Hi traveler,
This is a Master Guide for all the handpicked places I have chosen to help you while you are in Athens.
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Athens is the capital of Greece and rightfully considered the historical capital of Europe.
Being one the worldโs oldest cities, Athens is still dominated by various landmarks, monuments and ancient buildings which showcase the cityโs rich history.
Athens houses layers of history such as the Acropolis, over 70 museums, Byzantine churches, ancient theaters and more hidden treasures along its downtown streets.
Whether you are planning to stay for a few days or more, this Master guide includes hand picked sightseeing places to visit, but also recommended restaurants, hotels, cafes and places of interest.
If you consider a private tour or a customised itinerary to your preferences, contact me efi@definitelygreeece.com
NOTE: Our Master Guide will be updated frequently.
Have a great time to our beautiful country
Efi Kalogirou
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient Greek art.
If you want us to book a private tour to this place with a licensed tour guide, contact efi@definitelygreece.com
The museum has won awards for both its architecture and conservation.
Held up by hundreds of concrete columns, the modern architecture mirrors that of ancient times.
Floor to ceiling windows let the saturation of natural light bathe the statues in a golden, creamy glow.
Ancient Agora was a central gathering place and marketplace in ancient Athens, Greece.
Here is where famous philosophers and ordinary citizens could interact voicing their concerns and agree on solutions.
It held significant cultural, political, and social importance in the life of the city-state.
The word "agora" in Greek refers to a public space or marketplace.
The reconstructed Stoa of Attalos has served as the home for the Museum of the Ancient Agora.
The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture is housed in one of the most beautiful neoclassical-style buildings in Athens, near the National Garden and the Hellenic Parliament.
There are several Benaki Museums
Click the link below for the one near the parliament.
The Islamic art collections of the Benaki Museum are housed in a complex of neo-classical buildings located in the historical centre of Athens, in the Kerameikos district.
The museum is situated in the heart of Athens.
It is dedicated to the art and culture of the Cyclades, a group of Greek islands located in the Aegean Sea.
You can also visit in the same building the collection of Ancient Greek Art and the MCA Cypriot Collection (Thanos N. Zintilis collection) which consists of more than 800 artefacts and is one of the most comprehensive collection of antiquities outside Cyprus
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National Museum of Contemporary Art ฮthens (EMST)
The constant aim of the museum is the promotion of education in the arts and raising public awareness regarding contemporary culture, in combination with the development of scientific research and specialization in museology, history and theory of contemporary art.
Just a few minutes away from the National Archaeological Museum.
It is hosted in a unique building in terms of architecture and design. Its exhibitions are dedicated to the evolution of the car and display more than 110 cars from the 19th and the 20th century.
Its mission is the collection, preservation and exhibition of war relics, and the study, documentation and promotion of the struggles of the Greek nation from antiquity until today, in order to stimulate national memory and promote the historical continuity and the unity of Hellenism.
It is housed in a self-owned building which came from the joining and harmonious interaction of a listed, mid-war building and a contemporary extension.
The selection of the location was based on the wish of Basil and Elise Goulandris for the museum to be in a central point of the capital, easily accessible to visitors, within the cultural axis, which includes the cityโs other important museums.
The Museum Herakleidon was founded in 2004 by Mr. and Mrs. Firos and extends to two buildings in the historic district of Thissio, next to the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus.
Today the Museum Herakleidon has evolved to an interactive center of science popularization and to a technological museum that focuses on antiquity, with emphasis on the achievements of the ancient Greeks.
The Museum of Greek Folk Art was founded in 1918 by the poet Georgios Drosinis, the archaeologist G. Kourouniotis and a group of Athenian intellectuals under the name "Museum of Greek Handicrafts"
In 1923 its name was changed to "National Museum of Decorative Arts".
It was given its present name in 1959.
The JMG mission is to collect, preserve and exhibit all elements relating to the history, tradition and culture of the Greek Jewish communities.
It also aims to introduce visitors of all ages and nationalities to the diversity of the Greek Jewish heritage, within the context of Greek and European history, by committing itself to renewing and upgrading their experience in its physical and digital space.
The Naval Warship Museum โG. Averofโ has been a vibrant educational community for years, with daily visits to schools, institutions, organizations, and a host of individuals.
The Museum narrates the history of Modern Greece: the period of Ottoman and Latin rule, the Greek War of Independence (1821), the liberation struggles, the creation of an independent state, the political, social and spiritual development of the Greeks up to the present day.
The Numismatic Museum owns 500,000 acquisitions -mainly coins, but also medals, lead seals, seal stones, weights, obols and talents- dating from the 14th century BC to modern days.
The richest collections are those of ancient coins, dating from the 6th century BC till the 5th century AD. These are the coins of the city-states, kings and rulers of the ancient Greek and Hellenistic world, the Roman Republic, the Roman emperors and the provinces of the Roman Empire.
