Athens - The ancient treasure of Greece
Athens Airport Directory (ATH)
Baggage Allowance
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7Kg
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The ancient capital of Europe, Athens has an extensive history that dates back to the Neolithic age. Its rich cultural legacy is innumerable; from marvellous monuments to hilltops, from forts to temples, the city has everything you can ever think of. Visiting the heritage city can help you get a closer view of its traditional lifestyle. Explore the city by taking a walking tour to help you get familiar with its modern infrastructure, unique nightlife, traditional meeting points, and popular landmarks. Also, explore its charming neighbourhood cities to discover its hidden spots.
Best time to visit: Plan your visit to Athens primarily between the months of March to May or from September to November. Weather during these months is quite clear and sunny. But if you enjoy the winter season, then visiting between December and February is suggested.
How to reach?
By Air: The Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos is the city’s official international airport. Situated 35 km away from the Athens City Centre, the airport can be reached within 30-40 minutes. Together with Turkish Airlines, we at IndiGo can connect you from India to Athens with multiple flights to Athens as well as to several other European cities from Istanbul.
By Metro: Being the quickest and easiest mode of transportation, metro is affordable. The only challenge here at times is the sign printed in Greek language, but asking help from Athenians won’t leave you disappointed.
By Bus/Trolley: Hop on to yellow trolleys or blue buses and reach anywhere you want to without burning a hole in your pocket. Follow the signs to get an idea on where the bus is heading or to know the next arrival time.
By Taxis: Taking a taxi is another option, especially if you are in a hurry, else it can be expensive. Going for short trips can cost you €5; along with additional charge for luggage. Also, the fare can be as high as 60% during the night and holiday season.
Getting around: Metro or bus is one of the most convenient modes of transportation in Athens. But you can also choose to travel using trams, ferries or take hop-on and hop-off bus tour options.
Baggage Allowance
20Kg
7Kg
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Places to visit in Athens
- The National Archaeological Museum: If you are an art lover, the National Archaeological Museum is housed with an assortment of artefacts. Found during the 19th century, the museum is known to display the artistic, cultural and historical importance of Greece. Its unique artwork clearly defines the Bronze age and the Neolithic period. Some of the most significant collections of this museum that shouldn’t be missed include Mycenae (the royal tomb), Cycladic (marble figurines), Linear B (tablets), and the paintings of Thera that has been conserved for years.
- Lycabettus Hill: Situated at around 300 metres above sea level, Lycabettus Hill is a place to escape from the city’s eventful life. Take an enchanted stroll to relax and unwind at the highest peak of Athens. This place is the perfect destination during summers. If you are an adventure lover, climbing the hill is one option, but if you lack time then hopping on to the cable car to reach the place within minutes is a better choice. You can also take a walking tour to the St. George Chapel located on the hill.
- The Agora: Walking towards north-western part of the Acropolis will give you a view of the ancient site called the Agora; it is an epitome of the archaeological site of the Greece. The term Agora rightly means assembly area or a gathering place. Visit this monument to get familiar with the classical artwork of Athen’s democracy; to further know about the political, commercial, and religious history of ancient Athens. The other site you can spot here is the temple of Hephaestus.
- Temple of Olympian Zeus: One of the largest temples in Greece, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is a sight you can’t miss. Also popular by the name Olympieion among the locals, the place was constructed for more than centuries now. Its layout design features tall columns, and therefore is one of the biggest temples in the ancient realm. The place demonstrates the evidences of the Neolithic period; the primitive archaeological demonstration is from the 6th century BCE. So, mark this place in your itinerary to take a deep dive into the ancient history of the Greek.
Places to eat in Athens
Spondi Restaurant
Are you hungry but confused where to head to? Well, don’t worry. We exactly know the best place for you- Spondi; a restaurant that is known to offer Mediterranean cuisine is the place not to be missed. It’s beautiful dining area along with amicable staff is a delightful experience. So, enjoy your meal in a relaxed seating space draped with bougainvillea all round.
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Hytra Restaurant & Bar
If you are equally new to the place and want to taste the food cooked in Greek style then heading to Hytra the culinary heritage is a wise decision. Its warm-hearted and welcoming ambience along with innovative menu gives you all the reasons to visit the restaurant. Taste their cocktails along with signature style delicacies to enjoy the eating experience of your life.
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To Paradosiako
Are you looking for some local delicacies specially made out of meat? So, head to To Paradosiako that is rightly a bliss for meat eaters. Their traditional cuisine is prepared of fresh meat and is served with a large portion of hot fries. If you are looking for some rich salads, then you have a collection of salads to choose from. Being pocket-friendly the restaurant’s incredibly delicious lunch and dinner options will not give you a chance to regret.
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Atlantikos
Are you hungry? Take a stroll towards the Psiri lane and the aroma from Atlantikos will do the magic. It is a modern taverna on the streets of Athens that is preferred by locals and tourists for its seafood. The menu here keeps changing on a daily basis. So, don’t forget being here if you love seafood.
