This list is compiled by Greek students as one of the assignments for ‘Software Engineering in Practice’ course in the spring 2018 that I designed to make them learn Git and GitHub. The original repository can be found here; I am presenting the curated version of the repository with some of my own additions (well, I do now have some Greek threads in my personality so still would like to keep the title unchanged :)).
Athens is the capital city of Greece and one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Europe. It is one of the world’s oldest cities with its recorded history spanning over 3,400 years. Athens is a vibrant city with unlimited choices and contrasts to fall in love with. Here’s a list of the sights, places and activities that will make your Athenian experience unforgettable.
City of Athens – A Portrait of a Changing Metropolis from Alexandros Maragos.
Public transport
Athens has metro trains, buses, as well as trams to commute within the city.
From/To Airport
Follow the trains sign after coming out from airport. You would find ticket vending machines as well as manned ticket windows to assist you. You may take metro line 3 (Aghia Marina – Douk. Plakentias – Athens International Airport) to reach to the city center from Airport. It runs every 30 minutes from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM every day of week.
You may also take buses to reach to city center. You can find the bus stop in the right side after you come out from one of the airport exits. X95 bus will take you from the airport to Syntagma (city center). More details about other routes can be found here.
Commuting within Athens
You may buy an anonymous Athena card if you are going to use public transport a lot during your Athens visit. You need to swipe your card to ticket machines before entering the platform zone. In buses, there are at least two blue color card reading machines. You don’t have to swipe when you disembark from the bus or leave the train station.
Climate
Athens has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. The dominant feature of Athens’ climate is alternation between prolonged hot and dry summers and mild to cool winters with moderate rainfall. With an average of 416.8 millimetres (16.41 in) of yearly precipitation, rainfall occurs largely between the months of October and April. July and August are the driest months, where thunderstorms occur sparsely once or twice a month.
Museums/Sightseeing
- Acropolis It’s impossible to come to Athens and not visit the Acropolis. The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.
- Acropolis museum Your walk to Acropolis and the monument of Parthenon can ideally match with a visit to the Acropolis Museum. The Acropolis Museum is an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece.
- The Pnyx The Pnyx is a picturesque location under the Acropolis where many distinguished Greeks addressed the people. Themistocles, Pericles, and Kolokotronis were some among them.
- Athens War MuseumDespite the fact that Greece was the center of Science and Art in the ancient world, Greeks had to fight many wars. Regardless of its causes or its tolls, every war is a matter of study. Athens War Museum is a place where artifacts from every war fought by the Greeks are gathered. Some of them predate even the iron age.
- The National Archaeological Museum is a must if you want to explore the educational part of Athens and Greek history. (location)
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center If you want to rest and take a walk into one of Athens’ most beautiful spots SNFCC is your place. Located in the bay of Phaliron, includes new facilities for the National Library of Greece and the National Opera, as well as the 210,000 m² Stavros Niarchos Park.
- Athens is famous for its spectacular sights from the height, its picturesque neighbourhoods and its natural beauty, where it is still preserved. If you want to fit as much as you can in only one view, your best bet is to grab a beer and get to one of the many hills around the city. The options are plenty, but some great alternatives would be the following:
- Technopolis – Located within touching distance of Syntagma Square and the Monastiraki Flea Market, Technopolis is an event and art space within an old natural gas processing plant. It has sort of a MoMA PS1 vibe. The industrial museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Visitors learn about the work conditions in the old plant and its experiential approach to its operations during the 19th century. Most Athenians, though, will simply tell you to check the venue’s events calendar for any upcoming concerts, parties, DJ sets and exhibits.
- Benakis Museum Antonis Benakis, a politician’s son born in Alexandria, Egypt, in the late 19th century, endowed what is perhaps the finest museum in Greece. Its three floors showcase impeccable treasures from the Bronze Age up to WWII. Especially gorgeous are the Byzantine icons and the extensive collection of Greek regional costumes, as well as complete sitting rooms from Macedonian mansions, intricately carved and painted. But Benakis had such a good eye that even the agricultural tools are splendid.
