis saying "This is Athens the city of Theseus"and one facing the sanctuary saying "This is the city of Handrian, not Theseus"

URBAN MONUMENTS

The Greek Parliament at Syntagma square especially during the change of guards every hour

MUST VISIT NEIGHBORHOODS Hip & urban Monastiraki, Psyrri, Kerameikos, Metaxourgio, Exarcheia Classical Athens Makrygianni and Koukaki Elegant & Stylish Kolonaki and Kifisia

GETTING TO KNOW THE PLACE

WHAT TO BUYÂ Greek wines are top-tier with countless P.D.O. varieties. They make an excellent treat case for you and your beloved ones. Same applies to other Greek spirits such as tsipouro, ouzo and mastiha. For the fashion savvy ladies, Grecian style sandals and jewelry are a must when in Athens. The traditional evil eye has gained a lot of pattern attention lately, so seek it in totes, jewelry and decorative figures. 4

GETTING TO KNOW THE PLACE

WHAT TO EATÂ Â Start your day with a koulouri, the infamous Athenian Street food. You can find street stalls selling them everywhere in the city. If souvlaki is on your menu, and it should be as it's a great delicacy one must try at least once, head to Monastiraki. Syntagma is the international food quarter of the city, while strolling around Aiolou street you can find many Greek neo-tavernas serving excellent food, plus some oriental style street eateries and fresh juices. Seek loukoumades for your sweet tooth. They go perfectly with Greek Coffee. 4

Useful Greek Expressions GOOD MORNING

PLEASE

Kaliméra

GOOD EVENING Kaliníchta

Parakaló

GOOD AFTERNOON

THANK YOU

Kalispéra

Efcharistó

CHEERS Yámas

Spring in Athens Greeks love spring! The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, seasonal fruits are delicious and there is absolutely no excuse to stay in the house. Spring here is meant to be spent outside. Whether it is strolling around, prefecture. lazing the day outside or riding bikes! You can even attempt your first dive around April and May! But nothing tops the beautiful hills and parks that surround Athens. Outskirts hide real natural beauties too.

Hills, Parks & Outdoors PARKS: The National Gardens and Attica Zoo HILLS: Lycabettus and Philoppapos Hill EXCURSIONS: Tatoi, Tourkovounia, Kaisariani Sounion & Vouliagmeni lake

SPRING SOCIAL CALENDAR March 25th is a national holiday for Greece commemorating the beginning of the Greek revolution in 1821 against the Ottoman Empire. .

Good Friday (April 6th in 2018) is a religious holiday for Greeks. It's dedicated to church going and family gathering. Many customs take place on Good Friday with the procession of the epitaph as the most notable one.

Orthodox Easter & Easter Monday (April 8th & 9th in 2018): Usually spent with families, those days are perfect for those who want to know Greek tradition and customs, starting Saturday at midnight. Don't miss the roast lamb on the spit!

May 1st Labor day

Monday of the Holy spirit (May 28th in 2018) is a religious feast for Greeks. A holiday for office workers, while commercial shops are open.

Summer in Athens You gotta love summer in the city! Athenians love spending the entire day outdoors. Every square and every corner of the city is filled with people sipping cold coffee, crisp white wine or fruity cocktails. The Athenian Riviera is the place to be, come summertime. There are many things to do around, swimming, biking or just relaxing by the pools or in one of the many stylish hangouts. Don't pass on the chance to go on a quick trip close by. And by any means don't skip the Greek open-air cinemas under the Acropolis!

DAY-TRIPS Nafplion Town (by car) Athens Riviera (by car) Argosaronic islands: Hydra, Spetses & Aegina (by hydrofoil)

March 25th

is a national holiday for Greece commemorating the beginning of the Greek revolution in 1821 against the Ottoman Empire. .

SUMMER SOCIAL CALENDAR August 15th is a major religious holiday for Greeks commemorating the assumption of Mother Mary. It is usually celebrated with church going and family gathering.

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AUTUMN IN ATHENS Autumn is a wonderful time to be visiting Athens. September and October are quite warm months while the first cold appears around November. If fall foliage is what you are after, then nearby Corinthia and Lake Doxa will entice you. Autumn is also ideal for those seeking culture and various exhibitions, as the summer season comes to an end and new programs are announced. There is always something happening somewhere. Check out these cultural institutions and surely you'll find something worth attending!

Culture & Exhibitions the Benaki Museum the Athens Concert Hall the Onassis Cultural Center Stravros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

AUTUMN SOCIAL CALENDAR September 14th is a religious day for Greeks. Some tend to fast on that day while others devote their day to church going. With so many beautiful churches around, why not see for yourself?

October 3rd is Athens patron saint's, Saint Dionysios Areopagitis celebration. Schools in the city of Athens are closed as well as some public services.

October 28th is a public (bank) holiday for Greeks. The day is dedicated to commemorating the resistance of Greece against Italy in World War II, which started by refusing to surrender and launching and a counter-attack. School students are parading in all neighborhoods in pride and respect.

November 17th is a semi-public holiday for Greeks, commemorating the Athens Polytechnic uprising against the military junta in 1973.

winter in Athens Winter spent in Athens can be amazing. December and Christmas steal the limelight as the entire city is all festive and illuminated! Christmas carols and traditional desserts make this time of the year the sweetest one! Come wintertime, Athenians gather in coffee shops, bars and restaurants and the city is brimming with life. Shopping streets are also lively, especially around January when the annual season sales begin. Be prepared to splurge a little!

WINTER SOCIAL CALENDAR December 25th and 26th: Christmas and Boxing Day. Both are public (bank) holidays for Greeks and they are usually spent with family. Stuffed turkey and roast pork are typical Christmas dishes.

January 1st a.k.a New Year's Day is also a public (bank) holiday. As with Christmas, it is spent with families and celebratory lunches and dinners.

January 6th is the Epiphany Day for Greek Orthodox people. It is also a public (bank) holiday; Greeks tend to attend church and the traditional custom of throwing the cross in the nearby sea, lake or river.

Ash Monday (February 19th in 2018) is a movable feast for Greeks, with many happenings around the country. Get ready to fly your kite!

USEFUL INFORMATION

TRANSPORTATION IN ATHENS Private transportation: Street Yellow Taxis: All taxis have a counter and drivers are obliged to set it at every fare. From 24:00 - 05:00 tariff 2 applies. For information on customer service or to file a complaint, call 1019. the taxi fare Airport - Athens city center is €38 (€54 at night) Beat app is highly recommended, due to information on route, taxi driver name and reviews. Public transportation: Athens Metro: Three different lines (green, red, blue) that also connect with the Athens International Airport (blue line) On Friday and Saturday the service runs until 2 a.m (www.ametro.gr) travel12 tip: save money buying the 3-day card FOR ALL PUBLIC TRANSPORT that includes a 2-way ticket to the airport, for €22, OR A 5 day card (€9, DOES NOT INCLUDE THE AIRPORT FARE WHICH COSTS €18 ROUND TRIP) Athens Suburban Railway (www.proastiakos.gr) Athens Tram (www.tramsa.gr) Urban Bus and Trolleybus lines (www.oasa.gr)

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