When a city is the historical capital of Europe , then it doesn’t need much introduction.
Athens has been around for many centuries , and has not only lured tourists but also conquerors who have erected unique, and splendid monuments as well .
But apart from the mighty Acropolis , Athens offers some of the most beautiful and culturally significant attractions known to man.
There is so much to see and do in Athens in 24 hours,but here are some of our favourites and less known.
Early morning: 8– 10am
Start your day early with an aromatic Greek coffee. Greeks love their coffee and whatever time of day it is , you will see them sitting around sipping it with grace . Greek coffee is a strong brew, served with foam on top and the grounds in the bottom of the cup.
A locals favourite spot is around Kotzia Square. The square retains several characteristics of 19th century local neoclassical architecture, such as the City Hall of the Municipality of Athens and the National Bank of Greece and Cultural Center. It is named after Konstantinos Kotzias, former Mayor of Athens.
In the middle of Kotzia square classical antiquities have been recently uncovered that include a large part of an ancient road, tombs and a small building. The square is situated just outside of the ancient Acharnian Gate of Classical Athens.
Late morning: 10am – 12pm
Walk near by and meet the locals at the Market. Built by the Municipality of Athens between 1878 and 1886, the Municipal Market on Athinas Street came into being after a devastating fire burned the huts of the old market to the ground in 1884. Located at the eastern side of the Hadrian’s Library, the market has operated continually for more than 125 years and now houses a large number of food stores .
Located between Monastiraki and Omonoia metro station at Athinas street, Varkvakeios market is the most important market of the city. You can buy meat, fish, cheese, herbs, fruits, vegetables, second hand furniture, books and clothes. But most of all you will take a look at what a normal day looks like in this capital.
You can also have lunch at its restaurants! Do not miss tasting different kinds of soups at “Rania” which is located inside the market or having a glass of wine at “Karamanlidika tou Fani”, a great delicatessen with a beautiful garden.
If you love Arts , check out the “Art tower” gallery that is located at the square of Varvakeios agora.
Midday: 12 – 2pm
For your next stop we suggest you visit Psirri district and take a look at the shops and the traditional workshops before walking beside the ruins of Ancient Agora (Market), where in ancient times the Athenians decided for their democracy in assemblies.
See how thousands years of history let their marks in the city of the golden age of Pericles and admire the Parthenon, the Roman era ,the glorious ruins of Hadrian's Library and the Roman agora, the Temple of Zeus, the Byzantine era with hundred of churches and the Othoman empire with the mosques.
Also modern day street art for which Athens is famous for. Street Art in Athens is the biggest in the world, conveying social and political messages of recent strife and optimism.
At the Monastiraki metro station you can see the ancient river Heridanos unearthed during the excavation for the construction of the Metro Station.
Jump in the metro and visit the ancient cemetery Keramikos, drink ouzo or raki and taste mezedes (greek snacks) in Gazi district , a favourite hangout for the younger population of Athens, with upbeat bars and good restaurants.
Afternoon: 2 – 6pm
And how about following Plato’s footsteps ?
Plato Academy is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Athens with a rich history. It took its name from its first inhabitants Ekadimo or Academo, and is the area where the ancient Greek philosopher Plato founded the Philosophical Academy (387 B.C.), a powerful center of culture, research and political thought.
Nowadays it’s characterized as an archaeological park strongly maintaining the spirit and the culture of that era. In the footsteps of history many state and local cultural and educational organizations periodically organize art exhibitions, philosophical discussions and free courses in Philosophy, Language, Science, Art, etc. keeping this place an unchanged center of culture and education. Moreover, when the weather is good the Plato Academy is the ideal destination near the center of Athens to walk, relax, or have a picnic .
Another “green oasis” in the city is the National Gardens.a peaceful, green refuge of 15.5 hectares in the center of the Greek capital. It is located directly behind the Greek Parliament building (The Old Palace) and continues to the south to the area where the Zappeion is located, across from the Panathinaiko or Kallimarmaro Olympic Stadium of the 1896 Olympic Games. The Garden also encloses some ancient ruins, tambours and Corinthian capitals of columns, mosaics. etc.The main entrance is on Leoforos Amalias, the street named after the Queen who envisioned this park. You can also enter the gardens from one of three other gates: the central one, on Vasilissis Sophias Avenue, another on Herodou Attikou Street and the third gate connects the National Garden with the Zappeion park area. In the National Garden you will find: a duck pond, a small zoo, a Botanical Museum, a small cafe, and a Children's Library and playground.
If you love museums , then put on your list the Athens City Museum.It is located in one of the first buildings of the city of Athens also known as “the old palace”.The building belonged to the Satamatiou Dekozi Vourou family, and was constructed in 1834 as the first royal palace of the first royal family in free Greece. In 1843 the royal family moved after which the building was again used as a house. The Athens city museum was founded later in 1973 by Lambros Eftaxias and opened for first time to public in 1980.
The Athens City Museum has a great library and numerous of collections with over 40,000 pieces from ancient Greece to the 21st century. Collections worth mentioning are for sure the collection of books and musical texts, many of which are quite rare, the collection of documents, manuscripts and relics, the collection of musical instruments, the collections of sculptures and paintings and more. The Athens City Museum at times organizes many expositions, workshops, events and book presentations and during the whole year also organizes educational programs for kids (3y – 18y) combining the knowledge with games and advanced technology like 3d virtual interactive worlds.
At the garden of the museum you can find a library from which you can choose a book to read while drinking your coffee or enjoying your meal at the Black Duck Garden. The whole area carries a long history and its aura is sure to catch your attention.
