What to do in 48 hours in Athens > 7 must do

History and hyperactivity live side by side in Athens, the capital of Greece.

At first glance, Athens could be any other major city in the world. Car horns blare and the streets are a hive of activity. But this modern metropolis is a history lover’s dream. The most famous feature of the city is the Acropolis, which is one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

1. Touchdown > Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, http://www.aia.gr is about 33km from the centre of Athens. A regular taxi will set you back about 30 euro and the driver may charge an extra 0,50 for each piece of luggage. Bus services are available 24 hours a day from the airport. Visit www.oasa.gr to see which schedule and times suit your itinerary. Tickets start about 3 euro. Metro http://www.ametro.gr and Suburban Rail http://www.proastiakos.gr is another option, with tickets costing 8 euro.  

2. Sleep tight > Being a major international city, your choice of accommodation is only limited by your budget. There are some decent basic hotel rooms available for about 40 euro a night, such as the Aristotles Hotel http://www.aristoteleshotel.gr. At the other end of the scale are hotels such as the Grande Bretagne Athens  http://www.grandebretagne.gr which will set you back about 285 euro a night. Hostels are also available. 

3. Acropolis now > Known as the sacred rock of Athens, the Acropolis rises 150m above sea level. The Parthenon temple is considered by many to be the most important monument of ancient Greece. It was built between 447BC and 438BC. The other features of the Acropolis are the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Proplyaea. The site is open daily from 8am to 5pm. Admission is about 12 euro but there are days when entry is free. These include national holidays. There will be many tour guides milling around the base of the Acropolis. It is well worth considering getting a guide if you are in a group because they can offer greater insight into this incredible place. For additional information visit http://www.culture.gr/2/21/211/21101a/e211aa01.html 

4. The Plaka > The Plaka is the oldest neighborhood of Athens and one of its most popular. There are plenty of restaurants and tavernas to enjoy and lots of shops. Find a cafe with outdoor seating and enjoy an ouzo and some finger food and relax and watch the people go by. Expect to be stopped by many waiters hoping for your custom. Street musicians keep the crowds entertained. Jewellery lovers should check out the Byzantino store, which has good-quality jewellery at low prices.

5. Stadium arcadium > The Panathenaic Stadium was reportedly created for athletic meets by Lycurgus about 330BC. It was restored between AD140 and AD144. Its most recent upgrade was completed at the end of the 19th century for the first Olympic Games in 1896. The Athens Olympic Stadium is another spot to check out if you have the time. It was built in the early 1980s and was transformed for the 2004 Summer Olympics. It is set to host soccer’s UEFA Champions League final in May. For additional information visit > http://www.culture.gr/2/21/211/21103a/e211ca07.html

6. Heart of Athens > In ancient times, Agora was the focal point for political, commercial, social and administrative activity in Athens. Damaged by the Persians about 480BC and throughout its history, it was eventually abandoned. A number of buildings have been erected at the Agora, including the Temple of Ares and the Odeon of Agrippa, a big concert hall in the centre of the Agora.

7. Night owl > Greeks love a good night out. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Often groups of people will linger for hours over drinks and meze, appetisers. There are plenty of bars and nightclubs to choose from. Galazio is a sports cafe with fabulous sea views, while Le Bar Bodega has been a popular spot for a drink since the 1980s.

Related Links > http://www.gnto.gr/?langID=2

Advertisement