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TOP THINGS TO DO

WATCH THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD
The Evzones are an elite army unit who guard the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Greek Parliament. The changing of the guards takes place every hour and involves the two incoming and two outgoing sentries and a supervising army officer. A ceremonial changing of the guard takes place at 11am every Sunday and includes a larger troop of guards, a band, and the official Evzone costume.
DISCOVER PLAKA & MONASTIRAKI & ANAFIOTIKA
Head to Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens and now home to many great restaurants and gift shops. The picturesque pedestrian streets, traditional houses, and old-world charm make Plaka a great place for a leisurely stroll. Make sure to explore Anafiotika, a little Cycladic-inspired village at the foot of the Acropolis. Directly adjacent to Plaka is the Monastiraki district, where you can explore the flea market open every day!
ENJOY SOME GREAT SHOPPING
Head to Kolonaki district, the area of upscale shops, cafes, and apartments of chic Athenians. In Kolonaki, window (or real) shopping on Skoufa, Tsakalof, Patriarchou Ioakim, Voukourestiou and Valaoritou streets will surely be a pleasant experience, if not for any other reason simply to see the faces of modern Greeks and their shopping habits. Attica, the centrally-located mall that opened in 2005 on Panepistimiou and Voukourestiou streets will also prove a great option for some fashionable shopping, as will Ermou street by Syntagma Square.
VISIT THE TEMPLE OF POSEIDON
Take a day trip to the awe-inspiring Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Built around 444–440 BC the temple is a significant archaeological site, which also offers breathtaking views of the sea and sunset.
EXPERIENCE THE ATHENS FESTIVAL
If you’re visiting during the summer, be sure to enjoy a live performance of music, art, and theater at one of the many venues of the Athens Festival - especially spectacular are the shows held at the ancient theater of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
WATCH A MOVIE UNDER THE STARS
If you’re visiting Athens during the summer then watching a movie under the evening sky should not be missed! The Greek capital is studded with open air cinemas, however Cine Thisio and Cine Paris are two of our favorites because of their stunning views of the Acropolis.
DISCOVER ATHENS’ STREET ART
Check out the thriving street art scene in Athens, where creative graffiti artists cover the concrete buildings with imaginative works. Look out for the iconic piece of street art, in the main square in Psyrri by Alexandros Vasmoulakis, an artist who mixes collage, photography, paint, and digital media.
EXPLORE THE CITY’S TRENDIEST NEIGHBORHOODS
Discover some of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, and join the locals for a night out in the town. Places such as Psyri, Gazi, Koukaki, and Plateia Agias Irinis are perfect for day-time exploration and even better for evening bites and drinks.
VISIT THE NATIONAL GARDEN
Dating back to 1838, the National Garden (formerly the Royal Garden) is a wonderful haven of green in the city center. Escape the hustle and bustle of Athens and admire the years-old trees, a variety of rare plants, duck ponds, conservatory, and the garden’s various monuments. In its grounds, you will also find a children’s library and a traditional cafe.
HAVE FUN AT FLISVOS MARINA
Apart from being the mega-yacht destination in Greece, the Flisvos Marina is also home to numerous restaurants, cafes as well as to a children’s playground. Located just outside the city center, it’s an easy and lovely option for a leisurely afternoon or evening stroll.
DISCOVER TECHNOPOLIS
Located inside a former gas plant, Technopolis is a hub for cultural events, concerts, art performances, educational programs for children, and temporary exhibitions. Don’t miss visiting the Gas Museum, which is one of the few surviving industrial heritage monuments of the city.
HIKE THE HILLS OF ATHENS
The best way to experience a 360-degree panorama of the city is to hike up Athens’ hills. Lycabettus is the highest and most popular hill in the city, from where you’ll enjoy a stunning panorama of the city below in a beautiful romantic setting. Also highly recommended are the hills of Areopagus, Pnyx and Filopappou - each of which are impressive look out spots of significant historical importance.
VISIT THE CENTRAL FOOD MARKET
You’ll be overwhelmed by the aromas and tastes at Athens’ central food market! Also known as Varvakeios Agora, the market sells fresh fish and seafood, meat, and fresh produce. In the area around the market you’ll find numerous shops selling traditional delicacies, olives, spices, and specialty foods.
DISCOVER KIFISIA
Take a half day trip to Kifisia, one of Athens’ oldest and most stylish suburbs. Its elevation and abundance of trees makes Kifisia a lovely and cool city retreat. Kifisia is home to many elegant boutiques, trendy cafes, bars, and fine dining restaurants.
EXPLORE THE ATHENIAN RIVIERA
Athens Seaside
The Athenian coast boasts a cosmopolitan vibe and offers several sandy beaches with many organized beach venues. Ask your concierge for advice on which venues are best for your personal style and beach preferences.
Location: From Flisvos to Vouliagmeni
Vouliagmeni Lake
An idyllic landscape with saline waters that are continuously replenished both by the sea and the underground thermal springs. Experience a natural unique thermal spa, all year round.
Location: Vouliagmeni
Piraeus Seaside Area
Stop and enjoy the view of colorful fishing boats at the Pasalimani promenade which is filled with lively restaurants, bars, and cafes
Location: Piraeus