A Day in Athens
Where to Go and What to See in the Greek Capital
Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, and has a rich and vibrant history. However the new way to tour Greece seems to be by cruise ship, and this often means that mainland attractions are overlooked for the blue skies and sandy beaches of the islands.
The city center and its attractions are well within walking distance and the day can easily be done on foot. Make sure to pick up a map of the city for free at a tourist office or in the foyer of a hotel.
The Acropolis and Parthenon
Referred to simply just as the Acropolis, this is Athens’ most famous tourist attraction and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The term Acropolis refers to the entire site and all of the included buildings, while the Parthenon is the famous columned structure. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is easily the biggest and busiest tourist attractions of Athens.
Current restorations mean scaffolding and ladders are mounted against the structures, however this certainly doesn’t draw away from the mystifying beauty of these ancient buildings. The Parthenon is of course the main attraction, with its sheer size being impressive. The decorative pediments have been restored to fantastic condition and the detail that has been carved is truly amazing.
It is important to not rush this visit as there are several separate ruins to each, each with their own individual nuances. It is also a good idea to sit back and relax, and soak up the breathtaking 360 degrees view of the city of Athens.
The New Acropolis Museum and Ancient Promenade
In June 2009 the new Acropolis Museum opened to the public, containing a whopping three storey’s worth of artifacts from the acropolis archeological site. The museum is even built on top of archeological ruins, with a glass panel floor for viewing.
The Ancient Promenade, located behind the new Acropolis Museum is a pedestrian street full of cafes and tourist shops. It’s a great place to stop for lunch and a good chance to soak up the atmosphere of Athens.
Hadrian's Arch and Temple of Olympian Zeus
A short walk from the Promenade is the historical site of Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. This modern day tourist attraction is far less busy than the Acropolis, with much more space to move around.
Built to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian and celebrate his many gifts to the city. The Arch acts as a monumental gateway of the city, and more literally as a gateway to the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
While there isn’t much left of the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the columns that are left are remarkable. The sheer size of the few columns gives an inspiring impression of what the temple was many years ago.
Plaka Shopping Area
Plaka is an old historical suburb of Athens that has been converted into a tourist shopping haven. Cars don’t fit in these narrow, cobbled streets so it’s practical a pedestrian mall apart from a few mopeds. The area is like a labyrinth, packed with restaurants and souvenir shops.
There are also several museums in the area, including the Jewish Museum of Greece and the Greek Folk Art Museum.
Suburb of Psiri
The suburb of Psiri has a thriving nightlife of bars and restaurants. Dinner is best done at a modern day taverna, sampling the local delicacies. Some tavernas will also offer a live show during the meal of traditional Greek dancing and bouzouki playing. A great way to finish off the day in this beautiful Greek capital.
Parthenon and Acropolis in Athens
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