Things to See in Athens

Museum of Cycladic & Ancient Greek Art
Neofytou Douka 4 cnr Leof Vasilissis Sofias & Neofytou Douka Kolonaki

This exceptional private museum houses the biggest private collection of Cycladic art in the world. The original building was custom-built for the collection, and the finds are beautifully displayed and well labelled. Although the exhibits cover all periods from Cycladic to Roman times, the emphasis is on the Cycladic era from 3000 BC to 2000 BC.

Theatre of Dionysos
Dionysiou Areopagitou Makrigianni

The importance of theatre in the Athenian city-state can be gauged from the dimensions of the enormous Theatre of Dionysos on the southeastern slope of the Acropolis.

During the golden age of the 5th century BC, dramas by Aeschylus, Sophocles and Aristophanes were commissioned for the Festival of Great Dionysia.

Temple of Olympian Zeus
Vas Olgas Syntagma

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is is the largest in Greece. The temple was begun in the 6th century BC by Peisistratos, but was abandoned for lack of funds. Various other leaders had stabs at completing the temple, but it was left to Hadrian to complete the work in AD 131. It took more than 700 years to build.

Hadrian put a colossal gold and ivory statue of Zeus in the cella and, in typically immodest fashion, placed an equally large one of himself next to it.

National Archaeological Museum
28 Oktovriou-Patission 44 Exarhia

One of the world's great museums, the National Archaeological Museum houses the most important finds from Greece's archaeological sites. The museum's tour de force is the collection of Mycenaean Antiquities, which is filled with gleaming gold. The star attraction is the Mask of Agamemnon.

Museum of Greek Folk Art
Kydathineon 17 Plaka

An excellent collection of secular and religious folk art, mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries, is housed in the Museum of Greek Folk Art. The 1st floor has embroidery, pottery, weaving and puppets. The 2nd floor has a reconstructed traditional village house with paintings by the primitive artist Theophilos of Lesvos (Mytilini). Greek traditional costumes are displayed on the 3rd and 4th floors.

National Gardens
Amalias next to Parliament Syntagma entrances on Leof Vasilissis Sofias & Leof Vasilissis Amalias

The delightfully shady National Gardens, featuring subtropical trees, winding paths and ornamental ponds with waterfowl, are a nice refuge from the heat of the summer months. Besides the exhibits of the Botanical Museum, there's a children's playground, a duck pond and a cafe, which makes a pleasant spot for a break.

Acropolis
entry from Dionysiou Areopagitou or Theorias Anafiotika

The Acropolis is the most important ancient site in the Western world. Crowned by the Parthenon, it stands sentinel over Athens, visible from almost everywhere within the city. Its monuments of Pentelic marble gleam white in the midday sun and gradually take on a honey hue as the sun sinks, while at night they hover above the city brilliantly illuminated. The sudden glimpse of this magnificent sight cannot fail to lift your spirits.

Benaki Museum & Benaki Museum Pireos Annexe
Koumbari 1 Kolonaki corner Leof Vasilissis Sofias

Greeces'finest private museum contains the vast collection of Antonis Benakis, accumulated during 35 years of avid collecting in Europe and Asia. In 1931 he turned the family house into a museum and presented it to the Greek nation. The Benaki Museum Pireos Annexe hosts regular visual arts, cultural and historical exhibitions as well as major international shows.

Ancient Agora
Adrianou 24 Monastiraki

The Agora (market) was Athens' meeting place in ancient times, the focal point of administrative, commercial, political and social life. All roads led to this bustling and crowded place, where Socrates once expounded his philosophy and, later, where St Paul disputed daily in an attempt to win converts to Christianity.

Plaka & Anafiotika
under the Acropolis Plaka

The historic neighbourhood under the Acropolis retains its charm despite being overrun by tourists in summer. Head beyond the tourist drag, however, and you'll find the Anafiotika quarter, one of the most picturesque and quiet pockets of the city. In this village-like labyrinth of quiet, narrow, windy streets, bougainvillea cascade over whitewashed Cycladic-style cube houses while bright pots of colour decorate the balconies and rooftops.

Benaki Museum Gift Shop
Koumbari 1 Kolonaki cnr Vas Sofias

This excellent museum gift store has a delightful range of quality prints, jewellery, ceramics and books. It also stocks some exquisite religious icons. And since the originals might be out of your price range, why not keep yourself happy with some of the best replicas of Greek artefacts.

Eleftheroudakis
Panepistimiou 17 Syntagma

Eleftheroudakis is a seven-storey bibliophile's paradise, with a wide selection of books from and about Greece. It also has English-language books, including maps and guidebooks, and an excellent cafe on the top floor. There's another branch in Plaka.

