Kosmas’s guidebook
Guidebook
A quick look around on Athens.
The Acropolis is the most important ancient site in the Western world. Crowned by the Parthenon, it stands sentinel over Athens, visible from almost everywhere within the city. Its monuments and sanctuaries of white Pentelic marble gleam in the midday sun and gradually take on a honey hue as the sun sinks, while at night they stand brilliantly illuminated above the city. A glimpse of this magnificent sight cannot fail to exalt your spirit.
1856 recommandé par les habitants
Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis is the most important ancient site in the Western world. Crowned by the Parthenon, it stands sentinel over Athens, visible from almost everywhere within the city. Its monuments and sanctuaries of white Pentelic marble gleam in the midday sun and gradually take on a honey hue as the sun sinks, while at night they stand brilliantly illuminated above the city. A glimpse of this magnificent sight cannot fail to exalt your spirit.
Wind-blasted Plaka, is a delightful bijou village of attractive boutiques, inviting restaurants and cafes, as well as some very cosy tavernas hugging the waterfront. Beyond the jetty, past the yellow nets and cobalt sea, is the skeletal ruins of Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony. Low-key Plaka is now internationally famous in the wake of the success of the novel and television series, The Island (To Nisi).
1300 recommandé par les habitants
Plaka
24 MnisikleousWind-blasted Plaka, is a delightful bijou village of attractive boutiques, inviting restaurants and cafes, as well as some very cosy tavernas hugging the waterfront. Beyond the jetty, past the yellow nets and cobalt sea, is the skeletal ruins of Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony. Low-key Plaka is now internationally famous in the wake of the success of the novel and television series, The Island (To Nisi).
Also called the Hill of the Muses, Filopappou Hill – along with the Hills of the Pnyx and the Nymphs – is a somewhat wild, pine-shaded spot that's good for a stroll, especially at sunset. The hill also gives some of the best vantage points for photographing the Acropolis, and views to the Saronic Gulf.
526 recommandé par les habitants
Filopappou Hill
215 ΦυλήςAlso called the Hill of the Muses, Filopappou Hill – along with the Hills of the Pnyx and the Nymphs – is a somewhat wild, pine-shaded spot that's good for a stroll, especially at sunset. The hill also gives some of the best vantage points for photographing the Acropolis, and views to the Saronic Gulf.
This dazzling museum at the foot of the Acropolis' southern slope showcases its surviving treasures. The collection covers the Archaic period to the Roman one, but the emphasis is on the Acropolis of the 5th century BC, considered the apotheosis of Greece's artistic achievement. The museum reveals layers of history: ruins are visible in its floor, and, through floor-to-ceiling windows, the Acropolis is always visible above. The surprisingly good-value restaurant has superb views; there’s also a fine museum shop.
2190 recommandé par les habitants
Acropolis Museum
15 Dionysiou AreopagitouThis dazzling museum at the foot of the Acropolis' southern slope showcases its surviving treasures. The collection covers the Archaic period to the Roman one, but the emphasis is on the Acropolis of the 5th century BC, considered the apotheosis of Greece's artistic achievement. The museum reveals layers of history: ruins are visible in its floor, and, through floor-to-ceiling windows, the Acropolis is always visible above. The surprisingly good-value restaurant has superb views; there’s also a fine museum shop.
The former royal gardens, designed by Queen Amalia in 1838, are a pleasantly unkempt park that makes a welcome shady refuge from summer heat and traffic. Tucked among the trees are a cafe, a playground, turtle and duck ponds, and a tiny (if slightly dispiriting) zoo. The main entrance is on Leoforos Vasilissis Sofias, south of parliament; you can also enter from Irodou Attikou to the east, or from the adjacent Zappeio Gardens to the south.
1171 recommandé par les habitants
National Garden
1 Leoforos Vasilisis AmaliasThe former royal gardens, designed by Queen Amalia in 1838, are a pleasantly unkempt park that makes a welcome shady refuge from summer heat and traffic. Tucked among the trees are a cafe, a playground, turtle and duck ponds, and a tiny (if slightly dispiriting) zoo. The main entrance is on Leoforos Vasilissis Sofias, south of parliament; you can also enter from Irodou Attikou to the east, or from the adjacent Zappeio Gardens to the south.