- Delphi Archaeological Museum Apart from Athens, if you are in Greece and you have decided to visit parts of the rest of the country as well, one of the most important and most visited Greek museums is the Delphi Archaeological Museum. This museum displays some of the most valuable ancient Greece’s surviving treasures, like Heniokhos (also known as Charioteer of Delphi), the Sphinx of Naxos and many more. Delphi was considered to be the navel (or center) of the earth and should definitely be one of the top priority destinations of every visitor. Its rich collections comprise primarily architectural sculpture and statues donated to the sanctuary reflecting its religious, political and artistic activities from its early years in the 8th century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity.
- Rhodes Palace Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes is a medieval castle in the city of Rhodes, on the island of Rhodes in Greece. It is one of the few examples of Gothic architecture in Greece. The site was previously a citadel of the Knights Hospitaller that functioned as a palace, headquarters and fortress.
Restaurants/Tavernas
- Kuzina In the heart of Athens, under the shade of the temple of Hephaestus on the picturesque Adrianou Street, lies the unique restaurant Kuzina. The old mansion where the restaurant is hosted keeps a hidden surprise for its guests: the breathtaking view to Acropolis from its Tarazza! Based on modern Greek cuisine, Aris Tsanaklidis, the renowned chef, creates a unique menu that makes Kuzina stand out for combining traditional cuisine and culinary inventiveness.
- Varoulko Varoulko restaurant is located in one of the most beautiful places, the Mikrolimano marina, in front of the sea, has easy access from downtown Athens & Piraeus and provides its visitors an elegant atmosphere and an outstanding view.
- Thanasis taverna is one of the most iconic tavernas in Athens, with its trademark dish being kebabs. It is a nice place to go after a walk in the center of Athens and enjoy a meal near the Monastiraki Square.
- Kalyvia Thorikou Just 33 km east of Athens, there is a village named Kalyvia Thorikou. This village is lucky enough to have plenty of simply amazing tavernas. There one might find some of the tastiest delicacies Greece has to offer to meat lovers the world around. The most iconic of them all should be the famous kontosouvli and this is just the tip of the iceberg as you can try tasty grilled goat chops and many many more!!!
- Fetticio Don’t forget to go to Fetticio in Glyfada to taste delicious crepes. The best crepe on the menu is number 49! It only costs 5 euros, and is covered with chocolate, crushed cookie (like a graham cracker), bananas, strawberries, and inside is ice cream. This is the crepe called “49” (It is called “49” because it is the number 49 on the menu)
- Buffalo Gelato In Glyfada, you should definetely visit Buffalo Gelato, to taste the most special ice-cream in many different and unusual flavors and of course their famous Buffle cone which is a waffle in the shape of cone filled with chocolate, ice-cream and any other ingredient that you want!
- Paterasgenaiou In Piraeus, the country’s biggest port, 20 minutes from Athens by train, you can taste the best, biggest burger in the whole town. People from all the regions of Athens arrive here to taste it. So don’t forget to visit Barbeque!
- Agora Restaurant includes great tasty food with unique atmosphere, great service and music. Dish not to miss: Salmon Spaghetti with Vodka Sauce.
- Logo Timis The various Greek beaches not only benefit us with their waters, where we can swim and cool off the hot days of summer, but also with the organisms that live there. Therefore you should definitely visit a fish tavern, like ‘Logo Timis’ in Likovrisi. It is a very clean place with a very hospitable owner, and his wife is the best cook ever. Try the ‘regosalata’ plate, it is just awesome!
- Christoforos When it comes to Greek traditional food, “Christoforos” restaurant is the right place to visit! A cozy atmosphere and plenty of tasty plates, such as lamp, gyros, souvlaki, mousaka, all in affordable prices! The quality and quantity won’t disappoint you!
- Juicy Grill was born for a reason. To serve pleasure, taste, bliss and delight. If you really like burgers you have to visit this burger joint. With homemade buns and sauces and high quality meat. One of the best in town.
