Athens Things to Do Tips by Phalaenopsis03

Monastiraki and Plaka

I loved walking through the streets of Plaka and Monastiraki, neighborhoods so full of character and life. There's just so much energy emanating from both locals and tourists alike. Plus, you can do a lot of shopping in these areas too. I don't recall if they necessarily offered the best buys, but it's a shopping option nonetheless.

--- Athens Acropolis Review

A lasting tribute to the golden age of ancient Greece, the Acropolis dominates the city center and its Parthenon is perhaps the most associated image to Athens and quite possibly even the whole hellenic country. It's truly a maginificent sight to behold, especially for the first time visitor, and it's even more magical at night when it's all lit up. The Acropolis is undoubtedly a MUST SEE/DO. Please refer to my travelogues below for more photos of my visit to the Acropolis.

--- Athens Ancient and Roman Agora Review

Once bustling with social, political, and commercial activity, the Ancient Agora or the Marketplace spreads out across the northern slope of the Acropolis. Key sites here are the Stoa of Attolas, which was converted into the Agora Musuem and the Temple of Hephaistos, which resembles a mini Parthenon.

Directions: At the bottom of the Acropolis to the north.

Evzones (Greek Soldiers) The changing of the Guard Review

It's a truly neat and entertaining sight to witness these Greek soldiers dressed in their khaki skirt uniforms performing their perfectly choreographed routine as they stand guard over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. An even better treat is if you come on a Sunday at 11am to watch the ceremonious Changing of the Guard. It's also only on this day that you can see the Evzones dressed in their traditional white and black kilts.

Directions: North of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the National Gardens.

--- Syntagma Square/Parliament Review

At the heart of Plateia Syntagmatos or Syntagma (Constitution) Square stands the Vouli or Parliament Building. Formerly the throne of King Otto in the mid 19th century, it was abandoned by the royal family after sustaining much fire damage on separate occasions. It was then remodeled to house the Greek Parliament, which today remains as the seat of Hellenic power.

In front of the Vouli is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its Evzones (Greek soldiers) standing in permanent watch. The sculpture on the Tomb shows a fallen Greek soldier while the inscriptions on each side quote fragments from Pericles' Funeral Oration of 430 B.C.

Directions: North of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the National Gardens.