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One of Europe's Ancient capitals, Athens has undergone significant change in recent years. A modern metropolis with an old town feel, this is where antiquity meets futurism, and ancient monuments fuse with a trendy, cosmopolitan scene. Plaka neighbourhood is the heart of its historical centre, with labyrinthine streets leading to all manner of ancient wonders.
The City
Athens’ heyday was around 400 years BC, that’s when most of the classical monuments were built. During the Byzantine and Turkish periods the city decayed into just an insignificant little village, only to become the capital of the newly-liberated Greece in 1833. Ahead of the 2004 Olympics, almost the entire infrastructure was transformed: the Metro, trams, new ring roads and viaducts have eased the pressure of heavy traffic.
Athens is still a rather messy and chaotic place — it wouldn’t be Athens otherwise — and despite all the improvements, it still retains a great deal of its original charm. The whole coastal stretch from Piraeus to the old Hellenikon airport has been improved with new plantings, viaducts and paths for walking. The Plaka district is becoming more and more popular and it is on the way to catching up with Psyrri, Gazi and Rouf when it comes to restaurants and cafes. Discover the beauties of the Anafiotika district, at the feet of the Acropolis, and visit the ancient village still housed in the midst of the city. In Exarchia, there is a somewhat in-your-face anarchic atmosphere around the Technical University. Meanwhile, Kolonaki is becoming more and more gentrified.
Do & See
Athens' renowned history and iconic landmarks are only part of what makes the city so compelling. The challenges brought on by the economic crisis have left their mark, but they've also fuelled a vibrant creative energy. Today, Athens continues to surprise and inspire its visitors with its dynamic culture, street art, evolving food scene, and the resilience of its people.
Dining
Food is at the centre of all activities in Greece, and it is easy to understand why. The Greek cuisine, Mediterranean at heart and influenced by their Turkish neighbours, is fresh, honest, filling and absolutely delicious. Whether you are in for a tour of the best Greek Tavernas in town, looking for the tastiest gyros or want to try the new Greek cuisine, you might adjust to the local rhythm and spend a lot of time around the table.
In Athens and in Greece, you can eat at any time of the day and late at night. Tavernas and Ouzerias, where you can drink local cocktails and usually hear traditional music, are also a key place for social life.
Cafés
Drinking coffee in Greece is an institution, and Athens is no exception. You will find cafes and their terraces full of people, laughter, cigarette smoke and animation every day and all year long. Cafes here are the place to meet up with friends, relax, have long conversations about life and politics, or to play backgammon; when in Greece, call it "Tavli".
The most Greek coffee drink is without a doubt the frappé. It was invented at the 1957 Thessaloniki International Fair by Giannis Dritsas, a representative of the Nestlé company. It's basically instant coffee whipped with cold water until frothy, served on ice. If you're not an instant coffee lover, ask for the server to add some sugar and milk to your drink. It's quite a marvelous invention for hot summer days.
Or course, third wave coffee has made it to Athens as well. You can choose to sit at a trendy or alternative cafe, at a traditional kafeneio, or even at one of Greece's own coffee chains.
Bars & Nightlife
Athens' bar scene brings neverending surprises. The nightlife extends way beyond the first morning lights. The Greeks know how to drink and party, and Athens is the living and breathing image of this happy and joyful spirit.
From alternative bars to fancy clubs, pubs and traditional 'ouzerias', follow the flow and experience one of the best nights of your life.
Shopping
It is almost unbelievable that Athens is not yet consecrated as one of the best fashion and shopping destinations in Europe. It has everything the other capitals are so proud of: international brands, luxury products and major names, designer shops, smaller and more original boutiques, all showcased in pleasant walkable streets and neighbourhoods, but usually with lower prices than cities such as Paris, Milan or London. Even though years ago the city was hit hard by the crisis and many small shops had to close, it still offers plenty of shopping opportunities, in and around the centre.
Tourist Information
Athens International Airport (ATH)
Athens International Airport is located at Spata, 33 kilometres, 20 miles, southeast of Athens. A taxi ride to the city-centre will cost a flat rate of €40 between 5 am and midnight, and €55 between midnight and 5 am. The fixed fares include the basic fare, plus extra luggage charges and road tolls.
The Metro's Line 3, Blue Line, Nikaia–Airport is another option to go to the centre. The journey to Syntagma takes around half an hour.
Airport buses are available to Syntagma: X95, Piraeus port: X96, Kifissou Avenue: X93 and Elliniko: X97. The travel time to Syntagma and the other areas in town takes around 1 hour and around 1.5 hours to Piraeus port.
Address: Attiki Odos, Spata, Greece
Email: airport_info@aia.gr
Phone: +30 210 353 0000
Website: www.aia.gr
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Passport / Visa
Greece can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
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Website: www.mfa.gr/services/theoriseis-schengen
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Best Time to Visit
Greece is a tourist destination beloved worldwide, and summer is the most crowded season of all, especially in July and August. Spring is, perhaps, the best season to travel to Greece, as the main cities such as Athens are not so crowded and the prices are a little lower.
June and September are the best months to visit Athens when the beaches around the capital are full of entertainment. If you love hiking, don't miss Athens in autumn.
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Public Transport
In Athens, the metro stations are kept spotlessly clean. At the Syntagma and Acropolis stations you will find a large collection of antiquities on display.
There is a tram from the centre, Syntagma, running along the coast to Glyfada, 50 minutes, and Voula, 60 minutes.
Buses, trolley buses and the metro run until around midnight. The tram runs between 5:30am and 1am, and until 2:30am on Friday and Saturday. Airport buses all run 24/7. The airport bus tickets are not valid for other public transport services, but only for a single journey.
Ferries out to the island leave from the harbour in Piraeus or from Rafina.
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Email: contact@athenstransport.com
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Website: www.athenstransport.com/english
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Taxi
There are lots of taxis, but it is normal to share one with other tourists, so don't be surprised if the driver picks up additional passengers along the road who are going in the same direction. The drivers have taximetres and fixed prices.
Uber and another app called Freenow also work in Athens.
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Website: www.athenstaxiquality.com
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Post
Stamps can be bought in most tobacconists and kiosks selling postcards. Syntagma Square has a full service post office right across from the Parliament building.
Address: Greek Post (ELTA), Mitropoleos 2, Athens
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Phone: +30 210 324 5970
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Pharmacy
In case of a medical emergency you should phone 166 for an ambulance. Greek pharmacies aren’t usually open in the afternoon or at weekends.
Bacacos Pharmacy is centrally located close to Omonia Square.
Address: Agiou Konstantinou 3, Athens
Email: pharmacy@bacacos.gr
Phone: +30 210 523 2631
Website: www.bacacos.gr
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Electricity
Greece uses the Type F electrical plug with two round pins, same as in many countries in Continental Europe. The standard voltage is 230 volts, but some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.
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Telephone
Country code: +30
Area code: 210
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