Destinations|April 29, 2011 4:38 am

Best Attractions of Athens: Old and New Sights to See in Greece

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Athens Greece

Athens Greece

Athens is a world famous tourist destination, and rightly so. This ancient city boasts both cultural heritage and contemporary attractions. Listed below are some of the best attractions of Athens both old and new.

Athens is the capital of Greece, but may as well be called the capital of the world. This ancient city produced some of the most influential thinkers in the world, whose philosophical writings have shaped many modern societies. There is virtually no end to the number of ancient monuments in this city, but the best attractions of Athens actually comprise both old and new—a mix of Greek culture as it exists today.

One of the best attractions of Athens is the city jewel: the Acropolis. Loosely translated as ‘sacred rock’, this is the most important historical site in the city and dates back to the Neolithic period. This area has been a place of worship for the goddess Athena since 650 BC. Nearby are the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Nike. Although the Parthenon is the most famous, all temples are important because they reflect different periods in Athens’ history. The excavated treasures that were once housed in these structures are now on display at the Acropolis Museum.

Another one of the best attractions of Athens is the nearby Plaka, which is an area made up of winding streets filled with restaurants and various shops. You will get a real taste of local architecture and Greek living. Although there are a lot of tourists wandering around, the Plaka is well worth walking through and can take you straight to Thissio, which is another great attraction.

The Thissio area exemplifies Athens at night. This city is notoriously safe to wander around at night, although you should always take precautions. Explore the lively Greek nightlife and the cool comfort of exploring the streets after sunset. You may discover more of the best attractions of Athens simply by chance. This city is a wonderland, and the best way to enjoy is to explore and try everything!

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