Sightseeing in Athens - what to see. Complete travel guide
Athens is the biggest city of Greece and it is also one of the biggest cities of Europe. The population of Athens is over 3 million people, which is almost 40% of the total population of the country. Athens is frequently called the centre of the world. In this city you can find almost anything - on one side this is a city of a rich cultural heritage, and on the other side Athens is a large scientific centre. By the way, don't forget that Athens has given birth to the Olympic Games. This tremendous city is full of surprises and contrasts.
Travellers, who plan to visit Athens with kids, can be sure they will find great places and entertainment perfect for a family vacation. Both children and adults will enjoy a visit to the … Open
In addition to large number of Greek cuisine restaurants, Athens is truly rich in dining facilities featuring original gastronomy, as well as luxury restaurants and cafes. Cheese, light red … Open
The Temple of Zeus. The Temple of Zeus (or, as it is usually called, the Olympian) is located approximately 500m to the south of the Acropolis. The building of the temple lasted during several centuries, and it was finished only in the 2nd century (during the reign of Emperor Adrian). During that time the Temple of Zeus was the largest building in whole Greece. Its height estimated 96m, its width was 40m. The building was decorated with 104 seventeen meter tall Corinthian columns. Unfortunately, only the ruins of the 15th and 16th columns have survived till our days. When the building of the temple was not yet finished, the Roman general Sulla took 2 columns to Rome and used them to decorate the Temple of Jupiter. After this the Corinthian style became very popular in Rome.
The local residents are distinguished by such character traits as sentiment and nervousness at the same time. In critical or responsive situations they can show tolerance and resolve any … Open
Plaka. Plaka is the oldest area in Athens. You will find it between the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus. Its short and cozy streets are the location of numerous souvenir shops and restaurants that traditionally attract a great number of tourists. Plaka is the most picturesque area of Athens. In this part of the city it is almost impossible to believe that you are currently in the city with the population of approximately 4 million of people. Anafiotika, which is famous for its snow-white houses, is a special place that is recommended to visit. The legend says that the Delphian oracle forbad building houses there, but once two homeless builders, who were looking for a shelter in Plaka, managed to build a small house during just one night thanks to their mastery. When guardsmen came in the morning, they felt sorry for the builders and decided not to punish them. Since then a new rule has been created - if you manage to build a shelter during one night, you may stay there.
Athens is so rich in various attractions that choosing the most interesting among them is not so simple. You should definitely visit Tower of the Winds, which was built approximately two … Open
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Athens and surroundings
Reference information
Shopping streets in Athens
♥ Shopping area ' Ermou Street' Athens, 1.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Voukourestiou Street' Athens, 1.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Kassaveti Street' Athens, 2.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Ermou Street' Athens, 1.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Voukourestiou Street' Athens, 1.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Kassaveti Street' Athens, 2.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
Survived castles around Athens
♥ Castle 'Markellos Tower' Aegina, 37.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Castle of Chalkis' Chalkis, 54.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Acrocorinth' Corinth, 76.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Markellos Tower' Aegina, 37.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Castle of Chalkis' Chalkis, 54.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Acrocorinth' Corinth, 76.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
National and city parks around Athens
♥ National Park 'Ethniko Parko Schinia Marathona' , 32.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'Ethniko Parko Schinia Marathona' , 32.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
Art galleries in Athens and around
♥ Art museum 'Vorres Museum' Athens, 0.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'National Archaeological Museum of Athens' Athens, 0.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Benaki Museum' Athens, 1.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Museum of Cycladic Art' Athens, 1.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'New Acropolis Museum' Athens, 2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Vorres Museum' Athens, 0.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'National Archaeological Museum of Athens' Athens, 0.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Benaki Museum' Athens, 1.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Museum of Cycladic Art' Athens, 1.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'New Acropolis Museum' Athens, 2 km from the center. On the map Photo
Sights around Athens from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Thebes
From the series “The Oldest Inhabited Cities on the Planet”
Check on the map: Distance from Athens center - 67.6 km.
During the tour, guests of the city will hear interesting legends about the birth of Dionysus and Heracles, about the exploits of the legendary king Cadmium and bloody battles that has being devastated the thriving city for thousands of years. Developed tourist infrastructure of the city will be a nice addition to stay, as modern Thebes offers its guests a lot of attractive hotels, magnificent local restaurants and lots of amazing places to relax. …
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Corinth Canal
From the series “Greatest Man-Made Waterways and Channels”
Check on the map: Distance from Athens center - 65.6 km.
Its building began in 1881 and was finally complete in August, 1893. Just a few decades back the canal was of great economic significance. Nowadays it is of interest as a tourist attraction point. Over 11000 ships travel through the Corinth Canal annually. Numerous tourist ferries are among them. Moreover, the bridges over the canal are used by thrill seekers who indulge a new activity of bungee jumping. …
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Odeon of Herodes Atticus
From the series “Ancient Amphitheaters and Arenas, That Are Still Operational”
Check on the map: Distance from Athens center - 1.8 km.
The construction of the amphitheater was completed in 165 AD. In the course of the last reconstructions, only a multicoloured marble facing and several statues were renovated. All other elements of architecture are perfectly preserved from the time of construction, which allows guests of the ancient theater to fully enjoy its pristine grandeur. The best time to visit the sights is a period from June to September, when the annual Athens Festival takes place. During this period, interesting performances and concerts in the amphitheater are held literally every week. …
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Hilton builds third luxury hotel in Kyoto
It will welcome its first guests in 2024. 313 rooms of various categories will be available, the interior of rooms and hotel spaces will become one of the main features of the high-class hotel. When decorating the rooms, it is planned to use local textiles, which are famous for their high quality and are considered to be one of the best in the world. Read this
19.03.2024
It will welcome its first guests in 2024. 313 rooms of various categories will be available, the interior of rooms and hotel spaces will become one of the main features of the high-class hotel. When decorating the rooms, it is planned to use local textiles, which are famous for their high quality and are considered to be one of the best in the world. Read this
19.03.2024
Search touristic sites on the map of Athens
All about Athens, Greece - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Athens, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Athens in few days.