Holidays In Hotels In Athens - Day Trips & Tours

Athens was home to the Greek philosophers Aristotle, Plato and Socrates. Named after goddess Athena, Athens is one of the most famous cities in the world and one of the oldest too. As a city-state, it figured prominently in the ancient history, as well as in the most myth and legends of the ancient world. The Greek capital is now home to almost four million people and one of the top vacation spots in Europe, being visited by tourists seeking for both cultural journeys and beach holidays. Birthplace of the Ancient Olympic Games, Athens features a large number of artistic and architectural treasures, including the famous Acropolis.

Athens is visited nowadays by numerous travelers looking for a lively city with rich culture and history, as well as excellent accommodation amenities offered by both budget and luxury hotels. The best time to take trips to Athens is late summer (after mid-August) or fall (the weather in Greece is gorgeous in September, October and even in the first days in November). Winter is also a good period of time to visit Athens because then are fewer tourists and the weather is generally good, maybe with the exception of a little rain. Also, even the most luxurious holiday resorts practice lower room rates and are available many attractive vacation deals.

Holiday Attractions In Athens - Tours To Acropolis

Perhaps the first spot that should be visited when going on holiday to Athens is Acropolis, in the ancient part of the city, where are located the remains of some of the most beautiful temples built in ancient Greece. This site is so imposing that vacationers can truly appreciate the ancient Greek architecture only when see Acropolis. Agora Market is another holiday attraction of old Athens worth to a visit because in antiquity this zone was center of the commercial and political activity. It has been also the place where Socrates hold his speeches and St. Paul searched for potential adherents to the Christian religion.

In Athens are settled some of the best-rated hotels in Greece, but unfortunately it is no longer a cheap city! Vacationers can expect to spend at least 40 € (almost $50) per day by staying in a cheap hotel. Still, holidays in Athens are unique life experiences and memories gained there last forever. Tourists taking tours in Athens are advised to use comfortable shoes and carry serious water reserves because visiting most famous tourist sites involves climbing on hills or walks along stony paths.

Top Tourist Sites In Athens

Acropolis

Acropolis is the most famous vacation place in Athens and is in fact the name of the hill that hosts three of the most important temples located on the Greek continental part: Parthenon, Erechteion, and Temple of Athena Nike. The hill is also home to the Acropolis Museum and to Propylaea, which was once the original entrance to Acropolis.

Temple of Zeus

This temple is one of the only two remaining artifacts on the original Olympieion site and has an incredible size. An interesting fact about Temple of Zeus is that its construction stretched on almost 700 years! It was started in 515 B.C. by Peristratos and completed in 125 A.D. by the Roman emperor Hadrian. Close to the temple is located another valuable monument to visit while holidays in Athens - Hadrian's Arch, built a few years later by the same emperor.

The Agora - Ancient and Roman

The Ancient Agora - Arkhaia Agora in Greek - was the gathering place of the ancient Athenians. Connected to this spot are the Hephaisteion - Temple of Hephaistos, which is probably the best conserved Greek temple in Athens, and Stoa of Attalos (entirely reconstructed), that houses the museum of ancient Agora and most artifacts found there.

The Roman Agora - Romaiki Agora in Greek - is situated near the other one, being much smaller and much younger. Interesting things to visit there are a Turkish mosque - Fethiye Djami - and the Tower of Winds.

The Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium was the place of the first modern Olympic Games, in 1896. It was reconstructed on the place of the original stadium of ancient Olympic Games. At the front of the stadium is a statue of the Discus Thrower, the symbol of the Olympic Games.

The Ruins of Delphi

Day trips to Delphi are very popular among tourists taking delight in holidays in Athens. They are advised to reserve a whole day for this visit because the famous landmark is located at three hours drive by car or bus to the capital city.

Temple of Apollo is the main attraction of the site. This magnificently preserved construction is the place where Pythia, the "High Priestess of Apollo", predicted the future.

The Theater and The Stadium are located close to temple. Also, the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, housing valuable artifacts found at site, should be visited by tourists.

Plaka

Plaka belongs to the most visited holiday attractions in Athens and can be compared to the Montmartre district in Paris. There are thousands of souvenir stores, taverns, small churches, and open-air stands where vacationers can buy a lot of products such as ceramic vases, olive oil soap, and many others. Attention! Plaka is like a labyrinth, being a network of streets, so visitors are advised to buy a map of Athens.

National Archaeological Museum of Athens

It is the largest and most inspiring archeological museum on the mainland. The museum has various exhibits, but the most interesting one is the Greek pottery and sculpture section, that occupy most of the space.

National Gardens

National Gardens is a nice oasis of peace in this bustling city where can be taken walks or eat a tasty lunch. In the heart of the park is a neoclassic structure called Zappion, used for important political and cultural events.

The Constitution Square

The Constitution Square is centrally positioned in Athens and the main point of interest is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, watched by guards wearing traditional costumes.

Featured Hotels In Athens

Hotels In Athens
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Featured Sightseeing Tours In Athens

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