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.

Evzones

On guard in front of Parliament are the famous evzones , soldiers in the traditional attire of the rebels who won the War of Independence. It’s hard to imagine fighting efficiently in this uniform: a short white skirt (with 400 pleats, symbolizing the years under Turkish rule), red cap, and red pompommed shoes. The changing of the guard is like a slow high-kick dance. Evzones are selected from the tallest and handsomest men in the mandatory Greek military service.
Exo

Sweeping panorama of the Acropolis, Lykavittos and the Kallimarmaro Stadium from this super-trendy rooftop bar.
Faliron Coastal Zone Olympic Complex

The beachside Peace and Friendship Stadium, which seats 14,000 spectators, hosted volleyball. Two coastal sports pavilions – one seating 10,000, the other 8,000 – hosted boxing, handball and Tae Kwon Do (an extremely popular sport among Greeks). Two sandy beach Kallimarmaro Stadium volleyball courts provided seating for 10,000 and 4,000.
Fassolada

The staple winter dish for the ancient Greeks,fassolada is still Greece’s most popular soup. White beans, carrots, onions, tomatoes and oregano are simmered in stock until tender, then topped with the crucial ingredient: extra-virgin olive oil. In summer, cold fassolada is often served as a meze in the afternoon.
Feast of the Virgin (15 Aug)

Absolutely everything closes for the Assumption of the Virgin, which is second only to Easter in the Orthodox calendar. The full cross-section of Greek womanhood packs churches, as every “Maria” turns out to honour her namesake.
Fidelio

Pink and white swags from the ceiling, candles dripping on old silver candelabras, antique furniture and Athens’ hipsters of all ages relaxing.
Filipou

Old-world taverna in Athens’ poshest neighbourhood.
Filopappos Hill

Follow the winding paths to different monuments: two Byzantine churches, a Roman memorial and Athens’ old observatory. And, at the summit of this shady hill, extensive views over and beyond the city. (see Filopappos Hill)
Filopappos Hill

Next to the parched Acropolis rock, pine-and-cypress-clad Filopappos Hill offers a cool, green place to stroll. The peak is marked by the tomb and monument of Roman senator and philhellene Gaius Julius Antiochus Filopappos, and distinguished by sweeping views from the Acropolis to the sea. In summer, the Dora Stratou Dance Troupe puts on nightly performances of Greek folk dances in a theatre nestled among the pines. (see Filopappos Hill)
Filopappos Hill

A green-gladed respite in the city centre, with a wonderful view and a mix of monuments that encompass ancient, Byzantine and modern Greek culture. (see Filopappos Hill)

Jump to top

Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €30
- €30-€40
- €40-€50
- €50-€60
- €over €60