Do i need a Travel guide about Athens?

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you're interested in ancient history, stunning architecture, or lively nightlife, Athens has it all. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover everything you need to know before visiting Athens. We'll start with a brief history lesson and then move on to discuss what to see and do in the city. After that, we'll provide some valuable tips for travelling in Athens. Finally, we'll finish up with two reviews by different travellers about different aspects of this wonderful destination.

History of Athens

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history that spans over 3000 years. The city has been through many different historical periods, each of which has left its mark on the cityscape. Today, Athens is a bustling metropolis with a population of over three million people. But its rich history is still evident in the city's many ancient ruins and historical landmarks.

The first settlers in Athens were the Mycenaeans, who arrived in the late Bronze Age (1600-1100 BC). The Mycenaeans built the famous Acropolis, which became the centre of their settlement. Around 1200 BC, the Mycenaean civilization collapsed, and Athens was occupied by the Dorians. The Dorian period was a dark age for Athens, but this changed when the city was conquered by the Romans in 146 BC.

The Roman period was a golden age for Athens. The city flourished economically and culturally. Many of the city's most famous landmarks, such as the Parthenon and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, were built during this time. After the Roman Empire fell in the fifth century AD, Athens was occupied by the Byzantine Empire. The city continued to prosper under Byzantine rule and became a centre of learning and culture.

In 1204, Athens was sacked by the Crusaders, and the city was plunged into a period of decline. This changed in 1833 when Athens became the capital of Greece, following the Greek War of Independence. The city experienced a renaissance during the 19th century and became a modern metropolis.

Thanks George Sioutlakoglou for the historical information.

What to See and Do

There are many things to see and do in Athens. Here are some of the city's most popular attractions:

The Acropolis:

 The Acropolis is a hilltop citadel that was home to some of ancient Athens' most important buildings, such as the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike. Today, the Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Greece's most popular tourist attractions.

The Parthenon:

The Parthenon is a temple that was dedicated to the goddess Athena. It was built in the fifth century BC and is one of the most famous buildings from the Classical period. The Parthenon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Athens and is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.

The Parthenon is until today a symbol of culture and democracy.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus:

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is a massive temple that was built in the sixth century BC. It was dedicated to the king of the gods, Zeus, and was once one of the largest temples in the world. Even after being pillaged and burnt to the ground, this temple still stands as a majestic reminder of Greece's ancient history. The columns that remain tell an impressive story about how advanced civilization was back then - when people put their faith in one god instead of many gods like we do today!

- The Benaki Museum

The Benaki Museum is Athens' premier art museum. It houses an extensive collection that spans centuries and genres, including art from classical Hellenistic times up until modern day Greek culture - you'll find Islamic treasures here too!

-The Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is dedicated to the artefacts that were found on the Acropolis. The museum houses some of the most important pieces in all Greece, such as a statue known as "Nike of Athena" and another called Parthenon Marbles.

- The Athens Zoo

The Athens Zoo houses a variety of animals, including lions and tigers. In addition it has botanical garden with rare plants that can be found nowhere else in Greece or Europe!

- The Ancient Agora:

The agora was the heart of Athens. Here people would shop, socialize and discuss political issues with each other at this central marketplace that is now an archaeological site open to public viewing. The ancient Agorá was where shoppers could convene in droves before heading off into their daily lives; it served as both place for commercial activity but also provided one great meeting grounds - where friends encountered old acquaintances while looking out over new faces all under banners advertising various products on sale (from fish fillets by Theodosius I

- The Roman Agora:

The Roman Agora was built in the first century AD and was used as a marketplace by the Romans. Today, the site is home to a museum that showcases some of the artefacts that were found during excavations.

- Hadrian's Library:

Hadrian's Library is a library that was built in 132 AD by the Roman emperor Hadrian. It is one of the best-preserved buildings from the Roman period and houses a museum with a collection of ancient manuscripts.

- The National Archaeological Museum:

The National Archaeological Museum is an architectural marvel and houses some of the most important artefacts in all of Greece. The museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Greek culture and history.

