WHAT TO SEE AND DO
If you're headed to Athens you've
no doubt got The Acropolis on
your list. This ancient citadel
is located on a rocky outcrop
above Athens which contains the
remains of several buildings of
great architectural and historic
significance. This UNESCO site
offers spectacular views of the city.
Then there's the Parthenon,
an ancient temple dedicated
to the goddess Athena which
dominates the hill of the Athenian
Acropolis. Completed in 438 BC,
it is considered one of the world's
greatest cultural monuments.
While deep in discovery, pay a visit
to the National Archaeological
Museum, home to some of the
greatest collections of antiquities
in the world, including the
treasures of the royal tombs of
Mycenae, the Linear B tablets
and the enigmatic Cycladic
marble figurines.
Be sure to visit Anafiotika, a
charming Cycladic village clinging
to the northern slopes of the
Acropolis. Cats snooze among
the geraniums and whitewashed
houses reflect the sun's golden
glow. The National Gardens,
tucked away in the heart of the
city, have offered a serene retreat
from the hustle and bustle of the
city since the 19th century.
WHERE TO SHOP
Ermou Street has everything
from commercial chain stores
to independent boutiques or
head to the Kolonaki market
district for upmarket fashion and
jewellery from Greek designers.
The Monastiraki Flea Market is
an essential part of any visit to
Athens. You'll find everything from
furniture and crockery, to leather
goods and quirky bric-a-brak.
WHERE TO DINE
After shopping stick around in
Monastiraki for your fun fix of
rooftop bars, buzzing restaurants
and cafés or stop by an authentic
taverna to sample meze, with a
taste of ouzo or a glass of wine.
The historic Plaka district with
its winding streets lined with
neoclassical architecture was
built around the ruins of the
city's ancient marketplace, today,
it is a delightful cluster of cafés
and shops.
Clockwise, from
left: Porch of
the Maidens,
Athens; Acropolis
Museum Gallery;
Parthenon; Athens
Parliament;
Brettos Bar.
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