The establishment of the city of Athens is lost in a mythological past. Among European cities, Athens is the oldest one and the one with the longest history. This history is still evident in the buildings and monuments of today's Greek capital. Take the chance to get to know the many faces of the city...
When visiting Athens there are lots of things to do. Museums, Parks and cultural areas are all include the heritage of classical era. Although there are modern shopping malls, bars clubs but don't miss to try the Greek cuisine in the numerous restaurants in Athens.
There is so much to see and enjoy in Athens and the surrounding Attica region. Two days is certainly better than one, and three days is the minimum we recommend you stay. Do you prefer a trip full of art and culture? Or is great shopping and dining more your style for exploring the pulse of the city? In Athens you have it all. There are ancient historic sites, a myriad of museums and galleries, all kinds of restaurants, bars and clubs, delicious food, interesting wines and a friendly atmosphere.
Athens is well known for always living up to its visitors' expectations regardless of their age and preferences. Athens has lots of proposals for family holidays, youth adventures and children's fun, whether you come with your family or on your own, whether you are young or not so. Find out more and plan a tailor-made holiday.
Athens is the oldest city in Europe and the one with the longest history. The course of history from ancient to modern times is evident as you walk around the city; every few meters you come across an Ancient, Roman, Byzantine or Modern monument. History is all around you and well integrated into the city's contemporary life. Take advantage of this unique feature and enjoy a trip into the course of history as you walk into the city.
Take part in many of the Greek and Athenian traditions that we outline here. They remain at the heart and serve as a key frame reference for the Athenians.
This chronicle will take you from the Neolithic period, where according to the archaeological findings it is estimated that the first attempts at establishing a city were made at Pelasgous, by the first habitants who, in 1400 B.C. began fortifying the Acropolis mountain with walls, to the age of Copper around 800 B.C., when the final union of Athens into an integrated country took place, and there, for the first time, we find the Panathinaia, the leading fest of Athens in honor of the goddess Athena.
Athens became the capital of the Greek state in 1834, and this was the time the city realized the importance of its unique monuments and incorporated them into the landscape design. By the beginning of the 20th century, Athens was a beautiful city with impressive public buildings, mostly financed by rich emigrant Greeks.
What time do the banks close in Athens? How much should I tip in a restaurant? Where can I wash my clothes? All the information you want to know when visiting Athens, Greece is here. From accommodation to hospitals and from clothes and shoe sizes to weather and climate information you will find it at Athens from A-Z.
The goal of This is Athens was to let the world know the real colours of the City. Visitors are encouraged to share images of their favorite places in the city helping to create the largest photostream of Athens ever made.
