First time in Athens: (at least) 11 things to visit
Athens offers a wide variety of archaeological sites, neighborhoods, museums and many more exciting things. However, if you only have a few days, we suggest you start with the list below.
OR, even better…
download your FREE TIMELESS ATHENS eBOOK,
with all the information you will find on this page,
and SO MUCH MORE…
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What when you are also learning Greek in the morning?
Do not worry…many museums are also open in the evening,
so combining Greek lessons
with sightseeing in the afternoon is the ideal solution for a perfect Greek Language Holiday!
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The Acropolis & Acropolis museum
Inevitably, the Acropolis is number one on the list. The Acropolis Museum is known both for the archaeological interest of the collection and the amazing architecture of the building itself. Highlights include a rich collection of archaic sculptures, pieces showing the transition to the Classical Period, works by the sculptor Pheidias and four of the original six Caryatids. When visiting the Parthenon, we suggest taking the entrance across the museum (next to the Greek Tourist Office), so as to pass by the theatres (Theatre of Dionysus & The Odeon of Herodes Atticus) first.
The Ancient Agora
Τhe Ancient Agora (archeological site), next to the Monasteraki or Thissei Metro stations, is a very pleasant and peaceful oasis, especially on a sunny day, in the middle of the Plaka area. In the heart of ancient Athens, it was the center of political, commercial, administrative and social life, as well as the religious and cultural center of the city. You can visit the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos (now also a museum) and continue walking through the site towards the Temple of Hephaestus.
Plaka and Monasteraki neighborhood
Although this is the part of Athens most frequented by tourists and is often quite crowded, it is a very picturesque and colorful neighborhood with many shops, restaurants and bars.
The Panathenaic Stadium or Panathinaiko
The Panathenaic Stadium or Panathinaiko, also known as the Kalimarmaro (Καλλιμάρμαρο, meaning the “beautifully marbled”), hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Reconstructed from the remains of an ancient Greek stadium, it is the only major stadium in the world built entirely of the white marble of Mount Penteli and is also one of the oldest in the world.
Syntagma Square
Located in front of the Greek parliament, “Constitution Square” is the epicenter of modern Greek politics. Furthermore, it plays an important role, both in history and in modern life, as it is often the gathering point for concerts, events or demonstrations! You can combine your walk on the square with a visit to the Greek parliament or take pictures of the Greek presidential evzone guards.
A taste of Modern Athens!
Athens is a city where a combination of rich history, a warm Mediterranean personality, and the strife of various political and economic crises have shaped a place full of diversity, creativity and character.
Do not leave Athens before experiencing a walk in the Psirri (Thission metro station) and Gazi (Kerameikos metro station) neighborhoods. Explore this cosmopolitan city with roof bars, street-art, theatres, modern art galleries, open-air movie theatres, restaurants and music venues. You will not regret it!
The National Archaeological Museum
Here you can find some of the most important artifacts from several archaeological locations in Greece (from prehistory to late antiquity). The biggest archaeological museum in Greece, it is considered one of most important museums in the world. Founded in the 19th century, the museum is located in the Exarcheia neighborhood of Athens, next to the Victoria Metro station – Green line.
The Benaki Museum and/or National Gallery
There are many museums in Athens, and difficult to make a choice, if you have limited time. Here 2 suggestions;
The Benaki Museum consists of four museums in different buildings and if you have enough time, all of them merit your visit. When you are on a limited schedule, we suggest that you start with the neoclassical main building. It is located in the center of Athens, next to the Greek Parliament. The museum offers its visitors an overview of Greek history through a variety of items from antiquity to the Asia Minor Catastrophe. The museum also has a restaurant and bar and on Thursday is open till midnight.
The National Gallery ;
The newly renovated museum reopened after an almost decade-long expansion and refurbishment on 24th March. The ideal place to learn about Greek art.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation
The SNFCC is a cultural centre, and its design is based on 3 major components:
a. The National Library of Greece, b. The Greek National Opera c. The Stavros Niarchos Park.
It offers all kinds of cultural activities, expositions, guided walks, etc.. read more about the Stavros Niarchos cultural centre here.
