Exploring Central Athens

Welcome to the Greek capital, crowned by the ageless magnificence of the Acropolis. With a heritage that dates back thousands of years and as the birthplace of medicine, philosophy, science and democracy, the city and its three million dwellers are an amalgamation of ancient and modern.

Since the post WWII years when tourists started coming to Greece to explore its thousands of islands, Athens became a point of passing. However, since it hosted the Olympic Games in 2004 the city developed better infrastructure and there were many renovations, and in the decades that followed Athens became a fashionable destination in its own right.wyndham grand athens

Year-round, Athens charms visitors with its many offerings and sophisticated gastronomy, quality hospitality, rich cultural scene and lively nightlife. There is something for everyone in the capital, and it’s worth exploring every corner and pocket of Athens. It’s worth planning walking tours whilst there, and there are numerous to choose from.

Exploring Central Athens

Start from Syntagma Square, where you can watch the Changing of the Guard outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the House of Parliament. Behind this building, once the royal palace of King Otto and Queen Amalia, explore the National Gardens and the Zappeion Megaro.

At Syntagma, walk down Ermou street, Athens’ largest shopping boulevard, and veer off towards the left into Plaka, to explore the quaint streets and neoclassical mansions, cobblestone streets of Anafiotika and souvenir shops. Keep walking and you’ll arrive in Makryianni, under the Acropolis, where it’s well worth visiting the Acropolis Museum, Lalaounis Museum and the scenic ancient hills of Pnyx and Philopapou.

Veering off from Ermou towards the right, you’ll enter Monastiraki, where the Flea Market is located, is a maze-like area of shops – you’ll find everything from healing crystals and jewellery to designer clothes and beads – eateries, souvlaki joints. Psyrri, a little further down, is where you’ll find cafes and tavernas as well as the odd gallery or shops like Remember Fashions that are unique to the city. Further down still is Gazi, a post-industrial area with live music clubs, bars, cafes and restaurants.