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Sightseeing:The ideal starting point for a sightseeing tour is the Acropolis. Built on a rocky hill, the Acropolis is the ancient heart of the city. Oldest signs of settlement date back to the New Stone Age, but the buildings the Acropolis is so famous for were erected in the 5th century BC. Climb up the rocky hill to the Propylaea, the entrance to the Acropolis. Explore the Parthenon, one of the most well known monuments in the world, a temple designed to honour the goddess Athena. Visit the Erecthion on the north side, the sacred site where Athena won her contest with Poseidon to become patron of the city. Stroll down the south flank of the hill to the ancient Dionysos Theatre where the plays of Sophocles, Aischylos and Euripides were first performed. Just beneath the Acropolis, on its north side, you find the Plaka, the oldest quarter of Athens. It is a picturesque labyrinth of narrow streets and lanes, lined with neoclassical buildings, scenic cafes and taverns, small shops and stalls. In the Plaka, close to the Monastiraki Square, you find the Roman Agora, an ancient square that was the central meeting point in Athens during the times of the Roman Empire. One of its most imposing landmarks is the Tower of the Winds on its east side. Even older than the Roman Agora is the Greek Agora, or the real Agora, dating back to the 5th century BC. As the ancient meeting point for the Polis, the Agora is the cradle of democracy. On the west side of the Greek Agora you find the temple of Hephaistos and Athena, an almost intact marmor temple known for its rich sculpture work. From the Agora make your way to the Syntagma Square, the heart of modern Athens. Admire the Grande Bretagne, a historic luxury hotel with a splendid facade. Watch the Change of Guards in front of the Parliament, formerly the Royal Palace. Sit in the shade of the picturesque orange trees and watch the vibrant life around you. If you feel like more sightseeing, explore the area around Syntagma Square, there are countless monuments and historic buildings within a 1 mile radius.Shopping:Syntagma Square is also the ideal starting point for a shopping trip. Here starts Ermou Street, the top shopping street in town. Beside the well known international fashion labels you find lots of interesting local shops. A huge plus: Ermou Street is closed for cars. The street is bustling with shoppers, street vendors and musicians. Also worth a visit is Eolou Street. You find real bargains in anything from fabrics to clothes, shoes to socks and underwear. For a completely different shopping experience, visit Monastiraki. The district is full of tiny markets and shops. Especially lively is the always crowded flea market, where you can buy almost anything you could imagine.Nightlife:One if the hottest spots in town is the Psirri district. It is packed with fashionable bars, theatres and life music restaurants. If you like to eat, drink, sing and dance until the early morning, this is the place for you. Also extremely popular is Gazi, an area around an old gas factory. Surrounding a modern cultural multiplex are lots of small bars, clubs and restaurants. For a taste of an alternative culture and night life visit Exarchia, a quarter packed with students and people looking for an alternative to the established mainstream culture.Comments
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