Insider Tips Athens

Athens! The very name of this great city on the Attica Peninsula in the south of the Greek mainland conjures up countless images and myths. The city is the birthplace of democracy and the home of poets and philosophers. It was named after the goddess Athena, who was worshipped in ancient times as the deity of wisdom. Her symbol, the owl, adorned the ancient coins of Athens and can be still be found today on the Greek 1 Euro coin.

Above the Urban Jungle – The most Beautiful Lookout Spots in Athens

If you have never been to Athens before, the best thing to do first is to go up! A bird’s eye view of the city makes it much easier for you to orientate yourself once you start walking through the streets. The Acropolis is of course a great place to get such a view, but you hardly need our help finding Athens’s most famous landmark!

If you want to enjoy a wider panorama of the entire city, including the most beautiful view of the Acropolis, then we suggest taking the time to climb Philopappos Hill. Starting at the entrance to the Acropolis you head south, towards the sea. After crossing the pedestrian zone that surrounds the Acropolis you pass by a barrier and then simply follow the paved path until you reach the marble tomb of Philopappos. Though it is a climb, the effort is well worth it as the view from the top is truly spectacular! Only a handful of tourists make their way up the hill and many Athenians find it too strenuous so not only are you rewarded with an incredible panoramic view but also with wonderful tranquillity.

An equally magnificent view of the capital can be enjoyed from the top of Lykavittos Hill, rising in the shape of a cone in the middle of the city. For those who are too tired (or lazy!) to walk up the hill, there is no need to worry: You can simply hop on the funicular which will take you up to the top. Of course, it is still possible to walk up should you wish to do so. A scenic, serpentine path winds its way from the Kolonaki district up to the chapel of St. George on the summit. From here you can really get a feel for the dimensions of the city, and the Acropolis almost seems to disappear into the ocean of houses. There is also a fantastic view of the Kalimarmaro Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in April of 1896. Looking out over the city, it is also possible to see the Temple of the Olympian Zeus as well as the National Garden, which borders the former Royal Palace, now the present-day Parliament, on Syntagma Square.

Anafiotics - Cycladic Fair in the Middle of Athens

In the middle of the city in the small district of Anafiotika, you can experience a real island atmosphere without having to travel across the sea. Located on the edge of the historic district of Plaka and nestled directly on the northern slope of the Acropolis, this slice of Athens enchants its visitors after a few steps along the narrow alleys. Anafiotika was built by migrant workers from the Cyclades island of Anafi as an informal settlement during a time of great housing shortage.

The district was built in the style of a Cycladic village with staggered, asymmetric, whitewashed, terrace-roofed houses, walled gardens, and narrow, whitewashed paths.

The easiest way to get to Anafiotics is to walk from the metro station Akropoli towards the Acropolis, then turn left and follow the path leading up past the Dionysus Theatre. After about 500 m walk you reach the first houses of the Cyclades quarter. A jewel in the middle of this large city, Anafiotics never fails to charm its visitors.

A City District in Technicolour – Street Art in Psiri

Athens shows her most colourful side in the streets of the Psiri art district. Just a few years ago, the district was left to fall to ruin, but today, thanks to its wonderful, colourful street art, it has become an absolute must-see spot and a thriving nightlife for many Athenians. Psiri is located in the heart of the vibrant metropolis, less than five minutes’ walk from the central Monastiraki Square.

Should you visit Athens, be sure not to miss this marvellous district! There is so much to see, so many photo opportunities, and plenty of beautiful boutiques to explore. And when you need to refuel, there are great places to eat and drink and watch the artistic world go by.

Many of the rustic taverns are transformed into garden restaurants during the summer evenings and live music is regularly performed. Once the first few notes have rung out into the evening air, there is hardly anyone left on their seats as dancing and laughter joins the sounds of music. You can’t get close to the Greek way of life than this!

Oasis of Peace – Switch of from the Hustle and Bustle!

