Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, and has been one of the centers of Hellenic civilization over 3000 years. It is located on the central plain of Attica, bounded on three sides by Mt. Ymettos, Mt. Parnitha and Mt. Pendeli. Athens has about 3 million residents.

City has been continuously inhabited for at least 7000 years. By 1400 BC the settlement had become an important centre of the Mycenaean civilization. By the mid-4th century BC, the northern Greek kingdom of Macedonia was becoming dominant in Athenian affairs. It became one of the most important cities of the Byzantine Empire, until  it was conquered by the Ottomans in 1458. Athens became the capital of independent, unified Greece in 1834.

What to do and see in Athens

Acropolis

As one of the well-known examples of archaelogigal sites of Greece and important cultural monument, Acropolis of Athens speak best of itself. It has been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Its current architecture evolved mainly between 460–430 BC and it consists 21 archaelogical attractions, including famous Doric Parthenon temple, Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaea gate serving as an only entrance to Akropolis. 90 meter high hill gives a great panorama view over the Athens valley. Must-see for a history enthusiast.

The National Art Gallery – Alexander Soutzos Museum

This art museum (Michalakopoulou 1) houses the collection of art made between the 14^th century and the 20^th century, mainly focusing on Greek art made after the Byxzantine regime but having also Renaissance works from various European artists.

Psiri

Located on the old city center and north from Ermoú Street,  this friendly neighbourhood is one of the nightlife centers with numerous amount of bistros, restaurants and live music venues. Here one can feel vivid and mildly wild Athens. Famous poet Lord Byron lived in Psiri during his stay in Athens and here is where he wrote the poem “Maid of Athens”.

Exarcheia

Exarcheia, locating downtown west of Kolonaki, is known for its counterculture and anarchist scene. Many artists live here, and live concerts and performances is being held here often around the central square. Many walls are covered with graffiti and people are politically aware but open-minded people with a friendly attitude towards tourists. Here is many student bars and cafés, and bookworms can buy here locally printed editions of anarchist classics. The main attraction of this neighbourhood is the National Archeological Museum on Patission street, which is the largest museum in Greece.

Recreation

Parnitha National Park

Most of the Mountain Parnitha north of the city is designated as a national park. Here one can hike or try mountain-biking on the hillsides. Here is also a casino near the top of the mountain, which is served by a suspended cable car.

Shopping

• Plaka district has many souvenir shops, quality and prices may vary.
• Kolonaki is the place for a buyer with an upscale mind.
• There is a splendid ”flea market” in Monastiraki.
• From the shopping street Ermou, you can get international fashion clothes. The department store Fokas at the top of the street, located in a neo-classical building, is interesting already as a sight.
• Hondos Center is a cosmetics store, which also has a café.
• Kaliviotis is a stylish women´s clothing store.
• Attika, located between the areas of Stadiou and Panepistimou, is a large, comprehensive department store.
• Spiliopoulos sells shoes and leather jackets.
• The Ermou-street ends to the Syntagma Square, from which can be found, for example, McDonald´s and a computer and electronics store Public.
• There are several clothing stores in the Athinas Street.
• In many stores are sold doorknobs.
• The two other main shopping streets are Eolou and Agiou Markou. There is sold clothes, and there are several cafés. Old Russian women and young Persian men sell silk shirts, socks and underwear on the street.
• From the Abysinia Square, you can get antiques.
• There are several jewelry stores. Byzantino and Olympico are specialized in Greek and Byzantine jewelries.
• From the area of Psiri can be found several different shops. One of them is a store of famous poet and sandal-maker Pandelis Melissinos, whose footwear also many celebrities have used. From Pantopoliou Peri Lesvou, you can get, for example, cheeses, sardines and different drinks. Cuban cigars can be bought from El Habanero Cuban Cigar Shop. From the shop of the Komboloi Museum, you can get worry-beads. Sabatar Hermanos/Jabones Natureales sells soaps and beauty products.
• In the Evripidou Street, there is a fruit and vegetable market and a butcher shop Arapian, which was opened in 1922. Elixor sells herbs and spices.
• Tzamala is an old-fashioned souvenir shop.
• Remember sells punk fashion from the 1970´s.
• Konsianioglou is a small gift shop.
• From Ariadne Creations, you can buy fashion accessories such as bags, necklaces, bracelets and shawls.
• Elaias Gi sells hand-made products made from olive wood such as backgammon boards, goblets, spoons and other kitchen utensils.

Photos: Wikimedia Commons with the CC licence / Todor Bozhinov, Matti, Dimorsitanos, Zigomitros Athanasios, Dimorsitanos  Aaron Logan, Wpopp