- The BALTHAZAR occupies a unique neoclassical building of 1897 with one of the few remaining green gardens on the outskirts of the city center. It works continuously since 1973 and in recent years the kitchen runs the famous chef Christoforos Peskias who takes great care of your gastronomic experience. His cuisine is characterized as Mediterranean with fusion shades. A special sushi menu is also served during the summer season.
- Thanasis While in Athens , you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Thanasis, one of the oldest kebab taverns in Athens. Located in Monastiraki square and dating back to 1964, Thanasis is the perfect place to eat a traditional greek kebab!
- Ciao Dont forget to visit the Italian restaurant named Ciao. Located in Pagrati, is the best place for pasta, pizza and many other italian recipes, for sure you will not be dissapointed!
- Wafflehouse offers an extremely wide variety of homemade ice-cream flavours and delicious fresh baked waffles. It is located in Vouliagmeni and there you can enjoy your dessert while gazing at the mesmerizing sea!
- Cabezon A hidden place in the center of Athens is the Restaurant-Cafe-Bar named Cabezon(“Καμπεθόν”). This place is unique, you won’t find an open door with a big logo outside. It is a house with a garden, and you can either drink your coffee in the morning, eat a meal in the afternoon or party with some techno vibes at night. (location)
- Avli For me the best place at the center of Athens is “Avli”, which is located at Psirri, Athens. If you are lucky enough to find the tiny door, open it and you will feel like you’ve entered the square of a small island village with white walls and blue shutters. It’s the place were locals go to eat Greek traditional plates, all homemade dishes, and drink raki, tsipouro, ouzo, beer and wine. Despite all the above mentioned, what I personally love the most is the ambience of the place, which makes you forget you are a stranger and someway unites you with other people. (location)
- Nancysweethome located in Monastiraki. Juicy chocolates, loafed strawberries, oriental kazan dibi and carnouses, mastitis creos, syropiasta and all the serbets (for the heavy cribs), arrived at the most relaxed and cute Glycopolis in Athens.
- Atitamatos – Greek/Mediterranean Cuisine. Excellent food and service. Moderate price.
- Feyrouz – Lebanese Cuisine. Lovely Food. Cheap. Self service.
Cafe
- Little Tree Books & Coffee Cozy and Charming place. Excellent service. (location)
- Madeira This coffee & cocktails spot will make you feel that you are on a greek island. Great for Summer months.(location)
Bars
- Pagkrati If you locate yourself in the urban area called Pagkrati (“Παγκράτι”) and you want to have a beverage or a drink, you can visit Chelsea Hotel. This spot has an amazing cup of coffee and awesome cocktails at night. Anyone that likes an exquisite and cult spot, would love this place. Warning, it gets really crowded at night. (location)
- Speakeasy In the heart of the town, Speakeasy is a must visit bar with live classic jazz music and great decoration and tables inspired by 80’s.
- Clumsies In the top 10 in annual ratings of world’s best bars, The Clumsies bar is one of the hottest bars downtown. 2017 list of world’s best bars
- six d.o.g.s If it’s summer and you are in the capital of Greece, a good choice to spend your night is a bar in the city center called “six d.o.g.s”. In its garden, you can relax and enjoy good music.
- A for Athens Next to Monastiraki metro station, on the sixth floor of a small hotel, there is a rooftop cocktail bar called “A for Athens”. It is now one of Athens’s top after-dark venues. Outrageously popular with locals and visitors alike, it has a stylish open-air lounge terrace with amazing view of the floodlit Acropolis.
- Peek a Bloom Peek a Bloom is the perfect destination for a night out or coffee. It’s environment, innovative cocktails linked to names and stories, amazing coffee made with on the spot roasted beans and healthy snacks are the reason it is one of the top spot for Athenians and tourists. (location)
- AthenStyle Don’t miss stunning views of the Parthenon from the famous Athens Rooftop Bar called “AthenStyle”, the best spot for meeting people and chilling after a long day sightseeing. Enjoy all year happy hours cheap drinks and live the AthenStyle experience!
