Athens is a city rich in glorious and antiquity history and is the birthplace of architecture, law, medicine, politics, and many other things.
Visitors may question whether Greece is still a destination worth visiting in light of recent economic hardships, but reading this succinct list of everything that is admirable about Athens reassures them. An open-top bus tour of the city is probably the best way to experience Athens, and this list of the major attractions along the Hop-on Hop-off bus route serves as an excellent introduction to the beauty and ancient history that this city still has to offer SANTORINI SIGHTSEEING TOUR.
The Acropolis and the Parthenon will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip to Athens. The Parthenon was the biggest Doric temple ever constructed in Greece, and the Acropolis is a sacred rock upon which ancient Greek temples were built. Late afternoon is the ideal time to visit them because the light is ideal and there are fewer people around.
Go to the New Acropolis Museum after this visit to round it out. The marbles and sculptures that used to be in the Acropolis itself are beautifully collected here. In the museum, there are also ongoing excavations of early Christian settlements as well as ancient Athenian baths, shops, workshops, and homes.
The National Archaeological Museum, one of the top ten museums in the world, is Athens’ other significant museum. A collection of Greek vases and frescoes from the island of Santorini is among the greatest treasures on display. A sizable collection of Egyptian art and a collection of Mycenaean gold masks, cups, dishes, and jewellery are also present.
The Temple of Zeus, which took more than 700 years to construct, is another notable example of ancient Greece. Along with one that fell down in 1852, only fifteen of the original Corinthian columns are still standing. Hadrian finished the temple in AD131.
Visitors will eventually need a break to unwind after their day of sightseeing. The area near the Melina Merkouri Cultural Centre’s Hop-on, Hop-off bus stop is one to take into account. There are many dining establishments, bars, and tavernas in and around this fascinating and historic area. But make sure to stop by the Cultural Centre to see the recreation of a street in Athens in 1900, complete with homes, shops, and a coffee shop. Around Omonoia Square, Athens’ oldest square, is another place to grab a bite to eat. This area has a variety of cafes and fast food outlets.
Numerous dining options are available in Mikrolimano Harbour, and the Greek cuisine, especially the fresh fish and seafood, is excellent.
It’s also worthwhile to stop in the city’s National Gardens to relax after all the sightseeing. With winding pathways and decorative ponds, these are a lush, tranquil oasis.
The area becomes more opulent the closer you are to the sea. Near Syngrou Avenue, there are a number of stunning beaches. If you’re looking for a break from all the ancient history elsewhere, the Planetarium is on this road. This planetarium, which is among the most technologically advanced in the world, provides high-tech attractions like virtual galaxy tours.
A slightly less ancient attraction is the Benaki Museum, which features about 20,000 pieces of artwork. While some of them are Neolithic, others date all the way to the 20th century. The collection of folk art is delightful.
A neoclassical treasure is the National Library of Athens. Follow the corridor that leads to the reading room; it has a stunning glass ceiling and a row of Doric columns on either side.