Athens - The Greek Legacy
At the heart of ancient Greece lies the city of Athens. It is a historically rich city with thousands of years of history in its lap. This city has still preserved landmarks from the 5th century B.C. and several temples and theatres fill its realm. It is home to the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Several stories make this place artistically and culturally intriguing, and worth exploring. Ideas of philosophies, science, and other structural studies have influenced Athenians over the years.
Different architectural styles have shaped this city. All the temples, neoclassical mansions, and apartments have their own personalities. Athens has a lot to present in terms of ideas and dishes that it’s difficult to explore all of it in a limited time. Dolmades, Moussaka, Gyros, Spanakopita, and Souvlaki are popular dishes in this city.
Places to visit in Athens
Athens is culturally wealthy and filled with many places to explore. It is also blessed with a plethora of mountains and natural beauty. Greece is truly the peak of ancient civilisation and culture, and it’s difficult to visit all of them within a short amount of time.
- Acropolis - The Acropolis is an ancient citadel. It is situated on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens. This place is an archaeologist’s delight because of how much of ancient Greek architecture it holds. It is a symbol of classical spirit and civilisation.
- Acropolis Museum - After visiting the sites of the Acropolis, it is natural to be curious about its history. The Acropolis Museum solves that. This museum is focused on the archaeological sites of the Acropolis of Athens. It is home to every artefact found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes.
- Plaka - Plaka is the oldest neighbourhood in the city of Athens. The narrow cobblestone alleys present the most accurate depiction of Greek architecture. There are quaint jewellery shops and several others for clothing, souvenirs, and ceramics. The mediaeval churches and authentic Greek food make this the best way to experience Greek life and its culture.
- Temple of Hephaestus - This is an ancient temple dedicated to Hephaestus, the Greek God of blacksmiths. It is a must-visit place to learn about their faith.
- National Archaeological Museum - It has a few of the rarest Greek artefacts, treasures, and classical statues at this museum.
- Parthenon - The Parthenon, a majestic Greek building, boasts of white marble columns and a perfect sense of proportion, making it one of the most cherished monuments in Athens.
- Panathenaic Stadium - The Panathenaic Stadium is where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896 and has since remained the historic site. Made entirely of white marble, it is a popular tourist site.
Important things to remember for a trip to Athens
- Always carry cash with you in the city.
- Download the app ‘Beat’ to book taxis. Taxis are readily available anywhere around the city centre.
- Metros are well-connected in the city.
- Restaurants usually serve dinner at 10 PM there. People have different schedules for meals in the city.
- Book an experienced tour guide. Tourists can best explore Athens when there is a tour guide with them. They can help understand the relevance of the stories behind these ancient places.
Athens Airport
Athens International Airport (ATH) is the official airport for the city. IndiGo’s flights to Athens regularly operate to and from this airport. There are two Terminals in the airport and an underground link connects them. The airport offers several services like lounge and Wi-Fi. Taxis, metros, and rentals are easily accessible around the airport.
Athens visa requirements
A short-term visa is required to visit Greece. This Athens visa is also called a Schengen visa as Greece is one of the countries under the Schengen agreement. The visa is valid for 90 days and the following documents are required:
- A valid passport.
- Recent passport-size photographs.
- A return ticket.
- Evidence of hotel bookings.
- Travel insurance.
- Proof of financial support.
- A detailed Itinerary. It should show the duration of your stay in the city.
- A cover letter. It should explain the reason for visiting Greece.