After having explored the city, it is nice to get away from the hustle and bustle for a while and enjoy some peace and quiet. The perfect place to do so is in the National Garden, stretching between the Parliament and the Olympic Stadium. After walking just a few meters into the gardens, the noise of traffic dissipates as you are enveloped by the serene atmosphere of the Botanical Gardens, dating back to Queen Amalia. Benches line the footpaths, tempting you to linger and enjoy the wonderful plant life, the small lakes and animals, and above all, the tranquillity.

Another lovely stop for anyone needing some peace from exploring the bustling city is Athens' First Cemetery. This has become the last resting place of many important Greeks and foreigners since 1834. Here you can take a walk and visit the graves of Melina Mercouris, Heinrich Schliemann, or Andreas Papandreous, among others, which seem to blend seamlessly into the mainly neoclassical cemetery landscape.

Athens from Underground – Art in the Metro Stations

The Athens metro is one of the oldest in the world. The historic Line 1 was built as early as 1869 and still, today connects the port of Piraeus with the classy suburb of Kifisia in the north, passing through the centre of Athens on its way. Two more lines were opened in time for the 2004 Olympic Games. The largest archaeological excavations in the history of Athens were undertaken during the many years of construction work, during which time the hidden city below slowly revealed itself.

Some of the excavations were preserved and artistically integrated into the new metro stations in the centre. Even if you do not plan to take the subway, it is well worth heading down to the stations to admire the artwork laying just below ground. The metro stations Akropoli and Syntagma are especially worth exploring. Admission is free, you don’t even have to buy a metro ticket to be able to admire the art.

Experience Athens Actively – Hop on your bike, get set, go!

Would you like to see more of Athens and have a local guide share all kinds of interesting facts about the history and everyday life of the city with you? Then an Athens by Bike cycling tour is the perfect choice for you. Awarded by number 1 in Tripadvisor’s list of the top 10 activities to do in Athens, these wonderful, organized tours will significantly expand your sightseeing possibilities in the city. With plenty of charm and a good portion of wit, a competent guide will accompany you on your journey of discovery, safely showing you the way to all the greatest treasures the city has to offer. Whether a tour in the morning or at sunset, whether by hybrid bike or e-bike: Athens by Bike has something for every cycling enthusiast.

Travel tips for Athens

Heavenly places to rest your head

If you would like to explore Athens by yourself, we recommend staying at these hotels:

The HERA BOUTIQUE HOTEL is in the ideal location for those who would like to explore Athens’ most important sights as well as our insider tips on foot. Located in the immediate vicinity of the metro station Akropoli, the neoclassical 4-star hotel with its comfortably furnished rooms and charming roof terrace with a fantastic view of the Acropolis awaits you.

Visit the HERA BOUTIQUE HOTEL Website

The COCO-MAT HOTEL is located in the classy district of Kolonaki not far from the Lykavitos Hill and combines maximum comfort with urban elegance. A truly exceptional hotel with stylishly furnished rooms and unsurpassed hospitality. This hotel also has a roof terrace with a view over the whole city that will take your breath away.

Visit the COCO-MAT HOTEL Website

Enjoy the View

Last but not least we will share a few recommendations for particularly wonderful places to eat and drink in Athens:

360 DEGREES – If your feet are starting to complain after a full day exploring Athens, but you don’t want to go back to the hotel just yet, then why not treat yourself to a drink on the fabulous 360° Hotel roof terrace, located directly on Monasteraki Square. Though the prices are on the costly side, the view is well worth it!

Visit the 360 DEGREES Website

ORAIA ELLAS – Do you fancy an ouzo or a Greek coffee? Only a few hundred meters from the 360° Hotel is the cosy Kafenio Oraia Ellas (English – Beautiful Greece). The beautiful pictures on the café’s walls are reminiscent of an art gallery and from here you can enjoy the best view in the Plaka district of the Acropolis, free of charge!

Address: Mitropoleos 59 & Stoa Pandrosou 36, 10555 Athens

STROFI – Do you fancy having dinner somewhere with an extraordinary atmosphere? Then don't hesitate and reserve a seat at the Strofi restaurant on the south side of the Acropolis. You couldn’t get closer to the Acropolis, which is beautifully illuminated in the evening. Both service and food are excellent.

Visit the STROFI Website

Have we sparked your interest in this wonderful city? Then pack your bags and head off to discover Athens!