Athens has gone through transformations to overcome traffic and smog issues after the 2004 Summer Olympics. The city is more friendly to visitors with the new freeways, accessible airport, English signs and spotless parks, etc. Athens is no longer just a stopover for distant traveling. Athens sites including Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and National Archaeological Museum are some of the most popular travel spots. Nightlife hubs of Kolonaki, Psiri and Gazi are often busy until dawn.
Zappeion Hall, Athens, Greece (Copyright: Lefteris Papaulakis)
ATHENS, GREECE – JANUARY 30 2016: The Evzones, changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Syntagma Square, Athens (futureGalore / Shutterstock)
The Erechtheion with its famous Porch of the Maidens (Caryatids) is a temple in Acropolis citadel, dedicated to both of Athena and Poseidon. (Copyright: eFesenko)
ATHENS-JULY 1: The top of the Acropolis of Athens on July 1, 2013 in Greece. The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a high rocky outcrop above the city of Athens. (lornet / Shutterstock)
Caryatides at Acropolis, Athens, Greece (Copyright: PavleMarjanovic)
Girl, sitting on a stone bench rostrum of the ancient theater on the territory of the Acropolis of Athens in Greece. (Copyright: Yurasov Valery)
Young woman photographing with digital tablet Parthenon temple in Acropolis (Copyright: RossHelen)
A beautiful cat with in Antique Athens, Greece with Acropolis in the background (Copyright: YuG)
Tzistarakis Mosque in athens (Copyright: pavel dudek)
Byzantine Church the Holy Apostles of Solakis in Ancient Agora, Athens, Greece (Copyright: Pamela Loreto Perez)
ATHENS, GREECE – MAY 04: Numismatic Museum in Athens on MAY 04, 2015. Tourists in Front of Numismatic Museum at Panepistimiou Street in Athens, Greece. (Baloncici / Shutterstock)
ATHENS, GREECE, DECEMBER 10, 2015: people are walking through monastiraki square in athens on Monday morning (pavel dudek / Shutterstock)
ATHENS, GREECE, DECEMBER 10, 2015: The Church of Saint Mary Pantanassa, located on Monastiraki square is a popular gathering place for Young greeks at any time of day. (pavel dudek / Shutterstock)
Athens, Greece 13 September 2015. Happy train in Monastiraki street is ready for a city sightseeing. (Bill Anastasiou / Shutterstock)
Athens, Greece 13 September 2015. Monastiraki famous local street with tourists shopping and enjoying Greece. (Bill Anastasiou / Shutterstock)
ATHENS-AUGUST 22: Shopping on Ermou Street on August 22, 2014 in Athens, Greece. Ermou Street is a one and a half kilometer-long road, connecting Kerameikos archaeological site with Syntagma Square. (lornet / Shutterstock)
ATHENS-AUGUST 22: H&M store showcase on Emrou street on August 22,2014 Athens, Greece. H & M is a Swedish retail-clothing company, known for its fast-fashion clothing for men, women, and children. (lornet / Shutterstock)
ATHENS,GREECE – MAR 09 : Greeks celebrating carnival with ancient traditional costumes, March 09, 2013 in Athens,Greece (Anastasios71 / Shutterstock)
Athens, Greece, 28 October 2015. Greek students parade to celebrate the national holiday of the Ochi Day. (Bill Anastasiou / Shutterstock)
Athens, Greece, 28 October 2015.Kids parade in Greece in the memory of the OXI day against Italians. (Bill Anastasiou / Shutterstock)
ATHENS,GREECE – NOV 8: 33nd Athens Classic Marathon.Over 45,000 athletes from dozens of countries took part in the classic authentic marathon ,November 8, 2015 in Marathon City, Athens,Greece (Stratos Giannikos / Shutterstock)
ATHENS, GREECE, DECEMBER 10, 2015: greek people are buying newspaper in a newsstand in the center of athens (pavel dudek / Shutterstock)
Athens, Greece 20 August 2015. Pretty farm girl cleaning the horse arena. (Bill Anastasiou / Shutterstock)
Street cats in Athens, Greece (Copyright: Markus Gebauer)
