The passengers of the old subway system are mainly people from the working class, today I notice a young Gitano gypsy boy, no older than eight or nine, playing a small bouzouki. A well-dressed woman in her 50s, looking like a Chanel model, gives me a clear look, turns away again, strokes her newspaper.

A clicking, Bulgarian folk song fills the wagon.

If the Constitution Square, the Parliament, and the Grande Bretagne are the heart of the new upscale Athens, then the Omonia is the black heart of the old. From there you can reach the colorful districts of Psiri, Metaxourgeio, Monastiraki, Plaka. Everything here is a touch exotic.

Hundreds of cheap shoes crowd together,
a gruff-looking man sells wooden handsticks,
carved by shepherds from the Greek highlands.

_{( Text Nicholas Papandreou, revised by WTG )}  

MODERN ATHENS

From the Acropolis to Omonia Square, you'll see all the famous sites of ancient and modern Athens.

Your tour may take you past the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament building in Syntagma Square.

Later down to the Panathinaikos Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896) where the Presidential Palace (ex Royal Palace) and other elegant houses and government buildings are located.

The drive along Panepistimiou Avenue takes you past the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, University, National Library and Omonia Square. (the latter is less recommended!)

ANCIENT ATHENS

Now that you have an impression of modern Athens and its highlights, we suggest that you "trace" the past. Perhaps with a visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Acropolis, highlighting here are the impressive Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion with its porch of the girls.

To go deeper into history, the architecturally outstanding new Acropolis Museum at the foot of the Acropolis Hill is certainly a must.

Stroll up to Filopappos Hill right next to the Acropolis. This view over the whole of Athens can only be topped by the opposite Ly Cabettus Hill. A walk through the lively Monastiraki and Plaka district with its flea market, antique shop, souvenir shops, small artists' hangouts and street vendors is obligatory for a visit to the Greek metropolis. We recommend – "Let yourself be driven" The journey via Venizelos Airport – Athens can be done by rental car, as well as easily by public transport such as train and bus. Or you can organize your transfer to the pre-booked hotel via WTG.