The center of Athens is a tourist paradise for every visitor looking to get to know the city up close, a city which is in fact the cradle of Western European civilization. 

In its unique way it unites modernism with antiquity – sometimes successfully from an aesthetic standpoint, sometimes less so – it unites the carefree lifestyle of the city’s residents with the rapid rhythm of a major city center.

A center which never sleeps and which reserves unforgetable memories for every visitor.  The city magically opens her arms and offers up her hidden treasures to those who know how to love her. 


The contrasts of the city are numerous.  Traditional little balconies overflowing with blossoms in Plaka, the modern tram that slices across the city, the cloud of smog that periodically makes its presence felt in breathlessness, the neoclassical buildings scattered among the streets, the beautiful spring days that are given over to coffee and conversation with friends in one of the many cafes of Athens, as well as the cool, romantic winter nights that bring the Athenians and her visitors even closer.

 

What’s notable is how noisy and overcrowded it can be during the day, and how calm and lovely it appears at night.  Compared to other capital cities, Athens is somewhat behind in terms of her architecture, as a result of slack oversight of the authorities, and of significant internal migration during the 1950’s.  The difficult compromise restricting driving downtown, the absence of parking lots, the poor quality of many central roads, the absence of large parks, the rudeness of many of the drivers, and the residents’ lack of respect in some situations make it a city to be avoided.  And yet, Athenians suffer separation anxiety when they’re out of town. 


On the other hand, the city’s tourists have a love-hate relationship with a city which has recently – after the enormous beautification efforts for a successful Olympic Games – started to win a permanent place in the heart of almost all of her visitors. 

 

You ask why?  Because the city is not only the Acropolis and the Parthenon, ancient monuments and history, but her liveliness, her culture, and the chemistry of her residents.

Social life in the center of Athens has been rejuvenated by important intervention which her ancient splendor has granted her.  In recent years, in fact, there has been a serious effort to unite the archaeological sites of the center of the city.  It covers, more or less, the Classical city of Athens, having converted the two main roads which lead to the Acropolis (Apostolou Pavlou St. and Dion. Areopagitou St.) into pedestrian streets. 


 The visitor who starts off from the Temple of Hephaistus (Theseio), passes by the Acropolis, and ends up at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, will have walked the “classical” boundaries of the city, and will see modern-day central Athens in concert with almost all the major ancient monuments of the center.

 

Although it might seem strange, the Athenians don’t just spend their mornings working in the center of the city, but they come back in the afternoon to have fun.  When Athenians agree to go out, they start their excursion with a café or something to eat and usually end up at a nightclub, and back home the next morning. 


The center of the city offers numerous cafes, restaurants, clubs, and tavernas with rhythm, music, and no chance of closing before sunrise.  This element impresses foreign visitors and many times, they are carried away and take part themselves.  And when that happens, they start to fall in love with the city of Athens.

 

There are many various forms of entertainment in the city.  Athens could be the most lively capital city in Europe with a great breadth and range of entertainment options.  A plethora of cultural events, theater, cinema, and musical performances turn the center of the city into a magnet not only for tourists but for her residents.  The city easily covers the entertainment needs of children, youths, and adults.

 

Furthermore, during the most important holidays, as well as during the summer, the heart of art, music, and performance beats in the central squares and streets of Athens.  Various open-air parties and concerts are set up, which offer free entertainment to
citizens and visitors alike.

Christina Zouroudi, christinaATigogreece.com