- Mike’s Irish Pub You can’t have fun without a karaoke night! Find the coolest one @ Mike’s Irish Pub and drink the best of whiskey. Cozy atmosphere!
- Aigaleo For a more traditional approach try the night life of Aigaleo. On its central road there are many Greek bars (mezedopolia) to choose from. The wine is good but the food is better. You will be surprised by the quantities, there is no way you return home being hungry!!
- MoMix The first bar in Athens which combined molecular gastronomy with bartending, creating special cocktails for guests who like experiments.
Opened in November 2012 and soon conquered the Athenians, and offers cocktails in alternative forms, in addition to liquid. The Momix team with lots of imagination and playfulness, shuffles foams, powders and jellies and serves the most original cocktails in cups, plates and bowls! (location) - Intrepid Fox If you are in the mood for rock and metal music the place in Athens for you to go is Intrepid Fox in Gazi square. A great collection of beers cocktails and shots that will give you a night to remember!
- 360 Cocktail bar 360 Cocktail bar from its beautiful rooftop, offers a panoramic view of the city of Athens and an ideal place to take photos of the Acropolis. It is located right next to Monastiraki Metro station.
- Tiki Tiki Bar Athens is a well known treasure for the ones visiting the Greek capital, offering some genuine tropical vibes near the Acropolis, Odeon of Herodes Atticus and Athens Central square of Syntagma.Tiki Bar Athens is a place that it’s spirit and…high quality spirits can only be found in Quentin Tarantino movies. Given the decoration with Rock and Roll, Tiki, Dia de Los Muertos and B Movies, it’s unique style matches the unique cocktails and it’s authentic perspective in music from 1920’s up to date.
- Baba au Rum As strange as it sounds, this Greek, rum-focused cocktail joint has actually been named one of the world’s 50 best bars. The cozy spot has a groovy 1950s feel and is located on a small, pedestrian street close to Syntagma Square. With tables outside and no cars to worry about, visitors tend to simply take over the street, turning the small bar into an awesome block party. It boasts a ridiculous selection of rums from Cuba, Trinidad, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the list goes on. While there is a set cocktail menu featuring everything from Tiki drinks to non-rum varietals like Pimm’s Cups and Bloody Marys, patrons can simply tell the bartender what they’re in the mood for and they’ll mix something unique up especially for you.
Night life
- Asylum Next to the station of Metro Metaksourgeio, there is a club called Asylum (“Άσυλο”), it doesn’t have any logo or any fancy entrance but you can spot it because is the only place that you will have youth outside of it. It has uncommon decoration and a projector that shows cartoonish videos on the wall. The music is always alternative or techno and it has cheap drinks.
- Toyroom Enjoy R&B and house music while enjoying your favorite drink at “Toyroom” in the center of Athens.
- From Hollywood to Athens! The best night club in the city. (location)
- Plintirio Bar If you want to hear the best Greek music and party like a Greek then Plintirio Bar is your destination. Located at Gazi (the area near the city center where most clubs are located) is the perfect choice for you.
- Cinderella Located in Kolonaki, Cinderella is a disco-club where anyone feeling nostalgic for the 1970s will find solace. With its psychedelic d?cor, relaxed vibe and 1970s- and 1980s-oriented playlist, Cinderella quickly became a nightlife hub in Greece’s capital. As the club attracts a lot of people, make sure to reserve a table or come ‘early’; then all you have to do is get ready to surrender to the fun vibe and dance the night away.
- Crust Located in Monastiraki, Crust Athens is an underground club for people who want to party till the morning hours. It’s also recommended for those who love pizza due to the fact that it serves great and worth-the-money pizza.
- Box Athens Box Athens is a place to enjoy live clubbing. Located in Gazi this live stage has an impressive entrance with lights and mirrors which is a popular photo spot. Every Friday and Saturday Box hosts Melisses one of the best pop bands in Greece.
