Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, ATH, is Greece’s busiest airport (and Europe’s 27thbusiest) and it serves as the hub and main base of Aegean Airlines as well as other Greek airlines. The airport divides into two terminals: the Main Terminal and the Satellite Terminal, which connects directly with the Main Terminal via underground moving walkway. The Main Terminal houses most of the international traffic and the adjacent terminal is used for overflow or high season operations.
Athens International Airport is located some12 miles east of the city, 40-minute trip to city center by the Metro. Trains on the Metro Line 3 between the airport and Syntagma station (Athens center) run every 30 minutes, 7 days a week from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm. Taxis offer another option and are available at the designated taxi waiting area located at Exit 3 of the Arrivals Level. Rates to city center run 35 to 50 euros.
Uber is no longer an option due to recent legislation that imposed stricter rules on ride-hailing services.
Things to Do in Athens
The Acropolis
First timers to Athens will want to visit the Acropolis as the temple atop the rocky crag is perhaps the most recognized symbol of the rise of western civilization. The temple was functional from 447 BC through 338 BC and much of what was in stone and sculpture is well preserved despite centuries of war, wear and tear and natural disasters.
The Parthenon was dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the patron goddess of the city of Athens and the legendary goddess of wisdom. In 1987 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of the valuable ancient artifacts can be found in the Acropolis Museum, near the site, or in London where the Elgin Marbles can be seen at the British Museum.
National Archaeology Museum
This museum was founded in the 19th century to handle and protect the fruits of Archaeological digs underway. As such, it is one of the largest museums dedicated to these relics in the world. The massive neoclassical building shows the history of Greek civilization and houses some 11,000 exhibits, many dating back to the 6th century B.C. A café on site is a good place to relax in a rare setting. Admission to the museum is 7 euros and free on official holidays.
Byzantine Museum
The Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens is found in central Athens, walking distance from Evangelismos metro station and specializes in Byzantine and Post-Byzantine cultural heritage in the Hellenic territory. Find objects from the 3rd to the 21st Centuries AD. The Byzantine Museum houses more than 25,000 objects from several former provinces of Byzantium including Serbia, Bulgaria, Thessaloniki, Mystras and Crete.
Agora: Ruins of Ancient Marketplace
This marketplace was the center place for the ancient times of Athens. It brings an impressive view of the city along with north wall from the Acropolis. Agora is the Greek word for gather and orate and the area was the main meeting place for the Agora to Dimou. The groups would gather here to make the decisions for the community. There are scenes of Socrates in this marketplace, which dates back to 339 BC. Visitors can walk through the Agora Hills by the footpath alongside the marketplace. There is also Roman Agora, an ancient building in the away marketplace built in 132 AD.
Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art was originated in 1986 under the Dolly and Nicholas Foundation. Nicholas was a popular patron in Athens known for his artistry for cultural life. Today, the museum holds more than 3,000 artefacts of Cycladic, Ancient Greek and Cypriot art on four floors. The austere marble figurines of striking symmetry and simplicity have inspired 20th-century artists …. Brancusi, Modigliani, Giacometti, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and others.
Expert Tips for Visiting Athens
Cash Country
You have to cash in your wallet at all times when you are in Athens. You will not find banks on every corner here and most restaurants and shops will only accept cash.
Metro
The metro system of Athens is formidable and worth using. There are three major lines of the metro that cover the city and are easy to navigate. Most of the attractions and shopping disticts can be accessed by metro.
Beat the Traffic
Rather than take chances with a cab on the street, download the Beat app for Athens for affordable taxi service. You can choose the driver and also the payment mode. The drivers speak English and the app helps you trace where you are and where you are going.
Smoke
People in Greece love their cigarettes and there are few places that will allow you to escape the annoying carcinogens, even if the venue is deemed non-smoking. No one cares. If this is an issue, keep a mask or breathing filter with you while you are out and about.
Pickpockets
Athens is notorious for this crime. Keep a hand on your pockets or purse at all times, especially in crowded tourist areas, restaurants and metro stations.
