Beyond The Acropolis. Experiencing Athens As A Local.

Athens has always been an exciting place to visit. A contrast of ancient and modern, Greece’s capital is never boring despite the inevitable effects of the painful economic crisis in recent years. To some extent, Greeks tend to believe that we are in a process of a sustainable revival which in fact has brought about new ideas in art, food, culture and entrepreneurship. Athens today is a mix of captivating culture and vigorous social life with lots of energetic vibes.

See / Explore

Visit The Acropolis Museum. While you have the opportunity to enjoy a glorious view of the Acropolis from its terrace you are right in the perfect showcase of outstanding sculptures. An excellent overview of Athenian Ancient History.

Take a walk around Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre. A buzzing new place, an oasis of culture and green near the center of Athens.

Take a hike up to Mount Lycabettus. You get a breathtaking view of the whole Athens area and if weather permits view extends up to the sea. The ideal time to go is on sunset for amazing photos.

Watch an event at the Herod Atticus Odeon, the ancient theater just below the Acropolis (check the events list of the Athens Festival 2019). The light breeze, the beautiful view, the acoustics, the whole feeling inside your heart, is a memory to keep forever!

Coffee / Drinks

Coffee is a part of everyday life in Greece, a cool addiction. You will spot many big and crowded cafeterias in any square. Choose the small and cozy cafes and bars hidden in small alleys or the ones with the splendid views in the areas of Plaka, Monastiraki, Thissio or the Historical Centre.

The nightlife scene in Athens consists of a collection of sophisticated hot spots, some of them with great views. Try the Rooftop ones around Monastiraki Sq or the Beach Bars along the ‘Athens Riviera’, the Saronic Gulf characterful seaside suburbs.

Eat.

With so many dining options in the city and around, the question becomes how to avoid the tourist traps. What’s one of the (several) reasons Greece is wellrenowned for?

Gyro and Souvlaki probably. If you are a meat lover, then, try a pita Gyro (pork, fries, tzatziki, tomato wrapped in a pitta bread) on the go or take a seat in a taverna for Souvlaki (grilled meat skewers) with Horiatiki Salata (Greek salad).

For a seafood meal next to the sea, the best place for a bite to eat is Mikrolimano in Piraeus. With a feeling of nostalgia for the tradition, but at the same time in full sync with the modern, picturesque tavernas and restaurants are right there waiting for you.

There are undoubtedly few cities in the world with more to see and do.

National Bank of Greece is a proud Event Partner of The Network Forum Annual Meeting.

Enjoy your stay in Athens!

Demitri Paschaleris Institutional Relationship Management & Business Development National Bank of

Greece