TRAVELLING IN GREECE / ATHENS: The city that created the democracy!

Difficult to choose only one designation for the capital of Greece, which is a centre of culture and history, culture and modernity, life and fun, flavours, aromas and sensations. The city which hosted Aristotle, Platon, Socrates, Euripides, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Aristophanes, Pythagoras and Homer ... The city which, even if today is a reception centre for illegal immigrants and gangs, doesn't cease to lose its prestige and dignity. Athens, the Lady of the world, as a good hostess, waiting with open arms to welcome all visitors from every corner of the world.

THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES, landmark of the city is the first thing to visit. Starting from the "Sacred Rock", Acropolis, in the heart of the capital, with Propylaia, the Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon - the epitome of ancient classical art, temple of the goddess Athena, Erechtheion with the Caryatides, the Theatre of Dionysus and Herodes Atticus Theatre. Then, the Roman Forum, the centre of politics, commerce, philosophy, religion, arts and sport, from the 6th century BC, with the Stoa Vasileios, the Temple of Hephaestus and Tholos. After, the Roman Forum and the Tower of the Winds - the octagonal tower with personifications of winds on each side. Still, Kallimarmaro or Panathenaic Stadium and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which was the largest temple in Greece during the Hellenistic and Roman times.

THE ATTRACTIONS of the city are equally important, pioneered by Syntagma Square, which also hosts the Greek parliament, the National Gardens, the picturesque neighborhoods Plaka, Monastiraki, Thissio, Psyrri, Gazi - with its numerous café-bar and the famous "Technopolis ". Even, from one hand Exarchia - an infamous area which hides real big surprises for anyone interested to discover - and from the other hand Kolonaki - the haunt of Athens' enfant gateaux. Then, Piraeus - the biggest port of Greece, with the famous Pasalimani, the beautiful neighbourhoods and the Stadium of Peace and Friendship. Aso, Lycabettus, the hill in the centre of the capital that provides a panoramic view of the city, the Olympic stadium and, finally, the Hill Filopappos, offered for a few hours of relaxation.

THE MUSEUMS numerous and highly significant, offering full knowledge of the history and culture of Greece. Most notable is the New Acropolis Museum - which opened its doors to the public in 2009 and houses more than 4,000 objects of great archaeological importance, the National Archaeological Museum - with a large Cycladic and Mycenaean collection, the Museum of Cycladic Art, Benaki Museum - which houses among other, paintings of the famous painter El Greco and Thessally Treasures, the Byzantine Museum, the National Gallery, the Museum of War etc.

THE ENTERTAINMENT in Greece never stops, thus Athens offers many options for every taste. So one can choose any of the hundreds of bars and clubs in the city, or if he prefers something more traditional, he can have fun in the famous "bouzoukia", watching some of the greatest Greek singers, attend a theatrical performance - perhaps an open theatre during the summer months, go to a concert or cinema, or even choose one of the famous Ouzo - Taverns and taste some of the traditional dishes of Greek cuisine. For younger fans of adrenaline, what better than the Allou Fan Park, the largest theme park in the country.

THE GREEK CUISINE is famous worldwide for its delicious flavours and it would be almost "blasphemy" not to honour it in an excursions in Athens. The most traditional dishes worth trying are the Mousakas, Greek salad, Gyros, Souvlaki, Pastitsio, Fasolada, Tzatziki and naturally the Greek feta.

THE MARKET for those wishing to do "Shopping Therapy" is located in the heart of the capital. Ermou Street is full of clothing - footwear, cosmetics, gifts, accessories and any other store you can imagine. A little further north are the Shopping Centres "The Mall" and "Golden Hall". And for the more wealthy visitors, the market of Kolonaki is the most chic choice.

CLOSE TO ATHENS are located for anyone who wants to go to a trip, Delphi - the navel of the Earth, Arachova - the perfect winter destination - and the islands Salamina, Aegina, Agistri, the beautiful Hydra, Spetses, Poros and Andros.

TIPS & USEFUL

1. Tickets: Book in time your air tickets, direct. International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, through www.pamediakopes.gr or gr.skyscanner.com and take advantage of low prices. Low cost companies fly from various foreign destinations to Thessaloniki, Volos, Crete, Corfu, Kefalonia, Kos, Patras and Rhodes. Between the towns of Greece the movement can be made in several low cost ways like buses (KTEL), trains (TRAINOSE) and boats, between the islands and the various ports of the country.

2. To and from the airport: The best option is the Metro or the buses X93 (Kifisos - Athens International Airport Express), X95 (Syntagma - Athens International Airport Express) and CH97 (Station Daphne - Athens International Airport Express).

3. Accommodation: You can find a budget hotel room on Google. You can even consult www.booking.com!

4. Transportation: In Athens you can move with a single ticket with all means of transport such as the metro, city buses, night buses, tram, trolley, Electric or Interurban. You can even catch a taxi (expensive for very long distances and Airport Eleftherios Venizelos).

5. Discounts: Almost everywhere accept student identity cards and unemployed cards. Ask!

6. Currency: The official currency is Euro. For visitors with a foreign currency there are 2 options. Or would you put money into your account and you can withdraw from any ATM in Athens in EURO or  have in an account a small amount and make a withdrawal from the ATM at the airport just to buy a ticket or a transportation card, and then change currency at some currency stores in the centre which benefits too. DO NOT change currency at the airport, no interest at all.

7. Safety: Beware of Omonia Square, Attiki Square, Theatre Square, America and Koliatsou Square, Victoria Square and Agios Panteleimonas, especially during night-time. IN NO EVENT SHALL I avoid them. Just be careful! Athens is considered of the most secure cities in Europe and if you don't provoke there is no fear.
8. Sightseeing: There are free daily tours of the city centre. The tour guides are all professionals and offer a comprehensive view of the city. If you are completely satisfied, you can provide (optional) the amount you think fits, if not, there's no problem. LINK: http://www.athensfreewalkingtour.com/

... by Odysseas Karamitros!