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Discover Athens

Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Athens.

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Athens
Next prayerFajr 6:10 AM
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Must-see attractions in Athens

From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 26 standout sights to build into your time in the city.

Athens, capital to Greece is one of the many metropolises of the world with an ever growing population. Athens is a place where life is constantly on the move. It is a perfect fusion of ancient meets modern. Juxtaposed with the remnants and ruins of Ancient Greece built as early as the 6 th Century B.C. [these sites include the Acropolis, the Agora, the temples of Zeus and Poseidon to name a few] are the more recently built chic and modern structures including the new metro and various hotels and restaurants. Athens continues to be a dynamic city whilst paying tribute to its rich history and past.

Halal restaurants in Athens

Athens’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 19 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.

Kouti Athensathens

Kouti

This restaurant consists of indoor and outdoor tables which provide a stunning view of the Acropolis. Better than the view is the food with jazzed up traditional dishes listed on the menu. The salads are exceptionally good here as well.

Anthinaikon Athensathens

Anthinaikon

This restaurant has a beautiful interior and excellent appetizers and entrees. The wonderful floors, marble tables and wooden chairs along with the walls decked with old photographs provide guests with a beautiful setting amidst which they can enjoy their meals. Meat and seafood dishes are popular here.

Athens masjids and Muslim travel

Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.

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Where to stay in Athens

Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.

Adam’s Hotel Athensathens

Adam's Hotel

This is located in the neighborhood of the Plaka. Pleasant, homey and quiet best describe the ambience of this hotel. Centrally located it is a welcome respite amidst the hustle and bustle of the Plaka. Rooms are comfortable and clean and the décor is extremely simple. For tourists traveling with their families the Adams Hotel is a good choice since many rooms consist of more than two beds. Most rooms have balconies looking out onto the Acropolis. Hotel facilities include laundry service. In room facilities include an AC.

Athens Plaza Athensathens

Athens Plaza

This hotel is located in the neighborhood of Syntagma. It is extremely luxurious evident from the gleaming marble in the hallways. Most bedrooms have balconies looking out on Syntagma Square. The service is excellent and hotel facilities include restaurants, bars, spas, Jacuzzis, room service, dry cleaning and laundry services. In room facilities include TV, AC, hairdryer, safe and a mini-bar.

Grande Bretagne Athensathens

Grande Bretagne

This beautiful building dates back to the 1800s. This hotel has been host to a number of political personalities, musical giants and other celebrities. The service is excellent and efficient. Some rooms have balconies overlooking Syntagma Square and the Acropolis.

St. George Lycabettus Hotel Athensathens

St. George Lycabettus Hotel

This chic hotel is located in the neighborhood of Kolonaki which means that famed restaurants and shops are only a few footsteps away. Apart from the excellent location this hotel has the added advantage of a roof top swimming pool. Visitors should ask for a room affording views of Mount Likavitus or the Acropolis. Hotel facilities include restaurants, bars, room service, dry cleaning and laundry services. In room facilities include TV, AC, hairdryer, and a mini-bar.

Hilton Hotel Athensathens

Hilton Hotel

This hotel is located in the Embassy District and was opened in the 1960s. Rooms look out onto the hills of Athens or the Acropolis. Bathrooms are spacious and made of gleaming marble. The décor of the rooms is elegant and welcoming. The hotel often has special deals on so be sure to check out their website. Hotel facilities are plentiful. In addition to restaurants, bars, spas, Jacuzzis, room service, dry cleaning and laundry services, the hotel consists of an outdoor pool, an ATM, a game room and a salon. Babysitting services are also provided.

Shopping in Athens

Explore 15 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.

Antiqua Athensathens

Antiqua

Greek antiques along with other antiques from all over Europe are available here for purchase. Most of the merchandise dates back to the 1400s to about the 1800s. A diverse selection is available here ranging from clocks to paintings to wood carvings to crockery. Whilst the goods are beautiful they are highly priced as well.

