DK Eyewitness Top 10 Athens (Pocket Travel Guide)

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Vibrant, lively, exuberant, buoyant; whichever word you want to use to describe it, one thing is for sure; Athens' nightlife is an integral part of the locals' life and probably nothing you've ever experienced before; what can we say? Greeks like to have a good time! From 500 AD, the largest temple of antiquity gradually collapsed. The pillars of the Temple of Olympian Zeus began to fall. Until the beginning of the 19th century, only 16 were standing up, but one terrible storm in 1852 threw another one, which still stands today in the middle of the ancient ruins. The Arch of Hadrian

Still, taking the railway - both the underground (Metro) and the suburban line- is the most common and convenient way to access the center of the city. The only difference between the two means of public transportation is their terminal destination, with the suburban railway terminating outside of Athens. If you want to be prepared beforehand, you can follow our Athens international airport survival guide, our Piraeus port comprehensive guide, or our Rafina port survival guide, which will thoroughly educate you on how to get to your desired destination most easily and more suitably for you. Athens International Airport Yes, the obvious choice tops this list. Positioned just 280 meters away from the Parthenon, with almost 4,000 exhibits masterfully composing the permanent exhibition, the Acropolis Museum is a must-see attraction you should make time for. SafetyWing– Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road. Whether you want to enjoy a luscious picnic, get introduced to Athens' flora and fauna, or just want to take a leisurely walk in search of some peace of mind, Athens will not disappoint you!

While it is the second-largest square in Greece, following the Spianada Sq. on Corfu island, its compelling history makes it unique. In 1927, its wooden fence was replaced by the iron railings and marble pillars that we see today. The 'Royal Garden' was renamed 'National Garden' in 1974. Only a few kilometers away from the city center, one can enjoy some quality beach time and indulge in the swimming and sunbathing they've dreamed of.

Having received multiple awards and worldwide recognition, as it is a 2-Michelin-Star restaurant and a proud member of Grande Table du Monde, there is no doubt that Spondi will be a treat for all of your senses. Street Food

Athens' Squares

Don't skip the chance to taste Athens' best kebab souvlaki in Thanasison Mitropoleos str., located near Hadrian's library, or sip on a cup of traditional Greek coffee on the charming Avissinias Square, the small square in the middle of the flea market; Monastiraki Square is a historical fairy tale waiting to be told! Shopping in the city center of Athens Similarly to Athens' Central Market but on a much smaller scale, the locals source the raw materials they need for their everyday cooking in their neighborhoods' farmer's markets -or ' laiki agora' in Greek- a dearly beloved institution that takes place weekly in all Athenian neighborhoods and has been established since the ancient times. During the summer months, because of the traffic the Greek islands have, the express tourist bus X80 runs directly from the center of Athens to the cruise terminal at Piraeus port, so depending on preference, your location, and the season you'll be visiting, you can take advantage of that as well. From 1963 until now, 'Palia Markiza' has been a constant value in Athens's rebetiko and folk scene. The venue resembles a typical old-time Greek setting. The garden has seven entrances around Athens, with the main one on Amalias Avenue. Walking through the intricate alleyways, which are 7 km long and 3-5 meters wide, the visitor gets lost in the vegetation that consists of 500 species of plants -some so rare you won't come across anywhere else in the western world or even the middle east.

Please keep in mind that Hadrian's arch and Hadrian's Library are two separate historical monuments, with Hadrian's Library being located in Monastiraki square. Panathenaic Stadium Scams can occur around Monastiraki, Syntagma, and Glyfada when tourists are lured into a bar with special discounted drink prices, and then are later forced to pay huge prices on their bar tabs or get threatened with violence. You can read more about common travel scams to avoid here.Thankfully, Greeks also like to have options, which translates to Athens' nightlife scene, making it a mixed bag of entertainment. As a result, there are four main categories in the nightlife destinations depending on your taste and age. As you can see, through the years, Athens, Greece, has undergone many drastic changes that have led it to be what it is right now, offering its visitors an abundance of major landmarks in Greece from different eras. There are over 5,000 years of history in Athens and you’ll find some of the largest collections in the world of Greek ruins and artifacts here.

Use the Greek Salad/Bread Rule– Is a restaurant cheap or expensive? Here’s a good rule of thumb: If the bread cover is .50 EUR or a Greek salad is less than 7 EUR, the restaurant is cheap. If the cover is around 1 EUR and a salad is 7-8.50 EUR, the prices are average. Anything more that, the place is expensive.Athens is an endlessly layered entity where the ever-present historic patina co-exists happily with an appetite for reinvention. Age-old rituals such as farmers’ markets and unhurried chats on doorsteps still find space among the new designer patisseries and artist co-operatives. Athens inspires everything from exasperation and sensory overload to blind devotion — but always bestows its best gifts on the adventurous and curious. You can savor the tasty food in Greece across the wide selection of Athens' taverns that serve long-established recipes integrated into the local culture and celebrate the riches of the Greek land.