Athens

The ancient city of Athens is located on the outermost peninsula of Greece, and is the country's capital. Its rich and eventful history has led to it being a very popular resort for visitors to Greece, and in summer the city can be heaving with tourists.

Attractions

The obvious destination for any visitor to Athens is the world-famous Acropolis, which contains The Parthenon, the symbol of Athens for centuries. From the Acropolis you can see the Odeon of Herod Atticus – a huge amphitheatre which is now only used for the Athens festival.

The huge wealth of history behind the city means that there are a large number of historical sites and museums here. The National Archaeological Museum is supposedly one of the best museums in the world, the Benaki Museum details the history of Greece in timeline style using a variety of artefacts, and the National Gallery brings Athens into the present with its collection of contemporary and modern art.

Shopping

Kolonaki is famous for its chic and expensive but interesting shops. It is also home to lots of restaurants and bars, and is where the fashionable want to be seen in Athens. Voukourestiou is the jewellery shop district, where many gold- and silver-smiths have set up shop. Cheaper, good quality shops can be found on Ernou Street. Antiques shoppers will feel at home in the excellent antiques market of Monastiraki.

Nightlife and Eating out

Nightlife in Athens is virtually non-stop, with varied clubs and bars everywhere in the city. There are traditional bouzouki clubs, trendy bars and nightclubs, and a number of live venues can be found on Syngrou and Poseidonos Avenues. Poseidonos Avenue, Glyfada, and Kolonaki Square are also popular haunts for those looking for a lively night out in a trendy district.

Tourist Information

Attikh Information OfficeSigrou 98-100,11741 AthensTel : +30 (0)210 9287050info@gnto.grwww.gnto.gr

Airport

Athens International Airport is located 33km from the centre of Athens. It has flights to and from almost all domestic and European destinations, and a large number of worldwide destinations (including the USA and Asia) as well.