- Kioumprik Located in Excarcheia, Kioumprik is a bar that you should totally visit! It plays many kind of music such as reggae, hip hop, punk, rock, stoner and more! the people who work there also run it with an assemply, so that they all can have part in its management. There is no relationship of employers – employees something difficult to find in a capitalistic country.
Islands
- Crete Chania is a great choice for you is to spend the summer. A city that combines wonderful nightlife as well as landscapes and well-known beaches. Here are my experiences with Chania, Crete
Another great city of Crete is Heraklion in which you can visit a lot of well-known sights such as Knossos, Koules and Fountain Morozini.
- Santorini Santorini is the ideal island to enjoy the most spectacular sunset, alleys and a beautiful white and blue architecture of houses. It’s
famous about the romantic sunset and the amazing view from all the places. Here is how I enjoyed my trip to Santorini. - Spetses Beautiful nature, perfect beaches and a complex history – Spetses is an island that has all three. It’s close enough to Athens to be enjoyed as a day trip and has enough varied sites and activities to keep you completely occupied for longer trips.
- Rhodes Rhodes is a unique island that combines History from different eras of time. It has ancient Greek ruins, Medieval structures, Italian structures from the Italian occupation of Rhodes, Turkish structures etc. It is well known for its sightseeings and landscape variety, which makes it one of the most visited destination in Europe.
- Lesvos The island of hidden harmony; a unique destination, recognised as a member of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, with long tradition and history, inherent contrasts of natural beauty, and delightful flavours with olive oil and ouzo in the spotlight!
- Corfu Corfu is probably the most beautiful Ionian Island with so many exciting places to see. It feels a lot like being in Italy, people are always singing and the food is delicious. Don’t forget to visit the Achileon, Sissi’s holiday palace.
- Lefkada Amazing beaches, easily accessible as you can travel there by car. You can combine your vacation there by visiting other Ionian islands. Lefkada is quite a peaceful island with fewer tourists than other Greek islands.
- Serifos An island with wild beauty and relaxing atmosphere. Not many people visit this island per year, therefore is perfect for those who want to run away from the hustle and bustle of Athens. The beaches are mainly sandy with crystal clear water. If you ever get the chance to go to the island, don’t forget to go to the castle and wait for the sunrise. The view will reward you.
- Mykonos Famous for its nightlife, though Mykonos has a lot more to offer. Beautiful and exotic rocky beaches, well-known restaurants offering traditional plates, mysterious and wonderful alleys. Mykonos combine both the quiet and the frostbite memories you want to add in your summer vacations!
- Skiathos Skiathos is among the most popular islands of Greece. Famous for the golden beaches, the green nature and the vivid atmosphere, Skiathos Greece is a favourite destination for both youth and families. The most popular beaches are located on the southern side of the island, including the famous bay of Koukounaries. However, very impressive is the exotic beach of Lalaria, accessible only by boat trip that also goes to the Medieval Castle of the island. The Town is the centre of activities on the island, where visitors head in the evenings to enjoy a relaxing drink. From Skiathos island, visitors can make day excursions to Skopelos and Alonissos, the other islands of Sporades.
- Amorgos One of the most impressive Cycladic islands, Amorgos, with its azure waters, unique landscape and picturesque villages is the perfect choise for relaxing holidays in the Aegean.
- Milos One of the most beautiful islands of Greece. Its volcanic activity in combination with the turquoise water make a unique landscape that every tourist should visit. Milos is ideal for young couples and a private means of transport would be recommended.
- Ios If you want to party a lot and live a wonderful experience in the Greek islands then Ios should be your choice. Ios means flower and according to the ancient tradition, Ios was the homeland of Homer’s mother and the final resting place of the great epic poet. It is particularly famous for the wonderful beaches, the picturesque village of Chora and certainly the intense nightlife that attracts mostly young crowds.
- Samothraki in my opinion the most magical island in Greece, Samothraki. The moment you reach it, you fall in love with it. It has magical nature with waterfalls, forests and beaches. Also the people you meet there are have a special sense of freedom and hospitality.
