Overview of Athens
Monday, August 31st, 2009
Considered the origin of Western Civilization, Athens has been able to maintain its unparalleled significance over the centuries. One of the most popular tourist havens, the Greek capital is home to more than 3.7 million people. Athens is famed for many things, most important among them being the Olympic Games. The city is surrounded by three hills, and there are twelve more inside it. Being such a great tourist city, there are many attractions in or near Athens. The accommodation facilities offered to visitors are of the best standard. The city is full of exciting things to do, as you will realize once you visit it.
There is an efficient transport system for getting in and around the city. The Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is the main gateway into Athens. From the airport, you can get your way in to the other parts of the city through buses, taxis and rail. The Port of Piraeus also acts as gateway to the city and it serviced by a number of ferries and boats, Cruise ships are also a common phenomenon on the port. Athens can sometimes suffer from congestive traffic jams, but there are pedestrians side walks and bicycle lanes that can be used to escape the traffic.
One of the most outstanding things about Athens is the architecture. The city is home to hundreds of neo classical buildings that have survived through major world conflicts. A mixture of this traditional buildings with the post modern sky scrappers gives the city a distinctive picturesque.
There are many historical landmarks in Athens. The Acropolis is one of them and it has been certified by UNESCO as one of the world’s heritage sites. It contains the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena, the Temple of Zeus, the Roman Agora, the Erectheion and the Kerameikos.
In Athens you will find numerous museums that showcase paintings, statues, sculptures and architectural work dating thousands of years ago. There are other fun activities that include the Athens and Apidaurus festival, the weekly free bike tour cruising and relaxing on the beaches.
Greeks are known to love socializing. Most of their socializing is done in restaurants and other eating joints. The food served in Athens’ restaurants varies from place to place. Accommodation facilities are usually located near the airport or near some of the major attractions. Athens city provides a most thrilling experience for anyone who vacations there.