DK Travel : Athens

Athens is simultaneously known as the Classical, marble-pillared cradle of Western civilization and as a modern urban sprawl of concrete and traffic. Between the extremes lies a kaleidoscopic city, where the influences of East and West entwine in the markets, cafés and tavernas, built upon ancient ruins and rubbing shoulders with gold-leafed Byzantine churches.

Cecil Hotel

Just down the street from the Attalos, in the same colourful-cum-seedy district. Quite a different interior, though, in this renovated Neo-Classical mansion, with polished wood floors, high moulded ceilings and bright, cosy furnishings. Still fairly basic, but a cheerful atmosphere prevails.
Central

The hottest drinking and socializing spot in town. Packed from mid-afternoon onwards at the weekends, when the beautiful people drop in.
Central Market

The enormous meat, fish and spice markets are a sensory overload, especially the first, but shouldn’t be missed by any but the most squeamish. Several restaurants and even a rembetatiko dot the meat market, serving up the sales of the day until dawn. Outside, the air around the spice stores, centred on Athinas, is redolent with vanilla, saffron and dried mountain thyme.
Centre of Hellenic Tradition

A cavernous warehouse of handicrafts from every corner of the country. If you only have time for one souvenir stop, make this it.
Charitos

Summer or winter, rain or shine, this small pedestrianized section of street lined with tiny bars is always a hive of festivity and conviviality.
Children’s Art Museum

Exhibitions showcase work by young artists in mountain tribes, international cities and refugee centres. Many activities for kids.
Choregic Monument of Lysikrates

This cylindrical monument built in 335 BC honours Lysikrates, victor in the Dionysian Choral competition.
Christoforos Kotentos

One of the hottest young stars to burst onto the Greek fashion scene in recent years, Kotentos’s designs are snapped up as fast as he can create them by an adoring clientele of Greece’s A-list celebrities and socialites. Purchase one of his inspirational creations from his atelier.
Church of Agia Ekaterini

This lovely restored Byzantine church is on the site of an ancient temple, whose columns still stand below the courtyard.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Miracles are associated with this beautiful Byzantine church, and many flock here at Easter to light candles from the holy flame.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €100
- €100-€150
- €150-€250
- €250-€350
- over €350