View over Athens
View over Athens

Athens

Antiquity, Aegean and Acropolis
Published: 12 January 2023, 13:00

Cradle of European culture, Olympic city and centre of antiquity: welcome to Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world. It is named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom. However, anyone who thinks that Athens is only a journey back in time and a visit to ancient sights is mistaken. Athens is a city full of contrasts that mix living tradition with a modern lifestyle.

Modern architecture and hip nightlife districts characterise the face of the Greek capital, as do bustling markets, hip street cafés and cool street art. On top of that, there’s even a tram connection to the beach – the ideal way to combine a city trip with a beach holiday. Those who take some time for Athens will be richly rewarded – from the famous Acropolis to the adjacent Aegean Sea and the monumental Olympic Stadium, there are all kinds of things to discover. 

Zahlen, Daten, Fakten

  • Zeitunterschied: + eine Stunde
  • Einwohnerzahl: Vier Millionen
  • Amtssprache: Griechisch
  • Währung: Euro

Athens highlights

Akropolis
The Acropolis at sunset: Athens’ most famous sight is the 3000-year-old, higher part of city with the Parthenon Temple and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. © sborisov/AdobeStocks
Acropolis Museum
Ancient finds: the modern Acropolis Museum, located right next to the Acropolis, gives an insight into ancient history. © saiko3p/AdobeStocks
Monastiráki Square
Like Plaka and Psirri, the neighbourhood around Monastiraki Square is part of the historic old town. The Sunday flea market is a wonderful place to browse. © Ecstk22/AdobeStocks
Anafiotika
Village in the city: the narrow streets of Anafiotika give you that holiday feeling. The rocky Athenian neighbourhood was built in the style of a typical Cycladic village. © EnginKorkmaz/AdobeStocks
Roman Agora
Roman market place: the Roman Agora shows the remains of where people once gathered and ran the city. © Valerie Rokhin/AdobeStocks
Palm trees at the National Garden
An Oasis in the heart of the city: the National Garden lets you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind. Afterwards, you can watch the changing of the guard at parliament across the street. © v
Olympic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium is the Olympic Stadium used in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Concerts and events still take place here today. © anastasios71/AdobeStocks
The Theatre of Dionysus
The world’s first theatre: the Theatre of Dionysus is considered the birthplace of ancient Greek theatre. From here you have a magnificent view over Athens. © Cracker Clips/AdobeStocks
View over Athens from Lycabettus Hill
The most beautiful sunset: from Lycabettus Hill, you can see far across Athens to the sea. The cable car will take you to the top if you don’t want to walk © milangonda/AdobeStocks
Asteras Beach in Glyfada
A trip to the sea: Asteras beach in Glyfada is a quick and easy tram ride away from Athens’ Syntagma Square. © aerial-drone/AdobeStocks

A culinary voyage of discovery

The way to the heart is through the stomach: if you really want to get to know and love Athens, a culinary voyage of discovery is a must! Rustic tavernas still uphold traditions today, serving classics like moussaka (aubergine casserole), saganaki (fried feta cheese), dolmádes (stuffed vine leaves) and souvlaki (grilled meat skewers). In some places there is no menu at all: they serve whatever is available. You can try Greek antipasti (“mezedakia”) and watch the locals drink ouzo in simple street cafés. A real Athenian highlight is the Athens Market Hall (Varvakios Agora), which offers a varied selection of fruit, olives and other delicacies alongside fresh fish.

Athenian cuisine

Souvlaki pita
Mouth-watering: the famous souvlaki pita with chicken gyros is an ideal snack for in between meals. © Rawf8/AdobeStocks
Antipasti plate
It’s impossible to imagine Greek cuisine without starters: antipasti such as olives, lentil salad and fried aubergines are often accompanied by wine or raki. © www.push2hit.de/AdobeStocks
Souvlaki pita
When your feet need a rest and your mind needs refreshment – a typical Greek coffee with a view provides a welcome break. © Василий Комарницкий/AdobeStocks
Taverna with outdoor area
Rustic tavernas, like those in the old town neighbourhood of Plaka, invite you to eat traditional dishes such as keftedakia (meatballs) and tzatziki in a relaxed atmosphere. © kite_rin/AdobeStocks
Fish market
Not for the faint-hearted, but a real highlight: The Athens Market Hall (Varvakios Agora) is home to Europe’s largest fresh fish market. © Theastock/AdobeStocks

Athens from BER

Aircraft shortly before touchdown on the runway

Aegan Airlines

Ryanair (from May 2023)

Piktogramm Info-i

Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH)

Five travel tips for ...

1. Visit the Acropolis (but not in the summer midday heat)

2. Take a look at some ancient finds at the Acropolis Museum

3. Admire works of art from 5000 years ago at the National Archaeological Museum

4. Visit the Agora and its museum as the heart of antiquity

5. Stroll through the delightful old town of Plaka

1. Get inspiration from the creative scene in the hipster district of Gazi

2. Admire cool street art in Kerameiko and Psiri

3. Browse the Sunday flea market at Monastiraki 

4. Visit exhibitions or concerts at the Technopolis in Gazi

5. End the day in one of the bars around Syntagma Square

1. Walk up the 277-metre-high Lycabettus Hill for sunset

2. Enjoy the panoramic view from the Acropolis

3. Looking towards the Acropolis from Filopappou Hill 

4. Go to a rooftop bar around Monastiraki Square 

5. Enjoy a picnic on Strefi Hill away from the hustle and bustle 

Bildquelle Titel: © moofushi / Adobe Stock 

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