Things to do in Athens
Visit the Temple of Poseidon
This amazing ancient temple lies at the Aegean Sea and was constructed in the 5th century. A temple inscription confirms that it was constructed for Poseidon. You should attempt to be here early in the morning or at sunset. From the temple you can sometimes see several islands on a clear day.
Technically this is a day journey from Athens as it is 70kms south of the town. From the Mavromateon Terminal there is a bus from Athens and you can also get it from Syntagma Square. Look for the bus that goes to Sounio.
Watch the Sunset at Lycabettus Hill
Watching the Lycabettus Hill sunset is one of the best things to do in Athens. Not only is the sunset incredible, but from here you get incredible opinions of Athens. You can also see the all lit up Acropolis for the night.
There's a funicular to take you up and down if you don't want to climb the hill. The cost of the funicular is € 7.50 return or € 5 for a one-way ticket.
Shop in the Plaka
The Plaka is a neighborhood under the Acropolis. Much of this region has been closed to traffic, although delivery trucks are still permitted and some roads are open. The chain store and more upscale stores are located on Ermou Street.
Then there are the tourist stores and smaller end stores that are further down past Monastiraki Square. Here you can discover souvenirs that you might want to take home for your friends and family. Plus, this is a wonderful place for watching individuals.
Visit the Benaki Museum
Visiting the Benaki Museum is one of the best cultural things to do in Athens. The Benaki Museum is the museum of Greek culture ranging from prehistory to the 20th century. The collection offers rooms from houses, large sculptures and smaller items like swords and historic documents.
The museum is a short walk from Syntagma Square. It’s located in a beautiful Neo-classic building. You can enjoy a coffee and the view from the cafe.
Climb to the Acropolis
Seeing the Acropolis of the 5th century is the most common thing to do in Athens. This implies, of course, that everyone likes to go there, including tourists from cruise ships. My recommendation is early to get there. The project opens at 8 a.m. and travelers arrive at the cruise ship around 10 a.m.
Most people visit the Acropolis to see the Parthenon but there are several other things to see on the hill, including the Erechtheion, the Arrhephorion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. From the Acropolis, you can see much of Athens and can see all the way to the sea.
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens
The idea behind the creation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center was originally conceived in 1998 when the Stavros Niarchos Foundation decided to make a donation that would create a multi-space that would enrich Athens ' cultural facade. Initially, the donation was destined separately for the National Library and the Greek National Opera, but as the plans proceeded, it was decided that a new building should be constructed, one that would co-host both institutions. In 2008, the prestigious task was undertaken by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, while the construction process began in 2012 and was completed in 2016.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is located in Palaio Faliro, a civic and old-school neighborhood of Athens. Its grounds host three different projects; the National Library, the Greek National Opera and the Stavros Niarchos Park.
Get Around Athens
Driving in Athens nowadays is definitely safe. The good news is that traffic is heavy only during the rush hours and mainly in local roads. This means it is a great idea to book your car rental in Athens and enjoy the beauty of the city and its suburbs. There are several places that you must visit. Drive with your Rent a Car Athens and taste the authentic fish food in one of the traditional fish taverns. If you stay close by, you could always Rent a Car Piraeus Port and avoid the hassle of Athens airport. One of your stops should also be Eleusis, a town in West Attica just 25 minutes drive from Athens Airport via Attiki Odos. Visit its archeological museum and discover the Eleusinian Mysteries. For those keen on a drive outside the city, Delphi, the center of the world is less than 2 hours away!
All in all, if you are careful and choose the right car hire company, either your Rent a Car Athens Airport or elsewhere in Athens, driving around will be an unforgettable hassle-free experience.
Thessaloniki
The second largest Greek town incorporates a wealthy multicultural history, sophisticated amenities and a relaxed atmosphere, which is quite unusual for such a densely populated location. The' Bride of Thermaikos' is a charming town that will satisfy all tastes. In the following lines, you will read about some top museums, sights and areas you should visit while in Thessaloniki.
Top destinations
White Tower
Thessaloniki's living symbol is world famous and carries a wealthy history. The White Tower was built in place of a prior Byzantine fortification during the 15th century and was later reconstructed by the Ottomans. Over the course of time, the Tower was used as a fortification, but also as a renowned prison (called' Tower of Blood' for apparent purposes). In 1891, when it was whitewashed, it was named White Tower. The tower is now accessible to the public and tourists have the chance to enjoy an incredible panoramic view from its top. Inside you will discover a very exciting museum focusing on the history of Thessaloniki and the tower, plus a gift shop.
Hamams
During the period of the Turkish occupation many Turkish baths (hamams) were constructed in the city of Thessaloniki. The most famous one is Yahudi Hamam (which means 'bath of the Jews'), dating back to the 16th century; it was still in use until recently, and is located in the area Louloudadika. Another famous hamam in Thessaloniki is Bey Hamam (which means 'bath of paradise'), built in 1444 and is located along Egnatia street. It is the largest hamam ever constructed in Greek territory, with a rich decoration, many halls and impressive paintings. You should visit one (or both) of them, in order to exprience the fruitful cultural interaction that has taken place in this multinational city through the ages.
Teloglion Foundation of Art
Nestoras and Alice Teloglou donated their collection of works of art and created the Teloglion Foundation of Art in 1972, which is set in a modern building in the north side of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The museum hosts the works of important Greek and European artists of the 19th and 20th century, from sculptures and aquarelles to oil paintings and drawing, as well a rich library that includes more than 15,000 books. The foundation aims to get its visitors familiarized with art, preserve and study the Greek cultural heritage and encourage children to engage with art through special interactive educational projects.
Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art
The Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art was established in 1979 and nowadays it is located within the setting of the Thessaloniki International Fair. It hosts about 2,000 works of art by Greek and foreign artists, a scientific library with more than 2,500 books, a cafeteria and a shop. The museum often organizes interesting events, conferences and discussions on aesthetic issues and the history of art, presentations of works of art, meeting with artists, interactive projects and bazaars.
Ano Poli
Áno Poli is one of the few areas of Thessaloniki that was not destroyed by the Great Thessaloniki Fire of 1917. It is situated on the highest point of the town north of Agios Dimitrios and stretches to the Byzantine walls. The area's residences with their narrow streets are authentic samples of Macedonian and Balkan architectural tradition and compose a picturesque peaceful atmosphere away from the city center's urban rhythms. Ano Poli is a great way to get familiar with local tastes and enjoy a fascinating view of Thessaloniki from above.
Ladadika
Ladadika is Thessaloniki's nightlife hotspot, attracting numerous locals, students and visitors every night. Colorful neoclassical buildings surround bars, cafeterias, traditional taverns, tsipouradika and clubs in a distinctive blend of the old and the new that will fascinate and satisfy everyone. The location was named' ladadika' after the area's first stores concentrated on selling oil(' ladi' in Greek) and oil goods during the Ottoman occupation.
Τhe Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
The Thessaloniki Archeological Museum was created in 1912 and is situated in a building designed by the Greek architect Patroklos Karantinos. It hosts results from the wider region of Thessaloniki representing the Macedonian culture from the prehistoric years to the later antiquity. The head of Serapis, the statue of Harocrates, gold medals and heads of Medusa are some of his most remarkable exhibits.
Nightlife
Club Division
Located on the top floor of a beautifully restored and preserved landmark on Katouni street, Club Division established itself as a reference in the electronic music scene in Thessaloniki. Boasting a vast dancefloor and sleek interior, the club regularly invites world-class DJs from Greece and abroad, and their agenda always brings plenty of Thessalonians through their doors. Ready for some hard-core partying?
Matter ClubConveniently located in the city center near the port, Matter Club is easily accessible by public transport or car. With a well-designed interior and a great selection of DJs, it is not surprising that this place has the reputation as one of the top-ranking clubs in town. Perfect for a proper night out, Matter Club is an address you need to remember.
La Rosa Negra –Latin Club
If you are a Latin music lovers, rejoice at the fact that Thessaloniki has its own Latin mecca, La Rosa Negra. If you are a novice but ready to show your best moves, know that La Rosa Negra is totally different from the average clubs you will find. Dance to Cuban and Jamaican beats at salsa or bachata dance parties that are held regularly. Besides, you can enjoy delicious drinks in a relaxed atmosphere and even find yourself a dance partner among the regulars.
Bedroom
Every week, Bedroom brings together hundreds of Thessalonians set on one thing: having fun and partying. Operating since 2014, the club is another favorite rendezvous place for partygoers. With a carefully curated DJ lineup, vibrant ambiance and delicious drinks and cocktails, at Bedroom you can dance the night away without a care in the world.
Beaches
Peraia
A suburban town to the south of Greece's second city, Peraia (or Perea) doubles as a beach resort. Connected to the city by frequent buses, its beach is quite popular and has a dynamic nightlife. As a residential hub, it features several tourist facilities, as well as a wide range of restaurants and bars. The beach is suitable for little ones.
Nea Vrasna
Located on the Strymonian Gulf, 81 kilometers (50 miles) east of Thessaloniki, Nea Vrasna is a resort and town with a Blue Flag-awarded beach. The clear turquoise will make you want to dive right in. You can get there via local bus (Ktel), with several departures throughout the day, though we highly recommend renting a car, which will allow more flexibility. The beach is wide and surprisingly long, at around 10 kilometers (6 miles), and features sand and pebbles. You won't have trouble finding sun beds and umbrellas as it is quite organized, with several restaurants and bars in the vicinity.
Agia Triada
Stretching along the coastline 22 kilometers (13 miles) from Thessaloniki city center, Agia Triada is one of the most organized beaches in the area. Buses leave to/from Thessaloniki every 30 minutes. The area has many bars and restaurants, as well as a few nightclubs along the coast.
Asprovalta
A popular resort on the Strymonian Gulf east of Thessaloniki, Asprovalta is another excellent option for a day at the beach. The beach stretches along the coast, and its crystal-clear waters are seductive. It's perfect for a family vacation, and is conveniently located near Halkidiki and Kavala.
Getting Around in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki can be easily accessed by plane from the international airport and ferries from mainland Greece. Because Thessaloniki is one of the most popular destinations in Greece that hosts millions of locals and tourists from around the world, be prepared and rent a car Thessaloniki. Avoid the inconvenience of waiting for a bus or taxi that will delay you from enjoying your time in Thessaloniki. You can easily Rent a Car Thessaloniki Airport from one of the well-known rent a car agencies including Hertz, Avis, Budget and Imperial Car Rental. Reserve your car rentals Thessaloniki in advance and enjoy the discounted prices. With your Rent a Car Thessaloniki Center you will be able to explore and discover all that this City has to offer you