- Astypalaia The butterfly-shaped island located exactly where the Dodecanese meets the Cyclades, with the bluer-than-blue seas, the crystalline waters and the beautiful beaches is for any visitor a unique discovery. Slide into the crystal waters of Astypalea, enjoy the unique local tastes and experience the thrill of having the best holidays of your life.
Natural Resorts
Near the city of Volos (in the Magnisia regional unit), one can find the magical mountain of Pilio. According to myth, this is where the gods used to live during the summer, and with good reason!!! The beauty of Pilio is truly something to behold since it is (possibly) the Greece’s nature at it’s absolute best! Combining breath-taking mountain forrests and sunny beaches with clear blue waters, this place is a must visit. And most importantly, do not be fooled by the beautiful sea into thinking that this is a place to only visit during the summer. If you are a friend of snow and skiing, just don’t think twice.
Theatre
- Theater of the rocks Just about 40 minutes from the city center, in a breathtaking location,theater of the rocks or Theatro Vrachon is located.
- Piraeus If you like a bit of art visit the Municipal Theatre in Piraeus. In the heart of the city, reachable by many means of transport it often hosts rather interesting plays with Greek well-known actors.
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus A stone theatre structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens, Greece. The building was completed in 161 AD and then renovated in 1950. Since then it has been the main venue of the Athens Festival, which runs from May through October each year, featuring a variety of acclaimed Greek as well as International performances.
- Ebros
* During your stay in Athens, you should totally visit Ebros!It is an theatre in Psurri, which is occupied by a group of people. They have regular meetings where they organise everything about the theatre ‘s operation, the events, the concerts the parties and the plays. The good thing about Ebros is that its logic is that all its members are equal, without any boss or individual property. - To Treno Sto Rouf Opened in 1997, the venue is housed in an Italian passenger wagon dating back to 1950. Though small, the stage is fully-equipped and hosts lectures, musical performances and of course, theatrical works. Plus, the wagon is equipped with a mechanism that stimulated the comforting motion of a train. To Treno Sto Rouf’s agenda is rich and varied with educational programs, theatrical performances for adults and children, exhibitions and other cultural events. This little hidden gem is located less than 10 minutes from the nightlife hub of Gazi and certainly deserves a visit. Whether you are in the mood for a play, a performance or simply a drink in an unusual venue, To Treno Sto Rouf is undeniably one of the best-kept secrets in Athens.
Cinema
- Cine Thisseon With a direct view to the one and only Acropolis, Cine Thisseon is a classic summer open air cinema in Athens to check out. Showing films since 1935, it can be found on the paved walkway that connects Thission with Filoppapou Hill. Typically, the operation of the cinema begins the last week of April or the first week of May and ends in late October. (location)
- Cine Dexameni
*A great choice if to watch a movie if you’re in Greece during the summer would be Cine Dexameni. Located right under mount Lycabettus, it is an open air cinema, with a very retro feel, which can give you a taste of what Greece used to look like many decades ago.
Extreme sports
- If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush the southern suburbs of Varkiza and Vouliagmeni offer lessons in many extreme sports such as: SUP, rowing, wind surf, jet ski, sailing and many more. (location)
- Bungee Jumping: If you want to feel happiness through the absolute meaning of freedom, this is the place to go. The power of the ability to “fly” everywhere, will definitely rise your adrenaline levels. “Zulu Bungy” have made their personal need of generously sharing smiles to people so as to make their world more beautiful. The spot that has been chosen to set up the appropriate facilities is one of the most magnificent works in the world. The Isthmus is the main strategic point of the Greek area and one of the most important works in East Mediterranean. Its tunneling has been a significant issue since the ancient times as the creation of the canal would solve a lot of problems and would facilitate the navigation and the trade. See what it looks like.