Melissinos Art
Psiri opp Monastiraki Square Agias Theklas 2

Artist Pantelis Melissinos continues the sandalmaking tradition of his famous poet-sandalmaker father Stavros, who names the Beatles, Rudolph Nureyev, Sophia Loren and Jackie Onassis among his past customers. But fame and fortune have not gone to his head; he still makes the best-value sandals based on ancient Greek styles in natural leather, a tradition continued by artist son Pantelis.

Christos Veloudakis
Tsakalof 22a Kolonaki

This boutique is all about drama and impact, from the long red velvet curtains to the designer garments on display. If you're after fashion with a twist, come on in. Men's and women's clothing for day and night are all there and ready to sweet-talk your credit card.

Korres
cnr Eratosthenous Pangrati near Panathenaic stadium Ivikou 8

You can get the full range from local natural beauty product guru George Korres at his only retail store, at a fraction of the price you'll pay in London or New York. The Korres'range of unisex hair and skin products derives many of its ingredients from nature, shunning synthetic alternatives. Their travel-sized items are great if you're on the move.

Antiqua
Amalias 2-4 Syntagma

Serious Greek and European antiques dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries are on sale here, along with a good selection of silverware, clocks, paintings, icons and first edition prints of 19th century Athens. Expect to pay accordingly.

Monastiraki Flea Market
Ifestou Monastiraki around Plateia Avyssinias

Athens' traditional Monastiraki Flea Market has a festive atmosphere, with the nearby cafés and restaurants brimming on weekends. The permanent antique, furniture and collectables stores have plenty to sift through and are open all week, while on Sundays the streets around the station and Adrianou are lined with vendors selling mostly jewellery and handicrafts.

Mesogaia
Nikis 52 corner Kidathineon Plaka

This small shop boasts a wonderful array of the finest produce from around the country, including delicious cheeses, herbs, honey, jams, olive oil and wine.

Oikotexnia
Plaka Filellinon 14

You'll find top-quality merchandise here, and your money goes to a good cause - the preservation and promotion of traditional Greek handicrafts (the gallery is run by the Institute of Social Protection). There are knotted carpets in authentic Greek designs, kilims, flokatis, needlepoint rugs, tableclothes and embroidered cushion covers.

EOT Information
Amalias 26a Syntagma

Australian Embassy
Thon building, cnr Kifisias & Alexandras Ambelokipi 6

Athens Central Post Office
Eolou 100 Omonia

US Embassy
Vasilissis Sofias 91 Ambelokipi

Bits & Bytes
Kapnikareas 19 Plaka

Agia Sofia
Thivon & Mikras Asias Goudi

Public hospital dedicated to the treatment of children.

Ivis Internet Services
Mitropoleos 3 Syntagma

National Bank of Greece
Karageorgi Servias 6 Syntagma

UK Embassy
Ploutarhou 1 Kolonaki

Athens Euroclinic
Athanasiadou 9 Ambelokipi

Soul
Evripidou 65 Psiri

This impressive restored neoclassical building is one of Athens' liveliest bars, with a small club on the second level (if you like your music loud), a great garden courtyard and decent food. There's a youngish arty crowd, good cocktails and a friendly atmosphere but it can get pretty crowded.

Brettos
Kydathineon 41 Plaka

You won't find any happening bars in Plaka, but Brettos is a delightful old bar with a stunning wall of colourful bottles and huge barrels lining one wall. You can sample shots of Brettos' home brand of ouzo, brandy and other spirits as well as the family wine.

Half Note Jazz Club
Mets Trivonianou 17 opposite Athens Cemetery

The stylish Half Note, opposite the Athens cemetery, is the city's principal and most serious jazz venue. It hosts an interesting array of international names.

Palenque
Farandaton 41 Ambelokipi

A slice of Havana in Athens, Palenque presents regular live music, with artists from around the world, salsa parties and flamenco shows. You can take free tango lessons early in the evening.

Gagarin 205 Club
near Plateia Diakou Athan Thimarakia 24 Liosion 205

Gagarin 205 Club is primarily a rock venue, with gigs on Friday and Saturday nights featuring leading rock and underground music bands as well as local groups of various musical persuasions. It also runs DJ events, a cult Greek cinema festival and a music film festival. Tickets are available from Ticket House.

Wunderbar
Exarhia Themistokleous 80 on Exarhia Sq

Exarhia is a good bet for lively bars with marginally cheaper drinks. Wunderbar is a decent place to start.