Evening: 6 – 8pm
If you love art and culture head to Kunsthalle Athenahttps://www.facebook.com/KunsthalleAthena an art space at Metaxourgio area. It is housed in an almost abandoned neoclassical building which remains very beautiful despite the many years of existence. It was built in 1920 and initially used as a school. It has had many purposes since such as a small industry, offices of revolutionary movements and an atelier. All this history is retransmitted now through Kunsthalle Athena which began operating in 2010. This art space usually hosts visual contemporary exhibits. There is no entry fee but if you want you can donate some money. At the front door you will find the distinctive sign and behind it are the stairs leading to the exhibition rooms. Apart from exhibits you will see the beautiful details of the building. Plaster decorations, old lamps and wooden structures all give you the impression that they are the exhibits. The building has many rooms to explore and see the current exhibition but it also has a big balcony where they show video projections or throw parties.
Night: 8pm until late
Now your options are unlimited but here we will give you two suggestions. A relaxed one and a bustling nightlife one.
Chilling like the Ancients :
The Areios Pagos (the Hill of Ares or Curses) is situated to the northwest of the Acropolis.
What used to be the High Court of Ancient Athens and even today is the namesake of the Greek Supreme Court, is a hill right below the Acropolis with a fantastic view on more or less the entire centre of the city and a great part of its western suburbs. It is also associated with the spread of Christianity in Greece. It was on this rock that Paul talked to the Athenians about the new religion in 52 AD. He was actually facilitated in his speech by the pre-existence of an altar in Athens which was dedicated to the Unknown God. He thus managed to persuade a lot of Athenians. A passage from Paul’s speech is carved on a rock situated at the lower part of the steps leading to the top of the hill.
To go there, the nearest Metro stations are Acropolis, Thission and Monastiraki.
Once you are on top of the rock of Areios Pagos, you have an excellent view over the ancient agora, Plaka, Monastiraki, Omonia, Syntagma and most of the rest of Athens. Lots of people will be on the rock at dusk as you have a great view on the Athens sunset there.
Unlike Pnyx, another high spot behind Areios Pagos and closer to Filopappou Hill, there are always people there, no matter the time you choose to visit, playing music, smoking, drinking, laughing and shouting in Greek.
When visiting, remember to watch your step! The hill is mostly solid rock and can be quite slippery. In the past you had to climb up stairs carved into the rock but thankfully now there’s also a metal staircase to make things easier.
Chilling with the locals:
Chaplin Coffee & Cocktail Bar http://chaplinbar.gr/
Situated in one of the most unique downtown neighbourhoods ,Chaplin is a modern but cosy cocktail bar in a narrow and stylish street .This is a world where a fabulous range of cocktails is offered, including superfood ones , and the " local's celebrities " must be seen place of interest.
Batman Bar
This bar is a very exceptional case. First of all you have to wait until 23:00 when it opens and second you never know how your night will end. Batman started to operate in 1989 and it offers original Greek entertainment. At the bar you will meet the owner who is a barman and dj and plays Greek music and rembetiko.
Many customers are musicians, writers and bohemian faces all up for socializing. It is very normal to have a drink next to some famous Greek artist. There is no special drink to order apart from beer, wine and whiskey. But the thing that makes Batman so special is the unexpected things that occur. Over the years there have been historic live performances by great artists here.
Give it a try and visit this bar and maybe you will be lucky and live this experience. If that doesn’t happen you can at least enjoy the atmosphere of authentic Greek fun.
A for Athens Cocktail Bar
A for Athens is the new city design hotel in Athens.
Located just across the Acropolis and above Monastiraki Square, A for Athens offers a truly unique viewing experience to the city’s most famous monument. The hotel is next to Monastiraki station, which serves for easy transportation to and from the Airport and Piraeus Port and sets all the city’s excitements in walking distance.
On the top floor, they have created an urban terrace, with the most stunning view to the Acropolis, Plaka and Monastiraki Square. An ideal place to have your breakfast in the morning or enjoy the house special cocktails at night. Minimal design is set to enhance your viewing experience and the menu is created with special care, with emphasis on local and healthy ingredients.
If you want to feel like a local, this is where to do it.
Our local guides are true experts. Take an Athens tour with them to see this city from a unique perspective.
http://www.athensurbanadventures.com/
Many customers are musicians, writers and bohemian faces all up for socializing. It is very normal to have a drink next to some famous Greek artist. There is no special drink to order apart from beer, wine and whiskey. But the thing that makes Batman so special is the unexpected things that occur. Over the years there have been historic live performances by great artists here.
Give it a try and visit this bar and maybe you will be lucky and live this experience. If that doesn’t happen you can at least enjoy the atmosphere of authentic Greek fun.
A for Athens Cocktail Bar
A for Athens is the new city design hotel in Athens.
Located just across the Acropolis and above Monastiraki Square, A for Athens offers a truly unique viewing experience to the city’s most famous monument. The hotel is next to Monastiraki station, which serves for easy transportation to and from the Airport and Piraeus Port and sets all the city’s excitements in walking distance.
On the top floor, they have created an urban terrace, with the most stunning view to the Acropolis, Plaka and Monastiraki Square. An ideal place to have your breakfast in the morning or enjoy the house special cocktails at night. Minimal design is set to enhance your viewing experience and the menu is created with special care, with emphasis on local and healthy ingredients.
If you want to feel like a local, this is where to do it.
Our local guides are true experts. Take an Athens tour with them to see this city from a unique perspective.
http://www.athensurbanadventures.com/
0 comments:
Post a Comment