- Rafting Ioannina The famous Zagori, the famous Tzoumerka and wider region of Epirus are waiting to enchant you with the most beautiful rivers in Greece, virgin green forests, huge gorges, canyons and majestic mountains and endless rare natural beauties! Equipment required for the activities of Rafting and Canoeing is provided (uniforms neoprene, life jackets, raincoats, helmets, paddles and neoprene shoes) to conduct a safe route. In every activity your experiences will be captured (photographs – video go-pro camera). Your stay in the region will be very pleasant and helpful, as are available numerous hotels and apartments that can meet your various needs in both areas of Zagori and Tzoumerka and the wider area of Ioannina.
Graffiti
You may find many hidden gems of graffiti in streets of Athens. Some examples can be found here.
Top Places to See Street Art in Athens:
- Pireos Right next to a busy street, try not to get run over by a car while admiring the panels of street art that line this area. If you’re feeling more adventurous, head to Leonidou and Keramikou Streets and pretty much anywhere in the surrounding area. Once super-sketch and now only mildly sketch, find a lot of great pieces here too.
- Gazi Not just for nightlife anymore. Come here and around the Technopolis area (an industrial museum and cultural space) to get your fill of culture without all the tourists. Large, government-approved pieces may not be as exciting as undercover art, but everything here is still raw and beautiful.
Kids-activities
- Attica Zoo Park If you want to spend a creative day with your children, get them to the Attica Zoo Park. Make sure you pick up a map to guide you around the park as it is huge, housing more than 350 animal species of which half are on the endangered list. Kids will love it.
- Children’s Museum The Children’s Museum in Plaka, which operates in collaboration with the Municipality of Athens, is very popular with young visitors, who enjoy the exhibits and the possibility to develop their observation skills, learn more about the cultural heritage and understand everyday life through games. Children can play at the shops of the “Market”, make their own biscuits at the “Kitchen”, journey through time at the “Attic”, learn about their body at the exhibit “How do I move?”, experiment and play with water and much more. Children under six years love the playroom where they can play with building blocks and visitors of all ages appreciate the toyshop with original toys and handmade objects.
- Allou! Fun Park The most famous theme park of Athens, located at Rentis. It offers plenty of activities for both kids and, why not, adults! Unfortunately, the only public means of transport that gets you there is bus. (location)
- Hellenic Children’s Museum If you want to have fun and at the same time educate your kids visit Hellenic Children’s Museum. This museum is dedicated to kids and helps them learn in a fun way about how the world functions. A couple of examples of things they can do is to create with building materials, learn about the concepts of supply and demand in the marketplace, or even experiment with food ingredients in the kitchen.
Shopping
Other tips and tricks
- Greece is a small country, so it is a good idea to travel almost all around the country and not only to one place, since you decided to travel all the way to the southern country of Europe.
- If a traveller wishes to visit most of Athens’ regions, it is highly recommended to use the subway instead of buses. It covers a lot of areas and is actually cheaper that most of european underground transportation systems.
- There are many destinations close to Athens where you can make a daily trip, relaxing from the urban noise and air pollution. One of my favorite destinations is Nafplio, a 2-hours drive from Athens, where you can stroll in the peaceful and picturesque streets and also climb the Palamidi fortress and enjoy a breathtaking view!
- A day trip in Sounion (2 hours car drive from Athens) is a nice choice for somebody who wants to escape from the capital. The temple of Poseidon and the view from up there worth the visit.
- Don’t forget your hat and your sunglasses!! Sunscreen is also a must (especially if you are fair-skinned)!
- Never bother lining up at the main entrance of the Acropolis. There’s a back way in that has a tiny line that no one knows about. This back door is faster and more efficient than the main like that every other tourist uses. By using this alternative entrance it will save you an hour of lining up in the blazing sun.
- Mobile phone data is important when you’ve stopped using paper maps. Outside the central subway stations you’ll find people set up selling sim cards with various data packs on offer. While they are looking to sell to locals – as a tourist it’s an absolute bargain for the mouth of data you get plus the ability to book bars and restaurants.
- The Greeks will be more friendly and eager to help if you try to speak some Greek, too. Just a couple of words are fine, they love it when they hear a stranger speaking their language. So, say “kalimera” instead of “good morning” and “efxaristo” instead of “thank you”, and you will see some big proud smiles in their faces.