ATHENS, GREECE, DECEMBER 10, 2015: people are walking on a steep wide path leading to the akroplos complex in athens, greece (pavel dudek / Shutterstock)
ATHENS, GREECE, DECEMBER 10, 2015: street artist is selling his pictures of greece on the way to akropolis complex in athens (pavel dudek / Shutterstock)
ATHENS, GREECE – MAY 05: Orthodox Church Store in Athens on MAY 05, 2015. Icons and Candles in Religious Shop in Downtown Athens, Greece. (Baloncici / Shutterstock)
ATHENS, GREECE – MAY 05: Fish Market in Athens on MAY 05, 2015. Seafood Stalls with Fishmongers and Shoppers in Central Market in Athens, Greece. (Baloncici / Shutterstock)
Athens Metro Station in Greece (WHYFRAME / Shutterstock)
ATHENS, GREECE – JULY 19: Underground metro station in Athens, Greece on July 19, 2015 (S-F / Shutterstock)
ATHENS, FEB 8, 2016: The new Acropolis Museum opened to the public on June 21, 2009. Designed by the Swiss-French Architect Bernard Tschumi. (MR. INTERIOR / Shutterstock)
ATHENS, GREECE – FEB 8, 2016: Spectacular Interior View of the New Acropolis Museum in Athens with visitors. Designed by the Swiss-French Architect Bernard Tschumi. Open to the public since 2009. (MR. INTERIOR / Shutterstock)
ATHENS, FEB 8, 2016: The new Acropolis Museum opened to the public on June 21, 2009. Designed by the Swiss-French Architect Bernard Tschumi. (MR. INTERIOR / Shutterstock)
ATHENS, GREECE, DECEMBER 10, 2015: Night view of a shopping street near monastiraki square – one of the most important tourist street in the historical district of athens called plaka (pavel dudek / Shutterstock)
ATHENS – GREECE DECEMBER 17 2015: Christmas atmosphere at Ermou Street. Ermou in Athens is one of the most expensive shopping streets in the entire world and it’s a paradise for those who live to shop (Kotsovolos Panagiotis / Shutterstock)
Athens, Greece: Things to Do, Places to See, and How to Get Around
By Meg Vaflor
Athens, Greece is an astonishingly beautiful city steeped in history and culture. Tourists flock to Athens all year round, because of the sheer number of tourist attractions to see and experiences to be had in this ancient city. Athens is warm and dry all year round, although it’s typically cooler in the winter, which means that tourists can be found in Athens every month of the year.
There are so many sights to see, places of cultural and historical significance, gardens, museums, and more, that discussing them all in one article is nearly impossible. This article will discuss a few of the most famous sites in Athens, for you to be properly acquainted with them before you embark on a trip to the city of Athens, Greece.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a vast theatre made of stone. It dates back to Ancient Greece and it has a seating capacity of 5,000 – 6,000 people. It was built by Herod Atticus and dedicated to his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilli. It is one of the primary venues of the Athens Festival and often houses concerts, events and shows. It is located on the Southern Slope of the Acropolis. It’s a remarkable sight, especially in the evening during a concert or an event, when floodlights illuminate the entire structure.
Constitution Square
Constitution Square, also known as Syntagma Square, houses the Parliament Building. The Memorial to the Unknown Soldier can found within this square is guarded by Evzones, guards similar to those at Buckingham Palace. You can watch the Change of Guards here every night at 6 PM.
The National Library
The National Library is a beautiful example of neo-classical architecture. It is part of the Danish architect Theophil Feiherr von Hansen’s Trilogy, which includes the Athens University and the Academy of Athens. The National Library has in its possession 4,500 Greek manuscripts and is a must-visit for scholars, book lovers and history buffs alike. It is located at the right-hand side of the University of Athens, on Panepistimiou Street.
