Athens

Athens in Greece is a very pedestrian friendly city. It's possible to use the pedestrianised routes and paths through parks to see vast areas of the city without even encountering a car - so take advantage and explore! The sights of Athens are largely confined to the heart of the city and the suburbs are purely residential.

South East Centre

Dominated by the National Gardens, a hotel in the south east is likely to be more expensive than elsewhere, but you will be near the every-popular Syntagma Square. The square is a major hub in Athens day and night. The roads off it lead to all the major sights in Athens, and you can watch the changing of the guard at the Parliament Building in the square itself. The Byzantine Museum is the first in a long line of museums in "Museum Mile" stretching across to the east. Nearby you'll find the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium designed for the start of the modern-day Olympics in 1896.

South West Centre

The Acropolis dominates the south-west of Athens, rising high above the rest of the area and providing a backdrop to all holidays in Athens. It's a must-see and if you really want to splash the cash there are plenty of official guides who will give you a one-on-one tour. The Plaka district nestles at the foot of the hill and is the most popular area for an evening out, featuring a large number of restaurants, pubs and clubs. It's also a great place to pick up souvenirs and traditional greek jewellery, but don't overlook the nearby Thission area, which often has better prices although a more limited range. Look out for free concerts during the summer months here too. The Agora, the ancient marketplace, and the beautiful small area of Anafiokita are also great places to spend some time.

North West Centre

This is a great location for your hotel in Athens; it's within easy walking distance of the Acropolis but slightly less expensive than elsewhere in the city. The main highlights of this area are the weekly flea market at Monastiriaki, held on Sundays, and the gentrified neighbourhood of Psirri with its bars, restaurants and tavernas playing live music. The focal point of this area is the main square, Plakeia Iroon, and in the streets surrounding it you can find lots of small shops, great restaurants and a host of small churches ranging in age.

North East Centre

Slightly further away from the main sights, the north-east of Athens is more peaceful than other areas so a great place to stay if you're after a quieter holiday. Stay clear of the Guzi district if that's the case though, as this is the new up-and-coming area for restaurants and clubs. To get above it all you can walk, drive, or get the cable car to the top of Lykavittos Hill which has great views over all of Athens and across to the Acropolis. It even has its own ruins, with a theatre and an old church. The National Museum of Archaeoloogy and the Benaki Museum, featuring Greek artwork, are also here so it's easy to get some culture too.

Further Out

Athens has more than enough attractions for one holiday, but if you fancy exploring the surrounding area then the mosaics at the Daphni Monastery to the west, Schivias Beach and the ruins at Marathon to the north and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion to the South are all fascinating attractions.