DK Travel : Athens : Editor's choice

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Olympic Weight-Lifting Hall

Weightlifting is Greece’s most successful international sport – the team bagged five medals in Sydney. The lifting arena was one of the first Olympic venues planned for 2004, and organizers claimed that the 5,000-seat hall was the biggest venue ever built for showcasing weightlifting.
Ouzo

Greece wouldn’t be the same without this spirit. Drunk with mezes, this aniseed flavoured distillate packs a powerful punch.
Perahora

Though little remains of the Temple of Hera, this is still an idyllic place to come and swim, with a wonderful lighthouse and chapel, and crystal-clear waters. Snorkellers can see ancient ruins underwater.
Pittes

Pittes came to Greece from Turkey and the Middle East. The key to a perfect pita (which means “pie”) is the famous filo crust: dozens of layers of paper-thin, translucent dough, brushed with butter or olive oil and baked to light, flaky perfection. Pita fillings range from sweet (the honey, walnut and rosewater baklava) to savoury – spinach and feta or hortopita , made from wild greens.
Plateia Dexameni

Greener and lower-key than Plateia Kolonaki, and home to one of Athens’ nicest outdoor cinemas.
Plateia Iroon

Quintessential Psiri: the square is surrounded by hip bars, old-fashioned tavernas, and dirt-cheap student hangouts.
Plateia Kolonaki

The hottest spot for people-watching in trendy Kolonaki. Enjoy overpriced drinks and watch the beautiful people go by.
Presidential Palace and Maximou Mansion

The former palace of King Constantine was designed by Ernst Ziller (see Syntagma and Kolonaki). Next door, Maximou is the Prime Minister’s official residence – though present incumbent Costas Simitis prefers his Kolonaki apartment.
Rebecca Camhi Gallery

This gallery presents both Greek and foreign contemporary artists. Visits by appointment. Check the website for current exibitions.
Retsina

Not subtle, but affection for this wine with pine resin cuts across all age and class barriers.