Club News 92 – Athens City Travel Guide

Olympic City

Club News visits Athens

This year, the Olympic Games return to Athens. As the city revs up for what will be a very exciting homecoming, we rediscover the vibrant Greek capital.

Attractions

-          When visiting Athens, you (quite literally) can’t miss the Acropolis. This ancient Greek structure sits high on a hill, overlooking the city. Exploring the Parthenon, the ancient theatre of Dionysos and the Herodeion is a unique and unforgettable experience. Also visit the Acropolis Museum, which houses a collection of sculptures from the site.

-          At the foot of the Acropolis, you’ll find the archaeological site of the Agora, which was the focal point of administrative, commercial, political and social activity back in ancient times. It’s one of the places that Socrates divulged his philosophies many eons ago.

-          The National Archaeological Museum is one of the largest and most important museums of ancient Greek art and antiques. Highlights of the collection include the Poseidon of Artemision, the Statuette of Zeus and the Golden Mark of Agamemnon.

Out on the town

-          You can start your evening at one of the many excellent restaurants or typical Greek tavernas, which you can find throughout the city. The atmosphere in all Greek restaurants is unpretentious, informal and friendly; and the food is exquisite.

-          If you’re looking for beautifully decorated bars or clubs, you’ll find one that caters to your musical element in the central Athens nighttime hotspots of Psirri, Syntagma, Theseio or Kolonaki.

-          Fancy having a spin of roulette, or trying out your best poker face? You’ll find plenty of casinos in Athens, such as Casino Mont Parnes, Club Hotel Casino Loutraki and Regency Casino Thessaloniki.

Shopping

-          As a crossroad between Europe and the Middle East, Athens has long been a centre for craftsmanship such as jewellers, furriers, leatherworkers and ceramicists. Have a browse through the local offerings, and you’ll be thoroughly impressed.

-          Be sure to visit Lambropoulos, one of Athens premier department stores. You’ll find a good selection of Greek companies and international companies on display, as well as plenty of official Athens 2004 Olympics merchandise.

For more information on Athens, please contact the Greek National Tourism Organisation on 020 7495 9300 or visit the official website at www.gnto.gr