1. Explore the Plaka, an old neighborhood huddled around the Acropolis. Discover the Tower of the Winds, an ancient octagonal clock tower featuring a wind vane, water clock, sundials and sculptures of the ancient gods of the winds. Neo-classical houses in slim pedestrian alleys tumble down to streets of restaurants and shops, which stay open late. Or visit the adjacent Flea Market and pick up some antique blue glass or rusting candlesticks to take home with you – souvenirs with an individual touch.
2. The Parthenon, one of the greatest archaeological sites in history, must be seen! Located on the Acropolis, the Parthenon is a true testament to the ingenious abilities and advanced minds of the Greek civilization. Inhabited throughout the Bronze Age, the Acropolis is home to an incredible complex of temples and monuments, the most famous being the Parthenon itself, commissioned by Pericles in the 5th Century BC and designed by Phidias and a team of highly skilled craftsmen.
3. Explore the area around Syntagma Square, a large open square located in one of Athens’ oldest and most famous neighborhoods. It is home to the Parliament Building, and to the famous Hotel Grand Bretagne, the elegant 19th century luxury haunt of diplomats and divas. Watch the unique tradition of Athens’ changing of the guards – the ‘Evzones’ – in their colorful pom-pom shoes and frilly white shirts. From Syntagma Square, you can easily walk to a number of fascinating and diverse museums, including the Museum of Cycladic and Ancient Greek Art – see the 2,000-year-old figures that inspired Picasso himself.
4. Spend an hour wandering around the Greek Agora, the gathering place of ancient Athens. Literally meaning “a place of assembly,” it was here that the community congregated to buy and sell goods, and to discuss politics and current events – the place where western democracy was born. Be on the lookout for Tholos, the nerve centre of Greek government where a new president was elected every 24 hours to ensure the rotation of power in the new political system – democracy.
5. Sit on the very seats occupied by the Ancient Greeks at the premieres of Western Drama itself. The Theatre of Dionysus is on the southern slopes of the Acropolis, where in 536 BC, Thespis the dramatist innovated with both actor and chorus, giving rise to the art of Tragedy (literally ‘goat-song’, arising from the animal’s sacred association with the festival which took place here annually).