More than any other monument, the Parthenon epitomises the glory of Ancient Greece. Meaning 'virgin's apartment', it's dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the goddess embodying the power and prestige of the city. The largest Doric temple ever completed in Greece, and the only one built completely of white Pentelic marble (apart from its wooden roof), it took 15 years to complete. It was designed by Iktinos and Kallicrates and completed in time for the Great Panathenaic Festival of 438 BC.
421 recommandé par les habitants
Parthenon
More than any other monument, the Parthenon epitomises the glory of Ancient Greece. Meaning 'virgin's apartment', it's dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the goddess embodying the power and prestige of the city. The largest Doric temple ever completed in Greece, and the only one built completely of white Pentelic marble (apart from its wooden roof), it took 15 years to complete. It was designed by Iktinos and Kallicrates and completed in time for the Great Panathenaic Festival of 438 BC.
The Agora was ancient Athens' heart, the lively hub of administrative, commercial, political and social activity. Socrates expounded his philosophy here, and in AD 49 St Paul came here to win converts to Christianity. The site today is a lush respite, with the grand Temple of Hephaistos, a good museum and the late-10th-century Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles, trimmed in brick patterns that mimic Arabic calligraphy. The greenery harbours birds and lizards. Allow about two hours to see everything.
581 recommandé par les habitants
Ancient Agora of Athens
24 AdrianouThe Agora was ancient Athens' heart, the lively hub of administrative, commercial, political and social activity. Socrates expounded his philosophy here, and in AD 49 St Paul came here to win converts to Christianity. The site today is a lush respite, with the grand Temple of Hephaistos, a good museum and the late-10th-century Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles, trimmed in brick patterns that mimic Arabic calligraphy. The greenery harbours birds and lizards. Allow about two hours to see everything.
This is one of the world’s most important museums, housing the world's finest collection of Greek antiquities in an enormous neoclassical building. Treasures offering a view of Greek art and history – dating from the Neolithic era to Classical periods, including the Ptolemaic era in Egypt – include exquisite sculptures, pottery, jewellery, frescoes and artefacts found throughout Greece. The beautifully presented exhibits are displayed mainly thematically.
1277 recommandé par les habitants
National Archaeological Museum
44 28is OktovriouThis is one of the world’s most important museums, housing the world's finest collection of Greek antiquities in an enormous neoclassical building. Treasures offering a view of Greek art and history – dating from the Neolithic era to Classical periods, including the Ptolemaic era in Egypt – include exquisite sculptures, pottery, jewellery, frescoes and artefacts found throughout Greece. The beautifully presented exhibits are displayed mainly thematically.
it's a marvellous temple, the largest in Greece, and it's smack in the centre of Athens. The temple is impressive for the sheer size of its 104 Corinthian columns (17m high with a base diameter of 1.7m), of which 15 remain – the fallen column was blown down in a gale in 1852.
731 recommandé par les habitants
Temple of Olympian Zeus
it's a marvellous temple, the largest in Greece, and it's smack in the centre of Athens. The temple is impressive for the sheer size of its 104 Corinthian columns (17m high with a base diameter of 1.7m), of which 15 remain – the fallen column was blown down in a gale in 1852.
Antonis Benakis, a politician's son born in Alexandria, Egypt, in the late 19th century, endowed what is perhaps the finest museum in Greece. Its three floors showcase impeccable treasures from the Bronze Age up to WWII. Especially gorgeous are the Byzantine icons and the extensive collection of Greek regional costumes, as well as complete sitting rooms from Macedonian mansions, intricately carved and painted. Benakis had such a good eye that even the agricultural tools are beautiful.
566 recommandé par les habitants
Benaki Toy Museum
138 PireosAntonis Benakis, a politician's son born in Alexandria, Egypt, in the late 19th century, endowed what is perhaps the finest museum in Greece. Its three floors showcase impeccable treasures from the Bronze Age up to WWII. Especially gorgeous are the Byzantine icons and the extensive collection of Greek regional costumes, as well as complete sitting rooms from Macedonian mansions, intricately carved and painted. Benakis had such a good eye that even the agricultural tools are beautiful.
Noel
59B KolokotroniUnique bar restaurant with great cocktails and food
The American dream bar right in the center of Athens ! The Clumsies carefully put together space, with amazing cocktails
257 recommandé par les habitants
The Clumsies
30 PraxitelousThe American dream bar right in the center of Athens ! The Clumsies carefully put together space, with amazing cocktails
If you start at the top of Syntagma Square and walk down the steps and past the fountain, at the bottom of the square is the beginning of Ermou Street, a paradise for those who live to shop.
