Plaka is a quaint shopping district close to the heart of historical Athens. Its bustling street are a succession of shops (mostly tourist-oriented) and restaurants serving mainly traditional Greek cuisine. Prepare to be stopped by the owner of every shop whose window you look in. In the centre of Plaka you will be able to see the Lyiskrates Monument. If you are feeling especially brave in the heat of the Athens' summer, you can even walk up to the Acropolis, which overshadows the Plaka area.

Avysinias Square

The main square in Monastiraki is the scene of the biggest flea market in Athens. Open daily you can browse for antiques and bric a brac or just stop and take a coffee or an ouzo in one of the many cafés and bars dotted around the square.

Omonia Square

Omonia is open "around the clock": 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whenever you feel like an out of hours snack, or just wish to buy a newspaper, this is the place to be. What is more it's just a step from the railway station.

Syntagma Square

Home to the Greek Parliament building, Syntagma Square is truly the heart of Athens . Like Omonia, the square rarely sleeps and it is here that can be found the trendiest bars and night clubs - open only during the winter, though. See the hourly changing of the guard.