The new facility aims to spread its work through an energetic connection between the urban and the museum experience.
Come visit and enjoy the permanent collections and discover more than 1,000 works of modern Greek art.
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Museum of the History of Greek Costume-The Lykeion ton Ellinidon
The Lykeion ton Ellinidon is a nonprofit organization, established in 1911 by Callirrhoe Siganou-Parren, a pioneer of the feminist movement and of volunteering in Greece.
The LtE also strives to achieve gender equality and consolidate childrenโs rights by organizing informative events.
Meters away from Monastiraki square.
Amusing and awesome tricks will teach you about vision, perception, the human brain and science so it will be easier to perceive why your eyes see things which your brain cannot understand.
Make sure you visit our playroom with intriguing and educational games and puzzles.
These brain bashers are definitely great fun but tend to be frustrating as well
The Acropolis of Athens is a historic citadel located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city of Athens, Greece.
It is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in the world, renowned for its architectural and cultural significance.
The Acropolis is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and is known for its iconic ancient structures, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
The South Slope refers to the incline on the southern side of the Acropolis hill.
The Acropolis and its various components, including the South Slope, are not only important for their historical and architectural significance but also for their influence on Western architecture and culture.
The classical architectural styles and philosophical ideas associated with ancient Athens have left a lasting impact on art, architecture, and thought throughout history.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus, is an ancient Greek temple located in Athens, Greece.
It is situated southeast of the Acropolis and is one of the largest temples in ancient Greece.
The construction of the temple began in the 6th century BCE during the rule of Peisistratos but was not completed until many centuries later, during the Roman period.
Originally, the temple was planned to have 104 columns, but only a total of 15 columns were completed.
The website link below is broken
Please contact efi@definitelygreece.com if you wish to have a private tour in this site.
The Roman Agora of Athens stands as a testament to the cultural and historical evolution of the city, reflecting the transitions from ancient Greek to Roman influences and beyond.
It is one of the many fascinating historical sites that visitors can explore when visiting Athens.
It is worth visiting the Tower of the Winds, also known as the Horologion of Andronikos Kyrrhestes, which is one of the most iconic structures in the Roman Agora.
It served as both a timekeeping device and a weather vane.
Each side of the tower depicted a different wind deity and associated weather characteristics.
It's a remarkable example of ancient Greek engineering and artistic skill.
Please note that the website link below is broken.
Contact efi@definitelygreece.com for private tours in Athens and in Greece.
Sounio is located about 69 kilometers (43 miles) southeast of Athens, making it easily accessible for day trips from the Greek capital.
Visitors can take a scenic drive along the coast or join organized tours to explore the area and learn about its history.
The most iconic feature of Sounio is the Temple of Poseidon, an ancient Greek temple dedicated to the god Poseidon, the sea god.
The temple was constructed around 440 BC and is considered one of the major monuments of the Golden Age of Athens.
It was built on a strategic location, offering panoramic views of the surrounding sea.
The Temple of Poseidon at Sounio served both as a religious sanctuary and a watchtower, as its elevated position allowed for views across the Aegean Sea.
The temple played a role in ancient Greek mythology and history, and it's said that King Aegeus, father of Theseus, leaped to his death from the cliffs of Sounio, giving the Aegean Sea its name.
The Lyceum was founded by Pericles, a prominent Athenian statesman, around 335 BCE.
However, it became most famous as the place where Aristotle taught his students, including prominent figures like Alexander the Great.
The name "Lyceum" comes from the Greek word "lykeion," which means "school for the learned."
Aristotle's teaching style often involved walking and discussing ideas while strolling through the covered walkways (peripatoi) of the Lyceum.
It is the third-most-preferred cultural destination in Athens for international visitors, after the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, according to a survey conducted by Athens International Airport.
The Athens Concert Hall offers a comprehensive range of facilities for all sorts of cultural activities, designed to the very highest specifications and one of the most impressive venues of its kind anywhere in the world. It offers a forum for all sorts of cultural activities โ both artistic and educational.
Technopolis City of Athens has become a hub of cultural events, thus upgrading a historic area of the capital and creating another focal point in the cultural identity of Athens.
A wide variety of cultural events are held in Technopolis every year: music, dance, theatre and performing arts, plastic and applied arts, educational programs for children, entrepreneurship and temporary exhibitions, attracting over 1,000,000 people annually.
Lycabettus Hill, also known as Lykavittos Hill, is a prominent hill located in the city of Athens, Greece.
It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city and offers panoramic views of Athens and the surrounding areas.
Lycabettus Hill stands about 277 meters (910 feet) above sea level and is situated near the center of Athens. It is a limestone hill covered with vegetation, providing a green oasis amidst the urban landscape.