838 recommandé par les habitants
Ermou
ErmouIf you start at the top of Syntagma Square and walk down the steps and past the fountain, at the bottom of the square is the beginning of Ermou Street, a paradise for those who live to shop.
Picture yourself lounging under the starry Attica night in a lushly-planted roof-garden, with the illuminated Acropolis so close that it seems you could almost reach out and touch it. Now, stop imagining, and head over to 360 Degrees to make your daydreams reality. This hip restaurant and cocktail bar is located on the rooftop of the 360 Degrees Hotel, right in the very heart of Athens’ historical centre.
189 recommandé par les habitants
360 Cocktail bar
2 IfestouPicture yourself lounging under the starry Attica night in a lushly-planted roof-garden, with the illuminated Acropolis so close that it seems you could almost reach out and touch it. Now, stop imagining, and head over to 360 Degrees to make your daydreams reality. This hip restaurant and cocktail bar is located on the rooftop of the 360 Degrees Hotel, right in the very heart of Athens’ historical centre.
A traditional neighbourhood in downtown Athens, Greece, northwest of the Acropolis, 1.5 km southwest of downtown. Long ago, the name was derived from the Temple of Hephaestus which was mistakenly known as Thiseion in reference to Theseus, the mythical king of Athens, which gave rise to the neighbourhood being named Thiseio.
533 recommandé par les habitants
Thiseio
A traditional neighbourhood in downtown Athens, Greece, northwest of the Acropolis, 1.5 km southwest of downtown. Long ago, the name was derived from the Temple of Hephaestus which was mistakenly known as Thiseion in reference to Theseus, the mythical king of Athens, which gave rise to the neighbourhood being named Thiseio.
Aegli Zappiou
A place with a great view on the Acropolis. One of the best restaurant in Athens, Also with great cocktails and wines
34 recommandé par les habitants
Hytra Restaurant & Bar
107-109 Leof. Andrea SiggrouA place with a great view on the Acropolis. One of the best restaurant in Athens, Also with great cocktails and wines
Spondi Restaurant
5 PirronosAward winning Restaurant on of a kind
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is a complex in the bay of Faliro in Athens which includes new facilities for the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera, as well as the 210,000 m² Stavros Niarchos Park.
741 recommandé par les habitants
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
364 Leof. Andrea SiggrouThe Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is a complex in the bay of Faliro in Athens which includes new facilities for the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera, as well as the 210,000 m² Stavros Niarchos Park.
Flisvos Marina
Koukaki is home to the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST). Once the Fix Brewery, the building that houses the museum has undergone a major transformation. Not yet fully operational, the EMST is destined to become a beacon of creative talent that will showcase the work of both Greek and foreign contemporary artists.
373 recommandé par les habitants
Εθνικό Μουσείο Σύγχρονης Τέχνης (ΕΜΣΤ)
Koukaki is home to the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST). Once the Fix Brewery, the building that houses the museum has undergone a major transformation. Not yet fully operational, the EMST is destined to become a beacon of creative talent that will showcase the work of both Greek and foreign contemporary artists.
Perhaps the most charming area in the neighborhood is the pedestrian zone running from Koukaki Square along Georgaki Olympiou Street, which has a city-meets-jungle feel to it. Overhanging trees, including palms, entirely conceal the concrete facades of the buildings above the cafés and restaurants. Instead, fairy lights and glowing lanterns create an atmosphere akin to a Cuban Midsummer Night’s Dream, if that’s a vision you can imagine. Brightly painted wood and wicker chairs adorn the pavements where Athenians young and old come to socialize.
With an eclectic mix of cafés and quirky bars inspired by everything from Louisiana to Noah’s Ark, this street caters for every mood and style. At the bottom of Olympiou sits a veritable institution, Bel Ray, a one-time car wash turned retro café-bar, serving perfect croque-madames and tropical concoctions like the Calypso, a rum-based cocktail complete with dates, choco bitters and lime. With a minimalist yet cozy atmosphere and with thought-provoking street art as a backdrop, it is clear why this place has become so popular with young local trendsetters.