Or click on the video to get a better idea;
The Olympic Stadium
You can find the stadium at the metro stop “Eirini” (green line, direction Kifissia). It was initially designed in 1979 and completed in 1982. Since then, several championships and events have taken place there, but its fame first came with the Olympics of 2004. So that it would be able to host the 2004 Olympic Games, the Stadium was redesigned by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. This stadium is located at 1,5 km from the Omilo school (and 2 metro stations).
Dora Stratou Dance Theatre
From the end of May till the end of September, the Dora Stratou theatre offers traditional Greek dance performances in the idyllic setting of Philopappou Hill. The performance comprises dances from all over Greece, with live music and dancers wearing original Greek costumes.
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As we all know, you can find a lot of information on the internet, but many times you will spend hours and hours searching for those sites that actually give you the information you really want. We have selected sites that we consider to be the most helpful for your stay in Athens along with information about museums, walks, etc.
www.thisisathens.org
www.whyathens.com
www.visitgreece.gr (The official site of the Tourist Organisation)
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Ready to visit Athens?
Then download your FREE TIMELESS ATHENS eBOOK,
and embark on an amazing journey in Athens –
Greek Heritage & Modern Charms for Cultural travelers.
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Greek Lessons and Accommodation in Athens
Do you want to learn Greek, while visiting Athens? Welcome at Omilo!
For directions to our school in Maroussi, click here
If you want more information about booking accommodation, then also click below for more ideas
Gallery
Click to enlarge photos
Travel information
Please remember!
- When booking a course, you are expected to make your own travel arrangements to Athens and the Omilo school in Maroussi (North Athens).
- It is necessary to arrange for a valid passport and an insurance covering “your stay in Greece”. The Omilo course fees do NOT include medical coverage, neither cancellation insurance.
- Making your holiday arrangements is exciting, but is often a lot of work. That’s why we are happy to give you information on how you can plan your trip. The information below is based on 2022 prices and travel information.
We can not accept responsibility for any errors or changes. - Once you have registered, Omilo will send you an info letter three weeks before the start of your course with the latest details about the course and practical information.
- Omilo understands that your accommodation plays an important role in enjoying your holiday in Greece.
If you want to learn more, please visit the accommodation page.
or check for more accommodation online;
From Athens Airport to center Athens
By taxi
You always have the option of taking a taxi from the airport to the hotel.
The taxi queue is right outside the arrival level of the airport next to door 3.
A trip by taxi to the center will cost you between € 35,00 and € 60,00 Euro.
By express bus
There are several bus lines that take passengers to and from the Athens airport.
For the center of Athens, the most convenient busses are:
Line X94 connects the Airport with the Ethniki Amina Metro Station. (+/- 40 min)
From there you can take the metro in any direction.
Line X95 connects the Airport with Syntagma Square (+/- 1 hour).
From there you can take the metro in any direction, or walk to your hotels in the Plaka or Kolonaki area.
By metro
You can go on foot from the airport to the train/metro terminal. (5 min) There you buy the ticket (+/-€ 10,00), and take the train in the direction of Piraeus (line 3). For the center of Athens, you can get off at Syntagma or Monastiraki station.
From center Athens to the Omilo school in Maroussi (North Athens)
The easiest way to reach the Omilo school is by metro, since it is only 300 meters from the Maroussi Metro Station.
The Maroussi metro station is located on the Green Line or Line 1 (ISAP) from Piraeus to Kifissia.
You can have a look at the metro map.
When you come by car, the address you are looking for is “Panagi Tsaldari 13, 15122 Maroussi”.
Do not forget to add the postal code when putting the address in the GPS, since there are several roads with the same name located in different municipalities of Athens/Attiki.
For more directions, as well as where to park best, take a look at our school location page.
Once you arrive at the school, search for the “ Omilo – Andreadis” sign.
Omilo is on the 4th floor.
Not feeling confident to travel by yourself in Athens, during the first days?
Then pre-book your transfer from Athens airport.
We selected a trustworthy and convenient 5-star airport taxi company for your airport transfer based on student’s experiences and user reviews Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travellers.
– Local Greek-English-speaking drivers
– Flat, pre-paid fee
– Flight monitoring for delays
– 24/7 Customer support