Dora Stratou Dance Theatre
Filopappou Hill Koukaki

Every summer the Dora Stratou company performs its repertoire of folk dances from all over Greece at its own open-air theatre on the western side of Filopappou Hill. Formed to preserve the country's folk culture, it has gained an international reputation for authenticity and professionalism. It also runs folk-dancing workshops in summer.

Remeo+
Kaliroďs 4 Makrigianni

The bouzoukia, commonly called skyladika (doghouses) because of the crooning singers, are a Greek institution. Pricey, smoky and a tad sleazy, they are nonetheless packed out most nights. If you're feeling game, try veteran Remeo+ but be warned - prices can be outrageously inflated if you sit at a table, with bottles of whisky sold at exorbitant prices.

Café Alavastron
Damareos 78 Pangrati

It can feel like there's a band in your lounge room in this cosy and casual world music bar. The Alavastro features a mix of modern jazz, ethnic and quality Greek music with regular appearances by eclectic musicians, including inspirational Armenian Haig Hazdjian. There are snacks, a lounge area and a great atmosphere.

Bios
Gazi Pireos 84

More than a cafe-bar, this multifaceted venue promotes urban culture, new media and the visual arts and is popular with the alternative crowd. The cafe hosts DJ sets and screens arts videos while performances, exhibitions, film screenings and other events are held in various parts of this former paint factory.

St George Lycabettus Hotel
Kolonaki From Evangelismos metro, head up the hill along Marasli. When you reach Denokratous, turn left; the hotel is 3 blocks along on the right. Kleomenous 2

One of the city's flagship hotels, and most deservedly so, the St George enjoys an unforgettable position on the side of the Lycabettus hill. Its location ensures magnificent vistas from many of its rooms, and the hotel's facilities and treatment of guests are top drawer.

Electra Palace Hotel
Plaka From the SW corner of Syntagma Square, head S down Filellinon a couple of blocks, then head right down Nikodimou; hotel is 2 blocks down on the right. 18-20 Nikodimou St

The landmark Electra Palace hotel is the most luxurious in the Plaka vicinity and one which is deservedly held in high esteem`, being particularly popular with North American visitors. It offers 5-star facilities and is the only Plaka hotel to offer private parking (for a fee).

Hotel Tony
Koukaki From Syngrou-Fix, head up the hill on pedestrian Drakou, then turn left along Zaharitsa. The hotel is three blocks along on the right. 26 Zaharitsa St

One of a couple of good budget hotels in this un-touristy but central part of town, Tony's offers good facilities, a casual and relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of room choice. There's particularly good value for families, who are made welcome here.

Semiramis Hotel
Kifissia/Kefalari From Kifissia metro, head N along Tatoiou, and take the second right. Cross Kifissia Avenue, continue along Diligianni three blocks until you get to Trikoupi; turn right here and the hotel is on your left. 48 Charilaou Trikoupi

This memorable hotel is something quite out of the ordinary, particularly up here in staid Kifisia, a byword for wealth and conservatism in Athens' northern outskirts. It's the first hotel project of renowned designer Karim Rashid, who has brought his optimistic shapes and happy colours to this trendy new place.

Hotel Hermes
Plaka From the SW corner of Syntagma Square, head 3 blocks W along Mitropoleos, and then left down Patroou; hotel is at the end of street. 19 Apollonos

Although not the only hotel by this name in Greece, the Hermes stands out as a chic central Athens choice. From the attractive painted map of Greece in the lobby to the slickly renovated rooms, it's a treat for the eyes and has several thoughtful touches for added comfort.

Hotel Attalos
29 Athinas Monastiraki From Monastiraki metro, head N up busy Athinas; the hotel is a block up on the left.

Though décor has never been its strong point, this nonetheless comfortable place has an Olympic makeover. Its best feature is the rooftop bar that offers wonderful views of the Acropolis by night, and the rooms at the back with Acropolis views from the balconies. All rooms have TV.

Hera Hotel
Makrigianni From Akropoli metro station, head down the hill on Makrigianni; the road forks and the hotel is on left. 9 Falirou St

The Hera, located just south of Plaka, had a significant and very successful government-subsidised makeover in time for the 2004 Games and is now a four-star hotel of substantial elegance, with excellent staff and quality accommodations.

Acropolis House
Kodrou 6-8 Plaka From the SW corner of Syntagma Square, head W down Mitropoleos, then turn left after 2 blocks down Voulis. After 3 blocks, this becomes Kodrou; hotel is on the right.

This rambling family-run hotel is as far from the concrete-box Athens standard as you could hope to find and boasts a location right at the entrance to Plaka. It's run in personable and personal fashion and has bags of character.

