TOP 5 THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN ATHENS, GREECE
The Greek city is awash with history, from astounding ancient monuments to enthralling museums, but that's not all it has to offer. Despite its ancient appeal, Athens is really a pretty trendy city with a cutting-edge arts and cultural scene and adorable tiny cafes to watch the world go by.
1. The National Gardens
The National Gardens
The National Garden is a wonderful example of 19th-century landscape design in the English style that has managed to keep its essential elements untouched. To this day, the impression of a natural environment, the existence of a complicated network of meandering paths, the presence of plant units, the intense presence of water, the small-scale flower beds or lawns, and its historical plants dominate and create an oasis in the heart of Athens. a key centre of interest for Greek and international tourists, young and old.
Its evolution and course are closely related to the founding of the contemporary Greek state and the transformation of Athens into a contemporary European city, and its significance extends beyond the confines of this country.
2. The Acropolis
Photo by Sung Shin
The one historical place you must visit is the Acropolis. You may go on a tour or explore the area on your own, but in the summer, go early or late in the day unless it's gloomy. It may get rather hot up there, and struggling for air might make it difficult to fully appreciate the most important archaeological site. The large avenues that border the south and west of the site (Apostolou Pavlou in Thission and Dionissiou Areopagitou in Makrianni) have been transformed into enormous pedestrian streets with cafes and restaurants, making it easier and more enjoyable than ever to get to the Acropolis.
It has always been a pleasant, car-free stroll from the Plaka and Monastiraki side; all you have to do is walk uphill from wherever you are and turn right when you reach the top where there are steps and forests instead of houses.
3. Panathenaic Stadium
Photo by Teddy O
The Panathenaic Stadium was constructed for the 1896 Olympics as a contemporary recreation of a historic stadium constructed for the Panathenaic Games in 330 BC. The Athenian Roman senator Herodes Atticus would recreate that historic monument in marble 200 years later.
The Panethenaic Stadium, which has a U-shaped design, is a nearly perfect reproduction of the structure from the second century BC and, like its historic forebear, is made entirely of marble.
During the 2004 Athens Olympics, it hosted the archery competitions and served as the finish line for both the men's and women's marathons, attracting attention from all around the world.
The Acropolis and the National Garden can be seen from the stadium's top levels, which can accommodate 45,000 people.
4. Psiri
Psiri
While Plaka is most known for its sightseeing and shopping, Psiri has emerged as Athens' greatest nightlife district, with streets packed with revellers until early morning on the weekends.
Psiri wasn't always a destination for visitors because the region had a bad image from the time the current Greek state was established in 1828 until the 1990s.
The Koutsavakides, a law unto themselves in the 19th century, frequented the area. They had long moustaches, jackets that reached their ankles (to conceal their firearms), and pointed high-heeled boots.
Psiri's edges have been softened during the past 20 years, and there is an unlimited array of music tavernas, taverns, restaurants, cafés, and nightclubs to suit every taste.
5. Eating on the Move
Tiropita
In order to fit in a meal while rushing to the next temple or museum, Athens offers a variety of options from morning till night.
Bakeries serve pastries like spanakopita (spinach, feta, and onions) and tiropita (cheese and egg) in the morning. Bougatsa, another filo pastry filled with minced meat, semolina custard, or cheese, and koulouri, a circular bread covered in sesame seeds and eaten right out of the oven, are also popular in the morning.
The tried-and-true souvlaki, which is often hog meat topped with onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki and wrapped in a pita, is another an option if you need something more substantial.
Old-school staple patsa, a soup cooked with pig's offal and served at specialised patsa establishments across the city, is inexpensive and cheery.