“A great city, whose image dwells in the memory of man, is the type of some great idea,” Benjamin Disraeli wrote in 1844. “Rome represents conquest; Faith hovers over the towers of Jerusalem; and Athens embodies the pre-eminent quality of the antique world, Art.”
Every year, more than 6 million travelers visit the sprawling city named for the mighty Athena. They come, sometimes without knowing, to discover the eternal soul of the place that poet and philosopher John Milton called “the mother of art and eloquence.”
The largest archaeological museum in Greece, the National Archaeological Museum of Athens is one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient Greek art. trabantos/Shutterstock
One of the “must-see” Athens attractions is the Parthenon atop the Acropolis. The National Archaeological Museum adjacent is another “bucket list” attraction, housing unimaginable treasures. And for some, the best parts of the city lie at the stunning seaside that cradles the metropolis.
Monastiraki Square is famous for its flea market, iconic ruins, and reputation as a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Dimitris Panas/Shutterstock
Walk the colorful back alleys or shop near Monastiraki Square or Plaka. Along the way, be sure to embrace getting lost, finding your way, and discovering what life here is really like—taking cues from some of the Athenians who know the city best.
Shop for souvenirs, visit high-end galleries, and sample Greek foods and wine in the neighborhood of Plaka, Athens. Adisa/Shutterstock
The Promoter: Cultural Masterpieces and Nightlife Hot Spots
Alex Tripodis is the founder and CEO of Efluencer Digital Marketing Agency. He’s also the founder and owner of GuestList.gr, the principal at Stigma Productions, and the former publisher of Nowitsdark Magazine.Athens visitors should make an early start and explore Plaka and Monastiraki. In these areas, one masterpiece after another unfolds before you. The Ancient Agora, the Temple of Athena Nike, the mighty Acropolis, and the new museum are just a few.
The Ancient Agora of Athens includes magnificent classical structures such as the Stoa of Attalos, the Church of the Holy Apostles, and the Temple of Hephaestus. Ruben M Ramos/Shutterstock
I enjoy Plaka. You can shop for souvenirs, visit high-end galleries, and sample Greek foods and wine. Drop by Hircus at 16 Athinaidos Street at Agias Eirinis Square. In addition, it’s an excellent place for brunch.
Built in about 420 B.C., the Temple of Athena Nike is the earliest fully Ionic temple on the Acropolis. TTstudio/Shutterstock
I suggest you take in Gazi nightlife. For the 18- to 20-somethings, Dirty Blonde-loft at Persefonis Street is a hot spot. It’s one of the biggest multilevel nightclubs in town. For a different vibe, head to Juan Rodriguez Bar at 3 Pallados Street in Psiri. This speakeasy is classy, majestic, and seductive.
The Actress: Sophisticated Suburbs, Shopping Streets, and Day Trips
Eva Galani is a Greek film, theater, and TV actress and mother of three children. She has appeared in Greek TV series, commercials, and movies and was co-host of the American show series “Europe After Dark.”A visit to Athens would only be complete with a visit to the Acropolis, its Parthenon, and Plaka beneath. Here, you'll feel the authentic energy of the city. But Athens is a massive city with lots more to do.
Located at the heart of the city, Syntagma Square is Athens's most important square, featuring the Old Royal Palace, the Presidential Guard, and one of Greece's busiest transport hubs. Viacheslav Lopatin/Shutterstock
Athens has everything from cocktail bars to rooftops overlooking the Acropolis and courtyards reminding of the Greek Isles. The surrounding suburbs also have scores of sophisticated restaurants, clubs, and bars with good music and original menus. My favorite is a family-owned traditional Greek restaurant called Stis Ellis (which means “at Elli’s”) in the Agia Paraskevi neighborhood.
Ermou Street, a pedestrian-only, primary clothing shopping street in downtown Athens, Greece. The_AA's/Shutterstock
Lake Vouliagmeni in the Athenian Riviera is famous for its mineral waters, which are known to have healing properties. nito/Shutterstock
For shopping, visit pedestrian-only Ermou Street (and the surrounding areas). Afterward, snap some photos at Syntagma and Monastiraki squares. I recommend the MacArthurGlen outlet in Spata, near the airport.
The ruins of the Temple of Poseidon still stand at Cape Sounion, at the edge of Attica, Greece. Sven Hansche/Shutterstock
If you’re up for a short day trip, I suggest visiting Lake Vouliagmeni, with its deep green thermal waters. It’s just under half an hour south of the city. A bit farther south, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is genuinely a “bucket list” attraction.
The Areios Pagos, also called the Areopagus, a prominent rock overlooking Athens, is said to have mythological associations and was the seat of ancient Athens's council. karnizz/Shutterstock
The Lawyer: Courts of Ancient Athens, Adventure, and Perfect Beaches
Nick Grammenos is a supreme court lawyer practicing civil, commercial, corporate, and criminal cases. He studied law and criminology in France and Greece and opened Grammenos Law Firm more than two decades ago.Athens is a city full of energy that always offers something to explore. Like any local, I recommend the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum as the first places to visit. However, my tip as a lawyer is to see the Areios Pagos, where the courts of ancient Athens took place. The night views from here are unforgettable.
A view of the Acropolis lit up at night from the historic neighborhood of Thission, which is known for its cafes, bars, and nightlife. Heracles Kritikos/Shutterstock
After the Acropolis attractions, you’ll be hungry. Luckily, some of the best places to eat are beneath the Acropolis. The Plaka, Thission, and Psiri neighborhoods have many great restaurants.
Tourists and locals enjoy the Psiri neighborhood, an area of Athens known for its vibrant nightlife and great dining opportunities. Page Light Studios/Shutterstock
For the more adventurous, rent a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) to take in the coasts south and west of Athens. This is the best way to find perfect beaches, some hidden and deserted. Be sure to troll past the Temple of Poseidon and then disembark to dine at the Naos Cafe Restaurant just across from the temple.