One of the main attractions of Lycabettus Hill is the stunning panoramic view it offers of Athens, including the Acropolis, the Aegean Sea, and the surrounding neighborhoods.
The view is particularly breathtaking during sunset and at night when the city lights come alive.
A simple yet sophisticated place with respect to the tradition of oriental baths, that conveys the authentic hammam experience to our country.
Hammam Baths was created 11 years ago to share the refreshing feeling that we felt and to make the culture of hammam part of the everyday life, as it was centuries ago.
Check which one is near you and enjoy the luxurious hammam experience.
The experience of bathing care from the East purifies the body and soul.
At Polis Hammam, where you can experience a mystic journey back in time while is adapted to all modern amenities.
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Restaurantsย ๐ด
NOTE: I highly recommend making a reservation before your visit to ensure availability.ย
Their philosophy:
Vangelis and Spiros Liakos founded the Basegrill restaurant in 2005 and soon afterwards welcomed their brother Yiannis into the fold.
Today, Basegrill is synonymous with excellent cuts of meat and exceptional hospitality.
There can be just one interpretation of the term โgood foodโ: although you may not remember the name of the dish you sampled, you will forever recall the joy, surprise, balance and happiness you felt.
All the dishes came about in such a way: recipes and ideas were brainstormed while sitting in front of the old wood oven (which no longer exists).
The delicious tastes, delight and communication became the cornerstones of proper hospitality, which continues to be served consistently.
Like a romantic movie scene shown in an open-air cinema, โThespisโ restaurant is waiting for you to discover it hidden in a dreamy alley of the atmospheric Plaka neighborhood!
This was the building complex where Otto, first King of Greece, settled, after his wedding with 18-year old Amalia. It was the young queen who organized the garden around the temporary royal residence, in 1836. "The old Palace garden" was the first public garden in the Greek capital. Now, Black Duck Multiplarte takes its experience here and becomes your host in an open space at the heart of the city.
Respectful of the historical and natural environment, Black Duck Garden - Athens City Museum Bistrot awaits you in the garden during the summer.
This was an old school!
Nowadays, a historical tavern accompanied by a lush green garden.
Its picturesque ambiance resembles scenes from a film, providing a delightful backdrop.
Taste incredible appetizers and traditional dishes that cater to a wide range of preferences and budgets.
With flavors taken from another era, Marigo uses fresh, high quality ingredients & recipes from their grandmothers' old notebooks rendering them through modern cooking techniques.
A menu that changes according to the season.
Special dishes of the day with seasonal ingredients, soups and pies of the day.
Food that we make sure is nutritious & tasty.
Must visit!
Original Karamanli โpastirmaโ meat, following the traditional recipe of the Karamanli people from Cappadocia for handmade โpastirmaโ.
Rich taste of lovely rustique, buttery or even slightly salty cheeses, always addictive and made with care.
Traditional recipes and preparation methods.
The tavern Klimataria has travelled its own path through time in the historical center of Athens.
Specifically, the building is located on top of the Temple of Apollo and next to the first covered theater of Athens. This is how the Theatre Square and nearby perimeter roads like Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, Aeschylus got the name.
In the late 19th century, the site was used as a cafรฉ for the ceremonies of the adjacent St. Johnโs chapel. In 1927 it was converted to taverna by Mr. Gerodimou who named it KLIMATARIA.
A timeless culinary journey nestled in Votanikos.
Step into a world where flavors transcend 3 generations, and history comes alive on your plate.
For those who seek the ''where locals eat''!
With special love for rebetika, traditional, and authentic folk music, Sourtouko welcomes exceptional musicians to her home in Vyronas for intimate acoustic live performances and lively celebrations.
Violins and bouzoukis, vocals and guitars, melodies from the past, and contemporary ensembles that bring music from another era into the present.
Very popular place for the locals. Reserve a table!
Whether you come for coffee, breakfast, lunch or afternoon & evening drinks, youโll find everything you need.
Warm welcome, friendly service, healthy food & delicious sweets, all homemade daily.
A bakery meets a restaurant and pastry shop in a hidden corner located in the historical centre of Athens
FEYROUZ offers daily artisanal street food with consistent quality and handcrafted solicitude.
As one of the top luxury hotels in Athens, this property features 159 guest rooms and 21 elegant suites that are tastefully decorated with modern touches and include first-class amenities.
The NJV Athens Plaza Hotel aims to satisfy every guest, including guests traveling on business.
The hotelโs unique position is indeed the first thing that strikes the visitor โ for a reason.
The visual contact with the Acropolis hill and the layers or history that color the area.
All major historical landmarks being within walking distance (so that you can forget transportation).
AthensWas is a superior luxury hotel in Athens situated in the beating heart of the city and just a breath away from the Acropolis Museum, the sacred Acropolis Hill and Plaka (Old Town).
