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.

Mycenaean, 1500–1300 BC

The art of this martial, mainland culture was somewhat influenced by the Minoans. But fundamentally, they were different, focused on war, order and acquisition, especially of gold. Their palaces housed hoards of embossed-gold swords, daggers, and cups, gold death-masks and pots painted with warrior images.
Mykinaiko

Simple but flavourful classics – stuffed cabbage leaves and aubergine (eggplants) and savoury moussaka – at a small, family-run spot near the ancient site. Once again, don’t miss the deep, dark red local Nemean wine.
Nafplia Palace

Nafplio’s nicest hotel was undergoing renovations at the time of writing. New decorative touches will include large, wood-and-marble rooms. What won’t change is its un-beatable location on the hill of Acronafplia, within the ancient fortress walls.
Nafplio

Small, seaside Nafplio is one of Greece’s most beautiful cities. For years the Turks and Venetians fought for the city, leaving behind two fantastic hilltop Venetian fortresses and several Turkish mosques. The Greeks seized Nafplio when they won independence in 1821 and made it their first capital, before Athens took that mantle.
Nakas Musical Instruments

Five floors of everything a musician could need or desire, from traditional painted bouzoukia to fragile violins, sheet music, DJ decks, mixers and very loud speakers.
National Archaeo-logical Museum

The greatest collection of finds from some of the world’s greatest cultures is housed here. Exhibits include the gold treasure of Mycenae and the first sculptures to depict the complexity of the human form. (see National Archaeological Museum)
National Archaeological Museum

This almost peerless collection is the mother lode of archaeological displays in a country that could arguably claim to be the mother lode of important archaeological sites. Highlights include the golden hoard of Homer’s Mycenae and the great Classical marble sculptures, plus everything in between. (see National Archaeological Museum, Museum - National Archaeological Museum)
National Archaeological Museum

One of the world’s most important museums, jam-packed with a jaw-dropping array of treasures from the ancient and Classical Greek civilizations. Don’t miss the exquisite frescoes of 17th-century BC Thira, and the golden hoard of splendid prehistoric Mycenae. (see National Archaeological Museum)
National Gallery of Art

Greece’s most important art gallery, showing the greatest works of Greek artists. Masterpieces by El Greco (known in his homeland by his true name, Domenikos Theotokopoulos) are the highlight of the collection. Hosts major travelling exhibitions.
National Gardens

The winding paths of the lush National Gardens are a great place to stroll. In 1839, when this was a royal park, the landscape was densely planted with 15,000 exotic trees and flowers imported from around the world; many of those original plants still flourish. (see National Gardens)

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Restaurant price categories

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Hotel price categories

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