Discover Athens & Attica
The Holiday Inn Athens Hotel reception is always there to assist you with further information and trip bookings.
Athens Sightseeing Greece Athens Tourist Attractions, Monuments, Sights in Athens City Greece
Athens is one of the most exciting capitals in the world. Dedicate some time to discover the beauties of Athens while in the city. Below you will find our suggestions for Athens sightseeing at the major tourist attractions, monuments, and sights in Athens City Greece.Museums
- The New Acropolis Museum
- The National Gallery – Alexandros Soutzos Museum
- Athens Music Hall
- Museum of Cycladic Art & Ancient Greek Art – Goulandris Foundation
- National Archaeological Museum
- Byzantine & Christian Museum
The New Acropolis Museum 15 Dionisiou Areopagitou st, Athens, 11742,
Tel. +30 210 900-0900
www.theacropolismuseum.gr
The New Acropolis Museum is not important only for its content but also for its architecture. In an area of 25.000 sq. m. you will find 5 halls where permanent collections are presented .It is definitely one of the museums that you must visit.
www.theacropolismuseum.gr
The New Acropolis Museum is not important only for its content but also for its architecture. In an area of 25.000 sq. m. you will find 5 halls where permanent collections are presented .It is definitely one of the museums that you must visit.
The National Gallery – Alexandros Soutzos Museum 50 Vasileos Konstantinou Ave, Tel. +30 210 723-5857
www.nationalgallery.gr
The 117 paintings registered from 1878 make the “National Gallery- Alexandros Soutzos” one of the largest galleries in Greece. Later it was enriched with private collections donated by many Greek artists and collectors, such as Alexandros Soutzos and Evr. Koutlidis. You must see: “The kissing” of Ν. Lytras, “The engagement” of Ν.Gyzis, “The concert of the Angels” of Domenicos Theotokopoulos (El Greco), “The Greek Rider” of Delacroix.
www.nationalgallery.gr
The 117 paintings registered from 1878 make the “National Gallery- Alexandros Soutzos” one of the largest galleries in Greece. Later it was enriched with private collections donated by many Greek artists and collectors, such as Alexandros Soutzos and Evr. Koutlidis. You must see: “The kissing” of Ν. Lytras, “The engagement” of Ν.Gyzis, “The concert of the Angels” of Domenicos Theotokopoulos (El Greco), “The Greek Rider” of Delacroix.
Athens Music Hall Vasilissis Sofias & Kokkali st, Tel. +30 210 728-2333
www.megaron.gr
It opened its doors in 1991 and from the very beginning it was considered one of the most integral cultural centers in Europe. Its exquisite acoustics won the heart not only of the general public but also of well known artists. The Athens Music Hall has hosted great artists, important groups, top composers and performers during its long artistic route, a hallmark of the cultural life of Greece.
The Athens Music Hall attracts thousands of people who attend the art events hosted.
www.megaron.gr
It opened its doors in 1991 and from the very beginning it was considered one of the most integral cultural centers in Europe. Its exquisite acoustics won the heart not only of the general public but also of well known artists. The Athens Music Hall has hosted great artists, important groups, top composers and performers during its long artistic route, a hallmark of the cultural life of Greece.
The Athens Music Hall attracts thousands of people who attend the art events hosted.
Museum of Cycladic Art & Ancient Greek Art-Goulandris Foundation 4 Neofitou Douka st, Tel. + 30 210 722-8321 to 3
www.cycladic.gr
Created to host the private collection of Cycladic Art items of the Goulandris family, this museum turned out to be one of the most important in Athens. In 1992 one more wing was added roofed under Stathatos Hall.
www.cycladic.gr
Created to host the private collection of Cycladic Art items of the Goulandris family, this museum turned out to be one of the most important in Athens. In 1992 one more wing was added roofed under Stathatos Hall.
National Archaeological Museum 44 Patission Ave, Tel. +30 210 821-7724
www.culture.gr
The National Archaeological Museum is one of the greatest and largest museums of Ancient Greek Art. Its building was inaugurated in 1889, it was extended in the mid-war period and nowadays boasts exhibition areas of 8,000 sq. m.
www.culture.gr
The National Archaeological Museum is one of the greatest and largest museums of Ancient Greek Art. Its building was inaugurated in 1889, it was extended in the mid-war period and nowadays boasts exhibition areas of 8,000 sq. m.
