Step into Athens Greece and take a look at the travel video showing the many wonderful acropolis and parthenon buildings. The city is full of history and places like Polytechnio and Platon University are well worth visiting. Athens is filled with popular attractions and lesser known places that we guarantee will surprise you.
Today you are in for a treat as we show you some of the most unfamiliar Athens Greece attractions that you did not think would be that interesting. Places such as Plaka, and beautiful streets filled with colorful houses, or the majestic National Gardens that is located within the city and offers stunning views are surely places that will appeal to you.
Consider going to those tiny, lesser-known museums that house astonishing relics of Athen’s uncelebrated past. And also treat yourself to some real Greek food in the local tavernas and restaurants located in the side streets.
This guide is meant for you if you are an adventurer who loves history and delectable food, and are trying to experience the real side of Athens. So be prepared to move off the beaten path and uncover the authentic details hidden within in Athens Greece.
Tourist Attractions Athens Greece
There isn’t a need to provide Athens much introduction, as the city is already popular on its own. Millions of tourists flock towards Greece every year to visit landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon, and these ancient wonders are are a sight worth watching. However, there is much more to Athens than meets the eye.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Athens is the Acropolis, a site of nearly pure and fantastic ancient stonework. It is mount topped with a rock on which stands the cityof Athens. The Parthenon is the most famous building there, and it also has a amazing temple commonly known as the Acropolis Museum. This museum has hundreds of ancient Greek art pieces and utensils which give insightful information regarding their history and culture.
Lesser Known Attractions Athens Greece
Tourists often miss out on the lesser known spots of Greece while going towards the famous Acropolis. The hidden gems often go beyond the tourists and add a glimpse behind the curtains of the city’s everyday life and culture. These sites have extraordinary history, and culture and are worth visiting.
One of these undiscovered jewels is Plaka. Plaka is a stunning neighborhood located at the foot of the Acropolis with narrow streets, colorful homes, and a boisterous atmosphere. Walking through these maze-like roads reveals traditional tavernas, quaint shops, and ruins centuries old. Be sure to check out the Lysicrates Monument, an astonishingly well-preserved relic from the fourth century BC.
The Acropolis and its lesser-known sites
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Along with Plaka, the Acropolis remains another famous tourist attraction in Athens. The stunning views across the city and the intricate architectural details make this spot amazing. This region accommodates numerous ancient attractions that, while being lesser-known, are breathtaking in their own right, such as the Temple of Hephaestus, also known as the Hephaisteion.
The Hephaisteion sits on the western slope of the Acropolis and is dedicated to Hephaestus, the blacksmith and metallurgy Greek god. This temple is also very well preserved, making it a hidden gem.
Getting to know the Plaka area
Plaka is one of the few neighborhoods that seem to be unreformed. The charmng shops with handmade crafts, delightful cafes and boutiques with local clothes and other goods await you along the traditional and neoclassical houses and cobbled streets.
No trip to Plaka is complete without a stroll through the Anafiotika neighborhood. Anafiotika lies on the northern slopes of the Acropolis and is like an oasis amidst the chaotic city. The place has unique charm with whitewashed houses, narrow staircases, and vibrant flowers which are a feature of Greek islands.
Lesser-known museums and galleries
Athens is popular for its archaeological museums, but it also hosts some lesser-known art galleries and museums which are an integral part of the city’s rich culture and history.
One such museum is the Benaki, a hidden treasure featuring Greek art and history from pre-historic to modern times. It is housed in a beautiful neoclasscial building and has an exquisite collection of ancient artifacts, Byzantine art, and modern Greek masterpieces.
Unusual food and drink options that Athens offers
Greek cuisine is one of the most popular internationally due to its fresh ingredients, strong flavoring, and Mediterranean essence. Though Athens is filled with traditional tavernas and popular diners, there are places where travelers can enjoy authentic Greek dishes away from the tourist crowds.
One such hidden gem is the To Kafeneio, a traditional Greek coffee shop that can be found in the Psiri district. Old fashioned Greek coffee is served alongside sweet pastries that allows one to appreciate the local culture in its fullest. Another such hidden eatery is Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani, a restaurant and deli that serves popular Greek cuisine, including cured meats, cheeses, and home cooked meals.
Outdoor Activities and Around Athens
For those who love the great outdoors, the area outside of Athens’ city limits has many natural features and activities that are waiting to be uncovered. There is something for every outdoor enthusiast, from picturesque hiking paths to beautiful beaches.
Lake Vouliagmeni is one of them; a natural lake that rests at the outskirts of Athens and is seldom found by tourists. The lake is famous for its healing benefits, especially with its swimming experience. It is encircled by cliffs and dense greenery, offering warm mineral water swimming with a unique experience for those looking to escape the busy city life.
Tips for visiting lesser-known attractions
Prior to visiting the quaint gems of Athens, it is beneficial to plan and prepare in advance. To maximize your visit, consider the following tips:
- Make sure you look up and compile a list of the hidden attractions you wish to enjoy.
- City and museum passes typically offer discounts and expedited entrance, consider buying one.
- Local experts and guided tours can help with a lot of information but also have their own hidden gems.
- There are many neighborhoods and streets that are not popular with tourists. Explore more!
- Show appreciation for local culture by tasting some of the local dishes and drinks offered at taverns and small restaurants.
Discovering the Hidden Gems of Athens
Athens is most popular for its never ending list of landmarks yet there are numerous hidden gems that make traveling even better. For instance, breathtaking neighborhoods such as Plaka, hidden museums, out-of-the-ordinary foods, Athens is a mixture of history along with nature’s beauty. So apart from the tourist spots, discover the wonders of Athens, Greece. There are so many secret gems to uncover.
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