Exploring the City of Athens – A Comprehensive Guide

Located in southeastern Europe, Athens is the capital and most populous city of Greece. Founded in the Neolithic period and officially established by the first Athenian King, Theseus, Athens was one of the most influential centres of European civilization. Besides its deep historical roots, Athens has grown to become a modern metropolis and a vibrant centre of culture, science and economics. Athens remains one of Europe’s most captivating destinations, and its wide range of attractions make it an excellent place to visit or live. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the city of Athens and discover all the wonderful sights, experiences, and delights it holds.

History of Athens

Athens was founded in the Neolithic period, believed to date as far back as 7,000-3,000BC. It was officially established by the first Athenian King, Theseus, around 1250 BC. During this period, Athens grew from a small village to an important port city.The 5th century BC is thought of as the golden age of Athens. During this period, the city became an important cultural centre, with prominent philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle leading the new era of Ancient Greek thought. It was at this time that Athens became a democracy under the rule of Pericles.The Roman Empire eventually conquered Athens in 146BC, and Athens became part of the Roman province of Achaea. In 330AD, the Roman Empire was divided into two parts: the Eastern Roman or Byzanine Empire and the Western or Romanic Empire. Athens was part of the Eastem Roman Empire.In 1458, Athens became part of the Ottoman Empire until 1821, when the Greek revolution began and Greece declared its independence from Ottoman rule. In 1832, Greece was recognised as an independent nation and in 1834, it officially became known as the Kingdom of Greece.

Geography

Athens is located in southeastern Europe on Greece’s Attica peninsula. Its many hills and mountains offer visitors sweeping views of the city below. The city covers an area of 391km squared and has an elevation of 144 metres above sea level. The city is home to over 3 million inhabitants making it Greece’s largest city and one of Europe’s most populated cities. Athens is known for its hot Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. In the summer months temperatures often reach 37°C and on occasion 40°C. In winter temperatures average around 10°C. The city experiences considerable rainfall from October through April, with average annual rainfall amounts reaching 700 mm per year.

Sights and Attractions

Athens is home to a host of exciting sights and attractions, that range from its ancient history to its modern culture. Here are some of its most popular attractions:

Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis museum is located at the foot of the Acropolis hill, in Monastiraki square. It was designed to display two thousand years of history, from the Neolithic era up until Roman times. The Acropolis Museum features a range of permanent exhibitions focusing on everyday life in ancient Athens and its iconic monuments. Its most remarkable feature is the glass floor that allows visitors to view archaeological findings unearthed during excavations beneath the museum.

Parthenon

The Parthenon is one of Athens’ most iconic monuments, located atop Athens’ Acropolis hill. Built between 447-432BC as a tribute to Athena, the Parthenon is one of the finest surviving examples of ancient Greek architecture. It is a spectacular sight to behold with its impressive pillars and stunning carvings depicting gods and deities from Greek mythology. The Parthenon underwent restoration works from 1975-2009 and has since been open to visitors who wish to explore it and take in its magnificent beauty from all angles.

National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is one of the largest museums in all Europe, known for its impressive collection of antiquities ranging from prehistoric times up until late antiquity. Its massive collection houses some 20,000 artifacts including statuettes, pottery, sculptures and jewellery that connect visitors to what life was like during antiquity. It also features an extensive collection of coins and statues representing major cities during ancient Greece’s Golden Age.

Plaka – Anafiotika

Plaka – Anafiotika is one of central Athens’ most charming neighbourhoods. This picturesque area consists of winding streets lined with cafes, restaurants, bars and shops that give it a unique charm that separates it from other parts of Athens. The neighbourhood’s cobblestoned streets are filled with brightly coloured buildings that connect you to ancient Greek traditions and culture. Additionally, Plaka – Anafiotika also features lots of galleries, museums and churches making it an excellent place to explore if you are looking to soak up the history of ancient Athens.

Things to do in Athens

Athens offers a wide range of activities that will cater to different tastes. From exploring its vibrant nightlife to discovering its ancient history, here are some things you can do in Athens:

Shop

Athens is packed with lots of stores selling anything from accessories to furniture and clothes that cater to all budgets. Kaisariani has a small selection of stores selling vintage items for those looking for something unique and unusual. Ermou Street is the main street for shopping in the city centre with well-trusted stores selling everything from designer labels to fast fashion items at affordable prices.

Eat

Athens is home to a range of cuisines ranging from throwback taverns serving traditional delicacies to top-notch restaurants featuring gourmet dishes inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. Koukaki has some excellent restaurants serving up seafood dishes while Gazi houses trendy restaurants boasting interesting cocktails and fusion dishes. Inner Psyrri is a great place to enjoy Greek street food such as gyros or souvlaki while Plaka is a great spot for those looking to enjoy traditional homemade recipes such as moussaka and pastichio.

Nightlife

Athens’ lively nightlife draws in locals as well as visitors from all over the world looking for an unforgettably good time. For a chilled evening out check out bars such as Zwiko Bar located in Gazi or Cafe Karaiskaki which serves tasty Greek cocktails along with its stunning sea views. For those looking for something more upbeat head to Exarcheia which has numerous bars offering live music from local artists or Gazi which has an array of bars hosting DJ sets playing all kinds of genres from house to hip-hop.

Transport

Athens has a wide range of transportation options that make getting around the city hassle-free. Here are some popular methods:

• Bus – Athens buses are operated by OASA and cover almost all areas around the city with over 500 routes connecting the city’s neighbourhoods.

• Metro – Athens is served by 3 metro lines (line 1 [green], line 2 [red] and line 3 [blue]), connecting many neighbourhoods around Athens to important attractions such as Syntagma Square.

• Trolley – The city’s trolley system covers mainly Moschato via Petralona up to Omonia Square.

• Taxi – Taxis are widely available throughout Athens at taxi stands or by hailing them on the street.

• Tram – The tram line runs along Syngrou Avenue connecting Tavros station to Voula station on Athens’ south coast.

No matter where you are headed in Athens, you are sure to find a convenient and reliable mode of transportation.

Conclusion

As we have explored via this comprehensive guide, there is much more to explore in this captivating city than meets the eye at first glance. From its delicious cuisine to its rich history, culture and vibrant nightlife; there is something for everyone in this ancient yet modern city! Whether you are visiting for a few days or looking for an extended stay; Athens offers up something truly special for all who choose to explore!