- Mount Lycabettus

Mount Lycabettus is an Athens landmark that offers spectacular views of the city. The top can be reached by either stairs or a funicular railway, and on it there are churches dedicated to Saint George as well as restaurants with outdoor terraces for enjoying your meal in peace!

- The National Gardens

The National Gardens are a great place for anyone who wants to get out of the hustle and bustles that Athens has become known as. The garden's home not only has beautiful plants, trees but also features an inviting duck pond with playground equipment around it!

- The Flea Market

The Flea Market is a great place to find old treasures and secondhand items. You can shop here every day of the week except Monday, when it's closed!




When to Visit

There is no best time to visit Athens, but the warm and sunny months of April through October provide for a more pleasant trip. June into August can be busy with tourists so if you want peace during your vacation plan it out another season!

Getting There

Athens is served by Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH). Located just outside of the city centre and offer a variety of transportation options into the city.

Getting Around

Athens is a very walkable city, but there are also a number of public transportation options available. The metro system is efficient and easy to use, and there are also buses and trams that run throughout the city. Taxis are also readily available, but they can be expensive. If you're planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, it might be worth renting a car for your trip. Parking can be difficult to find in Athens, but there are a number of public and private parking garages available.

Tips for Visiting Athens

- When visiting religious sites such as churches and temples, it is important to dress conservatively. This shows respect for the culture and helps avoid offending anyone.

- When touring a crowded city such as Athens, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. Unfortunately, pickpockets are often present in busy areas, looking for an opportunity to steal. Keep your valuables close to you and be vigilant to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft.

- What's better than a free walking tour? Seeing a city through the eyes of a local guide who knows all the best spots. Taking advantage of the many free walking routes available is a great way to explore a new place.

- Try some traditional Greek food! Some popular dishes include Souvlaki (meat skewers), Gyros (meat wraps), Moussaka (eggplant casserole), and Spanakopita (spinach pie).

Now that you know a little bit more about Athens, Greece, it's time to start planning your trip! Whether you're interested in history, art, food, or just relaxing on the beach, Athens has something for everyone. With its beautiful weather, friendly locals, and wealth of things to see and do, Athens is sure to be a trip you'll never forget!

When it comes to accommodation, there is a range of options available to suit all budgets. Hostels and apartments are a great option for budget-minded travellers, while hotels and vacation rentals are perfect for those who want a little more comfort. No matter where you stay, make sure to book early to get the best rates!

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when planning a trip to Athens. But don't let that stop you from booking your flight and packing your bags! With a little bit of research and planning, you're sure to have an amazing time in this beautiful city. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

Steven in Athens, a love story!

Real Story of Steven, a Greek Australian who fell in love, proposed and finally is getting married in Athens!

On top of Philopappou Hill, overlooking the whole city of Athens, I got down on one knee and proposed to my girlfriend. It was the most romantic moment of my life, and she said yes! We were both so happy, and we couldn't believe that we were getting married in the city where we fell in love.

We spent the next two days exploring Athens. We visited all the major tourist attractions, like the Acropolis and the National Gardens, and we ate some of the best food we've ever had. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect trip.

And now, we're back in Athens, getting ready for our wedding. We can't wait to share our special day with all our friends and family who have come to celebrate with us. We're so happy that we got to experience such a beautiful city as our honeymoon destination. Thank you, Athens, for making our dreams come true!

Bill in Athens: Real Story

Real Story of Bill, who visited Athens with friends and got fascinated by the Museum and Historic Landmarks

I'm Bill, 24 years old from Sweden. I'm here in Athens with some of my friends and we're having a great time! We've been to all the major tourist attractions, like the Acropolis and the National Gardens, and we've eaten some of the best food we've ever had. The only problem is that we're running out of time and we still want to see more!

I really wanted to check out some of the museums here in Athens, but my friends aren't too interested. So I was thinking that maybe I could go on my own for a little while. Has anyone else done this? I'm a little worried about getting lost or not being able to find my way back to the hotel. But if there's anyone out there who's been to Athens and knows the city well, I would love to hear from you!