Athens, Greece — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Athens
Athens is an ancient city in the true sense of the word, and one gets the sense that they're tripping over priceless artifacts. Its origins and culture date back to the years when gods of myth walked the earth, a history reflected in popular destinations such as the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Ancient Agora, where the temples of the gods Hephaestus and Apollo are also found.
The 3,000 year history of Athens and, indeed, ancient Greece is perusable on 'museum mile' along Vassilissis Sophias Avenue. Here most of Athens' museums are clustered, including the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art and the Byzantine Museum. The 'mile' starts from Syntagma Square, the home of the Greek Parliament.
For the best view of the city, climb Lycabettus Hill for its spectacular view of the Parthenon. The tranquil National Gardens make a lovely daytime break for those tired of the urban rush, or you can take a tram to Athens' urban beaches, including Agios Kosmas, Attica Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza.
Shopping in Athens
Historically a crossroads for Middle Eastern and European traders, present-day Athens holds a treasure trove of goods from all over the world. This city boasts a plethora of boutiques, department stores, specialty shops and markets. Popular buys include antiques, ceramics, books, jewelry, shoes and olive oil. In the center of Athens there are numerous music stores and bookshops, some of which offer translations of the modern Greek authors and music records no longer in production. The Monastiraki Square flea market runs into Pandrossou and Ifaistou streets and is great for local produce and various antiques. While it is operational all week, the best bargains are available on Sundays. Ermou Street is one of Athens' main shopping streets and hosts clothing, accessory and souvenir shops, trading in everything from old money and copper pots to fine ceramics, designer labels and sensational jewelry. Vildiridis and Bulgari jewellers can be found on Voukourestiou and the adjacent streets. Located beneath the Acropolis, the Plaka shopping area also has numerous jewelry stores, art shops, cafés and street vendors.
Athens Nightlife
Greece has earned a reputation in not only Europe, but across the globe, for its crazy island summer nightlife, but don't be fooled - the nightlife in Athens can rival just about any of its island counterparts. Athens boasts a hectic nightlife consisting of everything from sex shows and gay bars to traditional Greek music and dancing to classical concerts.
Taking an afternoon nap to rest up for the evening's activities is a good idea, as most parties don't really get going until well after dinner, which can be as late as 10pm in the summertime. The old Turkish quarter, known as the Plaka district, is a great place to start where tavernas and fast-food souvlaki joints bustle and diners sip on aperitifs on rooftop terraces overlooking the Acropolis to the sounds of violins, concertinas and bouzouki playing traditional urban Greek music like Rembetika and Smyrneika. Many tavernas have lively music and dancing, including Taverna Mostrou and Palia Taverna Kritikou.
After dinner, head to one of the many music bars, clubs, rock and jazz venues in the city. Clubbing in Athens is expensive, with many large venues charging entrance of EUR10-20, and upwards of EUR10 per drink. For a less touristy option, head to the area around the port of Pireau and explore the clubs and bars on offer here.
Parafono, in the center of Athens, is a live-music club dedicated to jazz and blues and a great place to watch a gig, while Sundays are dedicated to country, rock and acoustic jam. In the distance the red chimneys of Technopolis attract bourgeois bohemians who flock to jazz and comedy festivals in this former industrial area.
One of the most unique and breathtaking venues for a live concert is the theater on Mount Lycavettos, which has hosted many world-famous artists. You'll find classical music programs at the Megaron Mousikis Concert Hall, Olympia Theater, and the Pallas Theater. For traditional Greek theater and dancing, head to the Athens Center or the Dora Stratou Folk Dance Theater.
Grab a copy of the International Herald Tribune for its daily Kathimerini cultural and entertainment listings, or the monthly Now in Athens has comprehensive lists of clubs, restaurants, theater, and more.
Attractions for Kids
For a city steeped in so much history, many would think that children on vacation in Athens would be bored. But look behind the ancient ruins and temples and find plenty of exciting attractions and activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. With warm summers and mild winters, Athens boasts the perfect climate for outdoor activities and it's no wonder the city is scattered with parks and gardens. Picnicking in these is a regular pastime for many local Athenians and many of the gardens feature children's playgrounds. Take the cable car up Mount Likavitos and let the kids enjoy the view over the city and explore the paths up top, or for the more insatiable child, a trip to one of the Athens' theme parks or the go-kart track will tire them out. When the weather is colder and kids activities out of doors are not an option, head to one of the many children's museums dotted around the city, an indoor playground, or take the kids to the world's finest planetarium for a spot of stargazing. With all these options and more, parents will have no problem finding time to take their children exploring round Athens for the day to enjoy their own little experience of one of the world's most loved and visited cities.