Byzantine & Christian Museum Vasilissis Sofias Ave, Tel. + 30 210 721-1027
www.byzantinemuseum.gr
It has been one of the most important national museums since 1914 with more than 25,000 exhibits. It features unique collections of icons, sculptures, miniatures, murals, ceramics, fabrics, manuscripts and other items dated from the 3rd to the 20th century.
www.byzantinemuseum.gr
It has been one of the most important national museums since 1914 with more than 25,000 exhibits. It features unique collections of icons, sculptures, miniatures, murals, ceramics, fabrics, manuscripts and other items dated from the 3rd to the 20th century.
Archaeological Sites & Attractions in Athens
- The Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Ancient Agora
- Herodes Atticus Odeon
- The Ancient Theatre of Dionysus
- The Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaron)
- The Temple of Zeus
- Hadrian’s Gate
- The National Garden
- The Parliament House
- The Arios Pagos Rock
- Zappeion Hall
- Syntagma Square
- Lucabettus Hill
- Plaka Quarters
- Monastiraki
- Psyrri
- Kolonaki
The Acropolis It is one of the most well-known archeological places in the world and landmark of Athens and its link between the miraculous ancient civilization with the modern world. The monuments lying at the Acropolis are dated back from the pre-historic era to the early antiquity. Do not miss a visit to the Acropolis New Museum.
The Parthenon The Parthenon is one of the most recognized monuments around the world. It was built from Iktinos and Kallikrates during 447- 432 B.C., period known as the Golden Ages of Pericles. White marble from Penteli was used and inside the temple was the golden ivory statue of goddess Athena, created by Phedias.
Erechtheion The Erechtheion was built during 420-406 right at the point where goddess Athena made an olive tree -her sacred symbol- sprout. The tree was destroyed by the Persian invaders and as legend has it, when the Persians were forced out of the Greek territory the tree blossomed once again.
The Ancient Agora The archaeological site of the agora lies on the foot of the Acropolis nearby the subway station of “Thisseion”. In antiquity the agora was the major commercial, cultural and religious centre of the city.
The Parthenon The Parthenon is one of the most recognized monuments around the world. It was built from Iktinos and Kallikrates during 447- 432 B.C., period known as the Golden Ages of Pericles. White marble from Penteli was used and inside the temple was the golden ivory statue of goddess Athena, created by Phedias.
Erechtheion The Erechtheion was built during 420-406 right at the point where goddess Athena made an olive tree -her sacred symbol- sprout. The tree was destroyed by the Persian invaders and as legend has it, when the Persians were forced out of the Greek territory the tree blossomed once again.
The Ancient Agora The archaeological site of the agora lies on the foot of the Acropolis nearby the subway station of “Thisseion”. In antiquity the agora was the major commercial, cultural and religious centre of the city.
Herodes Atticus Odeon Herodes Tiberius Atticus built in 161 A.D. the Herodion theatre in the memory of his wife Rigilla. Herodion is used in nowadays for concerts and other cultural events.
The Ancient Theatre of Dionysus It is the older of all well-known ancient theatres worldwide. At first it was made of wood but in the 4th century it was reconstructed of marble and could host up to 17.000 people. It was there were philosophers like Aeschylus, Aristophanes, Euripides and Sophocles presented for the first time sample of their master pieces.
The Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaron) It lies opposite the National Garden and it was initially constructed of wood in 330 B.C. Herodes Tiberius Atticus is responsible for the marble constructions surviving even nowadays. During Panathenaia the stadium was used for the athletic competitions. The first modern Olympic Games were hosted there in 1876. The stadium as it is today was constructed in 1869-1870 and sits 60.000 people.
The Temple of Zeus This temple is dedicated to Olympian Zeus and it is the largest temple of the ancient years. It definitely worth’s a visit.
Hadrian’s Gate The Gate took its name for the emperor Hadrian. It is an impressive roman monument from white pentelic marble.
