Athens is the historical capital of Europe, with a long history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age.
Athens is the historical capital of Europe, with a long history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. In the 5th Century BC (the “Golden Age of Pericles”) the culmination of Athens’ long, fascinating history the city’s values and civilization acquired a universal significance.
Over the years, a multitude of conquerors occupied Athens, and erected unique, splendid monuments – a rare historical palimpsest. In 1834, it became the capital of the modern Greek state and in two centuries since it has become an attractive modern metropolis with unrivaled charm.
A large part of the town’s historic centre has been converted into a 3-kilometre pedestrian zone (the largest in Europe), leading to the major archaeological sites (“archaeological park”), reconstructing – to a large degree – the ancient landscape.
Around Acropolis
The tour starts at the temple of Olympian Zeus (6th c. B.C.), one of the largest in antiquity and close by Hadrian’s Arch (131 A.D.), which forms the symbolic entrance to the city.
From there, walking along Dionysou Areopaghitou Street (on the south side of the Acropolis) you pass the ancient Theatre of Dionysos (5th c. B.C.) where most of the works by Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylos and Aristophanes were performed.
Continuing, you will reach the ruins of the Asklepieion (5th c. B.C.) and the Stoa of Eumenes (2th c. B.C.) and from there the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, which was built in 161 A.D. and is nowadays the venue of the performances of the Athens Festival.
From there you climb up to the sacred rock of the Acropolis, the site of some of the most important masterpieces of worldwide architecture and art, the most renowned of which is the Parthenon temple.
Apart from this, also impressive are the Propylaea, the temple of the Athene Nike and the Erechtheion, while you must not skip a visit to the Museum, located close to the Parthenon. Moreover, from the rock you have an impressive view of the city.
Only 300m away from the sacred rock of Acropolis stands the impressive Acropolis Museum, one of the most important contemporary works of architecture in Athens. It is made of steel, glass and concrete.
It houses 4,000 priceless finds from the Acropolis monuments that represent its history and function as the most important religious centre of ancient Athens.
Night-Life in Athens
The capital of Greece is also the Greek capital of entertainment. You’re looking for bars and clubs that will be open till the following morning even on week nights? You feel like having dinner after midnight?
You want to dance all night long to the rhythms of both Greek and international music?
You plan to spend the night out with your better half, maybe romancing in the moonlight by a worldwide famous monument?
You want to enjoy international cultural events, or go to classical or modern music concerts in winter or summertime venues?
You can experience all the above and much more while you discover nightlife in Athens.
Gazi
Enjoy your nights out in the hottest destination in Athens: you’ll find all kinds of restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, bars, lgbt clubs.
Also interesting places for theatre performances, cinemas, art galleries, mezedopoleia (serving a variety of mezedes meaning titbits), souvlaki eateries.
Live shows and loud music performed in Technopolis. Take the metro line 3 and get off at Kerameikos station.
Thiseio
Thiseio faces the Acropolis hill and it is very popular with Greeks and tourists alike; have your coffee or drink next to this renowned monument which dominates the area.
Take a romantic stroll especially along Dionysiou Areopagitou St. (pedestrians only).
Plaka
At the foot of the Acropolis hill, you will find a traditional Athenian neighbourhood where folk music playing and dancing takes place in old style tavernas and restaurants with tasty Greek dishes, and cozy cafes offer the best views.
Monastiraki and Psyrri
Monastiraki is an area with an oriental ambiance: low buildings, narrow cobbled streets, a flea market, and almost no cars.
Explore its vintage bars, stylish restaurants, old-fashioned cafes, tavernas and shops.
Have a memorable night out in Psyrri listening to live Greek music, while enjoying your meal.
Kolonaki
This is Athens’ downtown area with busy businesses and offices during the day and hot entertainment establishments for your nights out.
You’ll find trendy restaurants, bars, clubs, art venues and galleries. Take your pick!
Exarcheia
This is the rock part of Athens, the favourite area to be for youngsters and students. Check out the local bars and restaurants. Enjoy your drink or meal while you mix with the hip young generation.
Syntagma Square area
In the area around Syntagma Square and in the streets that lead to Monastiraki you’ll find numerous spots to enjoy yourselves on your night out in Athens.
Romvis, Kolokotroni, and Thiseos Streets, the neighbouring cobbled narrow roads and Karytsi and Agia Eirini Squares are night time hotspots.
Karytsi Square
Once, this square was quiet and picturesque, with the church of St. George located at the centre of it.
It is now high on the list of must-visit places if you want to have a great time: you’ll find cafes and bars to enjoy your food and drinks while listening to music that is changed depending on the time of day.
In some of them, dancing is an extra option for you – for as long as you wish.
Agia Eirini Square
Agia Eirini Square is yet another nightlife hotspot, situated where Aiolou and Karagiorgi Servias Streets meet, adjacent to Kolokotroni Street, near Plaka and Monastiraki areas.
Local establishments are usually full with people who enjoy their cocktails or refreshments in an area with nice views to Agia Eirini Church and to beautiful neoclassical buildings.
Old meets new here with a positive outcome, as there’s a cozy warm atmosphere about this square. Small tip: here, you’ll find some of the best souvlaki eateries in Athens.
Enjoy!