• Centre of Hellenic Traditions Athensathens

Centre of Hellenic Traditions

This shop houses a variety of traditional Greek arts and crafts. Merchandise consists of pottery, wood carvings, embroideries and textiles. Quality is this store's forte.

Nick’s Corner Athensathens

Nick's Corner

This shop is renowned for the knitted sweaters that are its specialty.

Christos Veloudakis Athensathens

Christos Veloudakis

This boutique comprises of collections of women and menswear. The interior of the shop is interesting in itself and the merchandise even more so. For those with an eclectic and eccentric fashion sense this is the place to go.

Martinos Athensathens

Martinos

This shop is well- known for the home ware it sells which include beautiful Venetian glass, swords and tables.

Signature sights in Athens

A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.

Festivals and events in Athens

Plan around 18 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.

Santa’s Neighborhood Athensathens

Santa's Neighborhood

The venue for this celebration of Christmas which lasts well into January is Syntagma Square which is beautifully adorned this time of the year. One unique feature is the antique carousel on display which dates back to the late 19 th century. Father Christmas is present along side his elves chatting with visitors. Delectable desserts are also sold at the numerous stalls set up. The atmosphere is both magical and festive.

Epiphany Athensathens

Epiphany

This is held annually at the time that is believed to be the date that Jesus was baptized. This event is held at Piraeus which is a port of Athens. The event starts with a priest flinging a crucifix into the water after which participants jump in to bring it back. The one who finds it is rewarded good luck for the coming year. Fishermen along with their boats also queue up to be blessed.

Athens Carnival Athensathens

Athens Carnival

This carnival lasts till the end of March. The purpose is to celebrate Athens. Whilst it is held all over the city, Central Square is a good location to catch the best of it. There is no entrance fee and the entertainment provided is excellent. It comprises mostly of street performers in traditional dress, dancing and singing giving visitors a clear idea of what Greek culture entails.

Athens Fashion Week Athensathens

Athens Fashion Week

This four day festival centers on the viewing of collections by Greek and international designers. Glamorous best describes this event which is held in October as well.

Lycabettus Festival Athensathens

Lycabettus Festival

This festival spans from May to September. It is an outdoor event. It features musical and theatrical performances on Lycabettus Hill which provides a breath taking view of all of Athens from it.

Athens tours and experiences

Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.

Key Tours Athensathens

Key Tours

These operators offer a variety of package deals that vary in terms of which sights will be visited and which vary as to the length of each tour. Tours either last half of the day or the entire day. Some tours consist of exploring Athens at night. Prices range from 50 Euros to a 160 Euros. Apart from sightseeing within the city these operators also arrange for day trips to nearby areas such as Delphi, Peloponnese and the temple of Poseidon at Sounion.

Chat Tours Athensathens

Chat Tours

These operators offer a variety of package deals that vary in terms of which sights will be visited and which vary as to the length of each tour. Tours either last half of the day or the entire day. Some tours consist of exploring Athens at night. Prices range from 50 Euros to a 160 Euros. Apart from sightseeing within the city these operators also arrange for day trips to nearby areas such as Delphi, Peloponnese and the temple of Poseidon at Sounion.

Sightseeing Buses Athensathens

Sightseeing Buses

This is a bus tour which shows visitors all the landmarks around the city. Tickets can be bought from the bus driver. The purpose of this tour is to help acquaint completely unfamiliar visitors with the city and its sights so that visitors can return to these later on during their trips. Think of this as an enjoyable drive around the city. The tour begins at the National Archaeological Museum and terminates there as well. The tour lasts approximately one and a half hours. Visitors are shown the major neighbor hoods and sites including the Acropolis, the temple of Zeus, the National Gallery, the Benaki Museum and Central Market.

Association of Official Guides Athensathens

Association of Official Guides

For those wanting to hire a private guide this is an excellent company to contact. Tours last a few hours and are relatively expensive costing up to or over 100 Euros.

Pame Volta Athensathens

Pame Volta

An interesting variation of a tour of Athens- this tour is conducted on bicycles.

The Irhal city file

Athens travel guide sections

Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.