The National Garden The National Garden stretches over 160.000 sq. m. where you can admire 500 different species of plants, bushes, and trees from all over the world. Its planting took place during 1838-1860 with the intention to create a royal garden.Wander around its beautiful surrounding and you will come across a pond with ducks, a small zoo, the botanical museum, a quaint traditional coffee shop, a children’s library, a playground, as well as scattered ancient monuments and busts of major figures of modern time Greece.
The Greek Parliament House Built during the period 1834-1838 and used as the palace of the king of Greece. Nowadays it is used to host the Greek parliament. In front of the building is the Unknown Soldier monument and two Evzones that belong to the national guard -dressed with the traditional apparel.
The Arios Pagos Rock It used to be the court of Ancient Athens and the place where Apostle Paul preached Christianity to the Athenians.
The Zappeion Hall Zappas cousins have financed the built of the Zappeion Hall and Th. Hansen was the architect. It was built during the period 1874-1888 and since then has hosted several major moments of the modern Greek History. Statues of the Zappas cousins are erected in the front of the building.
Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) It is the biggest and most popular square of Athens. It was named like that when Greeks in 1843 rose in insurrection, demanding to be granted with a constitution by King Otto. In the area you will find some of the most popular restaurants and coffee shops, while at the kiosks around the square you can practically find anything, from aspirins to souvenirs and of course newspapers and magazines of the Greek and international press.
Lycabettus Hill The most beautiful view you will be able to enjoy it in Lycabettus Hill, which is the highest hill of Athens (277 m.) surrounded by a beautiful forest.
Plaka Quarter There is a reason why they used to call it the quarter of the Olympian Gods. Narrow streets, beautiful scenery lead to countless taverns, coffee shops and beautiful small squares.
Monastiraki It is one of the busiest districts at the historic centre of Athens. You will come across an all-year-round fair attracting tourists and locals. Some of the highlights in the area are some columns from Hadrian’s Library, a mosque turned into a library and a nice small library.
Shopping and Leisure near the hotel
Shopping At a distance of 7 km from the Holiday Inn Athens hotel you will find the Factory Outlet stock house featuring over than 400 brands in clothes, shoes, sports equipment and accessories in affordable prices.
You may also go shopping at popular department stores such as the Mall and Golden Hall, or select the shopping areas of Kolonaki, Monastiraki, or Ermou Street.
You may also go shopping at popular department stores such as the Mall and Golden Hall, or select the shopping areas of Kolonaki, Monastiraki, or Ermou Street.
LeisureATTICA ZOO
Tel.: +30 210 6634724 / www.atticapark.com
The Attica Zoological Park extends to a total area of 20 hectares, hosting more than 2000 animals from 350 different species. It opened in May 2000, initially as a Bird Park, hosting the 3rd largest bird collection in the world. From April 2001 and the constant developments have made Attica Zoo, one of the most interesting zoos in Europe. Something that adults and children shouldn’t miss.
SEASIDE
If you wish to unwind at the seaside, there are nice sandy beaches in Glyfada and Voula. They are 25 and 30 km from the hotel and feature umbrellas and sun beds, water sports facilities and nice seaside tavernas.
Flisvos Marina is worth a visit, as it is an attractive setting by the sea, where yacht oners and locals take advantage of the commercial centre and leisure activities of the area. http://www.flisvosmarina.com/
For your entertainment there are the Loutraki Casino and the Regency Casino Mont Parnes not far from Athens.
Your best bet for daily escapes from Athens are the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio and the archaeological sites in Vravrona and Elefsina. You may also take a trip to the nearby Saronic islands, such as Aegina, Hydra, Poros and Spetses, to take a flavor of the island life. Ships to the Saronic depart from Piraeus port, easily reached by subway.
VORRES MUSEUM
1, Diad. Konstantinou, Paiania
Tel. +30 210 664-2520, +30 210 664-4771
This museum complex of buildings, gardens and courtyards, houses over 6,000 items that span a period of 4,000 years of Greek history and art. Includes important works of modern art and sculpture created by Greek artists of the second half of the 20th century showing the significant influence of classical, Byzantine and folk tradition.
