Athens hotels

Hotels in Athens

One of the oldest cities on earth, Athens has a formidable ancient legacy as a strategic maritime centre in the Greek Empire, although a settlement existed here approximately 5, 000 years ago. It was here where, in 1896, the first modern version of the Olympic Games took place, although Athens actually hosted the first-ever Olympic Games approximately 3, 800 years ago, in 776 BC.

Clearly, any visit to the Greek capital would be incomplete without witnessing the ancient architectural splendour of the Acropolis, dominating the city from a sacred, well-defined hill.

More about the Acropolis

Despite numerous sieges and fires during its 2, 500-year history, much of the Acropolis has survived, and the Greek Government continues to fund the extensive restoration of the Parthenon. By the Byzantine period, the Parthenon temple became an important place of Christian worship, although it was converted into residential accommodation by the late Middle Ages, after which it served as a minaret and several mosques until the early 19^th century.

Lycabettus Hill

The only thing missing in the view from the Acropolis is the Acropolis itself, which is why you should consider heading to the top of Lycabettus Hill. Here, you can enjoy a phenomenal panoramic view of the city and the Parthenon in the background, especially in those precious minutes just before and after sunset.

The National Archaeological Museum

Without this gallery, it is likely that many of the greatest treasures of Ancient Greece would have been either misplaced or irreversibly damaged by weathering. The National Archaeological Museum, which was founded in 1829, is a must-see if you're eager to see some of the most famous prehistoric and ancient artefacts related to Greece and the surrounding area.

Plaka

With its rustic, village-like charm and decorated pedestrianised streets, Plaka contrasts profoundly with the rest of Athens, and is home to many fantastic boutique stores and quaint cafés. One of the most picturesque sections is Anafiotika, where you can observe many attractive Greek Island-inspired houses and the photogenic 11^th-century Byzantine St Nicholas Church.

Where to stay in the city

Affordable, well-presented Athens Hotels include stylish Athens Center Square, the Marina Hotel Athens and the Periscope Hotel. For more deluxe venues, you could book a stay at the highly hospitable Pallas Athena Grecotel Boutique Hotel, the majestic Athens Lotus Hotel, or the immaculate InterContinental Athenaeum.

Eating out in Athens

With more than 2, 000 restaurants to choose from, you're guaranteed to find a cuisine that's to your liking. For some divine, authentic Greek cuisine, you could head to Karamanlidika, Arsenis Taverna Iseris in Paleo Faliro, or Eleas Gi in Kifisia, or enjoy other delightful contemporary dishes at the elegant Funky Gourmet restaurant. For some very tasty German and Central European-themed food, try the Bock Beer Restaurant, or go to Oroscopo for other mouthwatering local, Mediterranean or Italian cuisine.