Hotel Philippos
Mitseon 3 Makrigianni from the Akropoli metro stop, take Areopagitou, and turn left once you've passed the Acropolis museum, into Mitseon; hotel is a couple of blocks down on the right

The Philippos is nestled on a quiet street not at all far from Plaka and handy to the Acropolis. It's got a discreet, exclusive feel although it's not the great-value mid-range spot it once was. In fact, in summer, it can feel a little overpriced. Perhaps they missed the Closing Ceremony at the 2004 Olympics? Nevertheless, it remains popular with travellers.

Hotel Grande Bretagne
Vassilis Georgiou 1 Syntagma square Syntagma The hotel occupies the NE corner of Syntagma Square.

The grande dame of Athens hotels, the luxurious Grande Bretagne, fronts Syntagma Square with an elegance that almost upstages the Greek parliament. With luxurious fittings and polite and helpful service, it's one of Europe's classic old hotels.

Mamacas
Persefonis 41 Gazi

This Gazi trailblazer was one of the city's first modern tavernas, with its Greek island-meets-grunge look and upmarket (and consequently more expensive) takes on the classics. There are trays of mayirefta inside and a range of grills and appetisers. It has expanded across the road and added a trendy bar.

Orizontes
Lykavittos Hill Kolonaki

For a special night out, you can take the cable car up to the peak of Lykavittos and watch the sun set over Athens. The menu at this upscale restaurant is Mediterranean/international and the food and service are excellent, as is the wine list.

Diporto Agoras
Omonia Theatrou 1 corner Sokratous

This quirky old taverna is one of the dining gems of Athens. There's no signage, only two doors leading to a rustic cellar where there's no menu, just a few dishes that haven't changed in years. The house speciality is revithi(chickpeas), usually followed by grilled fish and washed down with wine from one of the giant barrels lining the wall. The often erratic service is part of the appeal.

Filistron
Apostolou Pavlou 23 Thisio

You may be hard pressed finding a table for dinner at this excellent mezedhopoleio, which serves an interesting range of reasonably priced, tasty mezedhes in a prized setting - a rooftop terrace overlooking the Acropolis. Try the baked potato with smoked cheese and pepper or the mastelo, a fried cheese from Chios in a tomato sauce.

Athens Central Market
between Sofokleous & Evripidou Omonia Athinas 42

The Athens central market, essentially a meat market, might sound like a strange place to go for a meal but the tavernas (such as the Epiros or Papandreou taverns) inside it are an Athenian institution, turning out huge quantities of tasty, traditional fare. The clientele ranges from hungry market workers, to elegant couples emerging from nightclubs in search of a bowl of hangover-busting patsas (tripe soup).

Taverna tou Psyrri
Eshylou 12 Psyrri

This cheerful place is a local favourite, turning out good, traditional taverna food at prices well below the Psyrri norm. It's tucked away off Plateia Iroön. Look out for the colourful murals - the drunk leaning against a lamp post outside and the androgynous women inside.

Paradosiako
Voulis 44a Plaka

For great traditional fare at very fair prices you can't beat this inconspicuous, no-frills taverna on the periphery of Plaka, with a few tables on the footpath. There's a basic menu but it's best to choose from the daily specials, which include fresh and delicious seafood. Get there early before the locals arrive.

Palia Taverna Tou Psara
corner Erotokritou Plaka Erehtheos 16

Hidden away from the main hustle and bustle of Plaka, this fish tavern is a cut above the rest. There is a choice of mezedhes but it is known as the best seafood tavern in Plaka.

Skoufias
Vasiliou tou Megalou 50 Rouf at the end of Gazi

This gem of a taverna at the tail end of Gazi is a little off the beaten track but is worth seeking out. There are tables outside opposite the church. The menu has Cretan influences and an eclectic selection of regional Greek cuisine, including many dishes you are unlikely to find in any tourist joint. Meat eaters will love the tender kotsi (pork shank; around 15), which is best shared.

Edodi
Veikou 80 Koukaki

A tantalising 'live' menu, where waiters parade huge platters of the prepared (yet-to-be cooked) dishes of the day, makes for a truly unique dining experience at this stylish, tiny restaurant in an elegant neoclassical building. The food is deliciously imaginative, with some wicked desserts. Reservations essential.

Spondi
Pangrati Pyrronos 5 off Plateis Varnava

This superb restaurant has been consistently voted Athens' best and the accolades are totally deserved. Spondi offers Mediterranean haute cuisine, with heavy French influences, in a relaxed, classy setting. There is a lovely garden terrace draped in bougainvillea in summer. This is definitely a special-occasion place. There are a range of set dinner and wine menus.