The Academy of Arts
Situated next to the University of Athens, the Academy is also part of Hansen’s Trilogy of neo-classical structures. The building features Ionic columns and sculptures of Plato, Socrates, Apollo and Athena.
The National Garden
Formerly known as the Royal Garden, the National Garden is home to several species of plants and flowers. It is located behind Parliament House, and a gate connects it to the Zappeion, a building that was used as a fencing hall in the first modern Olympics. The National Garden is an ideal place to visit if you feel the need to get in touch with nature while remaining within the city proper.
Ancient Agora
In Ancient Agora, you can find a number of ancient ruins such as the Odeon of Agrippa, massive statues of Tritons and Giants, the Church of the Holy Apostles, the Thesion, the Royal Stoa, and the famous Altar of the Twelve Gods.
Thiseio
Need a little pick me up before you continue with your tour of Athens, Greece? Grab a frappe (an iced coffee drink many Greeks are fond of) and relax in a sidewalk caf� on Thiseo. Thiseo is filled with quaint coffee shops, eating-places and resting areas; making it an ideal stopover on a busy tour.
Temple of Poseidon
Located in Cape Sounion in Attica, the Temple of Poseidon overlooks the beautiful waters of the Saronic Gulf. Although the famed sunset at the Temple of Poseidon is every bit as breathtaking as they say, if you want to beat the tourist rush, visit early in the morning. The cool air and tranquil atmosphere at the Temple of Poseidon during an early morning visit is balm to the senses.
Acropolis and the Parthenon
You can’t visit Athens without dropping by the Parthenon. Located on Acropolis, the Parthenon was a temple for the goddess of wisdom, Athena. The Parthenon was built in the Doric architectural style, and some say it’s the finest example of Doric architecture ever made. Only 15 Corinthian columns from the original 104 remain standing; one other column fell down in 1852. Nevertheless, the majestic beauty of each column is guaranteed to make any viewer breathless. The Parthenon can be seen from a distance, especially in the evening, when the entire structure is illuminated by floodlights. Acropolis Hill also boasts a spectacular view of the city of Athens.
Lycabettus Hill
Lycabettus Hill or Mount Lycabettus is the highest point in the city. You can find the Chapel of St George and an open-air theater on its peak. It features a breathtaking view of the city of Athens.
Plaka and Monastiraki
If you want to give yourself a break from sight-seeing, shop for unique souvenirs in Plaka and Monastiraki. Stroll down Ermou, a pedestrians-only street, and browse through the wares of queer little stores that sell everything from vegetable molders to statue replicas to funky shirts to handmade silk roses. You can also find well-known stores such as Armani, D & G and Gucci, along Ermou. Before you embark on a shopping spree in Plaka or Monastiraki, make sure you eat a big meal beforehand and wear comfortable shoes, as you may find yourself staying at the shops for far longer than you think! On a side note, Plaka was built on the site of the residential areas of Ancient Athens.
Getting Around in Athens Greece
Travelling in Greece and taking in the sights can be an extremely rewarding. It can also be quite exhausting. When visiting Athens, you have quite a few options as far as getting around is concerned. You can rent a car or a moped, or you can take the bus. However, rental vehicles are expensive, and taking a bus can prove to be inconvenient, what with all the waiting around at bus stops and having to walk the remainder of the distance to the destination where you’re headed. Taxi tours in Athens are a comfortable, inexpensive and entirely novel way of getting around Athens. Athens Taxi, in particular, offers half-day and whole-day tours in Athens, and they also offer tours from Athens to Mycenae and Epidavros. Athens Taxi can also provide a personal guide for you and your group. If you prefer walking tours, Athens Taxi can also arrange for a personal guide to accompany you and to point out the landmarks and provide mini-history lessons and interesting facts.
Learn more about Taxi Tours.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Meg_Vaflor/784183
http://EzineArticles.com/?Athens,-Greece:-Things-to-Do,-Places-to-See,-and-How-to-Get-Around&id=5327386