Acropolis & Its Surroundings

The Parthenon and the temple of Athena, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the major attraction of Athens. The Erechtheion displays the statues of the female Caryatids, though the original statues have been replaced by copies because of air pollution; the originals are in the new Museum. On the southern slopes of the Acropolis lies the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman theatre with room for as many as 5,000 spectators. It is used during the annual Athens Festival for world-class ballet and music performances. The Theatre of Dionysus lies beside Herodes Atticus, and almost all the tragedies and comedies of Ancient Greece were written for this theatre.

• Web:

  www.acropolisofathens.gr

• Address:

  Acropolis, Athens

• Phone:

  +30 210 321 0185

Acropolis Museum

Well worth visiting and right at the foot of the Acropolis lies the new Acropolis Museum, which provides valuable insights into Greek mythology and Greek history. The museum restaurant offers panoramic views of the Acropolis and a 700 square metre public terrace commanding a breathtaking view of the historic hills of Athens.

• Web:

  www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en

• E-mail:

  info@theacropolismuseum.gr

• Address:

  Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athens

• Phone:

  +30 210 9000 900

Anafiotika

Part of Plaka, Anafiotika is a scenic neighbourhood of Athens on the northern slope of the Acropolis. Part of this area was destroyed in the 1950s for archaeological research. Today, there are only 45 old houses remaining, on the little unnamed streets from Stratonos to the Acropolis rock. It's a great example of the typical Cycladic architecture that gives visitors the feel of Greek islands in the heart of the city.

Athens National Garden

The Athens National Garden is a large historic park featuring both native and exotic plants, along with archaeological remains and a children’s library. Explore the small zoo, the botanical museum and the ponds. The garden is also home to landmarks such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Temple of Kronos and Rhea, the Zappeion Hall, and the Presidential Palace gardens. It is a highly recommended spot for running, exercising, or simply enjoying a walk.

• Web:

  www.cityofathens.gr/who/ethnikos-kipos

• Address:

  Leoforos Vasilisis Amalias 1, Athens

• Phone:

  +30 210 721 5019

Athens War Museum

The Athens War Museum is run by the Greek Armed Forces. The exhibitions cover the history of war in all ages, from Mycenaean conflicts all the way to the present day. Great displays of battle grounds, weapons, uniforms, heroic figures and personal items.

• Web:

  www.warmuseum.gr/en

• E-mail:

  parchalkidas@warmuseum.gr

• Address:

  Polemiko Mousio, Rizari 2-4, Athens

• Phone:

  +30 222 106 7127

• More info:

  Next to the Byzantine and Christian Museum.

Benaki Museum of Greek Culture

Benaki is a history museum with Greek art and objects from the Stone and the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. It presents its pieces over three floors and apart from seasonal exhibitions, the museum offers events, courses and publications to educate audiences of all ages. The annexed cafe-restaurant welcomes you in a relaxed ambience where you can enjoy dinners, lunches or breaks before exploring the museum.

• Web:

  www.benaki.org/index.php?lang=en

• E-mail:

  benaki@benaki.gr

• Address:

  Koumbari & Leofóros Vasilissis Sofias 1, Athens

• Phone:

  +30 210 367 1000