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Shopping in Athens
Flea market of Athens: Based at the centre of Athens, following the Monastiraki square is the area where main flea market of Athens takes place. From junk to antiques, you can buy all kind of stuff within your budget. Choose the design of the t-shirt you like the most or enter a jewellery store to buy handmade gold and silver jewellery pieces. You can find hippie or fancy clothes, pre-owned books, souvenirs, and sandals or boots all in this market. Based close to ancient Agora, you can combine your sight tour along with your shopping tour, thus saving a lot of time.
Retrosexual Vintage Shop: Established in 1958, Retrosexual Vintage Shop is the place to look for vintage stuff, such as sunglasses, retro lights, pepsi-cola drinking glasses, and related accessories. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, going for window shopping will not be a waste of your time at all.
Aeolou and Agios Markos Streets: If you love to shop then keep one entire day for Aeolou and Agios Markos streets. These are the two main shopping markets for clothes, yarn, shoes, fabrics, along with plenty of cafes. It is the most crowded place as you’ll find local men and women of all age groups shopping. You can buy from a range of products, such as hair accessories, purses, cheap blouses, skirts and aprons, house slippers to silk shirts, socks, and underwear at bargain prices. Take a halt for lunch or a quick coffee at Agia Irini Square.
Nightlife in Athens
Soak up into the lively nightlife of Athens, by planning an evening or night out
The Plaka Street: If you want to go for a stroll just walk towards the Plaka Street, a hub of small shops and restaurants, the street can be visited just for a frappe (iced instant coffee) during late hours. Enjoy the tavernas with Cine Paris a place that organises classic movie shows outdoors.
Koukaki: If are looking for a sophisticated place for your night out, then Koukaki is the place to go. In the last few years, the neighbourhood has seen a huge transformation as it’s moved from run-down to renovated. Situated close to the Acropolis, the area is perfect for after-sightseeing drinks that go on and on.
Bretto: Mingle along with the Athenians to enjoy the nightlife in Athens at Bretto, the city’s one of the oldest distilleries. Enjoy your time sipping your favourite drinks along with friends and families. Their enthusiastic bartenders are always eager to attend you.
Where to stay in Athens
The Stanley Conveniently located at a distance of 600 m from the city centre, the Stanley is a huge hotel that features a fitness centre, a pool area at the rooftop along with two restaurants. For your comfortable stay the rooms are equipped with amenities, such as a satellite TV, hairdryer, etc. So, enjoy a luxurious stay at the Stanley Hotel.
The Astor Hotel Enjoy a comfortable and luxurious stay at the Astor Hotel. Its rooftop restaurant and rooms will give you a panoramic view of the Acropolis. The hotel is nestled at a very short distance from the cities from major attractions, such as the Parliament, Plaka, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
COCO-MAT Athens Jumelle Located at the center of the city, COCO-MAT Athens Jumelle is a hotel that offers spacious rooms. Each of its rooms are equipped with an air conditioner, a desk, a flatscreen TV and a private bathroom area. After a tiring stroll, relax and unwind at the hotel’s spa and wellness centre or go for a swim at its indoor pool.
Acropolis comfort guest house If you are a budget traveller, then staying at Acropolis comfort guest house will be the right choice. This air-conditioned guest house features a fully equipped kitchen to let you cook meals. The rooms have attached bathrooms with shower and free toiletries.
More reasons to visit Athens
Syntagma Square: Syntagma Square is the main social, commercial, as well as political hub of the Greek. Crowned by the Acropolis, along with central fountain and statues, the square also features the Parliament building which was the Palace of the king in the past. Lying in the heart of Athens, makes it one of the most identifiable sights. Its classical style of architecture was reformed by the Greek architects. Looking at the houses, mansions, and old public buildings of Athens is all worth your time. Not only this, the large and spacious open area is known to host various events for all. So, enjoy your time being here.
Filopappou Hill: Based in the south-western part of the Acropolis, Filopappou Hill is a place that offers pleasant weather, greenery and peace. The place can be reached from multiple streets primarily Panetoliou, Arakinthou, and Mousseion. You will come across the most famous site “Filopappou Theatre” on the western part of this hill. The theatre is also known as the Dora Stratou Theatre named on the famous Greek dancer Dora Stratou. Take a stroll at the “Filopappou Monument” which is at the northern part of the Acropolis. With artistic building and lush greenery all around the hill will give you ample spots of photography.
Visa and Immigration
If you are an Indian passport holder travelling to Athens, then you have to apply for Schengen visa online with the documents required. The Schengen visa is a short stay visa issued to visit the Schengen countries; the visa is issued to tourists that are planning to visit their friends, family or other travelling on non-business trips for up to 90 days from the date of entry. Your visit can be either continuous or several, depending upon the visa type; single entry or multiple entry. Another essential point to note while applying for the visa is that your passport should be valid for 6 months from your date of travel.
To ensure a hassle-free and seamless travel, here is a detailed information about the Greece visa – www.goindigo.in/information/visa-information/greece-gr-visa.html
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