On the sophisticated Athens Riviera, at the tip of a pine-clad peninsula, Four Seasons offers the best of both worlds: a laid-back seaside escape just 30 minutes from the historical city centre.
Discover the wonders of ancient civilization at the Acropolis, then return to Four Seasons to unwind and relax.
Awarded best rooftop view hotel at world luxury hotel awards!
Nestled against the pine-forested slopes of Lycabettus Hill, the St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel affords breathtaking panoramic views over Athens to the Acropolis and the Saronic Gulf beyond.
Strategically situated near two Metro stations and other means of public transport close to the heart of Athens, the hotel offers great access to renowned cultural landmarks, commercial streets, historic sites and entertainment attractions.
Our warm hospitality, modern amenities and personalized services render us the perfect springboard to explore Athensโ charm.
By uniting a neoclassical mansion of 1925 with an elegant building of 1965, COCO-MAT Athens Jumelle is a hotel that fuses classic elegance with modern comfort.
Authentic details such as the fireplace, the wooden stairs and the stained-glass windows were attentively restored for a touch of nostalgic, sophisticated beauty that today is the sophisticated COCO-MAT Athens Jumelle.
An old building with many neoclassical elements, which was lovingly renovated by its current owners, and with particular emphasis on decoration, turned into a boutique hotel room.
Ideal choice for families, couples, groups of friends or business travelers, our Athens accommodation property evokes you to join our world and let us introduce you to the Athenian way of life.
In one of the most popular locations in Athens, the Acropolis Stay, a brand new and modern apartments, promises to offer a comfortable and luxurious stay in its unique & modernly furnished rooms.
The cosy yet chic ambience of our interiors is enhanced with contemporary elements throughout, while our premium services give accommodation a new meaning.
Make one of our inviting fifty rooms your holiday base from which your extraordinary, Athenian experience begins.
Welcome to the new point of reference at the Piraeus port by Square Hotels.
This new smart hotel in front of the port is an exciting city break proposal and the ideal destination for every business traveler arriving at Piraeus, every island hopper and repeater.
ย As your exploration of Athens unfolds, this guide serves as your gateway to the city's timeless allure and an invitation to immerse yourself in its rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine.
Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, welcomes you with open arms, beckoning you to wander through ancient ruins, indulge in authentic Greek cuisine, and witness the lively spirit of its people.
From the iconic Acropolis, standing proudly as a symbol of classical Greece, to the bustling neighborhoods where tradition meets modernity, Athens unveils its layers of charm before you.
As you reflect on your journey through Plaka's labyrinthine streets, the vibrant hues of the Monastiraki Flea Market, and the panoramic views from Lycabettus Hill, these experiences are the foundation of your unique Athenian tale.
While this guide marks a pause in your Athenian adventure, it sparks the beginning of a lasting connection to this remarkable city. Share your Athenian tales, and should the urge to revisit the cradle of democracy arise, our team is here to assist.
For personalized itineraries, insider recommendations, or a taste of authentic Greek hospitality, connect with us atย efi@definitelygreece.com.
Your journey with Athens doesn't end here; it's a prelude to the possibilities of future explorations.
May the spirit of Athens continue to inspire your travels.
Welcome to my page!
My name is Efi, full name Efthymia and yes I am Greek.
With my 4 kids we have lived in several countries including Turkey, Romania, New Zealand, Jordan, Lebanon and the Philippines.
While living abroad I learned the importance of having a local's guidance and help. It is priceless. Being an expat I understand the hard way the challenges to live and explore a place.
Greece, to many, is the dream vacation of a lifetime: the islands and beaches, the ruins and museums, the food and wine. I hear you!
This is a beautiful say I read the other day ''๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐''
I am that type of a traveler that I always want to eat like a local. Meaning ..with them, trying their local food, wherever it's possible.
Because they know!
I know It's not easy to get that! Most of the time, you need a local to reveal the place, or invite you over to their backyard.
In Greece, like in some other places, It is part of our culture and consider yourself lucky if you ever have this opportunity.
Imagine clay pots with delicious food slowly cooked over the fire.
Picture yourself near the water or even at the beach ..cooking and signing and letting yourself absorb the aura from the Aegean sea.
Think of a group of people celebrating life, without any specific reason, just that ..getting together over the food.
This is what I visualize when I hear the word ''authentic experience''
This is what I provide ..trips that include authentic experiences.
Trips that will fill your mouth with tastes that you will crave back home and you will want to try again.
I believe people travel to relax, to escape, to experience something different and they want the real thing, not a tourist fast food service.
So, would you try to ''taste'' the culture when you come to Greece?
PS. I have prepared several guides for you and I keep updating my list. So stay tuned!
Feel free to contact me efi@definitelygreece.com