CAVE KOUTOUKI PAIANIAS
Cave “Koutouki” is considered to be the biggest and most beautiful of the around sixty (60) caves that Attica has. It is found in the Eastern fringes of mainly mountainous part of Ymittos, in an altitude of 510m above the sea level, and it is under the Municipality of Peania. The cave is included in the underground carstic system of Ymittos. Its creation is owed in the high solubility of limestones in the rain water. This is also the fundamental cause of genesis of caves. This is how the biggest part of the cave of Peania was created, with rich limestone' decor, with varieties of stalactite formations and evocative atmosphere, elements that prompted visitors to give various names in the rooms, the balconies, the squares and the corridors.
We can distinguish the "Olympic Torch", "Altars", "Corals", a "Harmonium", and the "Red Waterfall" from oxides of iron that were infiltrated in the internal of the cave with water from the surface of soil. The "Koutouki" is a gulf cave with vertical height 38,5m. and length of corridors 350m. roughly. The enormous central booth, dimensions 60 x 60 m. is separated with stalagmites, stalactites and columns into smaller rooms. The temperature in the cave's interior is 17oC. Today, the visit is being done from the artificial entry that was manufactured for the facilitation of access, in the frames of tourist exploitation that was materialized from the Hellenic Organization of Tourism (E.O.T.) in the quadrennium 1963 - 1967.
Tel.: +30 210 6634724 / www.atticapark.com
The Attica Zoological Park extends to a total area of 20 hectares, hosting more than 2000 animals from 350 different species. It opened in May 2000, initially as a Bird Park, hosting the 3rd largest bird collection in the world. From April 2001 and the constant developments have made Attica Zoo, one of the most interesting zoos in Europe. Something that adults and children shouldn’t miss.
SEASIDE
If you wish to unwind at the seaside, there are nice sandy beaches in Glyfada and Voula. They are 25 and 30 km from the hotel and feature umbrellas and sun beds, water sports facilities and nice seaside tavernas.
Flisvos Marina is worth a visit, as it is an attractive setting by the sea, where yacht oners and locals take advantage of the commercial centre and leisure activities of the area. http://www.flisvosmarina.com/
For your entertainment there are the Loutraki Casino and the Regency Casino Mont Parnes not far from Athens.
Your best bet for daily escapes from Athens are the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio and the archaeological sites in Vravrona and Elefsina. You may also take a trip to the nearby Saronic islands, such as Aegina, Hydra, Poros and Spetses, to take a flavor of the island life. Ships to the Saronic depart from Piraeus port, easily reached by subway.
VORRES MUSEUM
1, Diad. Konstantinou, Paiania
Tel. +30 210 664-2520, +30 210 664-4771
This museum complex of buildings, gardens and courtyards, houses over 6,000 items that span a period of 4,000 years of Greek history and art. Includes important works of modern art and sculpture created by Greek artists of the second half of the 20th century showing the significant influence of classical, Byzantine and folk tradition.
CAVE KOUTOUKI PAIANIAS
Cave “Koutouki” is considered to be the biggest and most beautiful of the around sixty (60) caves that Attica has. It is found in the Eastern fringes of mainly mountainous part of Ymittos, in an altitude of 510m above the sea level, and it is under the Municipality of Peania. The cave is included in the underground carstic system of Ymittos. Its creation is owed in the high solubility of limestones in the rain water. This is also the fundamental cause of genesis of caves. This is how the biggest part of the cave of Peania was created, with rich limestone' decor, with varieties of stalactite formations and evocative atmosphere, elements that prompted visitors to give various names in the rooms, the balconies, the squares and the corridors.
We can distinguish the "Olympic Torch", "Altars", "Corals", a "Harmonium", and the "Red Waterfall" from oxides of iron that were infiltrated in the internal of the cave with water from the surface of soil. The "Koutouki" is a gulf cave with vertical height 38,5m. and length of corridors 350m. roughly. The enormous central booth, dimensions 60 x 60 m. is separated with stalagmites, stalactites and columns into smaller rooms. The temperature in the cave's interior is 17oC. Today, the visit is being done from the artificial entry that was manufactured for the facilitation of access, in the frames of tourist exploitation that was materialized from the Hellenic Organization of Tourism (E.O.T.) in the quadrennium 1963 - 1967.