188 recommandé par les habitants
Koukaki
Perhaps the most charming area in the neighborhood is the pedestrian zone running from Koukaki Square along Georgaki Olympiou Street, which has a city-meets-jungle feel to it. Overhanging trees, including palms, entirely conceal the concrete facades of the buildings above the cafés and restaurants. Instead, fairy lights and glowing lanterns create an atmosphere akin to a Cuban Midsummer Night’s Dream, if that’s a vision you can imagine. Brightly painted wood and wicker chairs adorn the pavements where Athenians young and old come to socialize.
With an eclectic mix of cafés and quirky bars inspired by everything from Louisiana to Noah’s Ark, this street caters for every mood and style. At the bottom of Olympiou sits a veritable institution, Bel Ray, a one-time car wash turned retro café-bar, serving perfect croque-madames and tropical concoctions like the Calypso, a rum-based cocktail complete with dates, choco bitters and lime. With a minimalist yet cozy atmosphere and with thought-provoking street art as a backdrop, it is clear why this place has become so popular with young local trendsetters.
Bel Ray
88 FalirouThe Bank Job
KolokotroniDrunk Sinatra
16 ThiseosAlternative bar with different events every time and shows
38 recommandé par les habitants
Faust Bar Theatre Arts
12 AthinaidosAlternative bar with different events every time and shows
The sounds of 1940s jazz can be heard as couples learn their dance steps at the Jump & Jive Athens Swing Team Dance Studio. The whole scene is almost like a time capsule, transporting the wanderer back to a bygone Athens, quite removed from those establishments close by that are striving to push the capital into a new age.
Jump & Jive Athens Swing Team
1 Zan MoreasThe sounds of 1940s jazz can be heard as couples learn their dance steps at the Jump & Jive Athens Swing Team Dance Studio. The whole scene is almost like a time capsule, transporting the wanderer back to a bygone Athens, quite removed from those establishments close by that are striving to push the capital into a new age.
Koukaki is certainly not without promise when it comes to shopping, although what it has to offer is more in the realm of small, sometimes a little surreal, boutique shops that specialize in trinkets and unusual designs. Take Tintinnabulum (named after one of Aesop’s fables) for example, with the endearingly brilliant creations of Athena Drakopoulou. With a cottage-style interior more evocative of a Brothers Grimm fairytale than of Aesop’s works, the boutique shop offers handmade jewelry, candles, ornaments and furniture, almost all of which are made by Drakopoulou herself
Tintinnabulum
80 VeikouKoukaki is certainly not without promise when it comes to shopping, although what it has to offer is more in the realm of small, sometimes a little surreal, boutique shops that specialize in trinkets and unusual designs. Take Tintinnabulum (named after one of Aesop’s fables) for example, with the endearingly brilliant creations of Athena Drakopoulou. With a cottage-style interior more evocative of a Brothers Grimm fairytale than of Aesop’s works, the boutique shop offers handmade jewelry, candles, ornaments and furniture, almost all of which are made by Drakopoulou herself
inspired creation of Romain Krot and Christina Mavridis, is a rising star, inspired by the beauty and wildlife of the Serengeti.
11 recommandé par les habitants
Meerkat Cocktail Safari
7 Vizantiouinspired creation of Romain Krot and Christina Mavridis, is a rising star, inspired by the beauty and wildlife of the Serengeti.
Drupes & Drips
20 ZitrouA for Athens Cocktail Bar
2 MiaouliPlaka Anafiotika
24β MnisikleousThe 7 Jokers Coffee & Cocktail Bar
7 VoulisBaba Au Rum
6 KlitiouAward winning
Mirch
109 ErmouIndian Restaurant
One of the main historic attractions of Athens, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. A stadium was built on the site of a simple racecourse by the Athenian statesman Lykourgos (Lycurgus) c. 330 BC, primarily for the Panathenaic Games.
870 recommandé par les habitants
Panathenaic Stadium
Leoforos Vasileos KonstantinouOne of the main historic attractions of Athens, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. A stadium was built on the site of a simple racecourse by the Athenian statesman Lykourgos (Lycurgus) c. 330 BC, primarily for the Panathenaic Games.
Φαγητό
All day brunch and cocktail bar, located in the heart of Athens. rooftop with a breathtaking view of the Acropolis and Lycabettus
12 recommandé par les habitants
Ciel Athens
2 MitropoleosAll day brunch and cocktail bar, located in the heart of Athens. rooftop with a breathtaking view of the Acropolis and Lycabettus